Staple cartridges comprising driver arrangements
27 claims: 19 independent, 8 dependent
- 1Zastrzeżenia patentowe 1. Zespół wkładu zszywek, zawierający:korpus (1940) wkładu, zawierający: bliższy koniec;dalszy koniec;płytę podstawową;szczelinę wzdłużną (1942) rozciągającą się od wskazanego bliższego końca w kierunku wskazanego dalszego końca, przy czym wskazana podłużna szczelina dzieli wskazaną płytę podstawową na pierwszą i drugą stronę;wiele zagłębień (1960) zszywek zdefiniowanych we wskazanej pierwszej stronie wskazanej płyty podstawowej, przy czym wskazane zagłębienia zszywek są rozmieszczone w: wewnętrzny rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanej podłużnej szczeliny;pośredni rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanego wewnętrznego rzędu zagłębień zszywek;i zewnętrzny rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanego pośredniego rzędu zagłębień zszywek, przy czym dalszy zespół czterech zagłębień zszywek składa się z najbardziej dalszego zagłębienia zszywek we wskazanym wewnętrznym rzędzie, najbardziej dalszego zagłębienia zszywek we wskazanym rzędzie pośrednim, najbardziej dalszego zagłębienia zszywek we wskazanym rzędzie zewnętrznym oraz innego zagłębienia zszywek w jednym ze wskazanych wewnętrznym rządzie, wskazanym pośrednim rzędzie i wskazanym zewnętrznym rzędzie;dalszego zespołu czterech zszywek usuwalnie przechowywanego w wskazanym dalszym zespole zagłębień zszywek;i dalszego zespołu czterech członów napędzających (1974) zszywek przystosowanego do wypychania wskazanego dalszego zespołu zszywek ze wskazanego dalszego zespołu zagłębień zszywek, przy czym wskazane cztery człony napędzające zszywek poruszają się niezależnie od siebie;i znamienny poprzez: człon napędzający (1972) trójzszywkowy przystosowany do wypychania trzech bliższych zszywek z wskazanego korpusu wkładu składającego się z wewnętrznej zszywki ze wskazanego wewnętrznego rzędu, pośredniej zszywki ze wskazanego pośredniego rzędu i zewnętrznej zszywki ze wskazanego rzędu zewnętrznego, przy czym wskazany człon napędzający (1972) trójzszywkowy jest umieszczony bliżej względem dalszego zespołu członów napędzających (1974) zszywek.
- 2Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 1, zawierający ponadto kowadełko przystosowane do deformowania wskazanego dalszego zespołu zszywek.
- 3Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 1, przy czym wskazane inne zagłębienie zszywki znajduje się w wskazanym zewnętrznym rzędzie.
- 4Zespół wkładu zszywek (1640), zawierający:korpus wkładu, zawierający: bliższy koniec;dalszy koniec;płytę podstawową;szczelinę wzdłużną (1642) rozciągającą się od wskazanego bliższego końca w kierunku wskazanego dalszego końca, przy czym wskazana szczelina podłużna dzieli wskazaną płytę podstawową na pierwszą i drugą stronę;wiele zagłębień (1660) zszywek, określonych we wskazanej pierwszej stronie wskazanej płyty podstawowej, przy czym te zagłębienia zszywek są rozmieszczone w: wewnętrzny rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanej podłużnej szczeliny;pośredni rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanego wewnętrznego rzędu zagłębień;i zewnętrzny rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanego pośredniego rzędu zagłębień zszywek, przy czym bliższy zespół zagłębień zszywek jest utworzony z najbardziej bliższego zagłębienia zszywek w co najmniej dwóch wskazanych rzędach wewnętrznych, wskazanym rzędzie pośrednim i wskazanym rządzie zewnętrznym;bliższy zbiór zszywek zdejmowalnie przechowywany w wskazanym bliższym zespole zagłębień zszywek;i bliższy zestaw członów napędzających (1670) zszywek przystosowany do wypychania wskazanego bliższego zespołu zszywek ze wskazanego bliższego zbioru zagłębień zszywek, przy czym każdy wskazany człon napędzający (1670) zszywek jest przystosowany do wypychania tylko jednej wskazanej zszywki z wskazanego zagłębienia zszywki, oraz przy czym wskazany człony napędzające (1670) zszywek poruszają się niezależnie od siebie i znamienny poprzez: człon napędzający (1674) trójzszywkowy przystosowany do wypychania trzech dalszych zszywek z wskazanego korpusu wkładu składającego się z wewnętrznej zszywki ze wskazanego wewnętrznego rzędu, pośredniej zszywki ze wskazanego pośredniego rzędu i zewnętrznej zszywki ze wskazanego zewnętrznego rzędu, przy czym wskazany człon napędzający (1674) trójzszywkowy jest umieszczony daleko w stosunku do wskazanego bliższego zespołu członów napędzających (1670) zszywek.
- 5Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 4, zawierający ponadto kowadełko przystosowane do deformowania wskazanego bliższego zespołu zszywek.
- 6Zespół wkładu zszywek (1440), zawierający:korpus wkładu, zawierający: bliższy koniec;dalszy koniec;płytę podstawową;podłużną szczelinę (1442) rozciągającą się od wskazanego bliższego końca w kierunku wskazanego dalszego końca, przy czym wskazany podłużny rowek dzieli wskazaną płytę podstawową na pierwszą i drugą stronę;wiele zagłębień (1460) zszywek zdefiniowanych we wskazanej pierwszej stronie wskazanej płyty podstawowej, przy czym wskazane zagłębienia zszywek są rozmieszczone w: wewnętrzny rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanej podłużnej szczeliny;pośredni rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanego wewnętrznego rzędu zagłębień zszywek;i zewnętrzny rząd zagłębień zszywek rozciągający się wzdłuż wskazanego pośredniego rzędu zagłębień zszywek;wiele zszywek przetrzymywanych usuwalnie we wskazanych zagłębieniach zszywek;wiele członów napędzających (1472) trójzszywkowych przystosowanych do wypychania wskazanych zszywek ze wskazanych zagłębień zszywek, przy czym każdy wskazany człon napędzający (1472) trójzszywkowy jest przystosowany do wypychania trzech zszywek z wskazanego korpusu wkładu składającego się z wewnętrznej zszywki ze wskazanego wewnętrznego rzędu, pośredniej zszywki ze wskazanego rzędu pośredniego i zszywki zewnętrznej ze wskazanego rzędu zewnętrznego;i znamienny poprzez: dalszy człon napędzający (1474) zszywek, przystosowany do wypychania pojedynczej zszywki ze wskazanych zagłębień zszywek, przy czym ten dalszy człon napędzający (1474) zszywek przemieszcza się niezależnie od wskazanych członów napędzających (1472) trójzszywkowych, a wskazany dalszy człon napędzający (1474) zszywek jest umieszczony dalej w odniesieniu do wskazanych członów napędzających (1472) trójzszywkowych.
- 7Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 6, przy czym wskazany dalszy człon napędzający zszywek jest umieszczony we wskazanym rzędzie zewnętrznym.
- 8Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 6, ponadto zawierający kowadełko przystosowane do odkształcania wskazanych zszywek.
- 9Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 2, 5 albo 8, przy czym wskazany korpus wkładu jest obrotowy względem wskazanego kowadełka.
- 10Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 3, 4 albo 6, przy czym wskazana wewnętrzna zszywka jest usytuowana dalej względem wskazanej zszywki pośredniej, i przy czym wskazana zszywka pośrednia jest usytuowana dalej względem wskazanej zewnętrznej zszywki.
- 11Zespół wkładu zszywek według zastrz. 3, 4 albo 6, przy czym wskazana wewnętrzna zszywka jest usytuowana bliżej względem wskazanej zszywki pośredniej, i przy czym wskazana zszywka pośrednia jest usytuowana bliżej względem wskazanej zszywki zewnętrznej. Ethicon LLC, Portoryko Pełnomocnik:EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 1/27 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 2/27 150 FIG. 2 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 3/27 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 4/27 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 5/27 ozs ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 6/27 FIG ΕΡ 3 015 080 Bl Ζ-16265/17 7/27 iCSi CM FIG. 8 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 8/27 FIG. 10 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 9/27 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 10/27 FIG. 12 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17 11/27 1274EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 1212/27 1270 FIG. 15 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 1313/27 1360 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 1414/27 ΕΡ 3 015 080 Bl Z-16265/17
- 1515/27 FIG. 19 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 1616/27 FIG. 20 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Ζ-16265/17
- 1717/27 FIG. 21 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 1818/27 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 1919/27 FIG. 24 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 2020/27 2240 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 2121/27 2340 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 2222/27 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 2323/27 ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 2424/27 2674 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 2525/27 2760 9ZZZ ΕΡ 3 015 080 BI Ζ-16265/17
- 2626/27 2835 FIG. 37 EP 3 015 080 BI Z-16265/17
- 2727/27 FIG. 39
Independent claims27
147 paragraphs in 6 sections, as filed
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to staple cartridge assemblies.
