Patent ID: 7367939
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: A61B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: a flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a threaded member coupled to said flexible tube toward said distal end of said flexible tube; an end effector coupled to or housed within said distal end of said flexible tube; an actuator coupled to said proximal end of said flexible tube; a threaded control member extending through said flexible tube and engaging said threaded member, said threaded control member coupled to said end effector and to said actuator, wherein said actuator rotates said threaded control member and thereby translates said threaded control member relative to said threaded member to operate said end effector, said flexible tube comprises a first flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, and a second flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, said threaded member being coupled between said distal end of said first flexible tube and proximal end of said second flexible tube, said end effector coupled to or housed within said distal end of said second flexible tube, and said actuator coupled to said proximal end of said first flexible tube.