Surgical instrument incorporating EAP blocking lockout mechanism
US7143925B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2927
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. The handle produces multiple firing strokes to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. One or more electrically activated lockout mechanisms, such as electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators, are biased to prevent firing unless activated. One lockout is a spring-biased side pawl firing mechanism enabled by an EAP block actuator. Another is a firing trigger EAP lock. Yet another is a closure yoke EAP lock. Yet a further one is a manual retraction EAP lock that locks the firing mechanism. Thereby, various sensed or commanded inputs may be incorporated to prevent inadvertent firing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.