Methods and apparatus to shape flexible entry guides for minimally invasive surgery

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 10959607
APP PUB NO 20170354318A1
SERIAL NO

15660673

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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An apparatus comprises a flexible entry guide tube comprising one or more lumens, wherein at least one lumen is an instrument lumen; and a rigidizing cable to lock a shape of the guide tube within a body cavity with a distal end of the guide tube near a medical site. The rigidizing cable can steer the guide tube. The apparatus comprises a flexible tool insertable into the instrument lumen. The tool can perform a medical procedure near the distal end of the guide tube. The tool comprises an end effector, a steerable tip portion, and a steering cable for steering the tip portion. While the tip portion remains within the instrument lumen, articulation of the tip portion causes corresponding articulation of a distal portion of the guide tube. The tool can extend away from the distal end while the shape of the guide tube is locked by the rigidizing cable.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC1020 KIFER ROAD SUNNYVALE CA 94086

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Larkin, David Q Menlo Park, US 202 33451
Rogers, Theodore W Alameda, US 110 6457

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