Patent ID: 8414475

Claim:
A camera holder for use in laparoscopic surgery, comprising: a. a pivoting support adapted to be pivotally attached to an endoscope; said pivoting support being for enabling said endoscope to pivot around said pivoting support; and, b. a mechanism for moving said pivoting support independently in two arc-shaped paths, said mechanism mechanically connected to said pivoting support, thereby enabling said endoscope to rotate around an insertion point into a body of a subject; said endoscope pivotally attached to said camera holder can pivot at said insertion point independent of the distance between said pivoting support and said insertion point, wherein said mechanism for moving said pivoting support independently in said two arc-shaped paths, moves said pivoting support in two planes along an arc shaped guide disposed within an arc shaped housing in which said mechanism moves said pivoting support, said arc shaped housing comprising a base, said base comprising a housing containing a lead screw ( 15 ) constrained to remain in one position, rotation of said lead screw moving a nut ( 10 ) through which the screw is threaded moving the nut; said moving nut physically connected to a gimbal ( 50 ) with links ( 20 ) adapted to transfer linear movement of the nut to said gimbal resulting in movement of said gimbal back and forth along the arc shaped guide, whereby a sliding degree of freedom is obtained.