SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFF-AXIS TISSUE MANIPULATION
First Claim
1. A system for manipulating tissue, the system comprising:
- an access cannula for insertion in the tissue;
a steerable assembly comprising a steering instrument and a conformable nozzle, the steering instrument capable of assuming a first configuration substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula and a second configuration that is not substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula,wherein the steering instrument comprises a deflection mechanism operably attached to distal portion of the steering instrument such that when the steering instrument is activated, the degree of curvature of the distal end of the steering instrument is changed relative to the longitudinal axis of the access cannula, andwherein the conformable nozzle is capable of retaining the curvature of the steering instrument.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical system and method for manipulating tissue. A steerable assembly comprises a steerable instrument and a deformable conduit. The steerable instrument comprises a control element and a deflectable portion operatively connected to the control element. The steerable assembly is directed through an access cannula such that at least a portion of the steerable assembly protrudes from the distal end of the access cannula. The steerable instrument is actuated to move a deflectable portion of the steerable instrument and a distal portion of the deformable conduit away from the longitudinal axis of the access cannula so that the deformable conduit assumes a deformed position. The steerable instrument is retracted from the deformable conduit.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. A system for manipulating tissue, the system comprising:
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an access cannula for insertion in the tissue; a steerable assembly comprising a steering instrument and a conformable nozzle, the steering instrument capable of assuming a first configuration substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula and a second configuration that is not substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula, wherein the steering instrument comprises a deflection mechanism operably attached to distal portion of the steering instrument such that when the steering instrument is activated, the degree of curvature of the distal end of the steering instrument is changed relative to the longitudinal axis of the access cannula, and wherein the conformable nozzle is capable of retaining the curvature of the steering instrument.
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2. A surgical method for manipulating tissue, which utilizes an access cannula and a steerable assembly, wherein the steerable assembly comprises a steering instrument and a conformable nozzle, with the steering instrument removably disposed within the conformable nozzle, wherein the steering instrument comprises a deflection mechanism operably attached to distal portion of the steering instrument such that when the steering instrument activated, the degree of curvature of the distal end of the steering instrument is changed relative to the longitudinal axis of the access cannula, the method comprising:
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positioning the access cannula in the tissue to be manipulated; inserting the steerable assembly through the access cannula such that the steerable assembly protrudes from the distal end of the access cannula; and activating the steering instrument such that the steering instrument assumes a configuration that is not substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the access cannula; and retracting the steering instrument from the conformable nozzle.
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Specification