Patent Description:
Additional examples of electrosurgical cutting instruments and related concepts are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Still other examples of electrosurgical cutting instruments and related concepts are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses an electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue which includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof to move the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation to one another to a second position closer to one another for engaging tissue. A second actuator is disposed on the housing and is actuatable to articulate the shaft.

While a variety of surgical instruments have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. Any methods disclosed hereinafter are mentioned for illustrative purposes only. No methods are explicitly claimed.

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present technology, and together with the description explain the principles of the technology; it being understood, however, that this technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

For clarity of disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a surgeon or other operator grasping a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" refers the position of an element closer to the surgeon or other operator and the term "distal" refers to the position of an element closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from the surgeon or other operator.

<FIG> show an exemplary electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>). As best seen in <FIG>, electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) includes a handle assembly (<NUM>), a shaft assembly (<NUM>), an articulation assembly (<NUM>), and an end effector (<NUM>). As will be described in greater detail below, end effector (<NUM>) of electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) is operable to grasp, cut, and seal or weld tissue (e.g., a blood vessel, etc.). In this example, end effector (<NUM>) is configured to seal or weld tissue by applying bipolar radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue. However, it should be understood electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) may be configured to seal or weld tissue through any other suitable means that would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) may be configured to seal or weld tissue via an ultrasonic blade, staples, etc. In the present example, electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) is electrically coupled to a power source (not shown) via power cable (<NUM>).

The power source may be configured to provide all or some of the electrical power requirements for use of electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>). Any suitable power source may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. By way of example only, the power source may comprise a GEN04 or GEN11 sold by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition, or in the alternative, the power source may be constructed in accordance with at least some of the teachings of <CIT>. While in the current example, electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) is coupled to a power spruce via power cable (<NUM>), electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) may contain an internal power source or plurality of power sources, such as a battery and/or supercapacitors, to electrically power electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>). Of course, any suitable combination of power sources may be utilized to power electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teaching herein.

Handle assembly (<NUM>) is configured to be grasped by an operator with one hand, such that an operator may control and manipulate electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) with a single hand. Shaft assembly (<NUM>) extends distally from handle assembly (<NUM>) and connects to articulation assembly (<NUM>). Articulation assembly (<NUM>) is also connected to a proximal end of end effector (<NUM>). As will be described in greater detail below, components of handle assembly (<NUM>) are configured to control end effector (<NUM>) such that an operator may grasp, cut, and seal or weld tissue. As will also be described in greater detail below, articulation assembly (<NUM>) is configured to deflect end effector (<NUM>) from the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>).

Handle assembly (<NUM>) includes a body (<NUM>), a pistol grip (<NUM>), a jaw closure trigger (<NUM>), a knife trigger (<NUM>), an activation button (<NUM>), an articulation control (<NUM>), and a knob (<NUM>). As will be described in greater detail below, jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) may be pivoted toward and away from pistol grip (<NUM>) and/or body (<NUM>) to open and close jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) of end effector (<NUM>) to grasp tissue. Knife trigger (<NUM>) may be pivoted toward and away from pistol grip (<NUM>) and/or body (<NUM>) to actuate a knife member (<NUM>) within the confines of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) to cut tissue captured between jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>). Activation button (<NUM>) may be pressed to apply radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue via electrode surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively.

Body (<NUM>) of handle assembly (<NUM>) defines an opening (<NUM>) in which a portion of articulation control (<NUM>) protrudes from. Articulation control (<NUM>) is rotatably disposed within body (<NUM>) such that an operator may rotate the portion of articulation control (<NUM>) protruding from opening (<NUM>) to rotate the portion of articulation control (<NUM>) located within body (<NUM>). As will be described in greater detail below, rotation of articulation control (<NUM>) relative to body (<NUM>) will drive deflection of end effector (<NUM>) from the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>).

