Patent ID: 7137949

Claim:
A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle; a tool member; and an articulating arm which operatively connects to the handle and the tool member, the articulating arm being selectively configurable from a relaxed position to a taut position, the articulating arm including: a plurality of link members being arranged in a nested series to define a flexible column, each of the plurality of arm segments link members including an aperture formed therein so as to define a passageway which extends from a proximal portion of the articulating arm to a distal portion of the articulating arm, at least one of the link members of said articulating arm including a generally convex distal end and an adjacent link member includes a corresponding concave proximal end which nestingly receives the convex distal end therein; said articulating arm also including at least one reinforcing segment disposed between at least one adjacent pair of link members, said reinforcing segment being configured to seat within said concave proximal end of said at least one adjacent link member such that said reinforcing segment enhances rigidity of said articulating arm when said articulating arm is disposed in said taut position; a cable extending from the handle through the passageway to the distal end of the articulating arm; and an actuator operatively associated with the handle for moving said cable 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.