Surgical stapling end effector component with tip having varying bend angle

A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft having a proximal end coupled with handle and a distal end coupled with an end effector, the end effector comprising:

• (a) a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge having staples disposed therein;
• (b) a second jaw comprising an anvil including a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to form the staples, wherein the first and second jaws are pivotably coupled at a proximal end so as to be capable of transitioning between an open state and a closed state to clamp and staple tissue with the staples;
• (c) a tip coupled with the second jaw such that a proximal end of the tip is longitudinally constrained relative to the second jaw, the tip comprising a body extending from the proximal end to a distal end;
• and
• wherein the distal end is moveable, via the application of a force external to the tip, from a first position, where the distal end is positioned at a first angle relative to the one of the first and second jaws, to a second position where the distal end is positioned at a second angle, different from the first angle, relative to the one of the first and second jaws, wherein when the first and second jaws are in the closed state without tissue present between the first and second jaws and the distal end is in the first position, the distal end contacts the other of the first and second jaws.

An end effector for use with a handle or robotic am, the end effector comprising:

• (a) a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge having staples disposed therein;
• (b) a second jaw comprising an anvil including a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to form the staples, wherein the first and second jaws are pivotably coupled at a proximal end so as to be capable of transitioning between an open state and a closed state to clamp and staple tissue with the staples;
• (c) a tip coupled with the second jaw such that a proximal end of the tip is longitudinally constrained relative to the second jaw, the tip comprising a body extending from the proximal end to a distal end;
• and
• wherein the distal end is moveable, via the application of a force external to the tip, by one of the first jaw or tissue captured between the first and second jaws, about a range of angles relative to the second jaw, including a first angle relative to the second jaw and a second angle, different from the first angle, relative to the second jaw, wherein one of the first and second angles is configured for marching the first and second jaws through tissue, wherein when the first and second jaws are in the closed state without tissue present between the first and second jaws and the distal end is at the first angle, the distal end contacts the other of the first and second jaws.