The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 13, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 13, 1998
Kenneth V Freeman, Laconia, NH (US);
Other;
Abstract
A modular medical instrument is used with an endoscope or other similar medical instrument to perform medical procedures, such as endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and laparoscopy. The modular medical instrument comprises an elongated instrument device, an optional port fitting detachably coupled to the instrument device, and an actuator handle detachably coupled to the port fitting. The instrument device includes an elongated guide member, an inner actuation cable slidably disposed within the guide member, and an instrument device head assembly disposed at a distal end of the guide member and actuation cable. The guide member preferably has a smooth outer surface to facilitate insertion within the instrument channel of an endoscope or similar medical device. In one example, the instrument device head assembly includes a grasping device, such as biopsy forceps. The biopsy forceps device includes first and second jaws pivotably coupled to a body member, which is detachably coupled to an adapter at the distal end of the guide member. The actuation cable includes first and second portions or wires extending through the body member and coupled to the respective jaws such that relative movement of the actuation cable with respect to the body member causes the jaws to open and close. Each of the components or sub-assemblies of the modular medical instrument are detachable for cleaning and/or replacement.