Patent ID: 11937816
Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 8:
9. A surgical instrument assembly, comprising:
a shaft assembly comprising a proximal spine portion;
an articulation actuator;
a firing member;
an articulation region comprising an articulation support member, wherein the firing member extends through the articulation support member;
an end effector assembly, comprising:
a cartridge channel;
an anvil jaw pivotable relative to the cartridge channel; and
a distal spine portion attached to the cartridge channel, wherein the distal spine portion comprises:
a proximal end pivotably coupled to the proximal spine portion, wherein the distal spine portion is configured to be articulated relative to the proximal spine portion by the articulation actuator to articulate the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly, wherein the articulation support member is configured to laterally support the firing member during articulation of the end effector assembly relative to the shaft assembly; and
a distal support structure, comprising:
a firing member slot through which firing member extends; and
an electrical cavity defined therein; and

an electrical system, comprising:
a flexible circuit cable extending through the articulation support member and through the electrical cavity into the end effector assembly.