End effector with compliant clamping jaw
First Claim
1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) an end effector assembly comprising;
(i) a first jaw, wherein the first jaw defines a slot, wherein the first jaw further comprises a plurality of segments extending along a first plane,(ii) a second jaw pivotally connected to the first jaw at a pivot point between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second jaw defines a slot corresponding with the slot of the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is configured to extend along a second plane that is parallel to the first plane when the second jaw is in the closed position, wherein the segments are moveable relative to each other away from the second plane to reach the open position, and(iii) a firing beam configured to be received within the slots defined by the first and second jaws, wherein the firing beam is operable to advance distally through the slots to close the jaws;
(b) a body operable to communicate with the end effector assembly; and
(c) a shaft extending from the body to the end effector assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector assembly, a body, and a shaft. The shaft extends from the body to the end effector assembly. The body is operable to communicate with the end effector assembly via the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a pair of pivoting jaws and a firing beam. The firing beam is operable to advance distally through slots in the jaws to close the jaws. One of the jaws comprises a plurality of segments that are movable relative to each other. The segments may be joined by living hinges, pivoting hinges, or sliding features. One of the jaws may be formed by a combination of a distally projecting tongue of the shaft and two members that are secured above and below the tongue, respectively. An end effector jaw may also include a resiliently biased electrode cartridge.
1297 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) an end effector assembly comprising; (i) a first jaw, wherein the first jaw defines a slot, wherein the first jaw further comprises a plurality of segments extending along a first plane, (ii) a second jaw pivotally connected to the first jaw at a pivot point between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second jaw defines a slot corresponding with the slot of the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is configured to extend along a second plane that is parallel to the first plane when the second jaw is in the closed position, wherein the segments are moveable relative to each other away from the second plane to reach the open position, and (iii) a firing beam configured to be received within the slots defined by the first and second jaws, wherein the firing beam is operable to advance distally through the slots to close the jaws; (b) a body operable to communicate with the end effector assembly; and (c) a shaft extending from the body to the end effector assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) an end effector assembly comprising; (i) a first jaw, wherein the first jaw defines a slot, wherein the first jaw further comprises a plurality of segments, wherein the segments are movable relative to one another, (ii) a second jaw pivotally connected to the first jaw at a pivot point, wherein the second jaw defines a slot corresponding with the slot of the first jaw, wherein the segments are configured to transition between; (A) a first configuration where less than all of the segments are parallel with the second jaw such that less than all of the segments are in a closed position relative to the second jaw, and (B) a second configuration where all of the segments are parallel with the second jaw such that all of the segments are in a closed position relative to the second jaw, (iii) a firing beam configured to be received within the slots defined by the first and second jaws, wherein the firing beam is operable to advance distally through the slots to progressively close one or more of the segments relative to the second jaw; (b) a body operable to communicate with the end effector assembly; and (c) a shaft extending from the body to the end effector assembly. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) an end effector assembly comprising; (i) a first jaw, wherein the first jaw defines a slot, wherein the first jaw further comprises a plurality of segments, (ii) a second jaw pivotally connected to the first jaw at a pivot point, wherein the second jaw defines a slot corresponding with the slot of the first jaw, wherein the first jaw is pivotable about the pivot point to move in a first direction towards the second jaw and in a second direction away from the second jaw, wherein the segments are movable relative to one another in the second direction, (iii) a firing beam configured to be received within the slots defined by the first and second jaws, wherein the firing beam is operable to advance distally through the slot to close the jaws; (b) a body operable to communicate with the end effector assembly; and (c) a shaft extending from the body to the end effector assembly.
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Specification