Abstract:
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a shaft comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the wall surrounding an interior of the shaft. A transmission housing is located at the proximal end of the shaft and the shaft is rotatably coupled to the transmission housing. An actuator in the transmission housing is operably coupled to actuate rotation of the shaft. A port in the transmission housing is configured to be fluidically coupled to a fluid supply. A manifold in the transmission housing comprises an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in fluid communication with the port, the outlet being in fluid communication with the interior of the shaft at the proximal end of the shaft. The fluid communication of the inlet with the port and the fluid communication of the outlet with the interior of the shaft are maintained through a range of rotational orientations of the shaft relative to the transmission housing.
Abstract:
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a shaft comprising a distal end a proximal end, a wall extending from the distal end to the proximal end and having an exterior surface and an interior surface. At least a first portion of the shaft may include openings that penetrate the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall and provide flow communication from an exterior of the shaft to an interior of the shaft. At least one transverse cross-sectional plane and at least one longitudinal cross-section plane through the portion of the shaft including openings may each intersect multiple openings that penetrate the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall. The surgical instrument may include a manifold in flow communication with an interior of the shaft. The surgical instrument may include a flexible sleeve located inside the interior of the shaft.