Surgical cutting and sealing instrument with reduced firing force
US8696665B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/2937
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical instrument is provided that can comprise and end effector including two jaws and a cutting member configured to move between the jaws. In at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be flexible, such that a jaw is configured to flex when gripping tissue. Further, at least one of the jaws may include a thin cross-sectional area such that the jaw flexes when gripping tissue. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, one or more compression elements may extend from the cutting member and may be configured to cause the jaws to close when the cutting member is advanced. The compression elements may comprise a roller and/or a low-friction material. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, one or both of the jaws may be precurved, away from the cutting member's longitudinal axis. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the overall force required to advance the cutting member and/or close the jaws may be reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.