Medical Instrument and Method for Pivoting Such a Medical Instrument

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The patent describes a medical instrument, particularly suited for minimally invasive surgeries, that features a shaft made up of at least two segments connected with hinges. A special adjustment mechanism allows these segments to pivot relative to each other, enabling precise manipulation and guidance of surgical tools inside the body. The connection between segments uses a robust, semicylindrical (half-tube) linkage that increases stability and force distribution during operation, making the device easier to handle and more reliable.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures requiring the introduction and manipulation of tools inside the body.
• Single-port surgeries where several instruments are introduced through one small incision or body opening.
• Guiding endoscopic equipment to hard-to-reach areas inside the patient.
• Robotic-assisted surgeries where precise control and support are essential in manipulating flexible or articulated instruments.
• Non-medical fields (like industrial inspection) where a tool must be precisely guided through a confined space with support and stability.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enhanced precision and control during minimally invasive surgeries due to the articulated, pivotable shaft.
• Improved access to difficult-to-reach internal regions, supporting more complex surgical procedures.
• Superior force support and load distribution at the articulation points, reducing wear and risk of failure at the joints.
• Compact and streamlined design allows for easier and safer introduction of the instrument through small body openings.
• Motor or servo-assisted adjustment mechanism can provide automation or user force support, reducing surgeon fatigue and increasing operating comfort.
• Flexibility to use more than two shaft segments allows adaptation to different clinical requirements and access trajectories.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A medical instrument (1) for guiding a tool in an operating space comprises a shaft (2), which has a first shaft segment (20, 21, 22) and a second shaft segment (20, 21, 22) connected to one another in an articulated manner (3, 3A, 3B), and an adjustment element (5, 5A), which is arranged so as to be longitudnally movable on one of first shaft segment and second shaft segment (20, 21, 22) and adjustable along an adjustment direction (V), in order to pivot the first shaft segment (20, 21, 22) and the second shaft segment (20, 21, 22) relative to each other. Furthermore, a connection element (4, 4A, 4B) is provided, which is connected in an articulated manner to the adjustment element (5, 5A) via a first hinge connection (40, 40A, 40B, 41, 41A, 41B, 42) and is connected in an articulated manner to the other of the first and second shaft segments (20, 21, 22) via a second hinge connection (40, 40A, 40B, 41, 41A, 41B, 42), in such a way that, by adjusting the adjustment element (5, 5A, 5B) along the adjustment direction (V), the first shaft segment (20, 21, 22) and the second shaft segment (20, 21, 22) are pivotable relative to each other. In this way, a medical instrument (1) is made available that is easy to handle and at the same time permits advantageous force support.