US 2022/0175407 A1Published application

Surgical instrument with articulation assembly

AssigneeCovidien LP

InventorsJacob C. Baril, Kenneth M. Cappola

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Abstract

A surgical instrument includes an articulation assembly having a dual threaded rod, a first nut, a second nut, a first articulation rod, and a second articulation rod. The dual threaded rod includes a body, a first thread encircling at least a portion of the body in a first direction, and a second thread encircling at least a portion of the body in a second, opposite direction. Rotation of the dual threaded rod in a first direction relative to the elongated portion causes the first nut to move distally relative to the dual threaded rod. Rotation of the dual threaded rod in the first direction relative to the elongated portion causes the second nut to move proximally relative to the dual threaded rod. The first articulation rod is coupled to the first nut and the end effector, and the second articulation rod is coupled to the second nut and the end effector.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A surgical instrument, comprising:

a handle assembly;
an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a first longitudinal axis;
an end effector disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion and defining a second longitudinal axis;
and
an articulation assembly disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector and configured to cause the end effector to move between a first position where the second longitudinal axis is aligned with the first longitudinal axis and a second position where the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle to the first longitudinal axis, the articulation assembly includes:
a dual threaded rod including a body, a first thread encircling at least a portion of the body in a first direction, and a second thread encircling at least a portion of the body in a second direction, the first direction is opposite the second direction;
a first nut mechanically engaged with the first thread such that rotation of the dual threaded rod in a first direction relative to the elongated portion causes the first nut to move distally relative to the elongated portion;
a second nut mechanically engaged with the second thread such that rotation of the dual threaded rod in the first direction relative to the elongated portion causes the second nut to move proximally relative to the elongated portion;
a first articulation rod coupled to the first nut and to the end effector;
and
a second articulation rod coupled to the second nut and to the end effector.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 17/111,692Filed 4 Dec 2020
Published: 9 Jun 2022
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

A61B 17/07207
For applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously: the staples being applied sequentially
A61B 17/29
Surgical forceps: forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
A61B 17/072
Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps: for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied…
A61B 18/1445
Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps: at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod