DEVICES AND METHODS FOR GUIDING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A surgical device, comprising:
- a flexible elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough, a proximal portion of the elongate shaft having a wall with a first thickness and a distal portion of the elongate shaft having a wall with a second thickness that is larger than the first thickness; and
a support structure coupled to an interior surface of the elongate shaft and longitudinally extending through the inner lumen of the elongate shaft along a longitudinal length of the elongate shaft.
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Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for guiding surgical instruments during minimally invasive surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument is provided that includes a flexible, cannulated elongate shaft having an inner wall of variable thickness. The inner wall of the shaft can have a first thickness in a proximal portion of the device and can have a second, larger thickness in a distal portion of the instrument. The instrument can also include at least one guide mechanism configured to guide at least one surgical device through at least a portion of the cannulated interior of the elongate shaft.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A surgical device, comprising:
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a flexible elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough, a proximal portion of the elongate shaft having a wall with a first thickness and a distal portion of the elongate shaft having a wall with a second thickness that is larger than the first thickness; and a support structure coupled to an interior surface of the elongate shaft and longitudinally extending through the inner lumen of the elongate shaft along a longitudinal length of the elongate shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A surgical device, comprising:
an overtube having an insertion section with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion having a flexible wall with a first thickness and a first compressive strength, and the distal portion having a flexible wall with a second thickness greater than the first thickness and a second compressive strength greater than the first compressive strength, and a central column extending through the insertion section, the central column being flexible and being configured to transmit a distally directed force to maneuver the overtube axially. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A surgical device, comprising:
an overtube having an insertion section with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion having a flexible wall with a first thickness and a first compressive strength, and the distal portion having a flexible wall with a second thickness greater than the first thickness and a second compressive strength greater than the first compressive strength, and at least one track coupled to an interior surface of the overtube and extending longitudinally along the insertion section, the at least one track configured to slidably engage a surgical tool disposed through the overtube. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20-23. -23. (canceled)
Specification