| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. <P>SOLUTION: In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler having an elongate shaft and a stapling apparatus is coupled thereto is provided. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, is used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator is used to actuate the stapling apparatus to drive one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissues. The actuator can alternatively or additionally actuate a blade distally to cut the tissues being stapled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