Knob (<NUM>) is rotatably disposed on the distal end of body (<NUM>) and configured to rotate end effector (<NUM>), articulation assembly (<NUM>), and shaft assembly (<NUM>) about the longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (<NUM>) relative to handle assembly (<NUM>). While in the current example, end effector (<NUM>), articulation assembly (<NUM>), and shaft assembly (<NUM>) are rotated by knob (<NUM>), knob (<NUM>) may be configured to rotate end effector (<NUM>) and articulation assembly (<NUM>) relative to selected portions of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Knob (<NUM>) may include any suitable features to rotate end effector (<NUM>), articulation assembly (<NUM>), and shaft assembly (<NUM>) as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As best seen in <FIG>, shaft assembly (<NUM>) includes distal portion (<NUM>) extending distally from handle assembly (<NUM>), and a proximal portion (<NUM>) housed within the confines of body (<NUM>) of handle assembly (<NUM>). As seen in <FIG>, distal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) includes an external sheath (<NUM>) and a housing member (<NUM>) disposed within external sheath (<NUM>). Housing member (<NUM>) defines four longitudinal pathways (<NUM>) disposed around a central longitudinal pathway (<NUM>). Longitudinal pathways (<NUM>) slidably house two rod portions (<NUM>) of two monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>), a rod portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>), and a knife rod (<NUM>) of knife member (<NUM>), while central longitudinal pathway (<NUM>) houses electrical coupling (<NUM>) As will be described in greater detail below, monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) are configured to couple certain actuating portions of handle assembly (<NUM>) with end effector (<NUM>) Articulation connectors (<NUM>) are configured to translate relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>) to drive articulation of end effector (<NUM>) relative to the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>). As will also be described in greater detail below, monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) is configured to couple an actuating portion of handle assembly (<NUM>) with end effector (<NUM>). Closure connector (<NUM>) is configured to translate relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>) to open and close jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) of end effector (<NUM>). As will also be described in greater detail below, knife member (<NUM>) is configured to couple to an actuating portion of handle assembly (<NUM>) to translate a distal cutting edge (<NUM>) within the confines of end effector (<NUM>).

Proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) extends within handle assembly (<NUM>) and through certain actuating portions of handle assembly (<NUM>) that are configured to longitudinally drive rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) as will be described in greater detail below. As will also be described in greater detail below, rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extend within proximal portion (<NUM>) and couple with correspond actuating portions of handle assembly (<NUM>). As best shown in <FIG>, proximal portion (<NUM>) defines slots (<NUM>) to allow actuating portions of handle assembly (<NUM>) to couple with rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) such that translation of actuation portions of handle assembly (<NUM>) relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>) longitudinally drives rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>). Rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are coupled to certain actuating portions of handle assembly (<NUM>) such that rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may rotate with shaft assembly (<NUM>) relative to actuating portions of handle assembly (<NUM>); but also such that rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) longitudinally translate with actuating portions of handle assembly (<NUM>) relative to shaft. assembly (<NUM>). In other words, an operator may utilize knob (<NUM>) to rotate shaft assembly (<NUM>) and rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) relative to handle assembly (<NUM>); but also may actuate rod portions (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) longitudinally relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>).

<FIG> show end effector (<NUM>). articulation assembly (<NUM>), and a distal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Articulation section (<NUM>) extends from a rigid proximal portion (<NUM>) to a distal portion (<NUM>). Rigid proximal portion (<NUM>) is fixed to outer sheath (<NUM>) of distal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). As best seen in <FIG>, distal portion (<NUM>) of articulation section (<NUM>) includes distal projections (<NUM>) inserted within the confines of proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>). A flexible member (<NUM>) extends from the distal end of rigid proximal portion (<NUM>) toward distal portion (<NUM>) As seen in <FIG>, in the present example, two flexible members (<NUM>) are laterally coupled with each other such that both flexible members (<NUM>) extend along the same longitudinal axis. Elowever, any other suitable combination or assembly of flexible members (<NUM>) may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Flexible members (<NUM>) include a plurality of guide members (<NUM>) that are configured to slidingly receive a band portion (<NUM>) of monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>). Flexible members (<NUM>) and band portions (<NUM>) are sufficiently flexible to bend relative to the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>) (as shown in <FIG>). As best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, distal coupling portion (<NUM>) of monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) is fixed to proximal body (<NUM>) of a lower jaw (<NUM>) As will be described in greater detail below, translation of monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) will drive deflection of end effector (<NUM>) relative to the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, rigid proximal portion (<NUM>) of articulation section (<NUM>) defines a pair of laterally offset pathways (<NUM>) and a central pathway (<NUM>). Laterally offset pathways (<NUM>) are dimensioned to slidably house corresponding band portions (<NUM>) of monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) and electrical coupling (<NUM>); while central pathway (<NUM>) is dimensioned to slidably house corresponding portions of knife member (<NUM>) and band portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>). Central pathway (<NUM>) extends through flexible member (<NUM>) and proximal portion (<NUM>) to provide a pathway for knife member (<NUM>) and band portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) from shaft assembly (<NUM>) to end effector (<NUM>). Therefore, knife member (<NUM>) and band portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) are both sufficiently flexible to bend relative to the longitudinal axis defined by shalt assembly (<NUM>) (as shown in <FIG>).

As best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, end effector (<NUM>) includes lower jaw (<NUM>) pivotally coupled with an upper jaw (<NUM>) via pivot couplings (<NUM>). Lower jaw (<NUM>) includes a proximal body (<NUM>) defining a slot (<NUM>), while upper jaw (<NUM>) includes proximal arms (<NUM>) defining a slot (<NUM>). Lower jaw (<NUM>) also defines a central channel (<NUM>) that is configured to receive proximal arms (<NUM>) of upper jaw (<NUM>), portions of knife member (<NUM>), band portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connecter (<NUM>), and pin (<NUM>). Slots (<NUM>, <NUM>) each slidably receive pin (<NUM>), which is attached to a distal coupling portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>). As will be described in greater detail below, monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) is operable to translate within central channel (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>). Translation of monolithic jaw closure connector <NUM>) drives pin (<NUM>). As will be described in greater detail below, because pin (<NUM>) is located within both slots (<NUM>, <NUM>) and slots (<NUM>, <NUM>) are angled relative to each other, pin (<NUM>) cams against proximal arms (<NUM>) to pivot upper jaw (<NUM>) toward and away from lower jaw (<NUM>) about pivot couplings (<NUM>). Therefore, upper jaw (<NUM>) is configured to pivot toward and away from lower jaw (<NUM>) about pivot couplings (<NUM>) to grasp tissue.

The term "pivot" does not necessarily require rotation about a fixed axis, but may include rotation about an axis that moves relative to end effector (<NUM>). Therefore, the axis at which upper jaw (<NUM>) pivots about lower jaw (<NUM>) may translate relative to both upper jaw (<NUM>) and lower jaw (<NUM>). Any suitable translation of the pivot axis may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Lower jaw (<NUM>) and upper jaw (<NUM>) also define a knife pathway (<NUM>). Knife pathway (<NUM>) is configured to slidingly receive knife member (<NUM>), such that knife member (<NUM>) may be retracted (as shown in <FIG>), and advanced (as shown in <FIG>), to cut tissue captured between jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) Lower jaw (<NUM>) and upper jaw (<NUM>) each comprise a respective electrode surface (<NUM>, <NUM>). The power source may provide RF energy to electrode surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) via electrical coupling (<NUM>) that extends through handle assembly (<NUM>), shaft assembly (<NUM>), articulation assembly (<NUM>), and electrically couples with one or both of electrode surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>). Electrical coupling (<NUM>) may selectively activate electrode surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) in response to an operator pressing activation button (<NUM>).

<FIG> show an exemplary use of instrument (<NUM>) for end effector (<NUM>) to grasp, cut, and seal/weld tissue. As described above, and as shown between <FIG> and <FIG>, jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) may be pivoted toward and away from pistol grip (<NUM>) and/or body (<NUM>) to open and close jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) of end effector (<NUM>) to grasp tissue. In particular, handle assembly (<NUM>) further includes a yoke (<NUM>) that is slidably coupled along proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Yoke (<NUM>) is coupled with rod portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) such that translation of yoke (<NUM>) relative to proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) translates rod portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>). However, rod portion (<NUM>) of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) is operable to rotate with proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) relative to yoke (<NUM>), such that an operator may rotate knob (<NUM>) to rotate end effector (<NUM>) about the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>). In other words, rod portion (<NUM>) may rotate with shaft assembly (<NUM>), independently of yoke (<NUM>); yet rod portion (<NUM>) is longitudinally fixed with yoke (<NUM>). Any suitable coupling mechanism may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, yoke (<NUM>) may include an internal recess configured to allow rotation of a coupling member relative to yoke (<NUM>), while the internal recess of yoke (<NUM>) may abut against side walls of the coupling member to longitudinally drive rod portion (<NUM>).

As best seen in <FIG>, yoke (<NUM>) is coupled to a body (<NUM>) of jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) via a link (<NUM>). Link (<NUM>) is pivotally coupled with yoke (<NUM>) via pin (<NUM>); while link (<NUM>) is also pivotally coupled with body (<NUM>) of jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) via pin (<NUM>). Additionally, jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) is pivotally coupled with body (<NUM>) of handle assembly (<NUM>) via pin (<NUM>). Therefore, as shown between <FIG>, an operator may pull jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) toward pistol grip (<NUM>), thereby rotating jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) about pin (<NUM>). Rotation of jaw closure trigger (<NUM>) leads to rotation of link (<NUM>) about both pins (<NUM>, <NUM>), which in turn drives yoke (<NUM>) in the proximal direction along proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). As described above, monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) extends within shaft assembly (<NUM>). articulation section (<NUM>), and central channel (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>). Additionally, monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) is also attached to pin (<NUM>) Therefore, as seen between <FIG>, proximal translation of yoke (<NUM>) leads to proximal translation of pin (<NUM>), which in turn cams against slots (<NUM>) of proximal arms (<NUM>) of upper jaw (<NUM>), thereby rotating upper jaw (<NUM>) about pivot couplings (<NUM>) toward lower jaw (<NUM>) such that jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) achieve a closed configuration.

