End effector with compliant clamping jaw

US9149325B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Barry C. Worrell · Maineville, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Jerome R. Morgan · Cincinnati, US
• Michael S. Cropper · Edgewood, US
• Michael J. Vendely · Lebanon, US
• David C. Yates · Morrow, US
• David A. Witt · Maineville, US
• David K. Norvell · Woodsfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 25, 2013
• Grant date: Oct 6, 2015
• Expiry date: May 6, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/1495
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector assembly, a body, and a shaft. The shaft extends from the body to the end effector assembly. The body is operable to communicate with the end effector assembly via the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a pair of pivoting jaws and a firing beam. The firing beam is operable to advance distally through slots in the jaws to close the jaws. One of the jaws comprises a plurality of segments that are movable relative to each other. The segments may be joined by living hinges, pivoting hinges, or sliding features. One of the jaws may be formed by a combination of a distally projecting tongue of the shaft and two members that are secured above and below the tongue, respectively. An end effector jaw may also include a resiliently biased electrode cartridge.