Surgical tools with relaxed flexible circuit articulation

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes an end effector comprising: a first jaw and a second jaw, and a longitudinal channel; an articulation joint assembly. The end effector extends along a central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, and wherein the end effector is articulatable about an articulation joint to a full articulation position on a first side of the non-articulation position. The flex circuit is used to transmit at least one of data or power through the articulation joint. The flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis and includes: a proximal flexible circuit portion positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion, the distal flexible circuit portion being positioned in the end effector; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion positioned in a cavity defined by the articulation joint assembly. When the end effector is articulated to the full articulation position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion maintains a relaxed curved state at an unaltered effective length.

Description

Summary of the invention

[0001] A surgical instrument comprises: a shaft defining a central longitudinal axis; an end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a longitudinal channel; an articulation joint assembly extending between the shaft and the end effector, wherein the end effector extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, and wherein the end effector is capable of articulating about the articulation joint to a fully articulation position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit configured to be capable of transmitting at least one of data or power through the articulation joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit comprises: a proximal flexible circuit portion positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion positioned in the end effector; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion positioned in a cavity defined by the articulation joint assembly, wherein when the end effector is articulated to the fully articulation position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion maintains a relaxed bent state with an unchanged effective length.

[0002] A surgical instrument comprises: a shaft defining a central longitudinal axis; an end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a longitudinal channel; an articulation joint assembly extending between the shaft and the end effector, wherein the end effector extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, wherein the end effector is capable of articulating about the articulation joint to a fully articulation position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit configured to be capable of transmitting at least one of data or power through the articulation joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit comprises: a proximal flexible circuit portion positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion positioned in the end effector; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion extending in a cavity defined by the articulation joint assembly, wherein when the end effector is articulated to the fully articulation position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and unstretched without pulling the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion.

[0003] A surgical instrument comprises: a shaft defining a central longitudinal axis; an end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a longitudinal channel, the longitudinal channel being configured to receive a staple cartridge; an articulated joint assembly extending between the shaft and the end effector, wherein the end effector extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulated position, wherein the end effector is capable of articulating about the articulated joint to a fully articulated position on a first side of the non-articulated position; and a flexible circuit configured to be capable of being moved through the articulated joint. at least one of transmitting data or power, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit includes: a proximal flexible circuit portion, the proximal flexible circuit portion is positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion, the distal flexible circuit portion is positioned in the end actuator; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion, the intermediate flexible circuit portion is positioned in a cavity defined by the articulation joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated to the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and relaxed without pulling on the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Various features of the various aspects described herein are described with particularity in the appended claims. However, various aspects and advantages thereof, both as to organization and operation, may be understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings:

[0005] Figure 1 is a distal perspective view of a surgical instrument according to the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a surgical instrument showing, with dotted lines, a flexible circuit extending through an articulated joint assembly.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument showing Figure 2 of flexible circuits.

[0008] Figure 4 The first fully articulated position is illustrated. Figure 1 of surgical instruments.

[0009] Figure 5 Illustrated in a non-articulated position Figure 1 of surgical instruments.

[0010] Figure 6 The second fully articulated position is illustrated. Figure 1 of surgical instruments.

[0011] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding items throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as this application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. patent application entitled "METHOD OF OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT"; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP2 / 220491-2M;

[0013] ··U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS WITH ADAPTIVESTAPLE FIRING ALGORITHMS”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP3 / 220491-3;

[0014] U.S. Patent Application Titled “LEARNED TRIGGERS FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP4 / 220491-4;

[0015] U.S. Patent Application Titled “CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ACTUATING MOTORIZED FUNCTION OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT UTILIZING INERTIAL DRIVE TRAIN PROPERTIES”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP5 / 220491-5;

[0016] U.S. Patent Application Titled “PROPORTIONATE BALANCING OF THE FUNCTION IMPACT MAGNITUDE OF BATTERY OUTPUT TO PEAKMOTOR CURRENT”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP6 / 220491-6;

[0017] U.S. Patent Application Titled “MOTOR OPTIMIZATION BY MINIMIZATION OF PARASITIC LOSSES AND TUNING MOTOR DRIVE CONFIGURATION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP7 / 220491-7;

[0018] U.S. Patent Application Titled “APPARATUS AND METHOD TO REDUCE PARASITICLOSSES OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF A SURGICALIN STRUMENT”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP8 / 220491-8;

[0019] U.S. Patent Application Titled “WIRING HARNESS FOR SMART STAPLER WITH MULTI AXIS ISARTICULATION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP10 / 220491-10;

[0020] U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH WIRELESS ARRAY FOR POWER AND DATATRANSFER”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP11 / 220491-11; and

[0021] · · U.S. patent application titled “SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING REPLACEABLE ELECTRONICS PACKAGE”;

[0022] Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP12 / 220491-12.

