Patent ID: 8485413
Filing Date: 2013-07-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical stapler, comprising: a shaft; an articulation joint, the articulation joint comprising: a current source to selectively provide a first current to the first magnetic element and a second current to the second magnetic element, wherein, in a first mode of the current source, the first current is directed to cause a first level of magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element and the second current is directed to cause a second level of magnetic attraction between the second magnetic element and the fourth magnetic element such that the articulation joint is articulated towards the first magnetic element by a first amount; an end effector, wherein said end effector is movably coupled to said shaft by said articulation joint, said end effector comprising: a firing member extending proximally from the end effector through the first and second passages.