Patent ID: 6565508
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A surgical instrument, comprising:a handle; a tissue stabilizing instrument; and an articulating arm which operatively connects to the handle and the tissue stabilizing instrument, the articulating arm including: a plurality of arm segments being arranged in a nested series to define a flexible column, each of the plurality of arm segments including an aperture formed therein so as to define a passageway which extends from a proximal portion of the articulating arm to a distal portion of the articulating arm, at least one of the arm segments of said articulating arm including a generally convex distal end and an adjacent arm segment includes a corresponding concave proximal end which nestingly receives the convex distal end therein; a cable extending from the handle through the passageway to the distal end of the articulating arm; and an actuator operatively associated with the handle for moving said cable from a relaxed position which facilitates articulation of adjoining arm segments of said articulating arm to a taut position which limits movement of said articulating arm and locks said tissue stabilizing instrument in a fixed orientation relative to said articulating arm.