Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

Leland Stanford Junior University

Medplate Lifesciences Corporation

Michael D Black

Dan Sanchez

Scott Hammond

Richard Thomas Briganti

Rob K Rao

Mike Y Chen

Terry E Robinson

Purna Prasad

A shape memory alloy structure comprises at least one tubular member formed of shape memory material, each tubular member including a plurality of panels having side edges, wherein each tubular member is moveable between a radially contracted position and a radially extended position, and wherein the coupled side edges of adjacent panels of each tubular member form hinges for moving the structure between the contracted position and the extended position. Multiple layer tubular structures, methods for forming and fixtures for collapsing same are also disclosed.

Collapsible, shape memory alloy structures and folding fixtures for collapsing same

A pivot port that can provide a pivot point for a surgical instrument. The pivot port may be held in a stationary position by a support arm assembly that is attached to a table. The pivot port may include either an adapter or a ball joint that can support the surgical instrument. The pivot port allows the instrument to pivot relative to a patient.

Pivot point arm for a robotic system used to perform a surgical procedure

Pivot point arm for robotic system used to perform a surgical procedure

An endoscope to perform non-tethered macroscopy and microscopy at the same time is provided. An electromagnetic source is used to deliver electromagnetic energy through a first optical pathway to a tissue inside a body. An image detector is used to detect the reflected electromagnetic energy from the tissue through a second optical pathway as real-time images. A macro-to-micro lens set is used to change the magnification of the reflected electromagnetic energy before it reaches the image detector with two or more different magnification levels. A filter set is used to filter the reflected electromagnetic energy before it reaches the image detector. Furthermore, the endoscope includes a flexible shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a spread and spot means to spread and spot the electromagnetic energy at the tissue. A processing means is also included for processing the detected images.

Non-tethered macro-to-micro endoscope

Growing community of inventors

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Michael D Black