Patent ID: 7615066
Filing Date: 2009-11-10
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument comprising: a proximal end and a distal end; a first linking member coupled to a user interface positioned near the proximal end; a second linking member coupled to a clamp tool positioned near the distal end; an elongate, rigid shaft extending between the first and second linking members; at least one cable set extending through the shaft and connected to the first linking member and to the second linking member such that movement of the first linking member causes corresponding movement in the second linking member; and an articulation locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the instrument in an articulated configuration, wherein the user interface comprises a handle having a first part connected to the first linking member and a second part pivotably connected to the first part, the user interface being configured to operate the clamp tool by pivoting the second handle part relative to the first handle part, wherein the first and second linking members each comprise a continuous flexible member having a plurality of flexible segments with flexible linkages positioned between adjacent segments, the segments further comprising a plurality of through lumens through which the cables movably pass; and wherein the instrument is configured such that movement of the handle relative to the shaft produces a proportionally scaled movement of the clamp tool relative to the shaft through the at least one cable set.