| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. <P>SOLUTION: In one embodiment, the surgical stapler has a stapling mechanism or an end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, is used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator is used to actuate a staple applying assembly to drive one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissues. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut the tissues being stapled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT |
