SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER COMPLETE FIRING SYSTEM LOCKOUT MECHANISM

摘要

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopi c procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in orde r to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A spring-biased side pawl firing mechanism is enabled by activation of an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) block actuator that overcomes a disengagement spring bias and moves a linked rack into proximity with a side pawl firing mechanism. Thereby, various sensed or commanded inputs may be incorporated t o prevent inadvertent firing.