[0002] The suturing tool may include a pair of cooperating elongated jaw members, each jaw member being adapted to be inserted into a patient and positioned relative to the tissue to be sutured and / or incised. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members may support a staple cartridge with at least two spaced apart rows of staples contained therein and the other jaw member may support an anvil with staple forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. In general, the suturing tool may further include a pusher bar and a knife blade that are slidable relative to the jaw members to sequentially push the staples out of the staple cartridge through cam surfaces on the pusher bar and / or cam surfaces on the wedge slides that are pushed by the pusher bar. . In at least one embodiment, the cam surfaces may be adapted to activate a plurality of staple driving members carried through the cartridge and associated with the staples to press the staples against the anvil and form laterally offset rows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaws. In at least one embodiment, a knife blade can trace the cam surfaces and cut the tissue along a line between rows of staples. Examples of such stapling tools are disclosed in US Patent No. 7,794,475, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHABLE MEMBERS FOR SECURING TISSUE THEREIN AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING THE SAME.
[0003] US 2007/0131732 A1 discloses a surgical suturing apparatus including a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical connectors positioned in rows of the retention slots and aligned with the retention slots. The tissue contact surface of the staple cartridge can be tapered or stepped. The anvil members have a tissue engaging surface that includes a plurality of pockets arranged to substantially conform to the retention slots. In addition, the tissue engaging surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue engaging surface of the staple cartridge.
[0004] US 2013/0299556 A1 discloses a staple cartridge that includes outer and inner rows of retention slots that are adapted and adapted to hold staples. The staple cartridge further includes a staple pusher including a plurality of pusher plates. The staple pusher includes pusher plates that are spaced apart to engage staples in outer rows from at least three rows of retention slots.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a staple cartridge assembly as set out in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Various features of the embodiments described herein are set out in detail in the appended claims. However, the various embodiments, both in terms of organization and modus operandi, along with their benefits, can be understood as described below in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing as follows:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the staple cartridge assembly for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly for use with the surgical instrument of Fig. 1;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of staple driving members for use in a stapler assembly;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the surgical staple cartridge assembly shown with some components removed for illustrative purposes;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an actuating slide and a staple driving member;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an actuating slide and a staple driving member;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an actuating slide;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an actuating slide;
FIG. 11 shows a staple driving member and staples that are supported by a staple driver;
FIG. 12 shows formed lines of staples having differently formed heights;
FIG. 13 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 14 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the staple driver system of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 17 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 18 is a partial, top, partial cross-sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 19 is a partial, top partially sectional view of a staple base assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 20 is a partial top partial sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 21 is a partial top partial cross sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 22 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 23 is a partial top partial sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 24 is a partial top partial sectional view of a staple cartridge assembly including a driver arrangement;
FIG. 25 shows a staple cartridge assembly with portions cut away to show the staple driver and the staple arrangement;
FIG. 26 is an upper partial sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 shows a staple cartridge assembly with portions cut away to show the staple arrangement and the staple arrangement;
FIG. 28 is an upper cutaway view of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a partially sectional perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly;
FIG. 30 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly showing a stapler driving member and the staple system;
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the staple driver system of FIG. thirty;
FIG. 32 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly showing the staple driver and the staple arrangement;
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the staple driver system of FIG. 32.
FIG. 34 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly showing the staple driver and the staple arrangement;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the staple driver system of FIG. 34;
FIG. 36 is an upper partially sectioned view of a staple cartridge assembly showing the staple driver and the staple arrangement;
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the staple driver system of FIG. 36;
FIG. 38 is an upper partially sectioned view of the suture cartridge assembly showing the staple driver and the staple system; and
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the staple driver system of FIG. 38.
[0007] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the various views. The examples presented herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one embodiment, and such examples are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] The applicant for the present application has the following patent application, filed on the same date as herewith, and which is noticed:
U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 527,384, entitled CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS.
[0009] Numerous details have been described to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying Drawing. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without such detailed details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and representative. Variations and changes therein may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0010] The terms "proximal and" later are used herein to refer to a practitioner manipulating a portion of the handle of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the practitioner and "distal" refers to the portion remote from the practitioner. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," horizontal, "top, and" bottom may be used to refer to a Drawing. However, surgical instruments are used in many directions and positions and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.
[0011] Various exemplary devices and methods are used to perform laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in connection with open surgery. As discussed in this detailed description, those skilled in the art will further understand that various tools disclosed herein may be inserted into the body in any manner, e.g., through a natural hole, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The operative parts or gripper parts of the instrument can be inserted directly into the patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a service channel through which the gripper and the elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced.
[0012] The present disclosure relates to a staple driver assembly for use in a staple cartridge. The staple driver may also be used in the disposable loading unit and / or any other suitable device and may be adapted to accommodate multiple types of staples and / or fasteners. The stapler driving member assembly includes an actuating slide and at least one staple driving member. The staple cartridge includes a tissue contact and / or support surface having a plurality of staple cavities, each staple cavity adapted to releasably receive a staple. The staple cartridge may include a guide channel / knife slot extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion along its longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the staple cartridge is adapted for use in a surgical stapler having a drive mechanism.
[0013] The actuating slide may include a base, at least one cam member and a guide member. Each cam member may include a first or leading cam wedge and a second or following cam wedge. The leading and trailing cam wedges may be spatially spaced transversely and longitudinally to each other. Spacing the cam staples apart, both laterally and longitudinally, causes the stapler driver to contact at points offset in two planes such that when the staple driver is driven it is controlled and driven substantially perpendicular to the plane of the tissue of the cartridge. without wobbling in any direction that would jeopardize the driving of the staples perpendicular to the plane in contact with the tissue. Additionally, each cam wedge may include a first face of a driving member and a second face of a driving member. In one embodiment, the first faces of the driver form the first angles of the driver with respect to the base and the second faces of the driver form the second drive angles with respect to a plane that is substantially parallel to the base. The guide member is adapted to slide-engage the guide channel to align and guide the actuation slide as it is translated through the staple cartridge. While two driving faces are discussed herein, it is also within the scope of this disclosure to encompass various adaptations of the driving faces. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4 or more driving faces at different driving angles between 5 ° and 80 ° may be provided to improve staple firing.
[0014] Each staple driver includes at least one driver plate or a staple retainer and at least one cam member. In one embodiment, each staple driver includes three driver plates and two cam members. Such staple driving members may be referred to as three-staple driving members. In an alternate embodiment, each staple driver includes one driver plate and two cam members. In another embodiment, each staple driver includes two driver plates and two cam members. The first and second cam members are arranged to slideably engage one of the cam assemblies of the actuating slide. Each cam member includes first and second cam surfaces that define first and second engagement or reception angles, respectively, that are complementary to the first and second driving angles. The first and second cam members may be longitudinally and laterally spaced apart to complete the arrangement of the leading and following cam wedges of the actuating slide. Additional combinations of cam members, reception angles, and number of cam surfaces are within the scope of this disclosure, and the ranges described above include the values disclosed.
[0015] As the actuation carriage continues to slide through the staple cartridge, the actuation carriage and staple driving members sequentially engaged in the staple cartridge. As the actuation carriage moves along the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge, in various instances the first driving faces slidably engage the first cam surfaces, thereby pressing each staple driver in a generally vertical direction. As the actuation carriage continues to travel further, in various instances the second driving face will slidingly engage the second cam surface of each staple driver to continue driving each staple driver in a generally vertical direction while the first driving surfaces disengage from the first cam surfaces . Also, in various instances, each of the cam members contacts each staple driver at at least two longitudinally spaced locations to urge each staple driver vertically. This longitudinally extended pattern of driving faces in combination with a complementary, extended pattern of cam members can improve the longitudinal stability of the staple driver when it moves vertically. Additionally, the first and second driving angles, in cooperation with the additional first and second reception angles, may contribute to improving the longitudinal stability of each staple driving member. In further embodiments, different patterns and number of cam locations may be used, such as 1, 2, 3 or more cam locations.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation slide includes first and second cam members, a base and a guide member. Each cam member includes first and second cam wedges that are spaced longitudinally from each other and define a driving angle with respect to the base. The first and second wedge cams of each cam member are also laterally spaced.
[0017] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an actuation slide that includes first and second cam members, a base, and a guide member. Each cam member includes first and second cam wedges that are laterally spaced apart and define a plurality of driving member angles relative to the base.
[0018] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the actuating slides described may be included at the distal end of a cam rod or actuator member in a surgical suturing apparatus.
