Thread-like knife for tissue cutting
View Patent ↗An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.
1. An end effector assembly, comprising:
first and second opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween;
a thread-like member formed as a continuous loop;
a drive member configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when transitioned from the first position to the second position; and
a drive drum operatively coupled to the thread-like member and configured to move the thread-like member to cut tissue between the first and second opposing jaw members.
2. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the drive member selectively moves between a first position that is further from a distal portion of the second jaw member and a second position that is nearer to a distal portion of the second jaw member.
3. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the drive drum is configured to rotate when the drive member positions the thread-like member between the first position and the second position.
4. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the drive drum is configured drive the thread-like member continuously from the first jaw member to the second jaw member in a bandsaw-like manner.
5. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a movable guide disposed at a distal end of the drive member.
6. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the thread-like member is configured to loop around the movable guide.
7. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a first stationary guide disposed at a distal end of the first jaw member.
8. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 7 , wherein the thread-like member loops over the first stationary guide.
9. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a second stationary guide disposed at a proximal end of the first jaw member.
10. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 9 , wherein the thread-like member loops under the second stationary guide.
11. The end effector assembly in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising an ultrasonic transducer disposed in operative communication with the thread-like member.
12. An end effector assembly, comprising:
first and second opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween;
a drive member disposed within the second jaw member and movable between a first position further from a distal end of the second jaw member and a second position closer to a distal end of the second jaw member;
a movable guide disposed at a distal end of the drive member;
a stationary guide disposed at a distal end of the first jaw member;
a drive drum disposed proximal of the first and second opposing jaw members; and
a thread-like member forming a continuous loop around the drive drum, the stationary guide, and the movable guide.
13. The end effector in accordance with claim 12 , further comprising an ultrasonic transducer disposed in operative communication with the thread-like member.