Control members (200) and (202) extend through segments (3) in a retractor. When a wire (10) is tightened to urge each of the segments (3) to turn  the segments (3) having the weaker control member (200) move first to cause the distal end to turn before the segments (3) having the stronger control members (202) star...

A series of integrally formed segments (24) are allowed to move relative to each other by flexure of hinges (26) that are also integrally formed with the sections.

A surgical instrument includes an elongate portion arranged  in use  to be inserted through a restricted opening into a body  the elongate portion being movable from a first configuration to a second  different configuration in which second configuration two parts of the instrument that are spaced from each other in...

A surgical instrument (4), a handle (2) for use with the surgical instrument and a surgical instrument system are described. The surgical instrument and handle comprise complementary features to ensure a secure connection between the instrument and handle. hi one embodiment the instrument comprises an outer shaf...

A retaining member for a surgical instrument insert is described. The instrument insert includes a retaining member which is free to move along the shaft before the insert is attached to the handle. The retaining member comprises a resilient member integrally formed with the retaining member. The resilient member ca...

A handle (3) for a surgical instrument, and in particular a handle for use with keyhole surgery, endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a handle for a surgical instrument comprising one part with a pivoting or articulated end portion (4b), and a ...

A series of integrally formed segments (24) are allowed to move relative to each other by flexure of hinges (26) that are also integrally formed with the sections. (Fig: 6)