Methods and apparatus to shape flexible entry guides for minimally invasive surgery

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9962066
SERIAL NO

12165633

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Importance

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Abstract

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In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for performing surgical procedures is disclosed including a flexible entry guide tube, and a first steering device. The flexible entry guide tube has one or more lumens extending along its length from a proximal end to substantially at or near a distal end. At least one of the one or more lumens is an instrument lumen with open ends to receive a flexible shaft of a surgical tool to perform surgery near the distal end of the flexible entry guide tube. The first steering device is insertable into the instrument lumen to shape the flexible entry guide tube as it is inserted through an opening in a body and along a path towards a surgical site. The apparatus may further include a flexible locking device to couple to the flexible entry guide tube and selectively rigidize the flexible entry guide tube to hold its shape. The flexible entry guide tube may be steered by remote control with one or more actuators.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INCSUNNYVALE CA 94086

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Larkin, David Q Menlo Park, US 202 33451
Rogers, Theodore W Alameda, US 110 6457

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