Patent ID: 8419720

Claim:
A laparoscopic device, comprising: an outer rod having a flanged proximal end connected to an actuating handle and an end distal to said handle, the distal end having an articulated section formed from a plurality of links joined with non-diametrical hinges configured to have a greater angular range in a first direction than in an opposite direction; an actuation rod disposed within the outer rod, having a proximal end connected to the actuating handle and a distal end connected to a first tension element disposed within the articulated section of the outer rod, configured to cause an angular displacement of said articulated section when tension is applied; and] an attachment rod disposed within the actuation rod having a proximal end connected to the actuating handle and a distal end having a flexible section and being connected to a tool; wherein the actuating handle comprises: a tool actuator configured to apply tension to the attachment rod such that the tool is activated; a rod actuator configured to apply tension to the actuation rod such that the articulated section of the outer rod undergoes an angular displacement; a lockable rotator, configured to rotate the outer rod with respect to the actuating handle; and a removable safety knob configured to hold the outer rod, the actuation rod, and the attachment rod to the actuating handle by holding the flanged proximal end of the outer rod to the actuating handle; wherein the links are cylindrical, having end surfaces perpendicular to a central link axis and parallel to one another.