摘要 |
<p>A stabilizer (18) for stabilizing a surgical instrument extending through tissue of an anatomical cavity wall includes an expandable outer member (74) disposed on the surgical instrument and an inner member (72) disposed between the outer member and the surgical instrument for moving the outer member (74) between a contracted position allowing insertion of the outer member in the cavity wall and an expanded position resisting withdrawal of the outer member and the surgical instrument from the cavity wall. The outer member includes a plurality of legs (86), and protrusions (82) on the inner member (72) expand the legs (86) outwardly from the surgical instrument in the expanded position in response to movement of the inner member. Annular, tapered ribs (96) on the legs (86) bite into the tissue along the thickness of the cavity wall in the expanded position to lock the surgical instrument in place in the cavity wall. The legs (86) apply force to the protrusions in the expanded position causing the inner member to grip the surgical instrument for further stabilization.</p> |