Loading unit retention clip for surgical stapling instrument

• US 10,039,549 B2
• Filed: 10/19/2015
• Issued: 08/07/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Williams, Justin, Scirica, Paul A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Long, Robert
• Application Number:
  US14/886,232
• Publication Number:
  US 20160192934A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,023 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751-1821, 606139, 606153-154, 606219
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/068 Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clampsstaplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105; for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; staplers in general B25C5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0053 Loading magazines or sutures into applying tools

Abstract

A loading unit and retention clip assembly include a shell and a resilient retention clip. The shell has a proximal end portion and includes an annular surface that defines engagement openings. The retention clip is disposed about the annular surface of the proximal end portion. The retention clip has ends and a body between the ends. The retention clip has a lug positioned adjacent to each end of the body that extends inward from the body. Each lug is configured to extend through the engagement openings of the proximal end portion of the shell to releasably couple the shell to a surgical instrument.

Claims

1. A method of securing a loading unit to a surgical instrument, the method comprising:

inserting a distal end of the surgical instrument into a proximal end portion of the loading unit, the distal end of the surgical instrument flexing lugs of a retention clip passing through engagement openings defined in an annular surface of the loading unit outward as the distal end of the surgical instrument is received within the proximal end portion of the loading unit, the lugs received in windows defined in the distal end of the surgical instrument when the distal end of the surgical instrument is fully received within the proximal end portion of the loading unit to secure the loading unit to the surgical instrument.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising attaching the retention clip to the proximal end portion of the loading unit.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein attaching the retention clip to the proximal end portion of the loading unit precedes inserting a distal end of the surgical instrument into the proximal end portion of the loading unit.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein attaching the retention clip to the proximal end portion of the loading unit includes:

inserting a key of the retention clip through a key slot defined in the annular surface of the loading unit; and

positioning a body of the retention clip within an annular groove defined in the proximal end portion of the loading unit until each lug passes through a respective engagement opening through the annular surface.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein inserting the key of the retention clip through the key slot includes press-fitting the key into the key slot.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein inserting the key of the retention clip through the key slot includes positioning a key end of the key radially inward from the annular surface, the key end retaining the retention clip to the proximal end portion of the loading unit.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising aligning the distal end of the surgical instrument with the proximal end portion of the loading unit such that a key of the retention clip is aligned with a key way that extends through the distal end of the surgical instrument.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein inserting the distal end of the surgical instrument into a proximal end portion of the loading unit includes sliding the key of the retention clip into the key way of the distal end of the surgical instrument.