Surgical apparatus with conductor strain relief

• US 10,085,749 B2
• Filed: 02/15/2016
• Issued: 10/02/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Cappola, Kenneth, Aranyi, Ernie
• Primary Examiner(s): Lopez, Michelle
• Application Number:
  US15/043,727
• Publication Number:
  US 20160249921A1
• Time in Patent Office: 960 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751, 2271761
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/038 during shipment
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0808 for indicating correct assembly of components, e.g. of the surgical apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders

Abstract

A surgical apparatus including an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.

Claims

1. A surgical apparatus comprising:

a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end and including a connection assembly supported on the proximal end;

a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the body portion and being articulable relative to the body portion, the tool assembly including an identification assembly; and

an electrical conductor extending from the connection assembly to the identification assembly, the electrical conductor including a strain relief portion configured to adjust in length to accommodate articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.

2. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strain relief portion includes a plurality of coils.

3. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein a height of the plurality of coils decreases from a proximal portion of the plurality of coils to a distal portion of the plurality of coils.

4. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein a height of the plurality of coils is uniform from a proximal portion of the plurality of coils to a distal portion.

5. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of coils are equally spaced relative to each other.

6. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body portion defines a channel for receiving the electrical conductor.

7. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a central portion for receiving the strain relief portion of the electrical conductor.

8. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surgical apparatus includes a powered handle assembly, the electrical conductor electrically coupling the identification assembly to the handle assembly.

9. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tool assembly includes a stapling assembly.

10. The surgical apparatus of claim 9, wherein the stapling assembly includes a removable cartridge assembly.

11. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor includes a flexible cable.

12. The surgical apparatus of claim 11, wherein the flexible cable includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being axially affixed to the body portion.

13. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor is axially affixed to the body portion using adhesive.

14. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strain relief portion is configured to permit lengthening of the electrical conductor.

15. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strain relief portion is configured to permit shortening of the electrical conductor.

16. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body portion, the tool assembly, and the electrical conductor are formed as a loading unit which is configured to be releasably coupled to a powered handle assembly.