As best seen in <FIG>, yoke (<NUM>) is also coupled with a bias spring (<NUM>). Bias spring (<NUM>) is also coupled to a portion of body (<NUM>), such that bias spring (<NUM>) biases yoke (<NUM>) to the position shown in <FIG> (associated with the open configuration of end effector (<NUM>) as shown in <FIG>). Therefore, if an operator releases jaw closure trigger (<NUM>), bias spring (<NUM>) will translate yoke (<NUM>) to the position shown in <FIG>, thereby opening jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) of end effector (<NUM>).

As described above, and as shown between <FIG> and <FIG>, knife trigger (<NUM>) may be pivoted toward and away from body (<NUM>) and/or pistol grip (<NUM>) to actuate knife member (<NUM>) within knife pathway (<NUM>) of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) to cut tissue captured between jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>). In particular, handle assembly (<NUM>) further includes a knife coupling body (<NUM>) that is slidably coupled along proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Knife coupling body (<NUM>) is coupled with knife rod (<NUM>) of knife member (<NUM>) such that translation of knife coupling body (<NUM>) relative to proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) translates knife rod (<NUM>) and knife member (<NUM>) relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>). However, knife rod (<NUM>) of knife member (<NUM>) is operable to rotate with proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) relative to knife coupling body (<NUM>), such that an operator may rotate knob (<NUM>) to rotate end effector (<NUM>) about the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>). In other words, knife rod (<NUM>) may rotate with the rest of shaft assembly (<NUM>), such that knife rod (<NUM>) and the rest of shaft assembly (<NUM>) rotate together relative to body (<NUM>), independently of knife coupling body (<NUM>), yet knife rod (<NUM>) is longitudinally fixed to knife coupling body (<NUM>). Any suitable coupling mechanism may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, knife coupling body (<NUM>) may include an internal recess that is configured to allow rotation of a coupling member relative to knife coupling body (<NUM>), while the internal recess of knife coupling body (<NUM>) may abut against side walls of the coupling member to longitudinally drive knife member (<NUM>).

As best seen in <FIG>, knife coupling body (<NUM>) is coupled to a second pivoting arm (<NUM>) via a protrusion (<NUM>) of the knife coupling body (<NUM>) and a slot (<NUM>) defined by second pivoting ann (<NUM>). Second pivoting arm (<NUM>) is pivotally coupled with body (<NUM>) of handle assembly (<NUM>) via pin (<NUM>). Second pivoting arm (<NUM>) is coupled to a first pivoting arm (<NUM>) via a protrusion (<NUM>) of second pivoting arm (<NUM>) and a slot (<NUM>) defined by first pivoting arm (<NUM>). First pivoting arm (<NUM>) is pivotally connected to a pin (<NUM>) and is unitarily attached to knife trigger (<NUM>). Therefore, as knife trigger (<NUM>) pivots toward body (<NUM>) and/or pistol grip (<NUM>), first pivoting arm (<NUM>) pivots about pin (<NUM>) in a first angular direction. As first pivoting arm (<NUM>) pivots about pin (<NUM>), second pivoting arm (<NUM>) pivots about pin (<NUM>) in a second, opposite, angular direction due to slot (<NUM>) actuating protrusion (<NUM>). As second pivoting arm (<NUM>) pivots about pin (<NUM>) in the second angular direction, knife coupling body (<NUM>) translates along proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) due to slot (<NUM>) actuating protrusion (<NUM>) of knife coupling body (<NUM>). Because knife coupling body (<NUM>) is coupled to knife member (<NUM>), knife member (<NUM>) translates distally within shaft assembly (<NUM>), articulation section (<NUM>), and within knife pathway (<NUM>) of end effector (<NUM>), as best shown between <FIG> Knife member (<NUM>) includes distal cutting edge (<NUM>) that is configured to sever tissue captured between jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>). Therefore, pivoting knife trigger (<NUM>) causes knife member (<NUM>) to actuate within knife pathway (<NUM>) of end effector (<NUM>) to sever tissue captured between jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>).

