Articulatable surgical device

摘要

Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope. Movement of the flexible neck can be used to control positioning of a tool extending through the flexible neck.

主权项

1. A surgical device, comprising:
a powered handle; an elongate shaft operably coupled to and extending from the powered handle, the elongate shaft defining a shaft axis and including a flexible shaft portion; an end effector operably coupled to the flexible shaft portion and configured to perform at least one surgical procedure in response to at least one actuation motion applied thereto from the powered handle; and a plurality of flexible actuators operably coupled to the flexible shaft portion and the powered handle such that selective actuation thereof causes articulation of the end effector in at least two planes that are substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis, wherein the plurality of flexible actuators comprises a first flexible actuator operably coupled to one of the end effector and the flexible shaft portion and a first rotator operably supported in the powered handle.