Surgical stapling instrument with an articulatable end effector
US8408439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/0811
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a closure tube configured to at least partially surround the anvil and the staple cartridge channel to hold the anvil in a closed position. The closure tube can extend around the anvil a greater distance than the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and, in addition, an articulation joint pivotably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The articulation joint can further comprise a floating guide member which can guidably support a knife bar extending into the end effector and, at the same time, move independently of the end effector and the shaft to provide such support.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.