Patent ID: 8905977
Filing Date: 2014-12-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle operably configured to produce a firing motion; an elongate shaft attached to the handle; an end effector distally attached to the elongate shaft and comprising opposing jaws for clamping tissue; a firing member comprising a firing bar received for reciprocating longitudinal motion in the elongate shaft to transfer the firing motion, a cutting surface distally attached to the firing bar to sever the clamped tissue in the end effector, and a fluid passage defined longitudinally in the firing bar to the cutting surface, such that the fluid passage is configured to reciprocate longitudinally with the firing bar and unitarily with the firing bar, wherein the firing bar comprises a longitudinal laminate of a left half and a right half, wherein the fluid passage is defined by a groove formed in the left half and a complementary groove formed in the right half, such that the fluid passage is a unitary feature of the firing bar and such that at least part of the fluid passage extends through at least part of the elongate shaft, wherein the fluid passage is configured to communicate a fluid from a location proximal to the end effector to the cutting surface; control circuitry operably configured to respond to a firing condition to generate a dispensing signal; and an electrical fluid dispenser, wherein the electrical fluid dispenser is located proximal to the end effector, wherein the electrical fluid dispenser is in communication with the fluid passage and responsive to the dispensing signal to dispense a medical substance along the fluid passage to the cutting surface, wherein the electrical fluid dispenser further comprises an electroactive polymer actuator.