Surgical stapling instrument comprising an articulation joint
US8485413B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2929
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to articulate an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can comprise at least one electromagnet which can be selectively activated, or polarized, to generate a magnetic field sufficient to motivate a second magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet and/or an iron core, for example, mounted to the end effector. In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to open and/or close an end effector of the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to advance and/or retract a firing bar, cutting member, and/or staple sled within the surgical instrument in order to incise and/or staple tissue positioned within an end effector of the surgical instrument.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.