Actuator for releasing a tissue thickness compensator from a fastener cartridge

• US 10,213,198 B2
• Filed: 02/08/2013
• Issued: 02/26/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Aronhalt, Taylor W., Vendely, Michael J., Weaner, Lauren S., Lloyd, Brandon J., Shelton, IV, Frederick E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Long, Robert
• Application Number:
  US13/763,035
• Publication Number:
  US 20130214030A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,209 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751-1821, 606 99
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00491 Surgical glue applicators surgical adhesives A61L24/00; two-component delivery syringes A61M5/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0643 with separate closing member, e.g. for interlocking with staple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0644 penetrating the tissue, deformable to closed position
• 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 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0686 having a forming anvil staying below the tissue during stapling
• 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 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• 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 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00327 with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• 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 2017/00526 Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0053 Loading magazines or sutures into applying tools
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00818 Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00862 : elastic or resilient for sutures A61B2017/0618
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00884 : enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 : pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00951 : adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0641 : having at least three legs as part of one single body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07228 : Arrangement of the staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07235 : containing different staples, e.g. staples of different shapes, sizes or materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07242 : achieving different staple heights during the same shot, e.g. using an anvil anvil having different heights or staples of different sizes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0725 : with settable gap between anvil and cartridge, e.g. for different staple heights at different shots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 : characterised by its anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07264 : characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 : characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07278 : characterised by its sled or its staple holder
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2908 : Multiple segments connected by articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2916 : pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2919 : details of linkages or pivot points
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 : the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: B25C 5/1686 : using pre-loaded cassettes

Abstract

A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body having fastener cavities, fasteners removably positioned in the fastener cavities, a layer of material releasably secured relative to the cartridge body, a connector configured to secure the layer of material to the cartridge body at a location distal to at least one fastener cavity, and an actuator. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. When actuated, the actuator can overcome the connector, and can overcome the connector prior to the removal of the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The actuator can be actuated at a location proximal to at least one fastener cavity, and can extend distally past at least one fastener cavity toward the connector.

Claims

1. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of fastener cavities;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is removably positioned in a said fastener cavity;

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured relative to said cartridge body;

a connector, wherein said connector secures said tissue thickness compensator to said cartridge body at a location, and wherein the location is distal to at least one said fastener cavity;

an actuator configured to overcome said connector when actuated, wherein said actuator overcomes said connector prior to the removal of said fasteners from said fastener cavities; and

a firing element configured to remove said fasteners from said fastener cavities during a firing stroke, wherein said firing element is configured to actuate said actuator during the firing stroke.

2. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is released from said cartridge body when said actuator overcomes said connector.

3. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said actuator shifts distally to cut said connector when actuated.

4. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said actuator comprises a slot extending from a proximal end of said actuator, and wherein said slot comprises a release stop.

11. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector comprises a suture.

5. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of fastener cavities;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is removably positioned in a said fastener cavity;

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured relative to said cartridge body;

a connector, wherein said connector secures said tissue thickness compensator to said cartridge body at a location, and wherein the location is distal to at least one said fastener cavity;

an actuator configured to overcome said connector when actuated, wherein said actuator overcomes said connector prior to the removal of said fasteners from said fastener cavities, wherein said actuator comprises a slot extending from a proximal end of said actuator, and wherein said slot comprises a release stop; and

a firing element configured to translate along said slot through said release stop, wherein said firing element is configured to move said actuator when said firing element pushes against said release stop.

6. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said slot comprises a first width, wherein said release stop comprises a second width that is narrower than said first width, and wherein said firing element is configured to widen said second width to pass through said release stop.

7. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said release stop comprises a breakable portion, and wherein said firing element breaks said breakable portion to pass through said release stop.

8. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said release stop comprises a detent configured to hold said firing element, and wherein said firing element overcomes said detent to pass through said release stop.

9. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said cartridge body comprises a hard stop, and wherein said hard stop blocks movement of said actuator distally past said hard stop.

10. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, comprising a tab configured to engage said firing element as said firing element moves through said release stop.