[0019] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the staple driver may include at least one proximal staple driver, at least one center staple driver, and at least one distal staple driver. The proximal staple driver is disposed at the proximal end of the staple cartridge and is adapted to eject the outermost, proximal staple. The distal staple driver is disposed at the distal end of the staple cartridge and is adapted to push out the outermost, most distant staples. Each staple driver may have first and second cam members. In turn, each cam member may have at least one engaging surface. Additionally, the proximal driver of the stapler has one driver plate, the center staple driver has at least three driver plates that may be defined as three-staple driving members, and the distal staple driver has at least four driver discs.
[0020] The adaptation of the staple drivers and the staple firing sequence disclosed herein may provide additional benefits, such as, for example, stabilizing the firing stroke as the articulated slide moves further through the staple cartridge, reducing trauma to the tissue engaging, reducing the strength of the articulated slide as it advances. further through the staple cartridge and / or providing a marker to better align consecutive staple cartridges.
[0021] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, each staple driver may be adapted to engage and use one, two, three, four, five or more staples. The specific adaptation of these staple drivers and the sequence for applying the staples may be selected to provide unique advantages which will be discussed in more detail below.
[0022] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the staple cartridge comprises a central longitudinal slot or knife passage for further advancement of the firing member. The firing member includes a cutting member and an articulation slide. The firing member is adapted to translate the staple cartridge longitudinally. Longitudinal translation of the firing member causes the actuating slide to engage the plurality of staple driving members as the firing member moves from the most proximal position to the most distant position. As the firing member continues to translate, the cutting member cuts the engaging tissue. The staples are aligned in rows on each side of the longitudinal slot. On one side of the longitudinal slot, the staples are aligned with the first row of staples, the second row of staples, and the third row of staples, the first row of staples being positioned adjacent the longitudinal slot. As the firing member continues to translate, the actuation carriage engages the plurality of staple pusher bars to apply the staples.
[0023] In another non-limiting embodiment, the plurality of staple driving members includes first staple driving members and second staple driving members. The first staple driving members are adapted to use at least one of the staples of the first, second and third row of staples. For example, each first staple driver may be adapted to use three staples out of the three rows of staples. Such staple driving members may be referred to as three-staple driving members. The staples that are used can be aligned lengthwise or they can be shifted longitudinally. In one such embodiment, the first staple driver may be adapted to use a centrally located staple from the second row of staples, a distal staple from the first row of staples and a proximal staple from the third row of staples. The plurality of first staple driving members may be located closer to the second staple driving members. As the firing member moves from the proximal start position to the distal position, the actuation carriage engages the plurality of first staple driving members to position the staples disposed in the first, second, and third rows of staples. The plurality of first staple driving members may be centrally located between the proximal end of the staple cartridge body and the distal end of the staple cartridge body.
The first staple driving members located on one side of the longitudinal slot may be adapted symmetrically with the first staple driving member located on the opposite side of the longitudinal slot. Symmetrical adaptation and positioning in the body of the staple cartridge of the plurality of first staple driving members provides many advantages. First, as the firing member continues to translate, the amount of force required to apply the staples may increase. The location of the plurality of first staple driving members ensures uniform application of the staples as the firing member travels through the proximal and central portions of the staple cartridge. As the firing element approaches the distal end of the staple cartridge, the amount of force required to apply the staples may increase. The increased force needed to use the farthest staples can be solved in a number of adaptations, as discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, enhancing hemostasis downstream of the staple cartridge can be enhanced by various adaptations of the staple driving members, discussed in more detail below.
[0025] In another non-limiting embodiment, for example, the second staple driving members may be adapted to use a single staple. The second staple driver may be disposed downstream with respect to the plurality of first staple pusher rods. In each second staple driver employing a single staple, the amount of force needed to position each staple driver can be greatly reduced and may prevent the surgical instrument from causing unnecessary injury to the most distally engaged tissue. In another embodiment, for example, the staple cartridge may include third staple driving members. Each third stapler driving member may be adapted to use two staples of either the same row or different rows. Once again, reducing the number of staples used by a single staple driver can reduce the amount of trauma to the tissue. In one embodiment, a third staple driver may be positioned in the third row of staples to use two longitudinally spaced staples. The combination of the second and third staple drivers at the distal body of the staple cartridge provides an asymmetric adaptation that allows for better dispersion of the firing forces. The asymmetric adaptation of the second and third staple driving members by symmetrically adapting the first staple driving members reduces the number of trauma to the tissue and may result in the desired effects of hemostasis.
[0026] In another embodiment, for example, the staple cartridge may include first staple driving members, second staple driving members and third staple driving members. Each of the first, second, and third staple drivers may be adapted to support and push out different staple connections, e.g., one, two, three, four, five or more staples. In certain example embodiments, discussed in more detail below, the first, second, and third staple driving members may be arranged to provide favorable staple application and to reduce operating stress and fatigue to the staple cartridge and tissue. For example, the first and second staple driving members may align transversely spaced extending from the most proximal part of the staple cartridge to the most distal part of the staple cartridge. The third staple driver may be located at the distal end of the staple cartridge, the proximal end of the staple cartridge, or both. The advantage of the various adaptations of the staple driving members and the number of staples each driving member is adapted to eject from the staple cartridge can provide many operational and therapeutic benefits.
[0027] An example of a surgical stapler having linear rows of staples is disclosed in US Patent No. 6,669,073, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS issued December 30, 2003. As shown in FIG. 1, the surgical stapler is generally depicted as 10. The surgical stapler 10 includes a trigger assembly 30, a body portion 12, a staple cartridge 40, and an anvil assembly 70. The trigger assembly 30 includes a 32 axial trigger. The axial movement of trigger 32 during the firing sequence of trigger 32 translates the axial movement of trigger 32 into a linear movement of the drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism is operationally coupled to the actuating slide in the staple cartridge 40 to translate the linear movement of the drive into linear movement of the actuating slide. The stapler 10 is movable so that a portion of body tissue (not shown) can be positioned between the anvil assembly 70 and the staple cartridge 40. Actuating the stapler 10 moves the anvil assembly 70 towards the staple cartridge 40, thereby catching or holding a portion of body tissue therebetween. In addition, as a portion of body tissue is caught between the anvil assembly 70 and the staple cartridge 40, further actuation of the stapler 10 discharges the staples 50 (FIG. 2) through a portion of body tissue and an anvil assembly 70 to form the completed staples 50. The presently disclosed staple driving assembly can be inserted into the staple cartridge 40 of the surgical stapler 10 disclosed in US Patent No. 6,669,073, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS, published December 30, 2003. Alternatively, the staple driver may be incorporated into other known stapling devices, including open surgical stapling devices such as open surgery staplers shown and described in US Patent No. 4,955,959 entitled LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL FASTENING APPARATUS published September 11, 1990;
U.S. Patent No. 4,978,049, entitled THREE STAPLE DRIVE MEMBER, issued December 18, 1990;
U.S. Patent No. 5,395,034, entitled LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, issued March 3, 1995;
U.S. Patent No. 5,630,541, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE, issued May 20, 1997;
U.S. Patent No. 5,662,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER INSTRUMENT, issued September 2, 1997;
U.S. Patent No. 6,131,789, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER, published October 17, 2000, and U.S. Patent No. D278,081, entitled LINEAR ANASTOMOSIS SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE, published March 19, 1985, and other surgical endoscopic or laparoscopic suturing devices such as endoscopic and laparoscopic suture devices described in the US patent No. 7,044,352, titled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, published May 16, 2006;
