Abstract:
A surgical instrument that has an actuation system that is configured to generate at least two separate actuation motions. A clutch assembly is movable between an engaged position wherein the clutch assembly is in operable engagement with the actuation system and an unengaged position. In various forms, the surgical instrument includes a manually actuatable trigger assembly that interfaces with the clutch assembly and the actuation system such that a first stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate a first one of the actuation motions and moves the clutch assembly from the unengaged position to the engaged position whereupon a second stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate another one of the actuation motions.
Abstract:
An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector. A surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft extending between the handle and the effector and means for articulating the end effector relative to the shaft. The articulating means can comprise a portion of the shaft which is rotatable about a first axis in order to articulate the end effector about a second axis. In at least one embodiment, the shaft can comprise a first portion including a cam and a second portion including a cam follower, wherein the rotation of the second portion and the interaction of the cam and cam follower can cause the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion.
Abstract:
A specimen retrieval instrument (200) comprises a tubular member (208), a resilient member (210), and a retrieval bag. The resilient member is associated with a distal end of the tubular member. The bag is secured to the resilient member. The resilient member is compressible such that the resilient member and bag fit within a hollow interior portion of the tubular member. A rod (204) may advance the resilient member and bag out of the tubular member. The rod may define a transversed oriented recess (220) configured to retain at least a portion of the resilient member between the rod and the inner diameter of the tubular member when the resilient member is in its retracted position contained within the tubular member. Alternatively, the tubular member may comprise a sheath (208) that is retractable to reveal the resilient member and bag. The resilient member may have a hoop, spiral, or rolled strip configuration. The resilient member may alternatively comprise telescoping arms. The resilient member opens the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed relative to the tubular member. The resilient member may also unfurl the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed.
Abstract:
Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft (104), and an end effector (106). The shaft may be coupled to the handle (102) and may extend distally along an longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first (108) and second jaw members (110), a reciprocating member, a shuttle and at least one cam pin. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots and first and second cam slots and may be pivotable towards one another about a pivot point. The reciprocating member (340) may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The shuttle may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The cam pin may be coupled to the shuttle and positioned within the first cam slot and the second cam slot.
Abstract:
Forceps for grasping tissue during a medical procedure. The forceps include a body, a jaw pivotally mounted on the body for movement between a grasping position and a releasing position, and a lever operatively connected to the jaw to drive the jaw from the grasping position to the releasing position. The forceps include a digit engagement member rotatably mounted on the lever. The digit engagement member has an engagement surface configured to engage a digit of an operator's hand during use. The engagement surface rotates relative to the lever as the lever drives the jaw from the releasing position to the grasping position
Abstract:
A nested trigger assembly (128) for a surgical instrument may generally comprise a first trigger (130a) and a second trigger (130b), wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are movable together on a first stroke of the nested trigger assembly, wherein the second trigger is configured to be biased away from the first trigger after the first stroke and before a second stroke, and wherein the second trigger is configured to be moved toward to the first trigger during the second stroke. A surgical instrument (100) may generally comprise a shaft (106) comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a handle (105) extending from the proximal end, wherein the handle comprises a gripping portion (102), and a nested trigger assembly (128) extending from the handle. The nested trigger assemble may comprise one of a separable trigger assembly and a divisible trigger assembly.
Abstract:
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector for performing a surgical procedure on tissue, for example. The end effector may comprise at least one energy delivery surface and heat dissipation means for dissipating heat from at least a portion of the end effector. For example, in at least one embodiment, the end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cutting member. The cutting member may comprise a cutting surface and a body, which may define a cavity and at least one opening communicating with the cavity. A fluid may be moved through the cavity to and/or from the opening(s). Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a surgical instrument's end effector may comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, a cutting member, and at least one heat pipe. Various other heat dissipation means are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a tubular member, a resilient member, and a retrieval bag. The resilient member is associated with a distal end of the tubular member. The bag is secured to the resilient member. The resilient member is compressible such that the resilient member and bag fit within a hollow interior portion of the tubular member. A rod may advance the resilient member and bag out of the tubular member. Alternatively, the tubular member may comprise a sheath that is retractable to reveal the resilient member and bag. The resilient member may have a hoop, spiral, or rolled strip configuration. The resilient member may alternatively comprise telescoping arms. The resilient member opens the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed relative to the tubular member. The resilient member may also unfurl the bag when the resilient member and bag are deployed.
Abstract:
A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having a central access opening allowing access to a body cavity as desired. The seal cap is provided with a housing in which a seal is positioned. The seal cap also includes an attachment ring that is selectively detachable therefrom for selective attachment of a retractor.