Devices, systems, and methods for locating pressure sensitive critical structures
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorKATHY E. ROOKS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the pressure a sensor applies on the surface of tissue to facilitate locating underlying pressure sensitive critical structures. The laparoscopic device includes a handle and a shaft extending distally from the handle. A flexible member is slidably disposed within the shaft and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A sensor is coupled to a distal end of the flexible member. The flexible member is configured to flex to limit an amount of pressure applied by the sensor to a tissue surface when the sensor is in contact with a tissue surface.
Claims15
A laparoscopic device comprising:
- a handle;
- a shaft extending distally from the handle, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis;
- a flexible member slidably disposed within the shaft and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and an extended position;
- and
- a sensor coupled to the flexible member,
- wherein the flexible member is configured to flex upon application of pressure thereto to limit an amount of pressure applied by laparoscopic device.
A method of locating critical structures comprising:
- extending a flexible member having a sensor towards a distal end thereof distally from a shaft, wherein, in an at-rest position of the flexible member, the sensor is oriented perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft;
- placing the sensor on a tissue surface;
- and
- applying pressure towards the tissue surface causing the flexible member to deflect from the at-rest position to thereby limit a pressure applied to the tissue surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.