12. A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a fastening instrument for fastening tissue, said fastener cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of fastener cavities;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein said fasteners are ejected from said fastener cavities during a portion of a firing stroke of the fastening instrument;

compensation means for compensating for thickness variations within the tissue, wherein said compensation means is releasably attached to said cartridge body;

attachment means for attaching said compensation means to said cartridge body, wherein said attachment means is positioned distal to at least one said fastener cavity;

releasing means for releasing said compensation means from said cartridge body, wherein said releasing means overcomes said attachment means before the portion of the firing stroke; and

firing means for firing said fasteners from said fastener cavities and for actuating said releasing means during the firing stroke.

13. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein said releasing means shifts distally to overcome said attachment means.

14. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 13, wherein said releasing means comprises:

a proximal portion positioned proximal to said fastener cavities, wherein said releasing means is actuated at said proximal portion; and

a distal portion, wherein said distal portion overcomes said attachment means.

15. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein said compensation means comprises a bioabsorbable foam.

16. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a fastener cavity;

a fastener removably positioned in said fastener cavity;

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said cartridge body;

a connector, wherein said connector secures said tissue thickness compensator to said cartridge body distal to said fastener cavity; and

an actuator, wherein said actuator extends past said fastener in said fastener cavity, wherein said actuator is actuated proximal to said fastener cavity, and wherein a firing element is configured to remove said fastener from said fastener cavity and actuate said actuator during a firing stroke.

17. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 16, wherein said actuator breaks said connector when actuated.

18. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 16, wherein said actuator overcomes said connector prior to the removal of said fastener from said fastener cavity.

19. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 16, wherein said firing element is configured to move along a slot in said cartridge body, and wherein said firing element actuates said actuator and then fires said fastener from said fastener cavity when said firing element moves distally along the slot.

20. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 16, wherein said actuator shifts distally toward said connector when actuated.

21. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 16, wherein said actuator comprises a cutting edge, and wherein said cutting edge cuts said connector to disconnect said tissue thickness compensator from said cartridge body when actuated.

22. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 16, wherein said actuator comprises a release stop, wherein said firing element is configured to translate through said release stop, and wherein said firing element is configured to move said actuator when said firing element pushes against said release stop.

23. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a fastener cavity;

a fastener removably positioned in said fastener cavity;

compensation means for compensating, wherein said compensation means is releasably attached to said cartridge body;

attachment means for attaching said compensation means to said cartridge body, wherein said attachment means is positioned distal to said fastener cavity; and

releasing means for releasing said compensation means from said cartridge body, wherein said releasing means is actuated proximal to said fastener cavity, wherein said releasing means extends past said fastener in said fastener cavity, and wherein a firing member is configured to remove said fastener from said fastener cavity and actuate said releasing means during a firing stroke.

24. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 23, wherein said releasing means overcomes said attachment means prior to the removal of said fastener from said fastener cavity.

25. A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body comprising;

a proximal end portion;

a distal end portion; and

a plurality of fastener cavities;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein said fasteners are ejected from said fastener cavities during a portion of a firing stroke of the fastening instrument;

compensation means for compensating for thickness variations within the tissue, wherein said compensation means is releasably attached to said cartridge body;

first attachment means for attaching said compensation means to said proximal end portion of said cartridge body;

second attachment means for attaching said compensation means to said distal end portion of said cartridge body;

releasing means for releasing said compensation means from said cartridge body by overcoming said first attachment means and said second attachment means during an initial portion of the firing stroke; and

ejection means for ejecting said fasteners from said fastener cavities and for actuating said releasing means.

26. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 25, wherein said releasing means is configured to overcome said first attachment means and said second attachment means simultaneously.

27. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 25, wherein the initial portion of the firing stroke comprises an initiation of the firing stroke.

28. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a plurality of fastener cavities; and

a slot;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is removably positioned in a said fastener cavity;

a firing element configured to move along said slot;

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said cartridge body;

a mount, wherein said mount secures said tissue thickness compensator to said cartridge body, and wherein said mount is positioned distal to a said fastener of said plurality of fasteners; and

a cable extending between said firing element and said mount, wherein movement of said firing element distally along said slot is configured to cause said cable to break said mount.