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Laparoscopic devices with flexible actuation mechanisms

  • US 9,226,760 B2
  • Filed: 05/07/2010
  • Issued: 01/05/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A laparoscopic device, comprising:

  • an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough between the proximal and distal ends;

    an end effector coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft; and

    an actuator element coupled to the end effector and extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongate shaft along the longitudinal axis through the inner lumen, a proximal portion of the actuator element being rigid and a distal portion of the actuator element being flexible, the distal portion formed of a composite material including a solid core formed of a first material and an outer sheath formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material, the outer sheath surrounding the solid core and being non-slidable relative thereto;

    wherein the actuator element is movable relative to the elongate shaft to actuate the end effector, andwherein the outer sheath includes a plurality of features extending therefrom and disposed in the elongate shaft, the plurality of features changing a stiffness of the actuator element when the actuator element is flexed.

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