An apparatus comprising: (a) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw; and (b) a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein a distal end of the shaft comprises: (i) an articulation joint coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation joint comprises a rotational member configured to rotate about a pivot axis, the rotational member having first and second openings (246, 248), wherein the rotational member is operable to pivot the end effector from a first position where the end effector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position where the end effector is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and (ii) first and second articulation bands (242, 244), wherein a distal end of first articulation band is coupled to the rotational member through first opening and a distal end of second articulation band is coupled to the rotational member through second opening; characterized in that the first and second openings (246, 248) are spaced laterally about the pivot axis such that the distal end of each articulation band (244, 246) is bent outwardly in the lateral direction to a flared position within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position, wherein the distal end of each articulation band (242, 244) is bent inwardly in the lateral direction from the flared position within the shaft during a transition of the end effector between the first position and the second position. (a) an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw; and (b) a shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein a distal end of the shaft comprises: (i) an articulation joint coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation joint comprises a rotational member configured to rotate about a pivot axis, the rotational member having first and second openings (246, 248), wherein the rotational member is operable to pivot the end effector from a first position where the end effector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position where the end effector is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and (ii) first and second articulation bands (242, 244), wherein a distal end of first articulation band is coupled to the rotational member through first opening and a distal end of second articulation band is coupled to the rotational member through second opening; characterized in that the first and second openings (246, 248) are spaced laterally about the pivot axis such that the distal end of each articulation band (244, 246) is bent outwardly in the lateral direction to a flared position within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position, wherein the distal end of each articulation band (242, 244) is bent inwardly in the lateral direction from the flared position within the shaft during a transition of the end effector between the first position and the second position. (i) an articulation joint coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation joint comprises a rotational member configured to rotate about a pivot axis, the rotational member having first and second openings (246, 248), wherein the rotational member is operable to pivot the end effector from a first position where the end effector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position where the end effector is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and (ii) first and second articulation bands (242, 244), wherein a distal end of first articulation band is coupled to the rotational member through first opening and a distal end of second articulation band is coupled to the rotational member through second opening; characterized in that