Surgical instrument with partial trigger lockout

US9237923B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Barry C. Worrell · Maineville, US
• Jonathan T. Batross · Mason, US
• Michael J. Stokes · Cincinnati, US
• David A. Witt · Maineville, US
• Chad P. Boudreaux · Cincinnati, US
• David K. Norvell · Woodsfield, US
• Matthew C. Miller · Cincinnati, US
• Timothy G. Dietz · Wayne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2013
• Grant date: Jan 19, 2016
• Expiry date: Jul 25, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/1455
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a firing beam, and a lockout feature. The second jaw pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The firing beam has a sharp distal end and translates between the first and second jaws. The firing beam translates from a proximal position to a first distal position to pivot the second jaw to the closed position. The end effector applies bipolar RF energy when the firing beam is in the first distal position. The firing beam then translates to a second distal position to sever tissue captured between the first and second jaws. The lockout feature prevents the firing beam from advancing from the first distal position to the second distal position until the lockout feature is actuated.