ELECTROSURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TISSUE TACKING FEATURES

摘要

An apparatus is provided for operating on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector having an upper jaw and lower jaw. The upper and lower jaws each include an electrode surface. The apparatus also includes a tissue tacking cartridge coupled to one of either the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The tissue tacking cartridge includes at least one fastener positioned outside of the electrode surfaces. The fastener is operable to be deployed from the tissue tacking cartridge. A tack loading cartridge may also be operable to load the end effector with at least one fastener.

主权项

1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
(a) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises:
(i) an upper jaw, wherein the upper jaw comprises an electrode surface, and(ii) a lower jaw, wherein the lower jaw comprises an electrode surface corresponding with the electrode surface of the upper jaw; and (b) a tissue tacking cartridge, wherein the tissue tacking cartridge is coupled to one of either the upper jaw or the lower jaw, wherein the tissue tacking cartridge comprises at least one fastener, wherein the at least one fastener is positioned outside of the electrode surfaces, wherein the at least one fastener is operable to be deployed from the tissue tacking cartridge.