As best seen in <FIG>, knife trigger (<NUM>) is biased to the positions shown in <FIG> by a bias arm (<NUM>). Bias arm (<NUM>) may include any suitable biasing mechanism as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, bias arm (<NUM>) may include a torsion spring. Bias arm (<NUM>) is also coupled to a portion of body (<NUM>), such that bias arm (<NUM>) biases knife trigger (<NUM>) to the position shown in <FIG> (associated with the knife member (<NUM>) in the retracted position). Therefore, if an operator releases knife trigger (<NUM>), bias arm (<NUM>) returns knife trigger (<NUM>) to the position shown in <FIG>, thereby translating knife member (<NUM>) toward the retracted position.

With distal cutting edge (<NUM>) of knife actuated to the advance position (position shown in <FIG>), an operator may press activation button (<NUM>) to selectively activate electrode surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) to weld/seal severed tissue that is captured between jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>).

As described above, and as best shown between <FIG>, rotation of articulation control (<NUM>) relative to body (<NUM>) of hand assembly (<NUM>) will drive deflection of end effector (<NUM>) from the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>) from a non-articulated configuration (<FIG>) to an articulated configuration (<FIG>). In particular, as best shown in <FIG>, handle assembly (<NUM>) further includes an articulation drive assembly (<NUM>). Articulation drive assembly (<NUM>) includes a rotatable housing (<NUM>) that is unitarily connected to articulation control (<NUM>), such that rotation of articulation control (<NUM>) relative to body (<NUM>) leads to rotation of rotatable housing (<NUM>) relative to body (<NUM>). Half of rotatable housing (<NUM>) is purposely omitted from <FIG> for purposes of clarity.

Rotatable housing (<NUM>) and articulation control (<NUM>) are rotatably coupled to a distal cap (<NUM>) and a proximal cap (<NUM>), which are both fixed to body (<NUM>) of handle assembly (<NUM>). Rotatable housing (<NUM>) includes a first internal threading (<NUM>) and a second internal threading (<NUM>). First internal threading (<NUM>) is threaded in an opposite orientation/direction as compared to second internal threading (<NUM>).

Additionally, articulation drive assembly (<NUM>) includes a first lead screw (<NUM>) and a second lead screw (<NUM>) slidably coupled along proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). First lead screw (<NUM>) and second lead screw (<NUM>) each have pins (<NUM>) extending through them. Pins (<NUM>) are fixed to proximal cap (<NUM>) and distal cap (<NUM>). Therefore, pins (<NUM>) are rotationally fixed relative to body (<NUM>) of handle assembly (<NUM>). Because pins (<NUM>) extend through lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>), lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) are also rotationally fixed relative to body (<NUM>) of handle assembly (<NUM>). However, first lead screw (<NUM>) and second lead screw (<NUM>) are slidably attached to pins (<NUM>). Therefore, lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) may translate, without rotating, along pins (<NUM>) and proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) within the confines of rotatable housing (<NUM>).

First lead screw (<NUM>) includes threading (<NUM>) that is configured to mesh with first internal threading (<NUM>) of rotatable housing (<NUM>). Second lead screw (<NUM>) includes threading (<NUM>) that is configured to mesh with second internal threading (<NUM>) of rotatable housing (<NUM>). Because lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) are rotationally fixed relative to rotatable housing (<NUM>), and because each lead screw (<NUM>, <NUM>) has threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) that meshes with internal threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) having opposing orientation/direction, rotation of rotatable housing (<NUM>) in one direction leads to simultaneous translation of lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) in opposing longitudinal directions. In other words, rotation of rotatable housing (<NUM>) causes first and second internal threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) to cam against threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) of lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively, such that longitudinal actuating lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) in opposite longitudinal directions. For instance, if an operator rotates articulation control (<NUM>) and rotatable housing (<NUM>) in a first rotational direction, lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) will translate away from each other (as shown between <FIG>) due to rotation of internal threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) causing contact with threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) of lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively. However, if an operator rotates articulation control (<NUM>) and rotatable housing (<NUM>) in a second rotational direction, lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) will translate toward each other (as shown between <FIG> and <FIG>) due to rotation of internal threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) causing contact with threading (<NUM>, <NUM>) of lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively.

Each lead screw (<NUM>, <NUM>) is coupled with a respective rod portion (<NUM>) of monolithic articulations connectors (<NUM>) such that translation of lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) relative to proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) translates rod portions (<NUM>) of monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>). However, rod portions (<NUM>) of monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) are operable to rotate with proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) relative to their respective lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>), such that an operator may rotate knob (<NUM>) to rotate end effector (<NUM>) about the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>). In other words, monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) may rotate with shaft assembly (<NUM>) independently of lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>), yet articulation connectors (<NUM>) are longitudinally fixed with lead screws (<NUM>). Any suitable coupling mechanism may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For instance, lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) may each include an internal recess configured to allow rotation of a coupling member relative to lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>), while the internal recess of lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) may abut against side walls of the coupling member to longitudinally drive monolithic articulation connection (<NUM>).

