Electroactive polymer-based actuation mechanism for linear surgical stapler
First Claim
1. A surgical stapler, comprising:
- an elongate shaft having a linear staple applying assembly formed on a distal end thereof and adapted to receive tissue, the staple applying assembly being coupled to at least one electroactive polymer actuator that is configured to drive at least one linear row of staples into tissue when energy is delivered to the electroactive polymer actuator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A surgical stapler, comprising:
an elongate shaft having a linear staple applying assembly formed on a distal end thereof and adapted to receive tissue, the staple applying assembly being coupled to at least one electroactive polymer actuator that is configured to drive at least one linear row of staples into tissue when energy is delivered to the electroactive polymer actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A surgical stapler, comprising:
an elongate shaft having a handle formed on a proximal end thereof and a stapling assembly formed on a distal end thereof, the stapling assembly including opposed first and second jaws adapted to receive tissue therebetween, the first jaw including a staple applying mechanism disposed therein and at least one electroactive polymer actuator that is adapted to actuate the staple applying mechanism to drive at least one linear row of staples into tissue when energy is delivered to the at least one electroactive polymer actuator, and the second jaw including an anvil adapted to deform the at least one linear row of staples. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for applying one or more surgical staples to tissue, comprising:
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capturing tissue between opposed first and second jaws; and delivering energy to an electroactive polymer actuator to drive at least one linear row of staples from the first jaw through the tissue and against an anvil formed on the second jaw. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification