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US 2016/0353971 A1Published application
Medical device comprising segments
AssigneeBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorDennis R. BOULAIS
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.
Claims21
1-30. (canceled)
A medical device comprising:
- a plurality of segments, each segment including a wall extending from a first end to a second end, wherein:
- the wall defines a lumen along a longitudinal axis of the segment and at least one slit extending along a circumference of the segment,
- the wall includes at least one first mating element proximate the first end and at least one second mating element proximate the second end, such that the first mating element mates with a corresponding second mating element of an adjacent segment to form a non-articulating interface between adjacent segments;
- and
- the wall includes at least one inwardly-extending support defining an aperture;
- and
- at least one control member extending through the at least one aperture of each segment.
4 more elements
A medical device comprising:
- a plurality of segments, each segment including a wall extending from a first end to a second end, wherein:
- the wall defines a lumen along a longitudinal axis of the segment and at least two slits between the first end and the second end, the slits separated by flex points;
- the wall includes at least one first mating element proximate the first end and at least one second mating element proximate the second end, such that the first mating element mates with a corresponding second mating element of an adjacent segment to connect adjacent segments;
- and
- the wall includes at least one inwardly-extending support defining an aperture;
- and
- at least one control member extending through the at least one aperture of each segment.
4 more elements
A medical device comprising:
- a plurality of segments, each segment including a wall extending from a first end to a second end, wherein:
- the wall defines a lumen along a longitudinal axis of the segment and two pairs of slits extending along a circumference of the segment between the first end and the second end;
- the wall includes at least one first mating element proximate the first end and at least one second mating element proximate the second end, such that the first mating element mates with a corresponding second mating element of an adjacent segment to connect adjacent segments;
- and
- at least two control members coupled to an inner surface of the wall of each segment.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.