U.S. Patent No. 6,978,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING ™ E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, issued December 27, 2005; and U.S. Patent No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, issued December 5, 2006. While the present disclosure describes embodiments involving an actuation slide, it should be appreciated that the design features and function of the slide cam members may be incorporated directly into the cam bars or launch wedges which in turn are coupled to the firing mechanism of the surgical stapler tool.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a staple cartridge 140 including a staple driver assembly. The staple cartridge 140 includes a plurality of fasteners or staples 50 and a suitable number of staple pockets or retention slots 60. The tissue engaging surface 44 is defined by the top surface of the staple cartridge 140. The guide channel 42 extends substantially the length of the staple cartridge 140 and is adapted to slideably receive a guide member 150 of the actuation slide 110. The guide channel 42 cooperates with the guide member 150 to align and position the actuator slide 110 in the staple cartridge 140 as it translates longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end of the staple cartridge 140. As actuation carriage 110 translates farther from the proximal end to the distal end of the staple cartridge 140, the actuation carriage 110 sequentially engages the staple driver 160 to drive the staples 50 out of the staple cartridge 140. The guide passage 42 may also facilitate passage for a knife blade (not shown) through the cartridge 140, such as by attaching the knife blade to the guide member 150.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a staple cartridge 240 including a tissue engaging surface 244. A guide channel 242 extends substantially the length of the staple cartridge 240 and is adapted to slideably receive a guide member 150 of the actuation slide 110. As seen in FIG. 3, the tissue engaging surface 244 includes first, second, and third tissue engaging surfaces 230, 232, and 234 on one side of guide channel 242. In particular, the tissue contacting surfaces 230, 232 and 234 are planar structures that are substantially parallel to each other but not coplanar with each other (i.e., the tissue contact portion is stepped). The staple cartridge 240 further includes a plurality of staple cavities 260. The first tissue engaging surface 230 includes a first row of staple recesses 231. The second tissue engaging surface 232 includes a second row of staple recesses 233. The third tissue engaging surface 234 includes a third row of staple wells 235. The staple cartridge 240 also includes an additional first tissue engaging surface 230, a first row of staple wells 231, a second tissue engaging surface 232, a second row of staple wells 233, a third tissue engaging surface 234, and a third row of staple wells 235 on the opposite side of guide channel 242. . Further, while the drawing shows the flat tissue contact surfaces 230, 232, and 234, the present invention provides curved and / or angled tissue contact surfaces as well as other types of tissue contact surfaces having other shapes and structures.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows various adaptations of the staple driving members for use with staple cartridges 40, 140, and / or 240, by way of example. A staple driver 360 is adapted to support a single staple (not shown) and includes a staple retainer 361. The staple driver 362 is adapted to support two staples (not shown) and includes two staple retention means 363. The staple driver 364 is adapted to support three staples (not shown) and includes three staple support elements 365. Such staple driving members may be referred to as three-staple driving members. The staple supports 361, 363, and 365 are adapted to support the staples placed thereon and restrict relative movement between the staples and the staple support members in one or more directions. The various variations and combinations of staple driving members in the staple cartridge 40, 140, 240 will be discussed in more detail in the following embodiments. Additional combinations and adaptations of the staple driving members are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a staple cartridge 440 including a plurality of hollow staples 460. A guide channel 442 extends substantially the length of the staple cartridge 440 and is adapted to slideably receive a guide member 150 of the actuator slide 110. As seen in FIG. 5, the tissue engaging surface 444 includes first, second, and third tissue engaging surfaces 430, 432, and 434 on one side of guide channel 442. In particular, tissue contact surfaces 430, 432, and 434 are planar structures that are substantially parallel to each other but not coplanar with each other (ie, the tissue contact portion is stepped). The staple cartridge 440 further includes a plurality of staple recesses 460. The first, second, and third tissue contact surfaces are each located in a different plane. The first tissue engaging surface 430 includes a first row of staple recesses 431. The second tissue engaging surface 432 includes a second row of staple recesses 433. The third tissue engaging surface 434 includes a third row of staple wells 435. First, second, and third rows of staple cavities extend between the proximal end and the distal end of the staple cartridge 440. The staple cartridge 440 also includes an additional first tissue engaging surface 430, a first row of staple wells 431, a second tissue engaging surface 432, a second row of staple wells 433, a third tissue engaging surface 434, and a third row of staple wells 435 on the opposite side of the guide channel. 442. Although the drawing shows planar tissue contact surfaces 430, 432, and 434, the present disclosure provides curved or angled tissue contact surfaces as well as other tissue contact surfaces having other shapes and structures.
[0032] The most distal recess of the second row of staple recesses 433, in addition to the above, comprises a hollow staple recess 460 'having a hollow staple driving member, the staple retainer of the empty staple recess 460' not supporting and / or retaining the staples. The most distal third row staple recess 435 includes a hollow staple recess 460 containing a hollow staple driver, the staple retainer of the empty recess 460 not supporting and / or retaining the staples. In particular, the staple recesses 460 'and 460 are empty prior to the staple cartridge 440 is ejected, or at least partially fired, during the firing cycle. In such cases, the proximal staple wells 460 include a staple removably stored therein, while the further staple wells 460 'and 460 do not include staples separately stored therein.
[0033] Most distal staple driving members of the staple cartridge 440 may be adapted similarly to the staple driving members shown in FIG. 4 and described above. For example, the staple driver may include one staple arrester, two staple arresters, or three or more staple arresters. In situations where the most distal staple driver is comprised of three or more staple retaining members, for example, the most distal staple driver may be partially loaded such that not all staple retaining members support the staples prior to the firing cycle. It is contemplated that the hollow staple retainer may be modified or replaced, for example, to be flat and / or below the tissue contact surface 444. Alternatively, the hollow staple retainer may include a tissue engaging member that engages tissue as the staple driver is lifted upward.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 6, the staple cartridge 540 includes a tissue contact portion 544. The tissue engaging portion 544 includes first, second, and third tissue engaging surfaces 530, 532, and 534. Specifically, tissue contact surfaces 530, 532, and 534 are planar structures that are substantially parallel to each other but not coplanar with each other (ie, the tissue contact portion is stepped). A set of tissue contact surfaces 530, 532, 534 is provided on each side of the knife channel 542. The first tissue contact surfaces 530 have a knife passage 542 defined therein. The tissue contacting surfaces 530 are coplanar with each other. The second tissue contacting surfaces 532 are coplanar with each other. Third tissue engaging surfaces 534 are coplanar with each other. The first, second, and third tissue engaging surfaces 530, 532, and 534 have different heights as measured from the knife channel 542. While the Drawing shows flat tissue contact surfaces 530, 532 and 534, the present disclosure provides curved or angled tissue contact surfaces as well as other tissue contact surfaces having other shapes and structures.
[0035] A wall or other suitable structure connects the first and second contact surfaces 530 and 532 with the tissue. Similarly, a suitable structure, such as a wall, connects the second and third contact surfaces 532 and 534 with the tissue. The connecting walls or structures may be oriented perpendicular to the tissue contact surfaces 530, 532, 534. However, the present disclosure relates to walls or connecting structures facing different directions, such as angled, curved, or other adaptations.
In at least one embodiment, the first tissue engaging surface 530 has the greatest height, the third tissue engaging surface 534 has the smallest height, and the second tissue engaging surface 532 has a height between the height of the first and third tissue engaging surfaces 530, 534. . While the tissue contact surfaces 530, 532, 534 are shown in decreasing height from the first tissue contact surface 530 to the third tissue contact surface 543, it is anticipated that the height of each tissue contact surface may vary depending on the particular procedure. surgical. The other features of the tissue contact surfaces 530, 532, 534 may also vary depending on the circumstances.
[0037] Each tissue contact surface 530, 532, 534 includes a plurality of staple recesses 560 formed therein. Staple recesses 560 are located in the first, second, and third rows of staple wells 531, 533, 535, which are respectively at tissue contact surfaces 530, 532, 534. Linear rows of staple recesses 531, 533, 535 extend along the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge 540 as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, the most distal staple cavities 560 of the first and third row staple recesses 531, 535 are closer to the distal end of cartridge 540 than the most distal staple pockets 560 of the second row staple recesses 533. On the other hand, the closest staple pocket 560 of the second row of staple recesses 533 is closer to the proximal end of cartridge 540 than the closest staple pocket 560 of the first and third row of staple wells 531, 535. Linear rows of staple wells 531, 533, 535 having other suitable arrangements are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 6 further shows a staple cartridge 540 including a plurality of staple driving members. While many different adaptations of the staple driving members fall within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 discloses one such adaptation. The staple proximal driving members 570 may be adapted to support one or more staples, for example two staples, against a firing cycle. The proximal driving members 570 of the staples are located in the proximal recesses 560 of the staple cartridge 540. Further staple drivers 574 may be adapted to support one or more staples, for example four staples, prior to a firing cycle. Further staple driving members 574 are disposed in the most distal staple recesses 560 of the staple cartridge 540. The central driving members 572 of the staples may be adapted to support one or more staples, such as three staples, against a firing cycle. When the staple central driving members 572 are adapted to support three staples, they may be referred to as three-staple driving members. Central staple drivers 572 are disposed in central staple recesses 560 between proximal staple drivers 570 and distal staple drivers 574. FIG. 6 shows proximal staple drivers 570 that are adapted to support two staples, central staple drivers 572 adapted to support three staples, and further staple drivers 574 adapted to support four staples prior to a firing cycle; however, other adaptations are within the scope of this disclosure. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure to support less than the total amount of staples that the staple driving member is adapted to support by the staple driving members.
