Articulation assemblies for use with endoscopic surgical instruments

Abstract

An articulation assembly for use with a surgical instrument is provided. The articulation assembly includes a plurality of joints, a plurality of cables, and a first drive member. Each joint defines a plurality of openings extending longitudinally therethrough, a central opening extending longitudinally therethrough, a pair of projections extending from a first surface, and a pair of grooves extending at least partially through a second surface. Each groove of at least one joint is configured to engage one projection of the pair of projections from an adjacent joint. Each cable extends through one opening of the plurality of openings of each joint. The first drive member extends through the central opening of each joint.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An articulation assembly for use with a surgical instrument including an elongated portion, a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the articulation assembly comprising:
 a plurality of joints, each joint defining:   a plurality of openings extending longitudinally therethrough;   a central opening extending longitudinally therethrough;   a pair of projections extending from a first surface; and   a pair of grooves extending at least partially through a second surface, each groove of at least one joint configured to engage one projection of the pair of projections from an adjacent joint;   a plurality of cables, each cable extending through one opening of the plurality of openings of each joint; and   a first drive member extending through the central opening of each joint.