[0023] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0024] U.S. Patent Application Titled “METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A STAPLE CARTRIDGE”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP13 / 220491-13M;

[0025] U.S. Patent Application Titled “CONTROL SURFACES ON A STAPLE DRIVER OF ASURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP14 / 220491-14;

[0026] U.S. Patent Application Titled “INTEGRAL CARTRIDGE STIFFENING FEATURES TOREDUCE CARTRIDGE DEFLECTION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP15 / 220491-15;

[0027] U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WALLSTRUCTURES TO REDUCE CARTRIDGE DEFLECTION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP16 / 220491-16;

[0028] U.S. Patent Application Titled “PAN-LESS STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING RETENTION FEATURES FOR HOLDING STAPLED RIVERS AND SLED”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP17 / 220491-17;

[0029] U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A SLED HAVING A DRIVER LIFTCAM”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP18 / 220491-18;

[0030] U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH SLEDSCONFIGURED TO BECOUPLED TO A FIRING DRIVER OF A COMPATIBLE SURGICAL STAPLER”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP19 / 220491-19;

[0031] U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A COMPOSITESLED”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP20 / 220491-20; U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH JAW AND FIRINGACTUATOR LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS LOCATEDPROXIMALTO A JAW PIVOT LOCATION”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP21 / 220491-21;

[0032] U.S. Patent Application Titled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LATERALLY ENGAGEABLE LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AFIRING ACTUATOR”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP22 / 220491-22;

[0033] U.S. Patent Application Titled “DUAL INDEPENDENT KEYED LOCKING MEMBERSACTING ON THE SAMEDRIVE MEMBER”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP23 / 220491-23;

[0034] U.S. Patent Application Titled “ADJUNCTS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP24 / 220491-24;

[0035] U.S. Patent Application Titled “ADJUNCTS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP25 / 220491-25;

[0036] U.S. Patent Application Titled “JAW CONTROL SURFACES ON A SURGICALINSTRUMENT JAW”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP26 / 220491-26;

[0037] U.S. Patent Application Titled “ZONED ALGORITHM ADAPTIVE CHANGES BASED ON CORRELATION OF COOPERATIVE COMPRESSION CONTRIBUTIONS OF TISSUE”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP27 / 220491-27;

[0038] U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES COMPRISING TRACERETENTION FEATURES”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP29 / 220491-29; and

[0039] ··U.S. Patent Application Titled “STAPLE CARTRIDGES COMPRISING STAPLERETENTION FEATURES”; Attorney Docket No. END9484USNP30 / 220491-30.

[0040] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture and use of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the apparatus and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-restrictive exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention is limited only by the claims. The features illustrated or described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] References throughout this specification to "various embodiments", "some embodiments", "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" etc. mean that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases "in various embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" etc. appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. In addition, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. Therefore, without limitation, specific features, structures or characteristics shown or described in conjunction with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part with features, structures or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein relative to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion positioned away from the clinician. It should also be understood that for brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not restrictive and / or absolute.

[0043] Various methods, instruments and systems for performing surgical procedures are provided. The various surgical systems disclosed herein include a working portion that can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural cavity, through an incision or puncture formed in the tissue, etc. The working portion or end effector portion can be inserted directly into the patient's body or can be inserted through an access device having a working channel. Continuing to refer to this specific embodiment, it should be understood that the various unique and novel arrangements of the various forms of surgical systems disclosed herein can be effectively used in combination with robotically controlled surgical systems and / or handheld surgical systems. Various robotic systems, instruments, assemblies and methods are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 13 / 118,241 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0044] Figure 1 6000 according to the present disclosure. The surgical instrument 6000 includes a shaft 6001 defining a central longitudinal axis 6005 extending therethrough. The shaft 6001 includes a proximal shaft portion 6001a that can be coupled to a handle in instances where the surgical instrument is handheld. In other instances, for example, the proximal shaft portion 6001a is coupled to a robotic arm for use with a surgical robot.

[0045] The shaft 6001 also includes a distal shaft portion 6001b coupled to the end effector 6002. The articulation joint assembly 6003 extends between the proximal shaft portion 6001a and the distal shaft portion 6001b. The articulation joint assembly 6003 includes an articulation drive 6006 that is movable distally to move the end effector 6002 about an articulation joint 6007 from, for example, Figure 5 The non-joint motion positions are shown as follows Figure 4 In addition, the joint motion driver 6006 can be moved proximally to move the end actuator 6002 around the joint motion joint 6007 from such as Figure 5 The non-joint motion positions are shown as follows Figure 6 The illustrated second fully articulated position is rotated. In the illustrated example, for example, the first fully articulated position is on a first side of the non-articulated position, and the second fully articulated position is on a second side of the non-articulated position opposite the first side.

