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US 10,206,747 B2Granted
Guide apparatus for delivery of a flexible instrument and methods of use
AssigneeIntuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
InventorsCarolyn Fenech, Eleadin Castaneda, Vincent Duindam
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for guiding a flexible instrument comprises an elongated support assembly having a longitudinal axis. The elongated support assembly is adapted to laterally receive into engagement and longitudinally support an elongated flexible instrument.
Claims23
A guiding apparatus comprising:
- an elongated support assembly extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated support assembly including:
- a first support member including a first channel formation;
- a second support member including a second channel formation, the second support member coupled to the first support member along the longitudinal axis with the first and second channel formations joined to form a continuous open channel through the elongated support assembly, wherein the continuous open channel has an elongated opening sized to receive an elongated flexible instrument in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
- and
- a strut having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the strut is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated support assembly,
- wherein advancement of the distal portion of the strut coupled to the proximal end of the elongated support assembly along the longitudinal axis separates the distal end of the elongated support assembly, directing separated distal ends of the first and second support members away from the longitudinal axis.
3 more elements
A method of guiding an interventional instrument, the method comprising:
- providing an elongated support assembly extending along a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated support assembly including:
- a first support member including a first channel formation;
- a second support member including a second channel formation, the second support member coupled to the first support member along the longitudinal axis with the first and second channel formations joined to form a continuous channel through the elongated support assembly;
- and
- a strut having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the strut is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated support assembly;
- receiving a portion of the interventional instrument in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through an elongated opening of the continuous channel;
- moving the distal portion of the strut coupled to the proximal end of the elongated support assembly in a first direction along the longitudinal axis;
- separating a portion of the first support member from a portion of the second support member as a result of the interventional instrument moving in the first direction along the longitudinal axis;
- and
- directing the separated portions of the first and second support members away from the longitudinal axis.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.