Articulation and firing force mechanisms

摘要

There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument comprising:
an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongate member defining a longitudinal axis that extends through the proximal and distal portions; a transfer bar supported by the distal portion and adapted to articulate relative to the proximal portion about an axis of articulation that extends between the proximal and distal portions; a drive element adapted to direct a drive force through the elongate member; and a transfer device supported within the elongate member and adapted to redirect the drive force around the axis of articulation and toward the transfer bar.