Patent ID: 8062211
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: A61B,G16H

Abstract:
1. A minimally invasive surgical system comprising: a guide tube, a surgical instrument that extends through the guide tube, wherein the surgical instrument comprises: wherein the first bore receives a proximal body segment of the surgical instrument as the surgical instrument is inserted through the guide tube; wherein the second bore receives a distal body segment of the surgical instrument as the surgical instrument is inserted through the guide tube; wherein as the surgical instrument passes through the guide tube, a first portion of the fixed shape U-turn mechanism passes through the slot, a second portion of the fixed shape U-turn mechanism passes through the first bore, and a third portion of the fixed shape U-turn mechanism passes through the second bore; and wherein the first portion of the fixed shape U-turn mechanism has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the second portion of the fixed shape U-turn mechanism and smaller than a thickness of the third portion of the fixed shape U-turn mechanism.