Patent ID: 6824548
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: A61B,G01B,Y10T

Abstract:
A flexible surgical device, comprising:a) a flexible outer tubular member having proximal and distal ends; b) a flexible advancing element extending through said tubular member and having proximal and distal ends; c) a handle coupled to said flexible outer tubular member and to said flexible advancing element and adapted to move said advancing element distally relative to said tubular member, wherein said flexible advancing element, said tubular member, and said handle are adapted such that said handle can cause said advancing element to provide a distal pushing force of at least 500 grams at said distal end of said advancing element; d) an end effector assembly at said distal end of said tubular member; and e) at least one control wire extending through said tubular member, said control wire having a proximal end coupled to said handle such that operation of said handle causes relative proximal and distal movement of said at least one control wire relative to said outer tubular member and a distal end coupled to said end effector assembly such that movement of said at least one control wire relative to said outer tubular member causes operation of said end effector.