Abstract: A Variable Angle Surgical Instrument is disclosed and generally comprises: a rail portion including a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; a jaw portion operably coupled to the distal end of the rail portion; wherein the jaw portion rotates to variable angles relative to the longitudinal axis, and the jaw portion operates between a closed position and an open position to clamp down and remove tissue; a locking mechanism operably coupled to the rail portion to lock the jaw portion to an angled position.

Abstract: A work tool includes a tool handle assembly that is moveable between an open default position and a closed working position. The tool handle assembly is constructed with an upper tool handle assembly and a lower tool handle assembly where the upper tool handle assembly and the lower tool handle assembly are configured to be snap-fit together to enable pivotal movement between the upper tool handle assembly and the lower tool handle assembly.

Abstract: A handle unit for a surgical device that operates an end effector to give various kinds of treatments, includes: a handle main body having a fixed member; a support section that is supported by the same hand of the user and is movable along a turning plane defined by moving closer to or away from the fixed member; a first coupling section that is coupled with the handle main body by moving the support section along the turning plane; a second coupling section that has an extended axis defined by the first coupling section and the support section and is configured to turn the support section in a periaxial direction orthogonal to the extended axis; and a third coupling section that is configured to turn the support section in the periaxial direction of the extended axis.

Abstract: A method of surgery includes grasping tissue between tissue-treating plates of first and second jaw members by moving the first and second jaw members from a spaced-apart position to a first approximated position, energizing the tissue-treating plates to conduct energy through the grasped tissue to treat tissue, and separating grasped and treated tissue by moving the first and second jaw members from the first approximated position to a second approximated position. Moving the first and second jaw members from the first approximated position to the second approximated position laterally shifts the jaw members relative to one another from an aligned orientation, wherein the tissue-treating plates are aligned with one another, to an offset orientation, wherein the tissue-treating plates are offset relative to one another.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument is provided, comprising a shaft and an end effector connected to the shaft, wherein the end effector operates in the pitch or yaw direction against the shaft when a first wire and a second wire conveyed through the shaft operate cooperatively according to a first aspect; and the end effector operates in the roll direction against the shaft when the first wire and the second wire operate cooperatively according to a second aspect, wherein the first wire and the second wire operate in the same direction when the cooperative operation is according to one aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect; and the first wire and the second wire operate in the opposite directions when the cooperative operation is according to the other aspect of the first aspect and the second aspect.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal direction, wherein a working section on the distal end and an actuating element on the proximal end are operatively connected by a thrust element extending along the longitudinal direction, wherein the working section has a jaw piece with first and second jaw parts, which jaw piece is arranged pivotably on a jaw part holder, which is arranged in the shaft so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal direction and rotatable about the longitudinal direction and the thrust element is coupled to the jaw piece, wherein the jaw piece, in the closed state, can be retracted into the shaft, and a blocking device is provided in the instrument which is configured to block a retraction of the jaw piece into the shaft in a predefined angle range about the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In an interface apparatus for presenting a force sense at a remote place or in a virtual space to a user, the number of motors for exerting force upon fingers of the user is decreased. The interface apparatus includes a first arm and a second arm for being attached to the thumb and a finger other than the thumb, respectively. A motor includes a motor main body supported for rotation, and a rotary shaft that relatively rotates with respect to the motor main body. The rotary shaft is connected to the second arm. The motor main body is connected to the first arm so as to impart rotation thereof to the first arm.

Abstract: A method of assembling a surgical instrument includes coupling a power bus to a switch base that has a top, a bottom, and side surfaces; adhering a membrane to the top surface of the switch base over the power bus to form a switch base assembly; positioning the switch base assembly within a first portion of a switch base cavity defined by a lower housing portion; and joining the lower housing portion with an upper housing portion. The upper housing portion defines a second portion of the switch base cavity. Joining the lower housing portion with the upper housing portion disposes the switch base within the first portion of the switch base cavity and prevents fluid from penetrating a proximal portion of the switch base cavity within which an electrical lead is coupled to the power bus.

Abstract: Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic or open surgeries, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable, with different needle-grasping jaws and/or different elongate extension bodies having different configurations optionally being selectably coupleably to an articulatable handle and housing so as to allow the user to configure the device for a particular procedure.