[0039] FIG. 7 shows the staple driver assembly 600. The staple driver assembly 600 includes a staple actuator slide 610 and at least one staple driver 670. The actuating carriage 610 includes a base 612, a first cam member 620, a second cam member 640, and a guide member 650. The first and second cam members 620, 640 include respective first or leading cam keys 622, 642 and respective second or trailing wedge keys 624, 644. In at least one embodiment, the staple driver assembly 600 is adapted for use with a surgical stapler, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic stapler, including at least two rows of staples. As seen in FIG. 7, the first cam member 620 extends further than the second cam member 640, which, in some adaptations with the staple driver, allows the innermost staple driver members to be pushed out ahead of or ahead of the extreme staples. The actuating carriage 610 shown in FIG. 7 are adapted to pick up the staple drivers 670 on the first side and the staple drivers mirrored to the staple drivers 670 on the second or opposite side, thus, each of the staple drivers may be adapted to support three staples thereon; however, actuator slide 610 is adapted to pick up any suitable arrangement of staple and staple driving members. When the staple drivers 670 are adapted to support the three staples, they may be referred to as three-staple drivers.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows the staple driving unit 700. The staple driving assembly 700 includes an actuating carriage 710 and a plurality of staple driving members 770. The actuating carriage 710 includes a base 712, a first cam member 720, a second cam member 740, and a guide member 750. The first and second cam members 720, 740 include respective first or leading cam wedges 722, 742 and respective second or trailing cam wedges 724, 744. In at least one embodiment, the stapler driver 700 is adapted for use with a surgical stapler, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic stapler, for example having at least two linear rows of staples. As seen in FIG. 8, the first cam member 720 further extends further than the second cam member 740, which in some staple driving member adaptations allows the innermost staple driver to be pushed out ahead and / or ahead of the extreme staples. The actuator slide 710 shown in FIG. 8 is adapted to pick up staple drivers 765 on one side, and the staple drivers are mirrored with the suturing elements 770 on the other or the opposite side, wherein each of the staple drivers may be adapted to support one staple thereon; however, the actuator guide pins 710 are adapted to pick up any suitable arrangement of staple and staple driving members.
[0041] FIG. 9 shows an actuator slide 810 including first cam members 820, second cam members 840, and a guide member 850. The actuation carriage 810 includes a first cam member 820 and a second cam member 840 on a first side of the guide member 850 and a first cam member 820 and a second cam member 840 on the other side. the other side of the guide member 850. Each first cam member 820 includes a first or leading cam wedge 822, and each second cam member 840 includes a second or trailing cam wedge 842. The first cam members 820 of actuating slide 810 are longitudinally offset to each other. The second cam members 840 are also longitudinally offset with respect to each other. The offset adaptation of the first and second cam members 820, 840 allows the staple driving members to fire in a specific adaptation for the desired hemostatic effects.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows an actuator slide 910 including first cam members 920, second cam members 940, and a guide member 950. The actuation carriage 910 includes a first cam member 920 and a second cam member 940 on a first side of the guide member 950 and a first cam member 920 and a second cam member 940 on a first side of the guide member 950. the other side of guide 950. Each first cam member 920 includes a first or leading cam wedge 922 and each second cam member 940 includes a second or following cam member 942. The first cam members 920 of the actuating slide 910 are longitudinally relative to each other. The second cam members 940 are also longitudinally aligned with each other. The aligned adaptation of the first and second cam members 920, 940 allows the staple driving members to fire in a specific adaptation for the desired hemostatic effects.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows an array of staples 1050a, 1050b, and 1050c in a staple cartridge 140 (FIG. 2). Each staple 1050a includes a back span 1052a, each staple 1050b includes a back span 1052b, and each staple 1050c includes a back span 1052c. Legs 1055a of surgical fasteners 1050a have a first length "A", legs 1055b of surgical fasteners 1050b have a second length "B, and legs 1055c of surgical fasteners 1050c have a third length" C. In one embodiment, the first length "A is greater than the second length" B. In turn, the second length "B is greater than the third length" C. US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0131732 describes an embodiment of the disclosed fastener system. However, this disclosure relates to other fasteners. The surgical fasteners 1050a-c are adapted to function in conjunction with the staple driver 160, for example, which is described above.
[0044] Longitudinal translation of the sled 110 through the staple cartridge 140 presses the staple driving members 160 in a vertical direction to eject the staples 1050a-c during the firing cycle. As shown in FIG. 11, the staple driver 160 includes staple pusher rods 1066a-c, each of which has a different vertical dimension. The staple pusher bar 1066c has the greatest vertical dimension and mates with the staple 1050c which has the shortest leg length. The staple pusher 1066a has the smallest vertical dimension and mates with the staple 1050a that has the longest leg length. The staple pusher bar 1066b has a vertical dimension larger than the staple pusher bar 1066a, but smaller than the staple pusher bar 1066c, and mates with a staple 1050b that has an average leg length, i.e. a length between that of staples 1050a and 1050c. The staples 1050c are positioned adjacent to the knife channel 42, the staples 1050a are adjacent the outer edge of the cartridge 140, and the staples 1050b are disposed therebetween. By providing the staple 1050a-c and staple pushers 1066a-c with complementary heights, various shapes of staples are formed into the stapler anvil into the desired shape. It is also envisioned that other arrangements of driving pushers and surgical fasteners could be used.
[0045] Staples with different lengths of legs may be arranged such that the staples of the greater length of the legs are positioned adjacent to the knife channel 42. Further, the staple cartridge 140 may have a single flat tissue engaging surface, and the anvil member may have more than one tissue engaging surface to define more than one gap relative to the tissue engaging surface of the staple cartridge. One or both of the staple cartridges and the anvil member may have stepped surfaces, angled or inclined surfaces, or curved surfaces that are selected to match staples with fixed leg lengths. In certain example embodiments, the staple cartridge, anvil member, or both have more than one tissue engaging surface with inclined surfaces extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the staple pushers have heights that correspond to different sizes of staples. The anvil pockets of the anvil assembly, staple driving members, and / or actuator slides are arranged to form each of the different sizes of staples into desired closed shapes.
[0046] FIG. 12 shows three rows of staples formed on both sides of cut line 1000 using first formed height A'staples, a second formed height B 'of staples, and a third formed height C' of staples. The formed height A 'corresponds to staples 1050a with a first unformed height A. The staples 1050a have the largest unformed and formed heights A and A' respectively. The formed height B 'corresponds to the staples 1050b having a second unformed height B. The staples 1050b have the second largest unformed and unformed heights B and B' respectively. The formed height C 'corresponds to staples 1050c with unformed height C. Staples 1050c have the smallest formed and unformed heights C and C' respectively. While FIG. 12 shows, after one such height adjustment of formed and unformed staples, different heights of staples are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, each staple 1050a-c may have the same formed heights and the same unformed heights, the same unformed heights but different formed heights, the same heights but different unformed heights, or any other possible combination.
[0047] Figs. 13-24 show numerous embodiments including various adaptations of the staple driving members. Each adaptation provides certain characteristics and advantages. FIG. 13 shows a staple cartridge 1140 with a stepped base plate, multiple staple recesses 1160 defined in the base plate, a proximal end P, and a distal end D. The staple cartridge 1140 further includes proximal staple driving members 1170 adapted to support two staples and further staple drivers 1174 adapted to support three staples. The further staple driving members 1174 may be referred to as three-staple driving members. The staple drivers 1170 and 1174 are both adapted to eject the staple in the outermost row, i.e. the row furthest from the knife channel 1142 and, in addition, stitching in the intermediate row, i.e., the row adjacent to the outermost row. The staple driving members 1174 are also adapted to eject the staple in the innermost row, i.e. the row adjacent to the knife passage 1142. The staple drivers 1170 and 1174 form a stitching pattern from the center outward. This pattern results in an isolated distal cavity 1160 'of the staples. The insulated staple cavity 1160 'may be empty, i.e., may not include a staple therein. Alternatively, the isolated staple recess 1160 'may include a staple therein which is pushed out by a drive member having a single stapling base plate. One feature of the embodiment of FIG. 13 is that it provides a longitudinally guiding staple supported by each further staple driver 114 that is disposed in the outer row to be formed in front of the side adjacent staple in the inner row. By cooperating with further staple drivers 1174 on both sides of the knife channel 1142, the further staple drivers 1174 can form a V-shaped adaptation. This V-shaped adaptation can push fluid within the tissue that is sutured inward towards the cut line 1000 and further to the distal end of the cartridge 1140. This adaptation provides for a central concentration of the fluid.
[0048] In cases where the distal staple cavity 1160 'of the staple cartridge is empty, the distal staple cavity 1160' on the one hand may reduce the possibility of double stitching a specific area of tissue. More specifically, it is quite common that multiple staple cartridges have been used during a surgical procedure to form lines of staples that are end-to-end, and the absence of staples at the distal end of each staple line may reduce the possibility of stapling at the distal end of the staple line. overlapped with the staple at the proximal end of an adjacent line of staples. If the staples overlap, the force required to fire the staples may increase significantly, especially at the beginning and / or end of the firing stroke. Although not shown in FIG. 13, the staple cartridge may include a hollow proximal cavity of the staples to achieve the above-described benefits.
