Patent number: 9220559
Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft extending between the body and the end effector. The end effector includes a pair of jaws and at least one electrode operable to deliver RF energy to tissue clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue clamped between the jaws. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation section may include beads, segments, asymmetric features, preformedly bent features, an integral hinge, a helical cutout or spring, clevis features, an angled joint, a beaded actuation linkage, and/or an offset pivot, among other things. The device may also include a crimped cutting member, a retroacting cutting member, dual pivoting jaws, and/or a wire tensioning assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 19, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 29, 2015
Assignee:
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
Inventors:
Barry C. Worrell, Sean P. Conlon, Gary W. Knight, Matthew C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Aaron C. Voegele, Charles S. Black, Kreena R. Modi
Publication number: 20150320437
Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section comprises a plurality of body portions aligned along the longitudinal axis and a flexible locking member. The flexible locking member is operable to secure the body portions in relation to each other and in relation to the shaft. The end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 16, 2015
Publication date:
November 12, 2015
Inventors:
Barry C. Worrell, Benjamin J. Danziger, Benjamin D. Dickerson, Brian D. Black, Cara L. Shapiro, Charles J. Scheib, Craig N. Faller, Daniel J. Mumaw, David J. Cagle, David T. Martin, David A. Monroe, Disha V. Labhasetwar, Foster B. Stulen, Frederick L. Estera, Geoffrey S. Strobl, Gregory W. Johnson, Jacob S. Gee, Jason R. Sullivan, Jeffrey D. Messerly, Jeffrey S. Swayze, John A. Hibner, John B. Schulte, Joseph E. Hollo, Kristen G. Denzinger, Kristen L. Pirozzi, Matthew C. Miller, Michael R. Lamping, Richard W. Timm, Rudolph H. Nobis, Ryan M. Asher, Stephen M. Leuck, Tylor C. Muhlenkamp, William B. Weisenburgh, II, William A. Olson