As mentioned above, monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) includes rod portions (<NUM>) that are configured to longitudinally translate relative to shaft assembly (<NUM>) by coupling with lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>). Additionally as described above, each monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) include a flexible band portion (<NUM>) slidably disposed within articulation section (<NUM>) of instrument (<NUM>); while monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) each include a distal coupling portion (<NUM>) fixed to proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>). Distal coupling portion (<NUM>) may be fixed to proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>) through any suitable means known to a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein, such as welding. As also mentioned above, articulation section (<NUM>) also includes flexible members (<NUM>) that are configured to bend relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly (<NUM>) to allow end effector (<NUM>) to deflect relative to the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>).

In an exemplary use, an operator may rotate articulation control (<NUM>) and rotatable housing (<NUM>) in a first rotational direction such that lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) translate away from each other (as shown between <FIG>). Because lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) are each coupled to a respective monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>), each monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) translates with its respective lead screw (<NUM>, <NUM>). Therefore, monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) translate in opposing directions in response to rotation of articulation control (<NUM>) and rotatable housing (<NUM>). As described above, monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) are attached to proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>) via distal coupling portions (<NUM>) In particular, distal coupling portion (<NUM>) of each monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) is attached to an opposite side of proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>). As best shown in <FIG>, opposing translation of monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) causes one monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) to drive end effector (<NUM>) proximally, while causing another monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) drive end effector (<NUM>) distally, thereby articulating end effector (<NUM>) and flexible member (<NUM>) of articulation section (<NUM>) to a first articulated configuration. Band portion (<NUM>) and portions of knife member (<NUM>) within central pathway (<NUM>) are also flexible to bend with flexible member (<NUM>). The degree to which end effector (<NUM>) articulates relative to the longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (<NUM>) may be determined by the longitudinal distance lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) travel away from each other compared to their positions shown in <FIG>. Therefore, an operator may choose the degree at which end effector (<NUM>) articulates based on the rotational displacement of articulation control (<NUM>) from its home position shown in <FIG>.

Additionally, an operator may rotate articulation control (<NUM>) and rotatable housing (<NUM>) in a second rotational direction such that lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) translate toward each other (as shown between <FIG> and <FIG>). Because lead screws (<NUM>, <NUM>) are each coupled to a respective monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>), each monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) translates with its respective lead screw (<NUM>, <NUM>). Therefore, monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) translate in opposing directions. As best shown in <FIG>, translation of monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) leads to end effector (<NUM>) being driven to a second articulated state. As described above, monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) are attached to a proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>) via distal coupling portions (<NUM>). In particular, distal coupling portion (<NUM>) of each monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) is attached to an opposite side of proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>). As best shown in <FIG>, opposing translation of monolithic articulation connectors (<NUM>) causes one monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) to drive end effector (<NUM>) proximally, while causing another monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) to drive end effector (<NUM>) distally, thereby articulating end effector (<NUM>) and flexible member (<NUM>) of articulation section (<NUM>) to a second articulated configuration.

In some alternative versions of instruments having articulation connectors that are somewhat similar to articulation connectors (<NUM>) described above, the articulation connectors may include a separate rod portion and a separate band portion that are welded together at a common point to eventually form articulation connectors (<NUM>). In such variations, band portions may be utilized within articulation section (<NUM>) while rod portions are utilized within portions of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Therefore, such variations of articulation connectors (<NUM>) may be welded at a point such that the rod portion of articulation connector (<NUM>) extends through proximal portion (<NUM>) and distal potion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) while the separate band portion extends within articulation section (<NUM>) to couple with end effector (<NUM>). However, welding or otherwise coupling the rod portion and band portion together may create an undesired tolerance stack and weak points within the articulation connector (<NUM>). Therefore, it may be desirable to have a monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) that is formed from a single piece of a material to reduce the undesired tolerance stack and weak points formed from welding or other coupling methods.