[0049] FIG. 14 shows a staple cartridge 1240 having a stepped base plate, a proximal end P, a distal end D, and a knife slot 1242. The staple cartridge 1240 further includes single staple drivers 1270 adapted to support a single staple and a dual staple driver 1274 adapted to support two staples. The staple driving members 1270, 1274 are arranged in a variable adaptation that allows three staples to be formed simultaneously on each side of the knife slot 1242 in a stepped but balanced manner. The dual staple driver 1274 provides stability for staple ejection since each dual staple driver 1274 has two staple pusher plates that are transversely aligned. This adaptation reduces the amount of firing force needed to fire the staple driving members. Moreover, when the staples are fired in a variable shape, a smaller area of tissue has the effect of firing each staple driving member.
[0050] FIG. 15 shows staple driving members 1270, 1274 as shown in FIG. 14. As seen in FIG. 15, each single staple driver 1270 includes one support member 1261 and supports a single staple in the middle or intermediate row of staples. Each dual staple driver 1274 is comprised of two staple support members 1263 and supports the staples in the inner row of staples and the staples in the outer row of staples. The staple support members 1263 of each staple driver 1274 are connected by a bridge extending along the row of intermediate drivers 1270. As a result, the staple support members 1263 of the dual staple drivers 1274 stepped the staple forming members 1261 of the staple drivers 1270. In various instances, hereinafter, one of the elements 1263 supporting the dual staple driving members 1270 may not include a staple thereon to achieve strategic hemostatic effects under specific conditions.
[0051] FIG. 16 shows a staple cartridge 1340 having a stepped base plate, a proximal end P, and a distal end D. The staple cartridge 1340 further includes proximal staple driving members 1370 adapted to support two staples, staple center drivers 1372 adapted to support three staples and distal drivers 1374 a staple containing three staple support elements. Unlike each central staple driver 1372 that is intended to support three staples on the three staple support members, each further staple driver 1374 is intended to support only one staple in use. This adaptation of the staple drivers allows the staple line to be unified and secured, without the need for further adaptation of the staple driving members which is different from the previous adaptation of the drivers. Moreover, this adaptation of the staple driver is similar to that shown in FIG. 13 and provides the same benefits as V-molding as discussed above. The staple driving members 1372 and 1374 may be referred to as three-staple driving members.
[0052] As discussed above, the further staple driving members 1374 are only partially loaded. In some cases, further staple drivers 1374 may remain below the staple cartridge base plate 1340 when actuated. In other instances, the further driving members 1374 may be pushed partially over the base plate of the staple cartridge 1340 or are biased during actuation. In at least one such example, the further driving members 1374 may be adapted to engage, catch, and / or hold tissue disposed above the staple cartridge 1340.
[0053] FIG. 17 shows a staple cartridge 1440 with a stepped base plate adapted as discussed in the previous embodiments. The staple cartridge 1440 includes a proximal P end and a distal end D. The staple cartridge 1440 includes proximal staple driving members 1470 that support two staples, central staple driving members 1472 that support three staples, and further staple drivers 1474 that support one staple. The central driving members 1472 of the staples may be defined as three-staple driving members. The adaptation of the further 1474 staple drivers provides for completing a uniform and safe staple line. A single staple driver at the distal end of the firing stroke reduces the amount of force needed to fire the farthest staple where the forces applied to the tissue may be greatest. In addition, in the event that the actuation carriage does not complete the firing cycle, it is advantageous to limit the number of staples partially fired by reducing the number of potentially incomplete staples by reducing the capacity of the further staple drivers 1474. Moreover, the adaptation of the staple driving members is similar to the adaptation disclosed in FIG. 13 and includes the same advantages of a V-forming line as discussed above.
[0054] FIG. 18 shows a staple cartridge 1540 including a proximal P end and a distal end D. Staple cartridge 1540 includes a row of single staple drivers 1570 and a row of dual staple drivers 1574. Driving members 1570 pick up the innermost row of staples and driver 1574 pick up the middle and outermost rows of staples. The driving members 1570 move independently of the staple drivers 1574. The adaptation of the lifting sled to the driving members 1570 and 1574 may determine how they are raised relative to each other. For example, a sled may be arranged to lead the drive 1570 up, i.e., the sled can lift driver 1570 and drive 1574 simultaneously, but the lift drive 1574 is positioned closer to the lift drive 1570. In other circumstances, the sled may be adapted to lift the drivers 1570 in a retarded manner, i.e., the sled can lift driver 1570 and driver 1574 simultaneously, but the liftable driver 1574 is positioned further with respect to the liftable driver 1570. that is being used, fluid in the tissue that is sutured can be pushed in the desired direction.
[0055] FIG. 19 shows a staple cartridge 1640 including a proximal end P, a distal end D, and staple cavities 1660. The staple cartridge 1640 further includes single staple driving members 1670 that support one staple and triple staple driving members 1674 that support three staples. The single staple drivers 1670 are located closer to and move independently with respect to the triple staple drivers 1674. The triple staple driving members 1674 can be defined as the triple staple driving members. As discussed above, the proximal staples of a staple line may overlap with the distal staples of another staple line when more than one staple cartridge can be used to make a series of stapled cuts. Such a coating may increase the force required to fire the staples, and in some cases may cause overlapping staples to be insufficiently formed. Insufficient staple formation can occur when the staple driver lifting the mapped staples cannot be lifted completely by the carriage and / or is jammed. In such circumstances, other staples supported by an insufficiently raised or jammed staple driver may not be completely formed. However, if the most proximal staple drivers support only one staple on it, insufficient staple formation may be limited to only one staple, and the benefits that can be obtained from using staple drivers that fire more than one staple may be obtained by using such multi-staple staples. the staple drivers further, with respect to the individual staple drivers. In some cases, the closest staple of each row of staples may be raised independently of the rest of the staples in that row and independent of the staples in the other rows. In addition, a concentrated force may be applied to a single staple driver 1670, which as a result is more likely to overcome the limitations it experiences. In addition, the individual staple drivers 1670 can be laterally positioned with respect to the other drivers, which reduces the risk of the staple cartridge 1640 completely obstructing. These benefits can also be obtained by using individual staple drivers on the distal edge of the seaming pattern.
[0056] FIG. 20 shows a staple cartridge 1740 that is similar to the staple cartridge 1640 shown in FIG. 19; however, the proximal staple driving members 1770 of the staple cartridge 1740 support two staples, not individual staples. Two staples supported by each staple driver 1770 are included in the innermost and intermediate rows of staples. As shown in FIG. 20 the closest staple in the intermediate row of staples is the closest staple in the staple pattern used by the 1740 staple cartridge, and therefore may be the staple most likely to be double stapled. In the event that the closest staple in the intermediate row is under-formed due to double stitching, the staple driver 1770 may also under-form the staple in the innermost row. This under-formation of the proximal staple in the innermost row can be compensated for by an overlapping staple in the innermost row that is formed by another staple driver, such as, for example, distal staple driver 1774. The further staple drivers 1774 form an arrow pattern with each further staple driver 1774 adapted to deform the innermost staple that guides the intermediate staple that guides the outermost staple.
[0057] FIG. 21 shows a staple cartridge 1840 that is similar to the staple cartridge 1740 shown in FIG. 20; however, two staples supported by each staple driver 1870 are provided in the outermost and intermediate staple rows. As shown in FIG. 21 the closest staple in the intermediate row of staples is the farthest staple in the staple scheme used by the 1840 staple cartridge, and is therefore the staple that is most likely to be double stapled. In the event that the closest staple in the intermediate row is deformed due to double stitching, the staple driver 1870 may also deform the closest staple in the outermost row. Such deformation of the proximal staple in the outermost row may be compensated by an overlapping proximal staple in the innermost row that is formed by another staple driver, such as, for example, distal staple driver 184. The distal staple drivers 1874 form a V-shaped pattern with each distal staple driver 1874 adapted to deform the outermost staple that guides the intermediate staple that leads to the innermost staple.
[0058] FIG. 22 shows a 1940 staple cartridge comprising a proximal end P, a distal end D, and multiple 1960s staple depressions. The staple cartridge 1940 uses an adaptation of a staple driver including drivers 1970 and 1972 that is similar to the adaptation used by the staple cartridge 1840 of Fig. 21; however, the staple cartridge 1940 further includes the benefit of individual further staple drivers 1974. Each individual further staple driver 1974 supports the staples prior to the firing cycle. The further 1974 staple drivers include an assembly of four staple drives that support four staples. The assembly includes the most distal staple cavities in the innermost row, the intermediate row, and the innermost row of staples. The assembly also includes a second staple cavity in one of the three rows of staples. Certain advantages may be achieved by using one further stapler driver 1974. For example, in the case where the actuation carriage is not allowed to complete the firing cycle due to some obstruction, it is more preferable to leave one further stapler driver 1974 not fired rather than having a staple driver adapted to fire more staples while remaining unfired.
