US 11,786,243 B2
Firing members having flexible portions for adapting to a load during a surgical firing stroke
Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hillsboro, OH (US); Adam D. Hensel, Gahanna, OH (US); and Aaron J. Chow, Cincinnati, OH (US)
Assigned to Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed by Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed on Mar. 24, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/211,207.
Prior Publication US 2022/0304688 A1, Sep. 29, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 17/072 (2006.01); A61B 34/30 (2016.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); A61B 17/29 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/072 (2013.01) [A61B 2017/0042 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00398 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07264 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07271 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07278 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07285 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2927 (2013.01); A61B 2017/2933 (2013.01); A61B 2034/302 (2016.02)] 37 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A firing member for use with a surgical instrument comprising an anvil and an elongate channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, wherein the firing member comprises:
a body portion configured to be driven through a firing stroke;
a first cam member extending laterally from the body portion and configured to cammingly engage the anvil during the firing stroke;
a second cam member extending laterally from the body portion and configured to cammingly engage the elongate channel during the firing stroke; and
a lattice portion comprising a pattern of spaces formed in the firing member, wherein the lattice portion is configured to flex more readily from a load during the firing stroke than adjacent portions of the firing member, wherein the lattice portion is positioned intermediate the first cam member and the second cam member, wherein the firing member further comprises a longitudinal slot extending longitudinally through the firing member, wherein the longitudinal slot bifurcates the lattice portion into a first portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot, and wherein the lattice portion is configured to deflect in opposing directions on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot.