Tool with rotation lock

摘要

The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
a proximal portion and a distal portion; a shaft interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion; a handle at the proximal portion; an articulation mechanism for manipulating angular orientation of the distal portion, the articulation mechanism comprising proximal links on the proximal portion and distal links on the distal portion, each proximal link corresponding to one of the distal links to form pairs of links, wherein a bushing separates the first link of the proximal links from a second link of the proximal links and wherein movement of the proximal link of each pair causes corresponding relative movement of the distal link of the pair; and a shaft rotation lock defining a central axis extending therethrough in which a spindle is disposed, the spindle being fixed along the axis with respect to the handle and terminating in a first link of the proximal links, the spindle having an engaging slot configured to receive a proximal portion of the bushing therein, and wherein the shaft rotation lock is movable between a first state in which the articulation mechanism and distal portion are not rotatable with respect to the handle about the central axis and a second state in which the articulation mechanism and the distal portion are rotatable with respect to the handle about the central axis, the shaft rotation lock comprising a rotation member that is engaged with the articulation mechanism in the first and second states.