| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an articulating surgical instrument incorporating an articulation movement mechanism having a reduced number of mechanical mechanisms to be inserted through a shaft of the articulating surgical instrument. <P>SOLUTION: This surgical instrument 1200 is especially suitable for use in an endoscope. The elongated shaft 1206 having an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator is provided with the articulation movement mechanism 1242 for controlling an articulating movement of an end effector 1210 remotely and for articulating the end effector 1210. In particular, a flexible neck having an elongated neck frame is energized to the left or right by the EAP actuator, and is fixed in a favorable articulated position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI |
