Methods of manufacturing shafts for surgical instruments

US9060780B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Covidien LP · US

Inventors

• John R. Twomey · Longmont, US
• James D. Allen, IV · Broomfield, US
• Ryan C. Artale · Boulder, US
• Dennis W. Butcher · Longmont, US
• Russell D. Hempstead · Lafayette, US
• Glenn A. Horner · Boulder, US
• Jessica E. C. Olson · Frederick, US
• Jeffrey R. Unger · Longmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 2011
• Grant date: Jun 23, 2015
• Expiry date: Mar 21, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/4998
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a shaft formed via extrusion. The shaft has one or more lumens extending therethrough. The lumen(s) each define a cross-sectional configuration. An end effector assembly is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. One or more components are coupled to the end effector assembly. The component(s) extend proximally from the end effector into the lumen(s) of the shaft. One or more of the components is formed via stamping. The component(s) define a cross-sectional configuration substantially complementary to the cross-section configuration of the lumen into which they extend.