[0046] In addition, the end actuator 6002 includes a first jaw 6011 and a second jaw 6012, wherein the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw 6011 to enable the end actuator 6002 to move from Figure 1 The illustrated open configuration transitions to a closed configuration, thereby grasping tissue between the first jaw 6011 and the second jaw 6012. In the illustrated example, the first jaw 6011 includes an anvil including a staple forming recess 6013, and the second jaw 6012 includes a longitudinal channel 6015 configured to receive a staple cartridge 6014 including staples that can be deformed against the staple forming recess 6013 of the anvil. According to the present disclosure, the first jaw 6011 and the second jaw 6012 can be equipped with electrodes configured to deliver therapeutic and / or non-therapeutic energy to the grasped tissue.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the drive shaft 6030 extends distally along the longitudinal center axis 6005 in a non-articulated position and is coupled to a firing beam 6031 that can be moved by the drive shaft 6030 to drive the continuously deployed staples from the staple cartridge 6014 and cut the stapled tissue. Additional details are described in U.S. patent application serial number 14 / 200,111, entitled “CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,” filed on March 7, 2014, which was issued on April 25, 2017 as U.S. Patent No. 9,629,629, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0048] The surgical instrument 6000 also includes a flexible circuit 6020 that transmits at least one of data or power from a power source or data source located proximal to the articulation joint assembly 6003 to the end effector 6002 through the articulation joint assembly 6003. According to the present disclosure, the flexible circuit 6020 can transmit power to the end effector 6002 for use, for example, in powering an electronic package 6009 that communicates with a chip in the staple cartridge 6014. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible circuit 6020 can define a communication path between the chip and the processor of the surgical instrument 6000 that is located proximal to the articulation joint assembly 6003. According to the present disclosure, as Figure 1 As illustrated, the electronic package 6009 can be secured to the side walls 6017 of the longitudinal channel 6015 .

[0049] According to the present disclosure, the flexible circuit 6020 may include a floating end. Additionally, according to the present disclosure, the flexible circuit 6020 may include a fixed end. Alternatively, according to the present disclosure, the flexible circuit 6020 may include a floating end and a fixed end. Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the flexible circuit 6020 may include a flexible substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the flexible substrate.

[0050] Translating a Flex Circuit About an Articulated Joint The different distances spanned by the flex circuit in the non-articulated and articulated positions are accommodated in some manner. One approach is to provide some form of strain relief or allow the flex circuit to change its effective length. The key challenge with strain relief is the number of times the strain relief can be activated and the number of times the strain can be fully recovered due to loss of elasticity, interference from debris, or fatigue of the copper windings in the flex circuit. Moreover, changing the effective length of the flex circuit has its own challenges. In the non-articulated position, the unaccommodated additional length may cause portions of the flex circuit to extend beyond the surgical instrument or may wrap around or interfere with other components.

[0051] According to the present disclosure, the present disclosure can provide solutions to avoid the aforementioned challenges. According to the present disclosure, if Figures 4 to 6 As illustrated, the flexible circuit 6020 may be in a non-articulated position ( Figure 5 )、First joint motion position( Figure 4 ) and the second joint motion position ( Figure 6 ) to maintain the fold. The planned folding of the flex circuit maintains the flex circuit 6020 in a relaxed bent state during the entire range of articulation of the end effector 6002 while transitioning between different degrees of curvature without requiring full straightening or strain relief. As discussed in more detail below, throughout the entire range of articulation of the end effector 6002, the flex circuit 6020 never reaches a fully expanded configuration, thereby eliminating any need for a refolding bias force.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the flexible circuit 6020 is offset from the central longitudinal axis 6005 and includes a proximal flexible circuit portion 6020a positioned in the proximal shaft portion 6001a, a distal flexible circuit portion 6020b positioned in the distal shaft portion 6001b, and an intermediate flexible circuit portion 6020c extending between the proximal flexible circuit portion 6020a and the distal flexible circuit portion 6020b through the articulation joint assembly 6003 in a predefined passage, as shown. Figures 4 to 6The intermediate flexible circuit portion 6020c includes a proximal segment 6021 folded into a cavity 6025 defined in the articulation joint assembly 6003. In the illustrated example, the cavity 6025 is located proximal to the articulation joint 6007. The intermediate flexible circuit portion 6020c also includes a distal segment 6022 extending distally from the folded proximal segment 6021. The distal segment 6022 is partially wrapped around the articulation joint 6007 and then extends distally to the distal flexible circuit portion 6020b.