Abstract: An over shoe for use with electrosurgical instruments having a pair of juxtaposed jaw members pivotably associated with one another, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon which is in electrical engagement with an electrosurgical energy source. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the over shoe includes a tissue contacting wall configured and dimensioned to selectively and substantially overlie the electrically conductive surface of the electrosurgical instrument. The tissue contacting wall is fabricated from a non-conductive material and includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. In another embodiment, the tissue contacting wall is electrically conductive and is configured for selective engagement atop on of the jaw members.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to automatically adjust the angle of an end effector to improve on the operability of medical treatment tools. The medical system of the invention comprises a slave medical treatment tool to be controlled and including a moving joint for adjusting the angle of a first end effector relative to a first shaft; a master medical instrument serving as a master control instrument and including a second end effector located at a distal end of a second shaft; a sensor that produces a sensor signal including at least an angle of the second end effector; and a controller that enables follow-up processing for driving a driver such that the angle of the first end effector follows a follow-up criterion set on the basis of a sensor signal produced out of the sensor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members moveable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. A drive bar is translatable between a distal and a proximal position for moving the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. A lever is moveable between an initial position and an actuated position for translating the drive bar between the distal and proximal positions. A sleeve disposed about the drive bar includes an annular track having a substantially radial segment(s) and a substantially longitudinal segment(s). A collar interdisposed between the sleeve and the drive bar includes a stop member(s) extending radially outwardly therefrom. The stop member(s) is engaged within the track and is translatable from a first position, wherein the stop member is positioned within the longitudinal segment, to a second position, wherein the stop member is engaged within the radial segment, to lock the lever in the actuated position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.

Abstract: Surgical devices are provided having end effectors including a jaw closure. The devices herein generally include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector having first and second jaws configured to engage tissue. In some embodiments, the devices can be configured to allow for the removal of the upper jaw and the cutting blade when the device is not in use. In certain aspects, the jaw and/or cutting blade can be cleaned, sterilized, and reused or completely replaced. In some aspects, the device can then be reassembled including the cleaned or new elements, and reused.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors are disclosed having angled tissue-contacting surfaces. The end effectors may have a first jaw member that is movable relative to a second jaw member between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw member may have a first positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. The second jaw member may have a second positively-angled tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the jaw members may have at least one active electrode configured to deliver RF energy to tissue located between the first jaw member and the second jaw member when in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical manipulator includes an internal working end having an internal joint, and an external control interface linked to the internal working end for controlling the internal working end. The external control interface includes at least one lever defining a grip volume for a surgeon's hand when gripping and operating the at least one lever, and an external joint linked to the internal joint for controlling the internal joint. The external joint is positioned substantially within the grip volume.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument for cutting and sealing tissue with a mode selection assembly. The mode selection assembly allows for a user to safely activate or disable a cutting functionality and a sealing functionality through use of electrosurgical energy. In some embodiments, the mode selection assembly allows for a more automated application of the electrosurgical energy and the cutting functionality when applied to a surgical site. The mode selection assembly may also include a knob configured to switch between the aforementioned settings. Various control mechanisms are also disclosed to lock and unlock the cutting element, such as a motorized locking mechanism, a solenoid locking mechanism, a mechanical mechanism and use of a nitinol wire. The inclusion of the mode selection assembly allows for a user to more safely utilize the surgical instrument by intentionally disabling functionality that may otherwise be inadvertently activated.

Abstract: A apparatus includes a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and a locking feature. The end effector is pivotable from a first position to a second position. The end effector is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the shaft in the first position and angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft in the second position. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector and pivots the end effector from the first position to the second position. The locking feature is coupled with the articulation joint and translates from a proximal position to a distal position. The locking feature locks the articulation joint when the locking feature is in the distal position.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.

Abstract: An operation device for performing a procedure on a lumen in a body comprises: a single protection tube formed of a flexible material; first and second tube members provided in the protection tube; and first and second clamp-type effectors respectively provided at respective front ends of the first and second tube members, wherein operational wires, respectively, are inserted into the first and second tube members to connect the clamp-type effectors positioned at the front ends thereof with first and second manipulation handles positioned at rear ends thereof, wherein the first and second clamp-type effectors are manipulated by moving the operational wires using the first and second manipulation handles in front or rear directions, and wherein electric lines are connected with the first and second clamp-type effectors to electrothermally treat a lesion portion in the body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include an end effector, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can also include an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and at least one articulated position. The surgical instrument can include means for adjusting the length of a firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can include a sensor configured to defect shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar that extends through the articulation joint. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument can include a relief feature configured to accommodate shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to the housing. The elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis and a mandrel at the proximal portion. An inner shaft member extends at least partially through the elongated shaft. An actuating mechanism is operably coupled to the mandrel and is configured to selectively cause movement of the elongated shaft in a longitudinal direction with respect to the inner shaft member. The surgical also includes an end effector that is adapted for treating tissue and includes an upper jaw member pivotally coupled to a distal portion of the inner shaft member about a pivot axis and a lower jaw member supported by the distal portion of the elongated shaft. Longitudinal movement of the elongated shaft is configured to pivot the upper jaw member relative to the lower jaw member.