[0059] FIG. 23 shows a staple cartridge 2040 comprising a plurality of individual staple drivers. The plurality of single staple drivers include first staple driving members 2070, second staple driving members 2072 and third staple driving members 204. The third staple drivers 2074 are disposed in the row closest to the knife slot 2042, with the second staple drivers 2072 being disposed in the row adjacent the third row of the staple drivers 2074 and the first staple driver 2070. The third staple driving members 2074 are raised within the staple cartridge 2040 by the first cam member of the actuation slide. The third staple driver 2074 includes cam surfaces that are aligned with each other so that the first cam member can engage the cam surfaces as the first cam member moves along the fire path. The first staple driving members 2070 and the second staple driving members 2072 are lifted within the staple cartridge 2040 by the second cam member of the actuation slide. The first staple driving members 2070 and the second staple driving members 2072 include cam surfaces that are aligned with each other such that the second cam member can engage the cam surfaces as the second cam member moves along the firing path. Alternatives are contemplated when the actuating carriage includes a first cam member that engages the first cam surface on the first staple drive members, a second cam member that engages second cam surfaces on the second staple driver, and a third cam member that engages the third cam surfaces on the third. staple driving members.
[0060] FIG. 24 shows a staple cartridge 2140 including a proximal end P and a distal end D. The staple cartridge 2140 further includes dual staple drivers 2170 that support two staples and triple staple drivers 2174 that support three staples. The staple driving members 2174 may be defined as three-staple driving members. A knife channel 2142 separates the first side 2110 and the second side 2120 of the staple cartridge 2140. The first side 2110 of the staple cartridge 2140 includes staple driving members adapted to eject the outermost first row of staples first or in a guided manner. The other side 2120 of the staple cartridge 2140 includes staple driving members adapted to push the innermost row of staples first or in a guided manner. In contrast to the V-shape patterns and arrow shapes described above, the combination of the first side 2110 and second side 2120 of the staple driver causes "wave patterns" to be applied during the firing cycle. Specifically, the placement of the staples on the first side 2110 pushes the tissue fluid towards the knife channel 2142, while the use of the staples on the second side 2120 pushes the tissue fluid away from the knife channel 2142.
[0061] Figs. 25 and 26 show a staple cartridge 2240 including a proximal end P and a distal end D. The staple cartridge 2240 is adapted to eject the staples in the arrow pattern discussed above. The staple cartridge 2240 includes proximal staple drivers 2270 that support two staples, central staple driving members 2272 that support three staples, and retractable staple driving members 2274 that support one staple. The central driving members 2272 of the staples may be defined as three-staple driving members. Since the returnable staple drivers 2274 include a single staple driver in the pattern of multi-staple driving members, the effect of these drives when partially firing them is limited. While such retractable driving members are useful at the proximal and distal ends of the staple cartridge, in accordance with the instructions provided herein, the pattern of the staple driver may include the retractable staple driver at any desired location, particularly where the stapler driver may not be approved. until fully lifted in the staple cartridge. In various instances, the staple associated with the retractable staple driver may be laterally aligned with another staple in the staple pattern.
[0062] Figs. 27 and 28 show a staple cartridge 2340 including a proximal end P and a distal end D. The staple cartridge 2340 is adapted to eject the staples in the arrow pattern discussed above. The staple cartridge 2340 includes proximal staple driving members 2370 that include three staple support members, central staple driver 2372 that support three staples, and further staple driving members 2374 that support one staple. Driving members 2370 and 2372 may be referred to as three-staple driving members. Proximal driver 2370 of the stapler includes a hollow staple retainer. As the proximal staple driver 2370 is lifted up by the actuation slide, a hollow staple support member extends over the staple cartridge base plate. This allows the hollow staple retainer to engage the tissue and provide additional holding or clamping force to hold the tissue in position between the staple cartridge 2340 and the anvil (not shown). In addition to the above, the empty staple driver may reduce the likelihood of double stitching another line of staples, as discussed above.
[0063] FIG. 29 shows a staple cartridge 2440 including a proximal end P and a distal end D. The staple cartridge 2440 further includes central staple drivers 2472 that support three staples and further staple drivers 2474 including three staple support members. The staple driving members 2472 and 2474 may be referred to as three-staple driving members. The further staple driving members 2474, however, are adapted to be releasably only one staple. Although the hollow staple support members described in the previous embodiments are adapted to extend over the surface of the base plate to engage the tissue, this is not the case in the present embodiment. Indeed, the hollow staple retention members may remain below the staple cartridge base plate or even have no separate staple recesses. While it may be counterintuitive to have staple support members that are not adapted to support the staples, the staple driver provides for symmetric adaptation of the staple driver and interaction with an actuating slide (not shown) to symmetrically engage each staple driver. This reduces the likelihood of actuation of the slide to actuate the asymmetric staple driver and causes the staple cartridge to jam or not fully pop out. The symmetrical adaptation of the staple driving members also allows for an even distribution of the firing forces to be applied to the staple driving members by means of the actuating slide. Moreover, in the event that the further staple drivers 2474 are not allowed to fire, the effect of not firing the further staple driver 2474 is greatly reduced as it would only result in not firing a single staple and not more staples fired by such driver.
[0064] Figs. 30-39 show staple cartridges and driver members including the staple-forming arrow pattern discussed above; however, they are not limited to such a staple-forming pattern. Other patterns may be used, such as the wedge and / or wave patterns discussed above.
[0065] Figures 30 and 31 show a staple cartridge 2540 including a proximal end P, a distal end D, a knife passage 2542, and a plurality of staple recesses 2560. The staple cartridge 2540 further includes a plurality of staple driving members, including driving members 2570, 2572, 2574, and 2576. Proximity driving members 2570 support two staples. Central driving members of 2,572 staples support three staples. The further outer staple driving members 254 also support the three staples, although in a different adaptation than the staple driving members 2572. The staple driving members 2572 and 2574 may be defined as three-staple driving members. Central staple drivers 2572 support staples in the inner row 2531 of staple cavities, staples in the intermediate row 2533 of staple cavities, and staples in the outer row of 2535 staple cavities. On the other hand, the outer distal staple driving member supports two staples in the same row and a third staple in a different row. The outer distal staple driver 2574 thus has an asymmetric adaptation compared to the symmetric center drivers 2572 of the staples. Inner distal driving members 2576 of staples support one staple.
[0066] In various instances, the inner further staple driving members 2578 may be adapted to use a staple that includes a tag staple. The tag staple may be unique in nature, whereby proper deformation of the tag staple may indicate, for example, that the staple cartridge has been fully and / or properly fired. In addition, the marker staple may have a color or feature that creates a visual marker for the surgeon to align the subsequent staple cartridge. By having an inner distal staple drive member 2576 including a single staple, for example, the distal staple is more likely to be pushed out and completely formed as a single staple driver requires less force to eject than a staple driver comprising a plurality of staples. As discussed above, the outer distal staple driver 2574 ejects two staples from the outer row. By forming two staples in the outer row simultaneously, a better hemostatic outer border can be achieved. Such an arrangement, when used in conjunction with a compression barrier, can, for example, reduce tissue bleeding at the distal end of the cutting stroke.
[0067] Figures 32 and 33 show a staple cartridge 2640 that includes a proximal end P, a distal end D, a knife channel 2642, and a plurality of staple recesses 2660. The staple cartridge 2640 further includes a plurality of staple driving members, including driving members 2670, 2672, 2674, and 2676. Proximal staple driving members 2670 support two staples. Central driving members of 2,672 staples support three staples. The central driving members 2672 of the staples may be defined as the three-staple driving members. The outer distal staple driving members 2674 support two staples in the same row of staples, for example, the outer row 2635 of staples. Inner further staple driving members 2676 support two staples, a staple in an inner row of 2631 staples, and a staple in a center row 2633 of staples. Outer distal staple driving members 2674 and inner distal staple driving members 2676 may cooperate to use a distal set of four staples. In some instances, outer staple drivers 2674 may be applied to the inner staple drivers 2676. In other instances, the outer staple drivers 2674 may be applied retarded to the inner staple drivers 2676. Although, in some instances, the inner staple driving members 2676 and the outer staple driving members 264 may be disposed simultaneously.
