Importance

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Abstract

A flexible forceps device comprises a distal end to be inserted into a patient, a proximal end to remain outside the patient and a flexible, elongated body extending between the ends. The flexible body has at least one lumen and may have a smooth, sealed external surface. An effector assembly is attached to the distal end and includes a support piece and at least one movable element. A control assembly is attached to the proximal end and includes a push-pull mechanism. A coaxial actuating assembly extending through the lumen of the flexible body consists of a flexible tube having a lumen, with a control wire slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The tube provides a flexible, yet relatively incompressible column support between the effector assembly and control assembly. The proximal end of the control wire is attached to the push-pull mechanism and the distal end is linked to the movable elements, whereby operation of the control assembly moves the movable elements relative to the support piece. The coaxial actuating assembly undergoes a relatively small change in bending stiffness when the control wire is pushed or pulled, resulting in little displacement of the effector assembly relative to the control assembly during operation of the control assembly.

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First Claim