[0053] The folded proximal section 6021 is inserted into the cavity 6025 and then Figure 5 The first folded configuration shown and Figure 4 In the second folded configuration, the proximal segment 6021 extends across the drive shaft 6030 and across the central longitudinal axis 6005. When the end effector 6002 is moved from the first joint motion position ( Figure 4 ) returns to the non-articulated position ( Figure 5 ), the proximal segment 6021 retracts to a less curved or less folded configuration, but remains in a folded / bent state without fully straightening, thereby ensuring that the end effector 6002 is in the non-articulated position ( Figure 5 ) and the first joint motion position ( Figure 4 ) during repeated transitions between the upper and lower flexible circuit portions, the middle flexible circuit portion 6020c remains in a relaxed state.

[0054] In addition, the proximal segment 6021 is Figure 5 The second folded configuration illustrated and Figure 6 The third folded configuration is transformed between the illustrated Figure 5 The first folded configuration shown and Figure 4 In the second folded configuration, the proximal segment 6021 extends across the drive shaft 6030 and across the central longitudinal axis 6005. When the end effector 6002 is moved from the first joint motion position ( Figure 4 ) returns to the non-articulated position ( Figure 5 ), the proximal segment 6021 retracts to a less curved or less folded configuration, but remains in a folded / bent state without fully straightening, thereby ensuring that the end effector 6002 is in the non-articulated position ( Figure 5 ) and the first joint motion position ( Figure 4 ), the intermediate flexible circuit portion 6020c remains in a relaxed state. Figure 5 ) to the second joint motion position ( Figure 6), the proximal segment 6021 retracts to a less curved or less folded configuration, but remains in a folded / bent state without fully straightening, thereby ensuring that the end effector 6002 is in the non-articulated position ( Figure 5 ) and the second joint motion position ( Figure 6 ) repeatedly, the middle flexible circuit portion 6020c remains in a relaxed state

[0055] Thus, the proximal segment 6021 maintains a bent or folded state throughout the range of articulation of the end effector 6002, while remaining bent or folded when the end effector 6002 is moved from the first articulation position ( Figure 4 ) moves to the second joint motion position ( Figure 6 ) experiences a decrease in curvature. In other words, the proximal segment 6021 includes a first articulation position ( Figure 4 ) is greater than the first curvature in the non-joint motion position ( Figure 5 ) of the proximal segment 6021 and includes a second joint motion position ( Figure 6 ) under a third curvature, the third curvature being smaller than the second curvature and the first curvature.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 6030 and 6031. As best illustrated in FIG. 6031 , the flexible circuit 6020 comprises a flat ribbon-like shape that extends longitudinally generally alongside the drive shaft 6030 and comprises a thickness and a width greater than the thickness. The proximal segment 6022 of the intermediate flexible circuit portion 6020c is formed by folding the flexible circuit 6020 about an axis extending along the width, which allows the proximal segment 6021 to be inserted into the cavity 6025. The different curvatures of the proximal segment 6021 comprise different radii of curvature extending along the thickness of the proximal segment 6021.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, the proximal segment 6021 may have a flexible radius greater than or equal to about 2 times the thickness of the flexible circuit 6020 throughout the range of articulation of the end effector 6002. Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, for example, the proximal segment 6021 may have a flexible radius selected from the range of about 2 times to about 4 times the thickness of the flexible circuit 6020 throughout the range of articulation of the end effector 6002. This arrangement ensures that articulation of the end effector 6002 results only in a change in the tortuous path of the flexible circuit 6020 without strain relief or a change in the effective length of the intermediate flexible circuit portion 6002c.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the proximal segment 6021 is in the non-articulated position ( Figure 5 ) defines a first radius of curvature (r1), at the first joint motion position ( Figure 4 ) defines a second radius of curvature (r2), and in the second joint motion position ( Figure 6) defines a third radius of curvature (r3). The radii of curvature (r1, r2, r3) are different from each other but allow the proximal segment 6021 to remain within the cavity 6025 when the proximal segment transitions therebetween.

[0059] In addition, the main reference Figures 4 to 6 , when the end effector 6002 is in the first joint motion position ( Figure 4 ), non-joint motion position ( Figure 5 ) and the second joint motion position ( Figure 6 ), the length of the proximal segment 6021 changes without completely straightening or simultaneously maintaining a bent / folded state throughout its range of articulation. The excess length of the proximal segment 6021 stuffed into the cavity 6025 allows for relaxed transitions between different positions of the end effector without the need for strain relief and without pulling on the proximal flexible circuit portion 6002a and / or the distal flexible circuit portion 6002b.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the proximal segment 6021 enters the cavity 6025 by extending toward the drive shaft 6030 and then curves away from the drive shaft 6030. The distal segment 6022 extends distally from the proximal segment 6021 and partially wraps around the articulation joint 6077 and then extends distally toward the end effector 6002. Other paths and curvatures of the intermediate flexible circuit portion 6002c are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0061] Examples of apparatus and methods according to various aspects of the present disclosure are provided below in the following numbered clauses. An aspect of the apparatus and method may include any one or more of the numbered clauses described below and any combination thereof.

