END EFFECTOR WITH COMPLIANT CLAMPING JAW

摘要

An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector assembly, a body, and a shaft. The shaft extends from the body to the end effector assembly. The body is operable to communicate with the end effector assembly via the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a pair of pivoting jaws and a firing beam. The firing beam is operable to advance distally through slots in the jaws to close the jaws. One of the jaws comprises a plurality of segments that are movable relative to each other. The segments may be joined by living hinges, pivoting hinges, or sliding features. One of the jaws may be formed by a combination of a distally projecting tongue of the shaft and two members that are secured above and below the tongue, respectively. An end effector jaw may also include a resiliently biased electrode cartridge.

主权项

1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
(a) an end effector assembly comprising:
(i) a first jaw, wherein the first jaw defines a slot, wherein the first jaw further comprises a plurality of segments, wherein the segments are movable relative to each other,(ii) a second jaw pivotally connected to the upper jaw at a pivot point, wherein the second jaw defines a slot corresponding with the slot of the first jaw, and(iii) a firing beam configured to be received within the slots defined by the first and second jaws, wherein the firing beam is operable to advance distally through the slots to close the jaws; (b) a body operable to communicate with the end effector assembly; and (c) a shaft extending from the body to the end effector assembly.