Laparoscopic Instruments, Attachable End Effectors And Methods Relating To Same

摘要

There is provided a method of attaching an end effector to a surgical instrument having a center rod with a distal tip. The method includes providing an end effector having a base and a coupler defining a pocket and movably mounted within the base. The end effector is moved over the center rod such that the distal tip of the center rod is seated within the pocket of the coupler. There is also disclosed an end effector including a base having a slot, a coupler movably mounted within the base and defining a pocket for receipt of a moving member of a surgical instrument and an operative member movably mounted on the base and connected to the coupler.

主权项

1. A method of remotely attaching an end effector to a shaft of a surgical instrument comprising:
providing an end effector and a surgical instrument including a shaft, the end effector including a base having a first diameter, a coupler defining a pocket and movably mounted in the base and a drive pin movably mounted on the base and connected to the coupler, and the shaft of the surgical instrument including an elongate tubular member having a distal end of a second diameter and a center rod extending through the distal end of the elongate tubular member and having a distal tip and a grove proximal to the distal tip; moving the end effector relative to the distal end of the elongate tubular member along a path other than along a common axis; approximating the base of the end effector relative to the shaft such that the distal tip of the center rod passes into the base; and manipulating the end effector relative to the shaft to seat the distal tip of the center rod within the pocket defined by the coupler.