Abstract: An orthopedic assembly is described that comprises an orthopedic device, an anchor, and a locking mechanism. The orthopedic device can be a plate member having an aperture that is configured to receive the anchor. The anchor can include a head, neck and shank portion. The head portion can include a plurality of arms separated by grooves that are capable of splaying. The assembly is configured such that when the locking mechanism is inserted into the head portion, this causes expansion of the arms of the head. This expansion locks and secures the anchor to the orthopedic device. Various instruments are provided that can deliver the locking mechanism to the anchor, and can provide impact to lock functionality.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along a longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members and a reciprocating member. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots. One or both of the jaw members may be pivotable relative to the other about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The instrument may comprise an overtube translatable distally to exert a force on a portions of the first and second jaw members tending to close the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tissue-removal devices and methods for treating spinal diseases using such devices. The tissue-removal devices may comprise a cable and/or extendable elements with a retracted and a deployed configuration. The cable and/or extendable elements may be distally supported and restrained by a support element such that the support element may be pushed transversely away when the extendable element is distally extended into its deployed configuration. An annular cutting element may be provided about the distal end of the extendable element or the support element. Various configurations of the extendable and support elements are described herein, as well as methods of using tissue-removal devices with extendable and support elements coupled by an annular cutting element for treating spinal diseases.

Abstract: Surgical device including a hollow cylinder, a clamp having of two jaws, including an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotably mounted relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said hollow cylinder between an open position and a closed position, wherein the clamp is arranged extending from the distal end of said hollow cylinder and two hollow tubes, partially housed inside said hollow cylinder, wherein said jaws each have a passage from said outer surface to said inner surface, said passages being arranged facing each other when said clamp is in the closed position and in that each of said hollow tubes is associated respectively with one of the jaws in such a way that said hollow tube opens into said passage.

Abstract: In a medical gripping tool with several branches, one branch includes a first flexurally elastic spar, a second flexurally elastic spar, of which the distal end is connected to the distal end of the first flexurally elastic spar, a rib, which is spaced apart from the proximal ends and from the distal ends of the flexurally elastic spars, and a linear guide for coupling the second flexurally elastic spar to the rib, in such a way that a linear movement of the second flexurally elastic spar relative to the rib is possible.

Abstract: An instrument (10) having a tool (15) of a particularly simple design comprises jaws (16, 17) with jaw supports (46) supported by spaced-apart hinges on a shared socket part 18. The hinge axes (27, 28) of the hinges are oriented parallel relative to each other and are at a distance from each other. A slit (24) for precisely guiding a knife (25) may be provided between the two. The jaw supports (46) of the jaws (16, 17) are guided in their own hinges with minimal play and hence in a precise manner. They are held against each other by transverse interlocking means (37), thereby ensuring a simple assembly and precise guiding.

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

Abstract: A tool comprises an articulation mechanism comprising a pair of links. The pair of links include a proximal link on a proximal portion of the tool and a distal link on a distal portion of the tool. Movement of the proximal link causes corresponding relative movement of the distal link. The tool further includes an end effector coupled to the distal link, an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal links, and a rotating member operably coupled to the shaft. The tool further includes an articulation lock adjustable between a locked configuration in which the proximal link, the distal link, and the end effector are held in a fixed orientation with respect to the shaft while the rotating member is operable to rotate the shaft about the longitudinal axis and an unlocked configuration in which the end effector is movable with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for minimally invasive surgical procedures having a handle portion, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle portion, an end effector movable between a first position and a second position, and an elongated tissue probe movably positioned within the elongated portion. The probe is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position, wherein movement of the probe moves the end effector from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector includes a pair of jaws that are operable to deliver RF energy to tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The shaft extends between the body and the end effector. 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. Some versions include a rotation section that is distal to the articulation section. The rotation section is operable to rotate the end effector relative to the articulation section.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion with a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical device also includes a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion. A driver is configured to cause relative movement of the jaw portion and the shaft portion. The driver may be configured to cause the jaw portion to pivot relative to the shaft portion about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to first and second longitudinal axes defined by the jaw portion and the shaft portion, respectively. The driver may also be configured to cause at least a portion of the jaw portion to rotate relative to the shaft portion about the first longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the surgical device includes a surgical member, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within the first jaw.

