Title:
【発明の名称】触知および視認可能な位置表示手段を有する鞘を備えた可撓性の顕微手術用器具
Document Type and Number:
Japanese Patent JP2000503217
Kind Code:
A
Abstract:
Flexible microsurgical instruments incorporating a sheath having tactile and visual position indicators are disclosed. A flexible lubricous sheath which covers at least a distal portion of the flexible coil of the instrument is provided with either contrasting colored stripes or palpable ridges, or both, which are located a predetermined distance from the distal end of the instrument. When the coil is removed from an endoscope, the practitioner or the assistant observes the coil as it is withdrawn and notices the appearance of the stripes as an indication that the distal end of the instrument is not far away. Upon observing the stripes, the practitioner or the assistant may then slowly remove the remainder of the coil to avoid whipping the distal end as it exits the endoscope. Alternatively, the practitioner or assistant may grasp the coil between a thumb and fingers to feel for the palpable ridges as the coil is withdrawn from the endoscope or feel for vibration of the coil as the textured portion exits the endoscope. Preferred aspects of the invention include: covering the entire flexible coil with the sheath, locating the indicator(s) approximately eight to ten inches from the distal end of the instrument, applying the tactile indicator by hot stamping the sheath and applying the visual indicator with pigment bearing polymeric based tape.
Inventors:
Palmer, Matthew A
Diamond, blues h
Diamond, blues h
Application Number:
JP52541397A
Publication Date:
March 21, 2000
Filing Date:
January 10, 1997
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Symbiosis Corporation
International Classes:
A61B10/06; A61B10/00; A61B17/28; A61B19/00; (IPC1-7): A61B10/00
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Kazuo Shamoto (5 outside)