Surgical instruments facilitating replacement of disposable components and/or sterilization of reusable components
US11207127B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0813
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical end effector assembly includes a pair of jaw members, a knife defining a longitudinal slot, a pivot pin coupling the jaw members to one another, and a drive member including a drive pin that is engaged to the jaw members. The pivot pin and/or the drive pin extends through the longitudinal slot of the knife to couple the knife to the jaw members and/or the drive member. The end effector assembly is transitionable between a use position, wherein the knife and drive member are generally aligned with one another to facilitate releasable engagement of the end effector assembly with a surgical instrument, and a cleaning position, wherein the jaw members, knife, and drive member are fanned apart from one another to facilitate cleaning of the end effector assembly. Methods of disengaging and sterilizing end effector assemblies for reuse are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.