Surgical instrument with selectively locked articulation assembly

US10575836B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John A. Hibner · Maineville, US
• Randal T. Byrum · South Lebanon, US
• Karalyn R. Tellio · Cincinnati, US
• David C. Groene · Cincinnati, US
• Benjamin D. Dickerson · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 4, 2016
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2020
• Expiry date: Nov 25, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/320095
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for operating on tissue includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an articulation control assembly, an end effector, and an articulation lock. A portion of the articulation section encompasses a flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation includes a first member and a second member that is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The articulation control assembly is configured to move relative to the shaft assembly in order to longitudinally translate the second member relative to the first member. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation lock is configured to prevent movement of the articulation control assembly relative to the shaft assembly.