Patent ID: 6733445
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An instrument for stabilizing tissue, comprising;an actuator; an articulating arm having a plurality of link members which are arranged in a nested series, each of said link members having a bore disposed therethrough, said proximal-most link member operatively connected to said actuator and said distal-most link member operatively connected to a tissue engaging member, said plurality of link members including a series of intermeshing teeth which are dimensioned to positively engage adjoining link members; a cable having a first end in mechanical communication with said actuator and a second end in mechanical communication with said tissue engaging member, said link members being concatenated by said cable passing through each of said bores, said cable being movable by said actuator from a relaxed position which facilitates articulation of adjoining link members of said articulating arm to a taut position which limits movement of said articulating arm; means for selectively mounting the instrument to a surgical base.