Surgical instrument comprising an adjustable system configured to accommodate different jaw heights

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, comprising:
a handle; a shaft extending from said handle; and an end effector extending from said shaft, said end effector comprising:
a first jaw;a slot;a gap setting system defining an adjustable pivot, wherein said gap setting system comprises an opening comprising a first clamping catch and a second clamping catch;a firing system, comprising:
a push bar; anda cutting member, wherein said push bar is configured to be pushed distally to move said cutting member from a proximal position to a distal position, and wherein upon completion of a firing stroke, said push bar is configured to be pulled proximally from a distal position to a proximal position;a second jaw comprising a projection movably positioned within said slot, wherein said second jaw is movable relative to said first jaw at said adjustable pivot, wherein said second jaw is movable into a first clamped position to clamp tissue between said first jaw and said second jaw when said projection is positioned in said first clamping catch, wherein a first gap distance is defined between said first jaw and said second jaw when said second jaw is in said first clamped position, wherein said second jaw is movable into a second clamped position to clamp tissue between said first jaw and said second jaw when said projection is positioned in said second clamping catch, wherein a second gap distance is defined between said first jaw and said second jaw when said second jaw is in said second clamped position, and wherein said first gap distance is different than said second gap distance; anda locking mechanism configured to maintain the relative position between said first jaw and said second jaw when said jaws are in said first clamped position and maintain the relative position between said first jaw and said second jaw when said jaws are in said second clamped position.