Abstract: A multi-functional handle manipulates a medical instrument and includes a body capable of being gripped by a hand of a user and further capable of being in communication with the medical instrument. In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the handle may include one or more of a first trigger assembly, a second trigger assembly and a third trigger assembly. The body may also include a first portion and a second portion coupled thereto such that the second portion is displaced relative to the first portion. At least one of the first portion, second portion and first trigger assembly is capable of manipulating the medical instrument. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments also include one or more of a primary digit-receiving member, a secondary digit-receiving member, and a tertiary digit-supporting member for facilitating ergonomic operation of the handle.

Abstract: Various surgical devices are provided having mechanisms for preventing premature actuation of a cutting mechanism. These devices generally include a handle having one or more actuators and an effector disposed at a distal end of the device and configured to grasp tissue. When the end effector is in an open position, a firing actuator can be positioned so that it cannot be actuated by a user. For example, the firing actuator can be obstructed by a shield or arm when the end effector is in the open position. In other embodiments, the firing actuator can be hidden in a recess formed in the closure actuator until the end effector is moved to the closed position. When the end effector is in the closed position, the firing actuator can be engaged to advance a cutting mechanism, thereby cutting the tissue grasped by the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided including a reusable handle assembly having a controller and a reusable cannula assembly configured to be operatively connected to and steerable by the reusable handle assembly. The surgical system also includes a rail mechanism configured to cooperate with a port inserted through an incision, the rail mechanism mechanically attached to a stable platform. A plurality of surgical instruments are configured to be inserted through the reusable handle assembly and configured to advance a length of the reusable cannula assembly, such that the plurality of surgical instruments are engaged with at least one trigger mechanism of the reusable handle assembly. The handle assembly, the cannula assembly, and the plurality of surgical instruments are modular components configured to be releasably coupled to each other. The reusable cannula assembly slidably engages the rail mechanism to extend through the port and into the incision.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system includes a surgical instrument having an elongate body portion and an oversleeve, through which the elongate body portion of the surgical instrument is extendable. A valve assembly is associated with one of the oversleeve or the surgical instrument. Mating structure is associated with two or more of the oversleeve, the surgical instrument and the valve assembly, the mating structure is operable to limit or prevent relative movement between the oversleeve and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an applicator assembly suitable for application of a catheter patch with one hand comprises an upper arm with a proximal end and a distal portion, a lower arm with a proximal end and a distal portion, and a hinge member fixedly joining the proximal ends of the upper arm and the lower arm, wherein an upper surface of the upper arm distal portion abuts a lower surface of the lower arm distal portion. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a catheter patch assembly may be secured against a lower surface of the upper arm distal portion. The distal portion of the lower arm may include a securing mechanism for securing the catheter patch assembly to the applicator assembly. A method of applying a catheter patch is provided.

Abstract: A knot placement device allows a physician to apply a knot for securing two or more suture ends extending from an incision in a vessel or organ of a patient relative to each other in order to seal an opening in the vessel or organ. The knot placement device has a handle and an elongate shaft and a push rod slidably inserted in said shaft. A knot is disposed in the distal end of the shaft. An actuator on the handle may be depressed to distally advance said push rod relative to said shaft and thereby distally advance said knot. The knot may include a knot body having an inner cavity and a plug sized to fit securely within the inner cavity. In use, the plug may be inserted into the inner cavity of the knot body to fixedly hold two or more suture ends between the knot body and the plug.

Abstract: A surgical system that connects biological tissue includes a) a surgical instrument with two tool elements movable in relation to one another and in each case including an electrode, which electrodes, in a coming-together position of the tool elements preferably define a minimum distance from one another, lie opposite one another and face one another, and b) a medically compatible material assisting connection of the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument, preferably for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a frame (27) having a proximal end and a distal end, a first working element (4) having a first origin located at the distal end and a second working element (5) having a second origin and being arranged at the distal end cooperating with the first working element, a force sensor for measuring a force exerted on at least one of the said the first and the second working elements, wherein the distal end of the frame comprises an opening (23) between the first origin and the second origin, the force sensor being arranged on the frame in a vicinity of the opening.