[0062] Item 1—A surgical instrument (6000) comprising: a shaft (6001) defining a central longitudinal axis (6005); an end actuator (6002) comprising a first jaw (6011), a second jaw (6012) and a longitudinal channel (6015); an articulation joint assembly (6003) extending between the shaft and the end actuator, wherein the end actuator extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, and wherein the end actuator is capable of articulating about an articulation joint (6007) to a fully articulated position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit (6020) Configured to be capable of transmitting at least one of data or power through the articulated joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit includes: a proximal flexible circuit portion (6020a), which is positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion (6020b), which is positioned in the end actuator; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion (6020c), which is positioned in a cavity (6025) defined by the articulated joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion maintains a relaxed bent state with an unchanged effective length.

[0063] Item 2—A surgical instrument according to Item 1, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion includes a first curvature in the non-articulation position and a second curvature in the fully articulated position, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature.

[0064] Clause 3—The surgical instrument of clause 2, wherein said intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions to said first curvature when said end effector is articulated toward said non-articulated position.

[0065] Clause 4—A surgical instrument as described in any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein said longitudinal channel includes a side wall (6017), and wherein said distal flexible circuit portion is secured to said side wall.

[0066] Clause 5—A surgical instrument as described in any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the flexible circuit defines a thickness and a width greater than the thickness, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion is formed by folding the flexible circuit about an axis extending along the width.

[0067] Clause 6—A surgical instrument according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the flexible circuit defines a thickness and a width greater than the thickness, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines a first radius of curvature (r1) in the non-articulated position, and wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines a second radius of curvature (r2) different from the first radius of curvature in the fully articulated position.

[0068] Clause 7—The surgical instrument of Clause 6, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature extend along the thickness.

[0069] Clause 8—The surgical instrument of any of Clauses 6 to 7, wherein the first radius of curvature is less than the second radius of curvature, and wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than or equal to twice the thickness.

[0070] Clause 9—The surgical instrument of any of clauses 1 to 8, wherein said intermediate flexible circuit portion moves deeper into said cavity when said end effector articulates from said non-articulated position to said fully articulated position.

[0071] Clause 10—The surgical instrument of any of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the articulation joint assembly includes the articulation joint, and wherein the cavity is located proximal to the articulation joint.

[0072] Clause 11—The surgical instrument of any one of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising a drive shaft (6030), wherein the cavity extends laterally across the drive shaft.

[0073] Clause 12—The surgical instrument of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the curved portion moves toward the drive shaft when the end effector articulates from the non-articulated position to the fully articulated position.

[0074] Clause 13—A surgical instrument according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the fully articulated position is a first fully articulated position, and wherein the end actuator is capable of articulating about the articulated joint to a second fully articulated position on a second side of the non-articulated position opposite to the first side.

[0075] Clause 14—The surgical instrument of clause 13, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion extends through a predefined passage defined in the articulation joint assembly, and wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion is longer than the predefined passage.

[0076] Clause 15—A surgical instrument according to any one of clauses 13 to 14, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines: a first curvature in the non-articulation position; a second curvature in the first fully articulated position, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature when the end actuator articulates toward the first fully articulated position; and a third curvature in the second fully articulated position, wherein the first curvature and the second curvature are different from the third curvature.

[0077] Item 16—A surgical instrument (6000) comprising: a shaft (6001) defining a central longitudinal axis (6005); an end actuator (6002) comprising a first jaw (6011), a second jaw (6012) and a longitudinal channel (6015); an articulation joint assembly (6003) extending between the shaft and the end actuator, wherein the end actuator extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, wherein the end actuator is capable of articulating about an articulation joint (6007) to a fully articulated position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit (6020) configured to be capable of being moved by The articulated joint is used to transmit at least one of data or power, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit includes: a proximal flexible circuit portion (6020a), which is positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion (6020b), which is positioned in the end actuator; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion (6020c), which is positioned in a cavity (6025) defined by the articulated joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and unstretched without pulling the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion.

