Patent ID: 8961396
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument adapted and configured for insertion through a surgical access device during minimally invasive surgical procedures, the surgical instrument comprising: (a) a substantially rigid shaft having proximal and distal end portions, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument; (b) an end effector operably connected to the distal end portion of the shaft, adapted and configured for performing a surgical task, the end effector including a pair of tool members mounted for relative motion about a common pivot point on the distal end portion of the shaft; and (c) a handle portion connected to the proximal end portion of the shaft, having an actuatable portion operably connected to the end effector to result in movement of the end effector when actuated, (d) wherein a section of the distal end portion of the shaft between the end effector and the handle portion is permanently laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and wherein the common pivot point of the end effector is located on the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and wherein the laterally offset section of the distal end portion of the shaft remains laterally offset before, during and after insertion through a surgical access device.