<FIG> show exemplary monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) used within electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) as described above. Monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) of the present example consists of a single, unitary, homogenous continuum of material. Monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) includes a rod portion (<NUM>) extending distally into a band portion (<NUM>), with a transition portion (<NUM>) located between rod portion (<NUM>) and band portion (<NUM>). As described above, rod portion (<NUM>) is configured to extend through shaft assembly (<NUM>). Rod portion (<NUM>) includes a proximal coupling portion (<NUM>) and a bend (<NUM>). Proximal coupling portion (<NUM>) is configured to longitudinally couple with either lead screw (<NUM>, <NUM>) as previously described above Bend (<NUM>) may be sized to accommodate for changes in dimensions within shaft assembly (<NUM>). For example, the dimensions of proximal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) may differ from distal portion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Therefore, bend (<NUM>) may ensure rod portion (<NUM>) is properly located within both portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Of course, bend (<NUM>) is merely optional. Any other suitable changes in shape and dimensions of rod portion (<NUM>) may be utilized as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As described above, band portion (<NUM>) is dimensioned to slidably couple with articulation section (<NUM>) and fix to proximal body (<NUM>) of lower jaw (<NUM>) via distal coupling portion (<NUM>). Band portion (<NUM>) is also sufficiently flexible to flex with flexible member (<NUM>) of articulation section (<NUM>).

Stamping and/or rolling processes may create a transition portion (<NUM>) located between rod portion (<NUM>) and band portion (<NUM>). In the current example, transition portion (<NUM>) includes a transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>) having flat surfaces (<NUM>) above and below transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>). Also in the current example, transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>) has a gradually changing radius that increases from its proximal end to its distal end, until transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>) turns into shorted flat surface (<NUM>). Shortened flat surface (<NUM>) then transitions into expanding flat surface (<NUM>), which eventually transitions into band portion (<NUM>). The transition portion (<NUM>) of the current example is merely exemplary. Any other suitable dimensions and sizes may utilized as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Instead of coupling band portion (<NUM>) with rod portion (<NUM>) via a weld point or any other coupling method, band portion (<NUM>) and rod portion (<NUM>) are formed of a single unitary workpiece. In the current example, monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) may start as a continuous rod. Then, the continuous rod may be formed into monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) via stamping and/or rolling processes to create transition portion (<NUM>) as well as band portion (<NUM>). Any suitable combination of stamping and/or rolling processes may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Unlike welding, the stamping and/or rolling processes may "work harden" band portion (<NUM>), thereby increasing the strength of monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>). Because band portion (<NUM>) and rod portion (<NUM>) come from the same contintious piece of rod, the tolerance stack between band portion (<NUM>) and rod portion (<NUM>) may be reduced, leading to a more accurately dimensioned articulation connector (<NUM>). While in the current example, a continuous rod is used to form monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>), any other suitable continuous shape may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

In some alternative versions of instruments having jaw closure connectors that are somewhat similar to jaw closure connectors (<NUM>) described above, the jaw closure connectors (<NUM>) described above may include a separate rod portion and a separate band portion that are welded together at a common point to eventually form jaw closure connectors (<NUM>). In such variations, band portions may be utilized within articulation section (<NUM>) while rod portions are utilized within portions of shaft assembly (<NUM>). Therefore, such variations of jaw closure connectors (<NUM>) may be welded at a point such that the rod portion of jaw closure connector (<NUM>) extends through the proximal portion (<NUM>) and distal potion (<NUM>) of shaft assembly (<NUM>) while the separate band portion extends within articulation section (<NUM>) to couple with end effector (<NUM>). However, welding or otherwise coupling the rod portion and band portion together may create an undesired tolerance stack and weak points within jaw closure connector (<NUM>). Therefore, it may be desirable to have a monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) that is formed from a single piece of a material to reduce the undesired tolerance stack and weak points formed from welding or other coupling methods.

<FIG> show exemplary monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) used within electrosurgical instrument (<NUM>) described above. Monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) of the present example consists of a single unitary, homogenous continuum of material. Monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) includes a rod portion (<NUM>) extending distally into a band portion (<NUM>), with a transition portion (<NUM>) located between rod portion (<NUM>) and band portion (<NUM>). As described above, rod portion (<NUM>) is configured to extend through shaft assembly (<NUM>). Rod portion (<NUM>) includes a proximal coupling portion (<NUM>) configured to longitudinally couple with yoke (<NUM>) as previously described above.

As also described above, band portion (<NUM>) is dimensioned to be inserted through central pathway (<NUM>) of articulation assembly (<NUM>) and couple with jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) of end effector (<NUM>). In particular, the distal end of band portion (<NUM>) includes distal coupling portion (<NUM>) defining a pin hole (<NUM>). Pin (<NUM>) may be inserted through slots (<NUM>, <NUM>) of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>), respectively, and pin hole (<NUM>) to couple distal coupling portion (<NUM>) with jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>). Band portion (<NUM>) is also sufficiently flexible to flex within central pathway (<NUM>) defined by flexible member (<NUM>) of articulation section (<NUM>).

