An apparatus (210) includes an end effector (212) and a shaft (222) having a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw (218) and second jaw (216). The first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The distal end of the shaft has an articulation joint (211) that pivots the end effector from a first position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation joint includes at least one articulation band (242,244) that bends outwardly within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position. The articulation band then bends inwardly when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The shaft includes an outer closure tube (232) having a neck-down region (235) that promotes a greater range of pivotal movement within a surgical passageway.
