Method of unlocking articulation joint in surgical stapler
US10064620B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/035
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for using a surgical instrument comprises translating a first translatable member to unlock an articulation joint, translating a second translatable member to articulate and end effector at the articulation joint, and translating the second translatable member again to lock the articulation joint. The first and second translatable members may be translatable independently of each other. The act of unlocking an articulation joint may include moving a locking feature along a plane that is parallel to both the longitudinal axis of a shaft assembly and an articulation axis of the articulation joint. The locking feature may move longitudinally along the articulation axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.