Multifunctional surgical instrument with flexible end effector tools

摘要

A surgical tool having proximal and distal ends and adapted to transverse a curved passageway comprises an end effector disposed on the distal end of the surgical tool, the end effector having a first body section and a second body section and a releasable connector joining the end effector first body section with the end effector second body section. The connector is operable to reversibly engage the first and second end effector body sections in a first fixed position and in a second movable position. The surgical tool further comprises an actuation device for moving the first and second end effector body sections from the first fixed position to the second movable position. The end effector is adapted to maneuver through a larger radius of curvature in the second movable position than in the first fixed position.

主权项

1. A surgical tool having proximal and distal ends and adapted to transverse a curved passageway, comprising:
an end effector disposed on the distal end of the surgical tool, the end effector having a first body section and a second body section; a releasable connector joining the end effector first body section with the end effector second body section, the connector comprising a pin that connects the first body section with the second body section; wherein the connector is operable to reversibly engage the first and second end effector body sections in a first fixed position and in a second movable position, the connector comprising a biasing element adapted to reversibly retain the first and second body sections in the second movable position; an actuation device for moving the first and second end effector body sections from the first fixed position to the second movable position; wherein the end effector is adapted to maneuver through a larger radius of curvature in the second movable position than in the first fixed position.