SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTI-DIAMETER SHAFT
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- (a) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw; and
(b) a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein a distal end of the shaft comprises;
(i) an articulation joint coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation joint is operable to pivot the end effector from a first position where the end effector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position where the end effector is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and(ii) at least one articulation band, wherein a distal end of the articulation band is configured to bend outwardly to a flared position within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position, wherein the distal end of the articulation band is configured to bend inwardly from the flared position within the shaft during a transition of end effector between the first position and the second position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus includes an end effector and a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and second jaw. The first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The distal end of the shaft has an articulation joint that pivots the end effector from a first position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation joint includes at least one articulation band that bends outwardly within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position. The articulation band then bends inwardly when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The shaft includes an outer closure tube having a neck-down region that promotes a greater range of pivotal movement within a surgical passageway.
457 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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(a) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw; and (b) a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein a distal end of the shaft comprises; (i) an articulation joint coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation joint is operable to pivot the end effector from a first position where the end effector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position where the end effector is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and (ii) at least one articulation band, wherein a distal end of the articulation band is configured to bend outwardly to a flared position within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position, wherein the distal end of the articulation band is configured to bend inwardly from the flared position within the shaft during a transition of end effector between the first position and the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An apparatus comprising:
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(a) a body; (b) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw; and (c) a shaft coupling the body with the end effector, wherein the shaft comprises; (i) a first portion having a first outer diameter, (ii) a second portion having a second outer diameter, wherein the second portion is proximal to the first portion, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter, and (iii) an articulation joint, wherein the articulation joint is operable to pivot the end effector from a first position aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the articulation joint comprises a pair of articulation bands, wherein the articulation bands are configured to translate in opposing directions and bend inwardly or outwardly in opposing directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft while translating in opposing directions when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position.
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18. An apparatus comprising:
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(a) a body; (b) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw; and (c) a shaft coupling the body with the end effector, wherein the shaft comprises; (i) a first outer diameter, (ii) a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is proximal to the first outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter, and (iii) a pair of articulation bands, wherein each articulation band extends through the first diameter and the second diameter, wherein the articulation bands are operable to simultaneously translate in opposing longitudinal directions relative to the shaft, wherein the articulation bands are further configured to flare inwardly or outwardly in opposing directions relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft while simultaneously translating in opposing longitudinal directions. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification