Distal tip features for end effector of surgical instrument

US9622746B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Robert J. Simms · Monroe, US
• Douglas B. Hoffman · Cadiz, US
• Rebecca J. Gettinger · Loveland, US
• Timothy S. Bedard · Poway, US
• Dean L. Garner · Cincinnati, US
• Glen A. Armstrong · Hamilton, US
• Janna B. Volz · West Chester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 2013
• Grant date: Apr 18, 2017
• Expiry date: Mar 29, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0807
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft, and an end effector that is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector comprises and anvil and a cartridge. A longitudinal axis intersects the distal tip of the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. The cartridge defines a sight line extending along a distal surface of the cartridge from a first side of the cartridge toward the anvil. The first side of the cartridge is opposite to the anvil. The distal surface of the cartridge is neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sight line intersects the longitudinal axis near the distal tip when the anvil is in the closed position. A segment of the sight line and a segment the longitudinal axis define an angle θ. The angle θ is larger than 90°.