Patent ID: 8187279
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument support system comprising: a support frame including a top plate having an inner edge and surfaces extending from the inner edge of the top plate to define an opening; a first arm and a first actuator, the first arm having first and second ends, the first end of the first arm being connected to the support frame and the second end of the first arm being connected to the first actuator, the first arm including a tension member a plurality of ball and socket members slidably strung along the tension member in series to form a plurality of articulatable linkages having a stiffness; a second arm and a second actuator, the second arm having first and second ends, the first end of the second arm being connected to the support frame and the second end of the first arm being connected to the second actuator, the second arm including a tension member and a plurality of ball and socket members slidably strung along the tension member in series to form a plurality of articulatable linkages having a stiffness; a third arm and a third actuator, the third arm having first and second ends, the first end of the third arm being connected to the support frame and the second end of the third arm being connected to the third actuator, the third arm including a tension member having a plurality of ball and socket members slidably strung along the tension member in series to form a plurality of articulatable linkages having a stiffness; a plurality of resection guides selectively mountable on the support frame, each resection guide including a top plate and a body, wherein the top plate and body of each resection guide are sized and shaped so that when the resection guide is mounted on the support frame the body fits within and is complementary with the opening of the support frame and the top plate of the resection guide contacts and is supported by the support frame, and wherein the top plate of at least one of the resection guides includes a pair of spaced parallel edges defining a through slot; and an inflatable cuff sized and shaped to be placed around a proximal portion of a patient's limb; wherein: activation of the first actuator changes the stiffness of the first arm; activation of the second actuator changes the stiffness of the second arm; and activation of the third actuator changes the stiffness of the third arm.