Electroactive polymer-based actuation mechanism for linear surgical stapler
US7407077B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2946
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.