Surgical forceps

US8864795B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Covidien LP · US

Inventors

• Duane E. Kerr · Loveland, US
• James D. Allen, IV · Broomfield, US
• Edward M. Chojin · Boulder, US
• Allan J. Evans · Golden, US
• Russell D. Hempstead · Lafayette, US
• Glenn A. Horner · Boulder, US
• Mark J. Huseman · Broomfield, US
• Daniel A. Joseph · Golden, US
• Arlan J. Reschke · Longmont, US
• Robert M. Sharp · Boulder, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 3, 2011
• Grant date: Oct 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Dec 10, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49815
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.