US5549636A — Surgical grasper with articulated fingers

Claim 1

Independent Claim 130 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the articulated fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 130 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the articulated fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 58 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein each finger comprises a plurality of sections connected by pivot joints, the connecting member being routed such that it is restrained against normal forces adjacent the finger sections and passing unrestrained against normal forces adjacent the joints, the connecting member being secured at a distalmost one of the finger sections.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 47 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the spring comprises a longitudinally extending wire or coil spring extending along the finger sections, the spring being restrained against normal forces at the finger sections and passing unrestrained against normal forces at the joints between the finger sections.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 34 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 3, wherein the longitudinally extending spring is restrained in longitudinally extending bores in the finger sections, but is permitted to slide in at least some of said bores.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 27 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 3, wherein the connecting member and longitudinally extending spring are disposed in sheaths extending along and attached to the finger sections.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 21 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 5, wherein the connecting member and spring are exposed adjacent the joints between finger sections.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 18 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the finger sections have grasping surfaces thereon to facilitate gripping.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the connecting member is restrained in slots in the finger sections, but is permitted to slide in at least some of said slots.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 34 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 2, wherein each finger comprises at least three sections, with one of the sections comprising a hinge member where each finger is pivotally coupled to the support rod.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the finger grip is slidably disposed on a support element disposed in a generally open handle adapted for receiving the fingers of a user.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 1, further wherein the support rod has a bore provided for routing a filament to a surgical site for the performance of an additional function.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 48 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 11, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament comprises an optical fiber for one of illumination, providing a laser beam to the surgical site or providing a viewing signal back to a display monitor.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 29 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 11, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament is provided for controlling a surgical instrument.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 16 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises a wire or cable.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 210 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; at least one articulated finger at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the articulated finger; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the finger; a spring biasing the finger toward a retracted position; the finger being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the finger moves in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said thumb and articulated finger are pivotally mounted on the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said thumb and said articulated finger into a fully open retracted position wherein the thumb and finger extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said thumb and finger in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 210 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; at least one articulated finger at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the articulated finger; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the finger; a spring biasing the finger toward a retracted position; the finger being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the finger moves in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said thumb and articulated finger are pivotally mounted on the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said thumb and said articulated finger into a fully open retracted position wherein the thumb and finger extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said thumb and finger in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 15, wherein the connecting member is routed in a groove disposed in the support rod, the connecting member being constrained in the groove by the sleeve.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 29 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 15, wherein the thumb is pivotable into a slot in the support rod when the sleeve forces the thumb into the retracted position.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 125 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the articulated fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising netting extending between fingers for facilitating holding objects.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 125 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the articulated fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising netting extending between fingers for facilitating holding objects.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 129 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 129 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 58 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein each finger comprises a plurality of sections connected by pivot joints, the connecting member being routed such that it is restrained against normal forces adjacent the finger sections and passing unrestrained against normal forces adjacent the joints, the connecting member being secured at a distalmost one of the finger sections.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 47 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 20, wherein the spring comprises a longitudinally extending wire or coil spring extending along the finger sections, the spring being restrained against normal forces by the finger sections and passing unrestrained against normal forces at the joints between the finger sections.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 34 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 21, wherein the longitudinally extending spring is restrained in longitudinally extending bores in the finger sections, but is permitted to slide in at least some of said bores.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 27 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 21, wherein the connecting member and longitudinally extending spring are disposed in sheaths extending along and attached to the finger sections.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 20 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 23, wherein the connecting member and spring are exposed adjacent joints between finger sections.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 20, wherein the connecting member is restrained in slots in the finger sections but is permitted to slide in at least some of said slots.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 34 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 20, wherein each finger comprises at least three sections, with one of the sections comprising a hinge member where the finger is pivotally coupled to the support rod.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein the finger grip is slidably disposed on a support element in a generally open handle adapted for receiving the fingers of a user.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 22 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 27, wherein the finger grip comprises a plurality of finger grip portions, one for each finger.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 19 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 28, wherein the connecting member comprises a separate connecting member for each finger.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 19, further wherein the support rod has a bore provided for routing a filament to a surgical site for the performance of an additional function.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 48 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 30, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament comprises an optical fiber for one of illumination, providing a laser beam to the surgical site or providing a viewing signal back to a display monitor.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 29 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 30, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament is provided for controlling a surgical instrument.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 35 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein the fingers can be moved by the finger grip to generate a space between the fingers defining one of a cone, bell-shape, frusto conical shape and cylinder.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 16 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein the connecting member comprises a wire or cable.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 27 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 19, wherein the fingers are also adapted to grasp a body part for stabilizing the body part for a surgical procedure.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 22 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 35, wherein the fingers are provided with suction tips for facilitating grasping of a body part.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 198 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said fingers are pivotally mounted in the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said fingers into a fully open retracted position wherein the fingers extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said fingers in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 198 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said fingers are pivotally mounted in the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said fingers into a fully open retracted position wherein the fingers extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said fingers in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 37, wherein the connecting member is routed in a groove disposed in the support rod, the connecting member being constrained in the groove by the sleeve.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 144 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising wires or netting extending between adjacent ones of said fingers for facilitating maintaining said space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into said space.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 144 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising wires or netting extending between adjacent ones of said fingers for facilitating maintaining said space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into said space.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 143 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner against the bias of the spring to allow the fingers to grasp an object therebetween to facilitate a surgical operation; and wires or netting extending between adjacent fingers for facilitating maintaining a space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into the space.