[0078] Item 17—A surgical instrument (6000) comprising: a shaft (6001) defining a central longitudinal axis (6005); an end actuator (6002) comprising a first jaw (6011), a second jaw (6012) and a longitudinal channel (6015) configured to accommodate a staple cartridge (6014); an articulated joint assembly (6003) extending between the shaft and the end actuator, wherein the end actuator extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulated position, wherein the end actuator is capable of articulating about an articulated joint (6007) to a fully articulated position on a first side of the non-articulated position; and a flexible circuit (6020) The flexible circuit is configured to be capable of transmitting at least one of data or power through the articulated joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit includes: a proximal flexible circuit portion (6020a), which is positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion (6020b), which is positioned in the end actuator; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion (6020c), which is positioned in a cavity (6025) defined by the articulated joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and relaxed without pulling the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion.

[0079] Example 18—A surgical instrument comprising: a shaft defining a central longitudinal axis; an end actuator comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a longitudinal channel; an articulation joint assembly extending between the shaft and the end actuator, wherein the end actuator extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, and wherein the end actuator is capable of articulating about the articulation joint to a fully articulated position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit configured to be capable of transmitting at least one of data or power through the articulation joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit comprises: a proximal flexible circuit portion positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion positioned in the end actuator; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion positioned in a cavity defined by the articulation joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated to the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion maintains a relaxed bent state with an unchanged effective length.

[0080] Item 19—A surgical instrument according to Item 18, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion includes a first curvature in the non-articulation position and a second curvature in the fully articulated position, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature.

[0081] Clause 20—The surgical instrument of clause 19, wherein said intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions to said first curvature when said end effector is articulated to said non-articulated position.

[0082] Clause 21—The surgical instrument of clause 18, wherein the longitudinal channel comprises a sidewall, and wherein the distal flexible circuit portion is secured to the sidewall.

[0083] Clause 22—The surgical instrument of clause 18, wherein the flexible circuit defines a thickness and a width greater than the thickness, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion is formed by folding the flexible circuit about an axis extending along the width.

[0084] Item 23—A surgical instrument as described in Item 18, wherein the flexible circuit defines a thickness and a width greater than the thickness, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines a first radius of curvature in the non-articulated position, and wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature in the fully articulated position.

[0085] Clause 24—The surgical instrument of clause 23, wherein the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature extend along the thickness.

[0086] Clause 25—The surgical instrument of Clause 24, wherein the first radius of curvature is less than the second radius of curvature, and wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than or equal to twice the thickness.

[0087] Clause 26—The surgical instrument of clause 18, wherein upon articulation of said end effector from said non-articulated position to said fully articulated position, said intermediate flexible circuit portion moves deeper into said cavity.

[0088] Clause 27—The surgical instrument of clause 18, wherein the articulation joint assembly includes the articulation joint, and wherein the cavity is located proximal to the articulation joint.

[0089] Clause 28—The surgical instrument of Clause 18, further comprising a drive shaft, wherein the cavity extends laterally across the drive shaft.

[0090] Clause 29—The surgical instrument of clause 18, wherein said intermediate flexible circuit portion moves toward a drive shaft upon articulation of said end effector from said non-articulated position to said fully articulated position.

[0091] Clause 30—A surgical instrument according to clause 18, wherein the fully articulated position is a first fully articulated position, and wherein the end effector is capable of articulating about the articulated joint to a second fully articulated position on a second side of the non-articulated position opposite to the first side.

[0092] Clause 31—The surgical instrument of clause 30, wherein said intermediate flexible circuit portion extends through a predefined passage defined in said articulation joint assembly, and wherein said intermediate flexible circuit portion is longer than said predefined passage.

[0093] Item 32—A surgical instrument according to Item 18, wherein the fully articulated position is a first fully articulated position, and wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines a first curvature in the non-articulated position; defines a second curvature in the first fully articulated position, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature when the end actuator articulates toward the first fully articulated position; and a third curvature in the second fully articulated position, wherein the first curvature and the second curvature are different from the third curvature.

[0094] Example 33—A surgical instrument comprising: a shaft defining a central longitudinal axis; an end actuator comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a longitudinal channel; an articulation joint assembly extending between the shaft and the end actuator, wherein the end actuator extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, wherein the end actuator is capable of articulating about the articulation joint to a fully articulation position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit configured to transmit data or at least one of power, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit includes: a proximal flexible circuit portion, the proximal flexible circuit portion is positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion, the distal flexible circuit portion is positioned in the end actuator; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion, the intermediate flexible circuit portion extending in a cavity defined by the articulation joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and unstretched without pulling the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion.

[0095] Item 34—A surgical instrument according to Item 33, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion includes a first curvature in the non-articulation position and a second curvature in the fully articulated position, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature.

[0096] Clause 35—The surgical instrument of clause 33, wherein the flexible circuit defines a thickness and a width greater than the thickness, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion is formed by folding the flexible circuit about an axis extending along the width.