[0068] Figures 34 and 35 show a staple cartridge 2740 including a proximal end P, a distal end D, a knife passage 2742, and a plurality of staple recesses 2760. The staple cartridge 2740 further includes a plurality of staple driving members, including driving members 2770, 2772, 2774, and 2776. Proximity driving members 2770 support two staples. The central driving members of 2,772 staples support three staples. The central driving members 2772 of the staples may be defined as three-staple driving members. The first further staple driving members 2774 support two staples, i.e., one staple in the inner row of 2731 staples and another staple in the outer row of 2735 staples. Thus, the first further staple driving members 2774 support the staples that are laterally displaced. In addition, the staples supported by the first further staple driver 2774 are longitudinally advanced. The second further staple driver 2776 supports two staples, i.e. the staple in the outer row of 2735 staples and the staple in the intermediate row of 2733 staples. The staples supported by the driving members 2776 are also longitudinally offset. The staples supported by the first further driver 2774 and the second further driver 2776 include a further set of four staples. The first further staple driver 2774 is adapted such that as the actuation carriage advances, the staple in the inner row 2731 of the distal staple assembly is pushed out of the staple cartridge 2740 before the staples supported by the second distal driver 2776 are ejected from the staple cartridge 2740. Thus, the first further staple driver 2774 can complete the formation of the inner row 2731 of staples before the formation of the intermediate row 2733 and outer row 2735 is complete. Such an arrangement can improve the hemostasis of the incision.
[0069] Figures 36 and 37 show a staple cartridge 2840 including a proximal end P, a distal end D, a knife channel 2842, and a plurality of staple recesses 2860. The staple cartridge 2840 further includes a plurality of staple driving members, including driving members 2870, 2872, 2874, and 2876. Proximity driving members 2870 support two staples. Central driving members of 2,872 staples support three staples. The central driving members 2872 of the staples may be defined as three-staple driving members. The first further staple driving members 2874 support two staples, i.e., one staple in the inner staple row 2831 and one staple in the outer staple row 2835. In this way, the first further staple driving members 2874 support the staples that are laterally displaced. In addition, the staples supported by the first further staple driver 2774 are moved longitudinally. The second further staple driver 2876 supports two staples, i.e. the staple in the outer staple row 2835 and the staple in the intermediate staple row 2833. The staples supported by the driving members 2876 are also longitudinally offset. The staples supported by the first further driver 2874 and the second further driver 2876 include a further set of four staples. The first further staple driver 2874 is adapted such that as the actuation carriage advances, the staple 2840 located in the inner row 2831 of the distal assembly is pushed out of the staple cartridge 2840 before the staples supported by the second distal driver 2876 are ejected from the staple cartridge 2840. Thus, the first further staple driver 2874 can complete the formation of the inner row 2831 of staples before the formation of the intermediate row 2833 and outer row 2835 is complete. Such an arrangement can improve the hemostasis of the incision.
[0070] Referring again to FIG. 36 and 37, first and second further staple drivers 2874, 2876 are adapted in the application / backing adaptation. This feature can provide additional stability to the further staple drivers 2874, 2876 compared to the wrapped conformation of the further staple drivers 2776, 2776 disclosed in FIG. 34 and 35. In either case, both adaptations allow the two staple drivers to fire independently compared to the distal staple driver that drives the four staples. Two independent first and second distant staple drivers reduce the amount of force required to fire each further staple driver, and in the event that one of the distal staple drivers is not fully ejected, it reduces the number of staple deformations and results in a more secure line of staples.
[0071] Figures 38 and 39 show a staple cartridge 2940 including a proximal end P, a distal end D, a knife passage 2942, and a plurality of staple recesses 2960. The staple cartridge 2940 further includes a plurality of staple drivers, including drivers 2970, 2972, 2974, and 2976. Proximity driving members 2970 support two staples. Central driving members of 2,972 staples support three staples. L-shaped distal driving members 2,974 staples also support three staples, i.e. two staples in the outer staple row 2935 and one staple in the inner staple row 2931. The staple supported in the inner staple row 2931 by an L-shaped distal staple driver 294 is longitudinally aligned with one of the staples supported by a staple driver 2974 in the outer staple row 2935 and longitudinally offset from one of the staples supported by a driver 2974 in the outer row of staples 2935. The staple driving members 2972 and 2974 may be defined as three-staple driving members. The driver 2976 supports one staple.
[0072] The unique L-shaped adaptation of the driving members 2974 provides various benefits to improve hemostasis. For example, distal staple driver 2974 may be lifted in front of driver 2976 and, consequently, staples fired by distal staple driver 2974 may provide a longitudinal and / or lateral barrier in tissue that is formed prior to final shaping of the staple fired by the driver. 2976. This particular adaptation of the staple driving members can be used at the distal end of the staple line and / or at any point in the staple line. In various instances, a tether or buttress could be connected between a staple in the inner row of staples 2931 releasably supported by an L-shaped distal staple driver 294 and a staple in the outer row of staples 2935. This arrangement could create a further hemostasis barrier. Other adaptations of the shackles and / or buttresses are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0073] Entire disclosures regarding:
U.S. Patent No. 5,403,312 entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, issued April 4, 1995;
US Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, issued February 21, 2006;
US Patent No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, issued September 9, 2008;
US Patent No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, issued December 16, 2008;
US Patent No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, issued March 2, 2010;
US Patent No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, issued July 13, 2010;
U.S. Patent No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, issued March 12, 2013;
US Patent No. 7,845,537, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES;
US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/196348, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed February 14, 2008;
US Patent No. 7,980,443, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed February 15, 2008;
U.S. Patent No. 8,210,411, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT;
US Patent No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM;
US Patent No. 8,220,688, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed on December 24, 2009;
U.S. Patent No. 8,733,613, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed September 29, 2012;
U.S. Patent No. 8,561,870, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed February 28, 2011;
US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS;
US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0334278, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed June 15, 2012;
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013;
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed March 13, 2013;
US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955 entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed January 31, 2006; and
US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed April 22, 2010, now US Patent No. 8,308,040, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0074] While various embodiments of a tool have been described herein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, many modifications and variations may be made to these embodiments. Also, if materials are disclosed for some of the components, other materials may be used. Moreover, in accordance with various embodiments, a single component may be replaced with multiple components and multiple components may be replaced with a single component to perform a specific function or functions. The foregoing description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.
[0075] The devices disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use or may be designed to be used multiple times. In both cases, the tool can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can involve any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning or replacing individual parts, and then reassembling. In particular, the tool may be disassembled and any number of the individual components or parts of the device may be indicated or disassembled in any combination. Following the cleaning and / or replacement of individual parts, the device may be assembled for later use either at a reconditioning facility or by a surgical team immediately prior to surgery. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that tool reconditioning may employ a variety of disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly techniques. The use of such techniques and the resulting reconditioning tool are within the scope of this application.
[0076] Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed prior to surgery. First, a new or used tool is obtained and cleaned as necessary. The tool can 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 the tool are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, X rays, or high energy electrons. The radiation kills the bacteria on the tool and in the container. The sterilized instrument can be stored in a sterile container. An airtight container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility.
[0077] While the invention has been described as having exemplary formulas, the present invention can be further modified within the scope of the claims.
Ethicon LLC, Puerto Rico
Proxy:
EP 3 015 080 B1
Z-16265/17
Contents6
58 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25 Sheet 26 Sheet 27 Sheet 28 Sheet 29 Sheet 30 Sheet 31 Sheet 32 Sheet 33 Sheet 34 Sheet 35 Sheet 36 Sheet 37 Sheet 38 Sheet 39 Sheet 40 Sheet 41 Sheet 42 Sheet 43 Sheet 44 Sheet 45 Sheet 46 Sheet 47 Sheet 48 Sheet 49 Sheet 50 Sheet 51 Sheet 52 Sheet 53 Sheet 54 Sheet 55 Sheet 56 Sheet 57 Sheet 58
15 members in 4 offices
Priority claims5
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201414527398 | United States of America | A | |
| 201414527398 | United States of America | A | |
| 15191862 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A | |
| EP20150191862 | – | – | – |
| US201414527398 | – | – | – |
Members15
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP3015080A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| US2016120545A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2016069238A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| EP3015080A3 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A3 | |
| EP3015080B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| EP3015080B8 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B8 | |
| EP3263046A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| PL3015080T3This record | Poland | T3 | |
| US2020100787A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP3263046B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| US11141153B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US11241229B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2022354493A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US11864760B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2024065691A1 | United States of America | A1 |
Numbers
- Publication, DOCDB
- 3015080
- Publication, EPODOC
- PL3015080T
- Application
- 191862
- Application, DOCDB
- 15191862
- Application, EPODOC
- PL20150191862T
Titles2
- English
- STAPLE CARTRIDGES COMPRISING DRIVER ARRANGEMENTS
- Polish
- WKŁADY ZSZYWEK ZAWIERAJĄCE UKŁADY CZŁONÓW NAPĘDZAJĄCYCH
Classification
- CPC, 5
- A61B17/07207
- A61B2017/07228
- A61B2017/07278
- A61B2017/07235
- A61B2017/07271
- IPC, 1
- A61B17 072
