SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTI-DIAMETER SHAFT

摘要

An apparatus includes an end effector and a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and second jaw. The first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The distal end of the shaft has an articulation joint that pivots the end effector from a first position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation joint includes at least one articulation band that bends outwardly within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position. The articulation band then bends inwardly when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The shaft includes an outer closure tube having a neck-down region that promotes a greater range of pivotal movement within a surgical passageway.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
(a) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw; and (b) a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein a distal end of the shaft comprises:
(i) an articulation joint coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation joint is operable to pivot the end effector from a first position where the end effector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position where the end effector is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and(ii) at least one articulation band, wherein a distal end of the articulation band is configured to bend outwardly to a flared position within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position, wherein the distal end of the articulation band is configured to bend inwardly from the flared position within the shaft during a transition of end effector between the first position and the second position.