Surgical instrument incorporating an electrically actuated articulation mechanism
First Claim
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1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
- an end effector;
an elongate shaft;
an articulating joint attached between the end effector and a distal end of the elongate shaft;
an electrical actuator positioned in the articulation joint responsive to an electrical signal to articulate the articulating joint; and
a handle portion attached to a proximal end of the elongate shaft and containing control circuitry operatively configured to produce the electrical signal.
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Abstract
A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including an articulation mechanism in an elongate shaft that incorporates an electrically actuated polymer (EAP) actuator for remotely articulating the end effector.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an end effector;
an elongate shaft;
an articulating joint attached between the end effector and a distal end of the elongate shaft;
an electrical actuator positioned in the articulation joint responsive to an electrical signal to articulate the articulating joint; and
a handle portion attached to a proximal end of the elongate shaft and containing control circuitry operatively configured to produce the electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an elongate shaft comprising a frame assembly and an encompassing and a longitudinally, slidingly received closure sleeve assembly;
a staple applying assembly comprising an elongate channel, a staple cartridge engaged in the elongate channel, and an anvil pivotally attached to the elongate channel presenting a staple forming surface to the staple cartridge;
an articulation joint formed in the frame assembly, the frame assembly comprising a distal frame portion attached to the elongate channel and a proximal frame portion pivotally attached to the distal frame portion;
a handle portion attached to a proximal end of the elongate shaft and operatively configured to selectively communicate an electrical signal to the elongate shaft; and
an electroactive polymer actuator connected to the articulation joint and responsive to the electrical signal to perform articulation of the staple applying assembly. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A surgical instrument, comprising:
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an end effector;
an elongate shaft;
an articulating joint attached between the end effector and a distal end of the elongate shaft; and
a means for electrically actuating the articulation joint. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification