Articulation drive feature in surgical instrument

Abstract

An apparatus includes a body, an end effector, an articulation section, and a shaft assembly coupling the body with the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a sheath, a first monolithic articulation connector, and a second monolithic articulation connector. The first monolithic articulation connector includes a first distal portion and a first proximal portion. The first distal portion and the first proximal portion consist of a homogenous continuum of material. The first distal portion is configured to flex relative to the first proximal portion. The first distal portion is at least partially housed within the sheath. The second monolithic articulation connector is at least partially housed within the sheath. The first and second monolithic articulation connectors 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 of the sheath.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus, comprising:
 (a) an end effector;   (b) an articulation section; and   (c) a shaft assembly extending proximally from the articulation section, wherein the shaft assembly comprises:
 (i) a sheath defining an axis, wherein the articulation section is configured to deflect the end effector toward and away from the axis, and 
 (ii) a monolithic articulation connector configured to actuate relative to the sheath in order to drive deflection of the end effector toward and away from the axis, wherein the monolithic articulation connector comprises a distal band portion, a proximal rod portion, and a transition portion positioned between the distal band portion and the proximal rod portion, wherein the distal band portion. 
   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a second articulation connector, wherein the monolithic articulation connector and the second articulation connector are configured to longitudinally translate in opposing directions relative to the sheath to drive deflection of the end effector toward and away from the axis. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the second articulation connector comprises a second distal band portion, a second proximal rod portion, and a second transition portion positioned between the second distal band portion and the second proximal rod portion. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the second distal band portion, the second proximal rod portion, and the second transition portion together consist of a homogenous continuum of material. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the transition portion comprises a transitioning arcuate portion. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the transition portion further comprises a pair of flat surfaces located on opposite ends of the transitioning arcuate portion. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the transition portion further comprises a shortened flat surface extending distally from the transitioning arcuate portion. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the transition portion further comprises an expanding flat surface extending distally from the shortened flat surface. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw configured to pivot relative to each other between an open configuration and a closed configuration. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the end effector further comprises a first electrode surface associated with the first jaw. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the end effector further comprises a second electrode surface associated with the second jaw. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprises a body, wherein the shaft assembly extends distally from the body. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein the body further comprises a handle assembly. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the handle assembly further comprises a knob configured to rotate the shaft assembly about the axis. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 34 , wherein the knob is configured to rotate relative to the rest of the handle assembly. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the distal band portion, the proximal rod portion, and the transition portion together consist of a homogenous continuum of material 
     
     
         37 . An apparatus, comprising:
 (a) an end effector, comprising:
 (i) a first jaw, and 
 (ii) a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are actuatable relative to each other between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and 
   (b) a shaft assembly extending proximally from the end effector, wherein the shaft assembly comprises:
 (i) a sheath defining an axis; 
 (ii) a knife member coupled to the cutting edge, and 
 (iii) a monolithic jaw closure connector configured to actuate relative to the sheath in order to actuate the first jaw and the second jaw between the open configuration and the closed configuration, wherein the monolithic jaw closure connector comprises:
 (A) a rod portion slidably housed within the sheath, 
 (B) a band portion extending distally from the rod portion, wherein the band portion comprises a distal coupling member slidably coupled to both the first jaw and the second jaw, and 
 (C) a transition portion positioned between the rod portion and the band portion. 
 
   
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the transition portion comprises a transitioning arcuate portion. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the transitioning portion further comprises a pair of flat surfaces located above and below the transitioning arcuate portion. 
     
     
         40 . An apparatus, comprising:
 (a) an end effector;   (b) an articulation section; and   (c) a shaft assembly extending proximally from the articulation section, wherein the shaft assembly comprises:
 (i) a sheath defining an axis, wherein the articulation section is configured to deflect the end effector toward and away from the axis, and 
 (ii) a monolithic articulation connector configured to actuate relative to the sheath in order to drive deflection of the end effector toward and away from the axis, wherein the monolithic articulation connector comprises a distal flexible portion located within the articulation section, a proximal rod portion extending within the sheath, and a transition portion positioned between the distal flexible portion and the proximal rod portion.