Patent ID: 8597280
Filing Date: 2013-12-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a control mechanism comprising a driven element and a mechanism, the driven element being configured to receive an actuating force; an instrument body comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a joint, the joint being positioned between the proximal and distal portions of the instrument body, wherein the proximal portion of the instrument body is coupled to the control mechanism; a component coupled to a distal end of the instrument body; a drive element housing comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the drive element housing being coupled to the component, and the proximal portion of the drive element housing being coupled to the mechanism, wherein the drive element housing extends through the proximal portion of the instrument body, through the joint, and through the distal portion of the instrument body to the component; and a drive element coupled to the driven element to receive the actuating force from the driven element, the drive element being coupled to the component to transfer the actuating force to the component, the drive element extending between the component and the driven element, and the drive element extending through the drive element housing; wherein the actuating force actuates the component; wherein, in response to the actuating force on the drive element, the mechanism applies a second force to the proximal portion of the drive element housing, the second force being in a direction opposite to a direction of the actuating force; and wherein the drive element housing transfers the second force to the component.