[0097] Embodiment 36—A surgical instrument comprising: a shaft defining a central longitudinal axis; an end actuator comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a longitudinal channel, the longitudinal channel being configured to accommodate a staple cartridge; an articulated joint assembly extending between the shaft and the end actuator, wherein the end actuator extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulated position, wherein the end actuator is capable of articulating about the articulated joint to a fully articulated position on a first side of the non-articulated position; and a flexible circuit configured to be capable of being moved through the articulated joint. The invention relates to a method of transmitting at least one of data or power through an articulated joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit includes: a proximal flexible circuit portion, which is positioned in the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion, which is positioned in the end actuator; and an intermediate flexible circuit portion, which is positioned in a cavity defined by the articulated joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated to the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and relaxed without pulling on the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion.

[0098] Item 37—A surgical instrument according to Item 36, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion includes a first curvature in the non-articulation position and a second curvature in the fully articulated position, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature.

[0099] Various embodiments described herein are described in the context of staples removably stored in staple cartridges for use with surgical stapling instruments. In some cases, staples may include windings that deform when they contact the anvil of a surgical stapler. Such windings may, for example, be made of metal (such as stainless steel) and / or any other suitable material. Such embodiments and their teachings may be applied to embodiments including fasteners removably stored with fastener cartridges for use with any suitable fastening instrument.

[0100] Various embodiments described herein are described in the context of linear end effectors and / or linear fastener cartridges. Such embodiments and their teachings may be applied to nonlinear end effectors and / or nonlinear fastener cartridges, such as, for example, circular and / or wavy end effectors. For example, various end effectors including nonlinear end effectors are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 036,647, filed on Feb. 28, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870), entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 893,461, filed on Sep. 29, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613), entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE,” is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 031,873 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,980,443), filed on February 15, 2008, entitled "ENDEFFECTORS FOR ASURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT", is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent No. 8,393,514, published on March 12, 2013, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE", is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and their accompanying discussions described herein are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity, and a variety of configuration modifications can be envisioned. Therefore, as used herein, the specific examples and accompanying discussions set forth are intended to represent their more general categories. Generally, the use of any specific example is intended to represent its category, and the non-included portions of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken as limiting.

[0101] For substantially any plural and / or singular terms used herein, those skilled in the art can convert from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations are not explicitly stated herein.

[0102] The subject matter described herein sometimes describes different components contained in other different components or different components connected to other different components. It should be understood that the structure described in this way is only exemplary, and in fact a variety of other structures that obtain the same functionality can be realized. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement structure mode of components that obtain the same functionality is effectively "associated", so as to obtain the desired functionality. Therefore, any two components combined together to obtain a specific functionality herein can be regarded as "associated" with each other, so as to obtain the desired functionality, regardless of the structure or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated can also be regarded as "operably connected" or "operably connected" to each other to obtain the desired functionality, and any two components that can be so associated can be regarded as "operably connected" to each other to obtain the desired functionality.

[0103] In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to be able to", "configurable to be able to", "operable / operably", "suitable / adaptable to", "able to", "conformable / conformable to", etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context indicates otherwise, "configured to be able to" may generally cover components in an active state and / or components in an inactive state and / or components in a standby state.

[0104] For the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations described therein may generally be performed in any order. In addition, although multiple operation flows are listed in a certain order, it should be understood that the multiple operations may be performed in other orders different from the order shown, or the multiple operations may be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise dictates, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other altered orderings. In addition, unless the context otherwise dictates, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations.

[0105] Although various embodiments have been described herein, many modifications, variations, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents of these embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

[0106] The device disclosed herein can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or it can be designed to be used multiple times. However, in either case, the device can be used again after being repaired after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of disassembling the device, cleaning or replacing specific parts, and subsequent reassembly steps. Specifically, the device is detachable, and any number of specific parts or components of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use at a repair facility or by a surgical team just before a surgical operation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various techniques can be used to disassemble, clean / replace, and reassemble the device for reconditioning. The use of such techniques and the resulting repair device are within the scope of this application.

[0107] Preferably, the present invention described herein is processed prior to a surgical procedure. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and cleaned as needed. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and instrument are then placed in a radiation field such as gamma radiation, X-rays, or high-energy electrons that can penetrate the container. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility.

[0108] Any patent, publication or other public material incorporated herein in whole or in part by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements or other public materials described in the present invention. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly listed herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof that is alleged to be incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with existing definitions, statements or other public materials listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing public materials.

[0109] In summary, many of the benefits resulting from the adoption of the concepts described herein have been described. The above description of one or more embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. These specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed by the invention. The invention may be modified or varied in accordance with the above teachings. The one or more embodiments selected and described are intended to illustrate the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize multiple embodiments and make various modifications as appropriate for the specific application contemplated. The claims filed herewith are intended to define the full scope.

