Electrosurgical device with disposable shaft having rack and pinion drive

An apparatus for operating on tissue comprising:

• (a) an end effector operable to manipulate tissue;
• (b) a shaft assembly in communication with the end effector, wherein the shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis;
• and
• (c) an interface assembly in communication with the shaft assembly, wherein the interface assembly comprises:
• (i) a housing operable to rotate and articulate the shaft assembly, and
• (ii) a base having a plurality of drive shafts, wherein the drive shafts are operable independently of each other, wherein the plurality of shafts are configured to engage the housing to drive rotation and articulation of the shaft assembly, wherein the plurality of drive shafts are oriented perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly.

An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a clamping jaw feature;
• (b) a shaft assembly, wherein the end effector is coupled with the shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a translating member;
• (c) a housing assembly, wherein the shaft assembly is secured to the housing assembly, wherein the housing assembly includes an integral rack, wherein the integral rack is translatable relative to the shaft assembly to translate the translating member of the shaft assembly;
• and
• (d) a base assembly, wherein the housing assembly is configured to removably couple with the base assembly, wherein the base assembly comprises a drive shaft operable to drive the integral rack of the housing assembly, wherein the base assembly is configured to couple with a dock of a robotic drive system.