Abstract: A self-clearing actuator configured to be positioned in a pore providing fluid communication into a central lumen of a ventricular catheter body is described. The actuator extends into a central bore via a cantilever beam having a first end emanating at the central bore and a second end terminating at the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to reciprocate within the central bore between a first position extending downward at an angle into the central bore and a second position substantially at or above the external surface of the catheter. The cantilever beam is stressed, e.g. via a composite compress layer, such that it is preloaded to nominally curve downward to extend the actuator into the second position. The actuator is preferably a magnet responsive to magnetic field such that the magnetic field drives the actuator toward the first position.

Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. One or more kinematic linkage sub-systems may include joints that are actively driven, passive, or a mix of both. A set-up mode employs an intuitive user interface in which one or more joints are initially held static by a brake or joint drive system. The user may articulate the joint(s) by manually pushing against the linkage with a force, torque, or the like that exceeds a manual articulation threshold. Articulation of the moving joints is facilitated by modifying the signals transmitted to the brake or drive system. The system may sense completion of the reconfiguration from a velocity of the joint(s) falling below a threshold, optionally for a desired dwell time. The system may provide a detent-like manual articulation that is not limited to mechanically pre-defined detent joint configurations.

Abstract: A surgical device including first and second joint parts that are connected in series is provided. The surgical device includes a plurality of link arms that pass through an inner portion of the first joint part so as to drive the second joint part. The link arms are serially connected so as to rotate with respect to each other, and are rotatably connected to a driving unit for driving the plurality of link arms.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly for use in electrosurgery includes an elongated sheath movable in a longitudinal direction. The assembly includes a pair of jaws, with each jaw having a plurality of teeth for grasping tissue and a support element supporting the plurality of teeth. The support element is disposed partially within the sheath and extends to a distal end disposed outside of the sheath. The support element includes a first portion extending from the distal end and delineating a first region. The support element further includes a second portion extending from the first portion and delineating a second region. The second portion is curved to engage with the sheath such that the jaws move towards one another as the elongated sheath moves towards the distal end. The teeth extend from the first region into the second region.

Abstract: An articulating probe, comprises a first mechanism including a first link comprising a first longitudinal axis, a first articulation surface and a first motion-limiting element; and a second link comprising a second longitudinal axis, a second articulation surface and a second motion-limiting element. An articulation joint comprises the first articulation surface and the second articulation surface and constructed and arranged to allow two degree-of-freedom articulation of the second link relative to the first link. A motion resisting assembly comprises the first motion limiting element and the second motion limiting element, wherein the motion resisting assembly is constructed and arranged to resist rotation of the second link about the second longitudinal axis relative to the first longitudinal axis of the first link.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an outer sheath, upper and lower jaws connected at a pivot point, and a firing beam comprising a distal pair of flanges. The firing beam is configured to be received within slots defined in the upper and lower jaws to close the jaws. A proximal portion of the upper jaw defines a lever arm, and a free end of the lever arm extends proximally past a distal end of the lower jaw and proximally past the pivot point. The lever arm includes a pair of segments defining a portion of the slot of the upper jaw. The segments are configured for receipt through an outer sheath aperture. The pair of segments are operable to abut a distal end of the distal pair of flanges or be driven by the distal pair of flanges to assist with closure of the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes: a treatment section treating a living tissue; an energy generation section providing high-frequency current to the treatment section; a liquid feeding conduit feeding a liquid to the living tissue; a suction conduit suctioning the liquid; an energy control section that outputs a high-frequency output control signal for controlling the energy generation section; a first pump drive section that feeds the liquid from the liquid feeding conduit while the high-frequency current is output, according to a command of the high-frequency output control signal, and stops feeding of the liquid, according to a command of the high-frequency output control signal; and a second pump drive section that suctions the liquid from the suction conduit for a predetermined period of time or in a predetermined amount, according to a command for stopping the high-frequency output control signal, and stops suction of the liquid after the suction.

Abstract: A tool for a distal end or on a distal end of a shaft of a medical instrument includes a basic body, a mouth part which is pivotable about a pivot axis in relation to the basic body, and a bearing which defines the pivot axis, wherein the bearing includes two axle journals which are spaced apart from one another, each with a radial surface which is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the pivot axis.