[0110] It is noted that any reference signs included in the appended claims are used to reference exemplary embodiments / elements described in the present disclosure. Therefore, any such reference signs are not meant to limit the scope of the subject matter recited in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument (6000), comprising: a shaft (6001) defining a central longitudinal axis (6005); An end effector (6002), the end effector comprising: A first jaw (6011); a second jaw (6012); and Longitudinal channel (6015); an articulation joint assembly (6003) extending between the shaft and the end effector, wherein the end effector extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, and wherein the end effector is capable of articulating about an articulation joint (6007) to a fully articulation position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit (6020) for transmitting at least one of data or power through the articulation joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit comprises: a proximal flexible circuit portion (6020a) positioned within the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion (6020b) positioned within the end effector; and An intermediate flexible circuit portion (6020c) is positioned in a cavity (6025) defined by the articulated joint assembly, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion maintains a relaxed bent state with an unchanged effective length when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate flexible circuit portion comprises: a first curvature in the non-articulated position; and A second curvature in the fully articulated position, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature when the end effector is articulated toward the fully articulated position.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein: When the end effector is articulated to the non-articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions to the first curvature.

4. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The longitudinal channel includes a side wall (6017), and wherein the distal flexible circuit portion is secured to the side wall.

5. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The flexible circuit defines: Thickness; and A width greater than the thickness, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion is formed by folding the flexible circuit about an axis extending along the width.

6. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The flexible circuit defines: Thickness; and A width greater than the thickness, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines a first radius of curvature (r1) in the non-articulated position, and wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion defines a second radius of curvature (r2) different from the first radius of curvature in the fully articulated position.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein: The first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature extend along the thickness.

8. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein: The first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature, and wherein the second radius of curvature is greater than or equal to twice the thickness.

9. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: As the end effector articulates from the non-articulated position to the fully articulated position, the curved portion moves deeper into the cavity.

10. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The articulation joint assembly includes the articulation joint, and wherein the cavity is located proximally of the articulation joint.

11. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a drive shaft (6030), wherein: The cavity extends laterally across the drive shaft.

12. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The intermediate flexible circuit portion moves toward the drive shaft when the end effector articulates from the non-articulated position to the fully articulated position.

13. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The fully articulated position is a first fully articulated position, and wherein the end effector is configured to articulate about the articulation joint to a second fully articulated position on a second side of the non-articulated position opposite the first side.

14. The surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein: The intermediate flexible circuit portion extends through a predefined passage defined in the articulation joint assembly, and wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion is longer than the predefined passage.

15. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein: The intermediate flexible circuit portion defines: a first curvature in the non-articulated position; a second curvature in the first fully articulated position, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion transitions from the first curvature to the second curvature when the end effector articulates toward the first fully articulated position; and A third curvature in the second fully articulated position, wherein the first curvature and the second curvature are different from the third curvature.

16. A surgical instrument (6000), comprising: a shaft (6001) defining a central longitudinal axis (6005); An end effector (6002), the end effector comprising: A first jaw (6011); a second jaw (6012); and Longitudinal channel (6015); an articulation joint assembly (6003) extending between the shaft and the end effector, wherein the end effector extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, wherein the end effector is capable of articulating about an articulation joint (6007) to a fully articulation position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit (6020) configured to transmit at least one of data or power through the articulation joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit comprises: a proximal flexible circuit portion (6020a) positioned within the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion (6020b) positioned within the end effector; and An intermediate flexible circuit portion (6020c) extending within a cavity (6025) defined by the articulated joint assembly, wherein the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and unstretched without pulling on the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position.

17. A surgical instrument (6000), comprising: a shaft (6001) defining a central longitudinal axis (6005); An end effector (6002), the end effector comprising: A first jaw (6011); a second jaw (6012); and a longitudinal channel (6015) configured to receive a staple cartridge (6014); an articulation joint assembly (6003) extending between the shaft and the end effector, wherein the end effector extends along the central longitudinal axis in a non-articulation position, wherein the end effector is capable of articulating about an articulation joint (6007) to a fully articulation position on a first side of the non-articulation position; and a flexible circuit (6020) configured to transmit at least one of data or power through the articulation joint, wherein the flexible circuit is offset from the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the flexible circuit comprises: a proximal flexible circuit portion (6020a) positioned within the shaft; a distal flexible circuit portion (6020b) positioned within the end effector; and An intermediate flexible circuit portion (6020c) is positioned in a cavity (6025) defined by the articulated joint assembly, wherein when the end actuator is articulated toward the fully articulated position, the intermediate flexible circuit portion remains folded and relaxed without pulling on the proximal flexible circuit portion or the distal flexible circuit portion.

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