Importance

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Abstract

An endoscopic instrument with suction/irrigation end effectors includes a tube, a push rod which extends through the tube, an actuator engaging the tube and the push rod, and end effectors coupled to the tube and push rod, where the end effectors include or define a bore which acts as a lumen for suction/irrigation. A fluid conduit in the tube communicates with the bore in the end effectors and is coupled to a suction or irrigation source. In one embodiment, a pair of end effectors are each coupled to a separate irrigation/suction conduit which is fed through the tube. The proximal ends of the conduits are coupled to one or separate fluid couplings at the proximal end of the instrument for connection with suction/irrigation sources. In another embodiment, a stationary end effector is provided with a fluid bore which is coupled to a fluid conduit integral with the tube. In both of these embodiments, the fluid bore(s) terminate(s) in one or more openings on a surface of the end effector(s) so that suction/irrigation is provided on a surface of the end effector(s). In a third embodiment, the annulus between the push rod and the tube acts as a fluid conduit for suction/irrigation and each end effector is provided with a longitudinal surface groove which defines a lumen therebetween so that suction/irrigation may be performed when the end effectors are in the closed position.

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First Claim