Surgical instrument comprising a firing system including a compliant portion

摘要

A surgical instrument can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing system configured to be advanced relative to the first jaw and the second jaw. The firing system can comprise a firing member including a first portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second portion configured to engage the second jaw in order to position the first jaw and the second jaw relative to one another.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument assembly, comprising:
an end effector, comprising:
a first jaw; anda second jaw movable relative to said first jaw, wherein said second jaw is movable between an open position and a clamped position to clamp tissue between said first jaw and said second jaw; and a firing system, comprising:
a first jaw engaging portion configured to engage said first jaw; andan adjustable second jaw engaging portion configured to engage said second jaw, wherein said adjustable second jaw engaging portion is movable relative to said first jaw engaging portion, and wherein said adjustable second jaw engaging portion adjusts its position relative to said first jaw engaging portion in response to the thickness of the tissue clamped between said first jaw and said second jaw to accommodate:
a first distance between said first jaw engaging portion and said adjustable second jaw engaging portion when said second jaw is in said clamped position; anda second distance between said first jaw engaging portion and said adjustable second jaw engaging portion when said second jaw is in said clamped position, wherein said first distance is different than said second distance.