Stamping and/or rolling processes may create a transition portion (<NUM>) located between rod portion (<NUM>) and band portion (<NUM>). In the current example, transition portion (<NUM>) includes a transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>) having flat surfaces (<NUM>) above and below transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>). Also in the current example, transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>) has a changing radius that increases from its proximal end to its distal end, until transitioning arcuate portion (<NUM>) turns into band portion (<NUM>). The transition portion (<NUM>) of the current example is merely exemplary. Any other suitable dimensions and sizes may be utilized as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Instead of coupling band portion (<NUM>) and rod portion (<NUM>) via a weld point or any other coupling method, band portion (<NUM>) and rod portion (<NUM>) are formed of a single unitary workpiece. In the current example, monolithic jaw connector (<NUM>) may start as a continuous rod. Then, the continuous rod may be formed into monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>) via stamping and/or rolling processes to create transition portion (<NUM>), band portion (<NUM>), and pin hole (<NUM>). Any suitable combination of stamping and/or rolling processes may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Unlike welding, the stamping and/or rolling processes may "work harden" band portion (<NUM>), thereby increasing the strength of monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>). Because band portion (<NUM>) and rod portion (<NUM>) come from the same continuous piece of rod, the tolerance stack between band portion (<NUM>) and rod portion (<NUM>) may be reduced, leading to a more accurately dimensioned jaw closure connector (<NUM>). While in the current example, a continuous rod is used to form monolithic jaw closure connector (<NUM>), any other suitable continuous shape may be used as would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

It should be understood that any of the versions of the instruments described herein may include various other features in addition to or in lieu of those described above. By way of example only, any of the devices herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references herein. For instance, the teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachings in <CIT>; <CIT>; and/or <CIT>. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It should also be understood that any of the devices described herein may be modified to include a motor or other electrically powered device to drive an otherwise manually moved component. Various examples of such modifications are described in <CIT>. Various other suitable ways in which a motor or other electrically powered device may be incorporated into any of the devices herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

It should also be understood that any of the devices described herein may be modified to contain most, if not all, of the required components within the medical device itself. More specifically, the devices described herein may be adapted to use an internal or attachable power source instead of requiring the device to be plugged into an external power source by a cable. Various examples of how medical devices may be adapted to include a portable power source are disclosed in <CIT>, entitled "Energy-Based Surgical Instruments". Various other suitable ways in which a power source may be incorporated into any of the devices herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

While the examples herein are described mainly in the context of electrosurgical instruments, it should be understood that various teachings herein may be readily applied to a variety of other types of devices. By way of example only, the various teachings herein may be readily applied to other types of electrosurgical instruments, tissue graspers, tissue retrieval pouch deploying instruments, surgical staplers, surgical clip appliers, ultrasonic surgical instruments, etc. It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readily applied to any of the instruments described in any of the references cited herein, such that the teachings herein may be readily combined with the teachings of any of the references cited herein in numerous ways. Other types of instruments into which the teachings herein may be incorporated will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In versions where the teachings herein are applied to a surgical stapling instrument, it should be understood that the teachings herein may be combined with the teachings of one or more of the following disclosures:.

<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>, <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. Other suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be applied to a surgical stapling instrument will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

In versions where the teachings herein are applied to an ultrasonic surgical instrument, it should be understood that some such instruments may lack a translating firing beam. The components described herein for translating a firing beam may instead simply translate a jaw closing member. Alternatively, such translating features may simply be omitted. In any case, it should be understood that the teachings herein may be combined with the teachings of one or more of the following: <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>: <CIT>; <CIT>; and/or <CIT>. Other suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be applied to an ultrasonic surgical instrument will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachings of <CIT>.

Versions described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by an operator immediately prior to a procedure.

Claim 1:
An apparatus comprising:
(a) a body (<NUM>);
(b) an end effector (<NUM>);
(c) an articulation section (<NUM>); and
(d) a shaft assembly (<NUM>) extending distally from the body toward the end effector, wherein the shaft assembly comprises:
(i) a sheath (<NUM>) defining a longitudinal axis;
(ii) a first monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) comprising a first distal portion and a first proximal portion, wherein the first distal portion and the first proximal portion consist of a homogenous continuum of material, wherein the first distal portion is configured to flex relative to the first proximal potion, wherein the first distal portion is at least partially housed within the sheath, and
(iii) a second monolithic articulation connector (<NUM>) at least partially housed within the sheath, wherein the first monolithic articulation connector and the second monolithic articulation connector are configured to longitudinally translate in opposing directions relative to the sheath to deflect the articulation section and the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis,
characterized in that the first proximal portion comprises a proximal rod portion (<NUM>) housed within the sheath, wherein the first distal portion (<NUM>) comprises a distal band portion associated with the articulation section.