SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER

摘要

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include an end effector, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can also include an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and at least one articulated position. The surgical instrument can include means for adjusting the length of a firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can include a sensor configured to defect shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar that extends through the articulation joint. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument can include a relief feature configured to accommodate shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument system, comprising:
an end effector, comprising:
an anvil;a staple cartridge, comprising:
a proximal end;a distal end;a plurality of staple cavities; anda plurality of staples removably stored in the staple cavities; anda sled slidable within the staple cartridge to move the staples toward the anvil; a firing member movable relative to the staple cartridge to move the sled from the proximal end toward the distal end of the staple cartridge during a firing stroke; a shaft defining a longitudinal axis; an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and an articulated position; and adjusting means for adjusting the length of the firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis.