18376726. INSTRUMENT FLUSHING SYSTEM simplified abstract (Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.)

INSTRUMENT FLUSHING SYSTEM

Organization Name

Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Bram Gilbert Antoon Lambrecht of Redwood City CA (US)

S. Christopher Anderson of San Francisco CA (US)

Thomas G. Cooper of Menlo Park CA (US)

INSTRUMENT FLUSHING SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18376726 titled 'INSTRUMENT FLUSHING SYSTEM

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a medical instrument with a backend that includes a mechanism for manipulating a tool at the distal end of the instrument shaft, a fluid inlet, and a fluid channel assembly for directing cleaning fluid into the shaft.

• The medical instrument includes:
  • An instrument shaft with exit holes near the distal end
  • A tool coupled to the distal end of the shaft
  • A backend with a mechanism for manipulating a drive element that extends through the shaft and couples to the tool
  • A fluid inlet
  • A fluid channel assembly providing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the proximal end of the shaft
  • Cleaning fluid is directed into the shaft through the fluid inlet and channel assembly
  • The chassis or structural piece of the backend may form part of the fluid channel assembly

Potential Applications

This technology could be used in various medical procedures where precise cleaning and manipulation of tools are required, such as endoscopic surgeries or minimally invasive interventions.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of efficiently cleaning and maintaining medical instruments during procedures, ensuring optimal performance and reducing the risk of contamination or infection.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved tool manipulation, enhanced cleanliness of instruments, reduced risk of complications, and overall better outcomes for patients.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology include medical device manufacturing companies, hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities looking to upgrade their instrument cleaning and manipulation capabilities.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be similar medical instruments with fluid channels for cleaning, but the specific design and integration of the backend mechanism for tool manipulation may be unique to this patent application.

How does this technology compare to existing medical instruments with fluid channels for cleaning and tool manipulation?

This article does not provide a direct comparison with existing medical instruments that may have similar features.

What are the specific materials used in the construction of the instrument shaft and backend to ensure compatibility with cleaning fluids and durability during medical procedures?

The article does not delve into the specific materials used in the construction of the instrument shaft and backend.

Original Abstract Submitted

A medical instrument includes an instrument shaft with exit holes near a distal end of the shaft, a tool coupled to the distal end of the shaft, and a backend. The backend may include a mechanism that manipulates a drive element that extends through the shaft and couples to the tool, a fluid inlet, and a fluid channel assembly providing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the proximal end of the shaft. Cleaning fluid is directed into the fluid inlet, through the fluid channel assembly, and into the shaft. A chassis or other structural piece of the backend may form part of the fluid channel assembly.