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 143 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of articulated fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner against the bias of the spring to allow the fingers to grasp an object therebetween to facilitate a surgical operation; and wires or netting extending between adjacent fingers for facilitating maintaining a space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into the space.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 21 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 40, wherein the fingers are provided with suction tips for facilitating grasping of an object.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 121 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the flexible fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 121 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the flexible fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 14 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 42, wherein the flexible finger comprises articulated fingers.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 18 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 42, further comprises a spring biasing each finger toward a retracted position.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 42, wherein the finger grip is slidably disposed on a support element disposed in a generally open handle adapted for receiving the fingers of a user.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 20 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 42, wherein the connecting member is disposed in a bore in each flexible finger.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 42, further wherein the support rod has a bore provided for routing a filament to a surgical site for the performance of an additional function.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 48 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 47, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament comprises an optical fiber for one of illumination, providing a laser beam to the surgical site or providing a viewing signal back to a display monitor.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 29 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 47, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament is provided for controlling a surgical instrument.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 16 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 42, wherein the connecting member comprises a wire or cable.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 201 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; at least one flexible finger at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the flexible finger; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the finger; the finger being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the finger moves in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said thumb and flexible finger are pivotally mounted on the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said thumb and said flexible finger into a fully open retracted position wherein the thumb and finger extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said thumb and finger in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 201 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; at least one flexible finger at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the flexible finger; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the finger; the finger being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the finger moves in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said thumb and flexible finger are pivotally mounted on the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said thumb and said flexible finger into a fully open retracted position wherein the thumb and finger extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said thumb and finger in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 51, wherein the connecting member is routed in a groove disposed in the support rod, the connecting member being constrained in the groove by the sleeve.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 29 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 51, wherein the thumb is pivotable into a recess in the support rod when the sleeve forces the thumb into the retracted position.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 116 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the flexible fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising netting extending between fingers for facilitating holding objects.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 116 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; a connecting member connecting the finger grip and the flexible fingers; a thumb being disposed at the distal end opposite the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner toward the thumb for grasping an object; and further comprising netting extending between fingers for facilitating holding objects.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 120 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 120 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; a spring element disposed between adjacent fingers for biasing said fingers away from each other; and the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 15 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, wherein the flexible fingers each comprise articulated fingers.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 18 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, further comprising a spring biasing the fingers toward a retracted position.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, wherein the finger grip is slidably disposed on a support element in a generally open handle adapted for receiving the fingers of a user.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 22 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 58, wherein the finger grip comprises a plurality of finger grip portions, one for each finger.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 32 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, wherein the connecting member is routed in a groove disposed in the support rod, the connecting member being constrained in the groove by the sleeve.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 19 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 60, wherein the connecting member comprises a separate connecting member for each finger.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 24 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, wherein the connecting member comprising a plurality of connecting members slidably restrained in bores in each finger.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 31 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, further wherein the support rod has a bore provided for routing a filament to a surgical site for the performance of an additional function.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 48 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 63, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament comprises an optical fiber for one of illumination, providing a laser beam to the surgical site or providing a viewing signal back to a display monitor.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 29 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 63, further comprising a filament in the bore of the support rod and wherein the filament is provided for controlling a surgical instrument.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 35 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, wherein the fingers can be moved by the finger grip to generate a space between the fingers defining one of a cone, bell-shape, frusto conical shape and cylinder.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 16 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, wherein the connecting member comprises a wire or cable.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 27 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 55, wherein the fingers are also adapted to grasp a body part for stabilizing the body part for a surgical procedure.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 22 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 68, wherein the fingers are provided with suction tips for facilitating grasping of a body part.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 191 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said flexible fingers are pivotally mounted in the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said flexible fingers into a fully open retracted position wherein the fingers extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said fingers in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 191 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising a sleeve extending over said support rod, the sleeve being slidable over the support rod and wherein said flexible fingers are pivotally mounted in the support rod, the sleeve being slidable so as to force said flexible fingers into a fully open retracted position wherein the fingers extend longitudinally in line with said support rod, the sleeve being slidable to cover said fingers in the retracted position to facilitate entry of the distal end into an opening in a body for a surgical procedure.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 135 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising wires or netting extending between adjacent ones of said fingers for facilitating maintaining said space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into said space.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 135 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner away from each other to generate a space between the fingers to facilitate a surgical operation; and further comprising wires or netting extending between adjacent ones of said fingers for facilitating maintaining said space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into said space.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 128 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner to allow the fingers to grasp an object therebetween to facilitate a surgical operation; and wires or netting extending between adjacent fingers for facilitating maintaining a space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into the space.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 128 words

Surgical apparatus comprising: a support rod having proximal and distal ends; a plurality of flexible fingers at the distal end of the support rod; a handle at the proximal end of the support rod, the handle having a finger grip adapted to be actuated by the hand of a user; at least one connecting member connecting the finger grip and the fingers; the fingers being responsive to a tension in the connecting member exerted by movement of the finger grip whereby the fingers move in a defined manner to allow the fingers to grasp an object therebetween to facilitate a surgical operation; and wires or netting extending between adjacent fingers for facilitating maintaining a space between the fingers and preventing entry of internal body parts into the space.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 21 words

The surgical apparatus recited in claim 72, wherein the fingers are provided with suction tips for facilitating grasping of an object.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1999-08-27	2000-02-26	2000-08-27	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2003-08-27	2004-02-26	2004-08-27	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2007-08-27	2008-02-26	2008-08-27	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Surgical grasper with articulated fingers

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