Surgical stapling instrument having an electroactive polymer actuated single lockout mechanism for prevention of firing
First Claim
1. A surgical instrument comprising:
- a handle portion operably configured to produce a firing motion;
an staple channel coupled to the handle portion;
an anvil pivotally attached to the staple channel;
a staple device engaged by the staple channel and including a plurality of staples and staple drivers to cam the plurality of staples toward the anvil;
a wedge member proximal to and longitudinally aligned with the staple drivers;
a firing device responsive to the firing motion to drive the wedge member distally;
a lockout device positioned in the staple channel and operably configured to actuate in response to an electrical signal to prevent distal movement of the firing device; and
wherein the firing device includes a laterally projecting middle pin and lower foot that opposing engage each side of the staple channel, the lockout device laterally offset to selective abut the middle pin.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical instrument includes an E-beam firing bar engages the channel and selectively engages the anvil during distal firing movements, wherein the tissue is severed and stapled driven upward from the staple cartridge to form against the anvil. In particular, a wedge integral to the staple cartridge is driven distally by a middle pin of the firing bar to effect stapling. A single lockout of the staple channel responds to the presence of the wedge sled in its unfired position to allow the firing bar to fire. Otherwise, the single lockout prevents firing when the staple cartridge is missing or spent. Further, some versions include an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuator that presents an abutting surface, or acts as a trapdoor to a ramped recess in a staple channel to block the firing bar, as an active approach to preventing firing for one or more conditions.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A surgical instrument comprising:
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a handle portion operably configured to produce a firing motion; an staple channel coupled to the handle portion; an anvil pivotally attached to the staple channel; a staple device engaged by the staple channel and including a plurality of staples and staple drivers to cam the plurality of staples toward the anvil; a wedge member proximal to and longitudinally aligned with the staple drivers; a firing device responsive to the firing motion to drive the wedge member distally; a lockout device positioned in the staple channel and operably configured to actuate in response to an electrical signal to prevent distal movement of the firing device; and wherein the firing device includes a laterally projecting middle pin and lower foot that opposing engage each side of the staple channel, the lockout device laterally offset to selective abut the middle pin. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification