Patent ID: 7780054
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: an end effector including a proximal camming surface; an elongate shaft including a frame defining a lateral recess aligned with a longitudinal axis; an articulation joint pivotally attaching the end effector to the distal end of the elongate shaft; a slide bar within the lateral recess having a distal end engaged to the proximal camming surface of the end effector, wherein the slide bar defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the slide bar is slidable laterally relative to the elongate shaft from a first position to a second position to articulate the end effector, wherein the longitudinal axis of the slide bar is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft when the slide bar is in the first position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the slide bar is also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft when the slide bar is in the second position such that the longitudinal axis of the slide bar is shifted laterally when the slide bar is slid from the first position to the second position; a first actuator positioned in the lateral recess on a selected lateral side of the slide bar; and a handle portion proximally attached to the elongate shaft and operably configured to differentially control the first actuator to laterally slide the slide bar relative to the elongate shaft from the first position to the second position and thereby pivot the articulation joint and end effector.