Patent ID: 7060025
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of treating tissue within a patient, said method comprising the steps of: providing at least one flexible instrument having a distal end; the instrument adapted to grasp or cut tissue; providing at least one channel for accessing a treatment site; providing a pivotably supported instrument guide; extending at least a portion of the instrument from a distal end of the channel to access the treatment site, such that the distal end of the flexible instrument extends distally beyond the distal end of the channel; constraining motion of the distal end of the instrument along a predetermined path at the treatment site with the pivotably supported instrument guide while simultaneously restricting twisting of the flexible instrument about its longitudinal axis with the pivotably supported instrument guide and permitting bending of the flexible instrument about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and grasping or cutting tissue with the instrument.