Patent ID: 6162208
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A surgical instrument for use in the body of a patient comprising:a handle having a front end and defining a longitudinal axis;an actuation member associated with the handle;an elongated tube section, extending longitudinally from the front end of said handle;an elongated tubular articulating section having a proximal end and an opposed distal end, the proximal end of said articulating section connected to the tube section;said actuation member being movable relative to the handle member for effecting pivotal movement of said articulating section from a fully extended position, wherein the articulating section is co-axial to the longitudinal axis of the handle, to a plurality of operative positions in response to movement of the actuation member, wherein said articulating section is selectively deflected in an angular plane passing through the longitudinal axis of said handle within a desired angular range of motion;a tool adaptor having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end of said tool adaptor freely rotatable about the distal end of said articulating section; anda rotation member for effecting rotational movement of said tool adaptor relative to the distal end of said articulating section;wherein said tool adaptor may be oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of said handle by the bending of said articulating section and wherein said tool adaptor may be rotationally oriented relative to the distal end of said articulating section so that said tool adaptor may be articulated into a desired orientation within a body of a patient.