US 8,685,020 B2Granted

Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor

AssigneeEthicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.

InventorsPatrick A. Weizman, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Raymond M. Banks, Timothy G. Dietz, Jason L. Harris, Zhifan F. Huang, David K. Norvell, David A. Witt, Steve G. Bernath

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Abstract

Various forms of surgical instruments are disclosed. In various embodiments, an end effector having operable and closable jaws is attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft such that portions of the jaws are axially offset from the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are coupled to an actuation arrangement that permits portions of the jaws to be moved out of axial alignment with the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are configured to facilitate tissue dissection. Electrosurgical instruments are also disclosed. One embodiment employs a flexible electrode that is conformable to tissue.

Claims8

Dependent claims

An electrosurgical instrument, comprising:

an elongate shaft having a distal end and defining a first longitudinal axis;
an end effector operably coupled to said distal end of said elongate shaft, said end effector comprising:
a first jaw having a first elongate portion and a first curved distal end;
and
a second jaw having a second elongate portion and a second curved distal end wherein said first elongate portion of said first jaw is movably coupled to said second elongate portion of said second jaw, wherein said first and second elongate portions are configured to receive tissue therebetween, wherein said first and second elongate portions define a second axis that is in parallel with said first longitudinal axis, and wherein said first and second curved distal ends curve away from said second axis.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/781,243Filed 17 May 2010
Published: US 2011/0282339 A117 Nov 2011
Granted: 1 Apr 2014
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification21 codes

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
A61B 17/3209
Surgical cutting instruments: incision instruments
A61B 18/148
Probes or electrodes therefor: having a short, rigid shaft for accessing the inner body transcutaneously, e.g. for neurosurgery or arthroscopy
A61B 18/1485
Probes or electrodes therefor: having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings