Surgical stapling device with rotary driven firing member

• US 10,383,630 B2
• Filed: 07/29/2016
• Issued: 08/20/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, IV, Frederick E., Swayze, Jeffrey S., Baxter, III, Chester O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chukwurah, Nathaniel C
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kotis, Joshua G
• Application Number:
  US15/223,849
• Publication Number:
  US 20160331375A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,117 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751-1821, 411432, 411433
• 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 17/072 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 17/295 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320016 Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes A61B10/0233, A61B17/29, A61B17/3207 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00309 Cut-outs or slits
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00323 Cables or rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00327 with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 for use with different 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 2017/00685 Archimedes screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00876 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 characterised by its anvil
• 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 2017/07285 : characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2903 : transferring rotary motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2905 : flexible
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2908 : Multiple segments connected by articulations
• 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 2017/2929 : with a head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2931 : with releasable head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2939 : Details of linkages or pivot points
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2943 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/306 : Wrists with multiple vertebrae
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 : for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0812 : indicating loosening or shifting of parts of an instrument, signaling maladjustment of parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 : Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 : Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/37 : Master-slave robots A61B34/35 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/70 : Manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/71 : Manipulators operated by drive cable mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/74 : Manipulators with manual electric input means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1061 : Break-apart tubing connectors or couplings
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/00 : Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use for respiratory devices, e.g. tracheal tubes A61M16/00; artificial heart valves A61F2/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/1055 : Rotating or swivel joints in general F16L27/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 : Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18056 : Rotary to or from reciprocating or oscillating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20329 : Joint between elements

Abstract

A rotary drive arrangement for a surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector. In one form, the rotary drive arrangement includes a drive shaft assembly that is selectively axially movable between a first position and a second position. A rotary transmission operably interfaces with the drive shaft assembly such that when the drive shaft assembly is in the first axial position, application of one of the rotary drive motions to the drive shaft assembly causes the rotary transmission to apply a first rotary control motion to the surgical end effector and when the drive shaft assembly is in the second axial position, application of the rotary drive motion to the drive shaft assembly causes the rotary transmission to apply a second rotary control motion to the surgical end effector.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising:

a shaft assembly;

an articulation joint;

an end effector coupled to said shaft assembly by said articulation joint for selective articulation relative thereto, said end effector comprising;

an anvil;

a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein said staples are movable between unfired positions and fired positions during a staple firing stroke;

a first jaw; and

a second jaw moveable relative to said first jaw; and

a firing system, comprising;

a rotary drive system configured to generate rotary drive motions;

an end effector drive screw configured to receive said rotary drive motions from said rotary drive system; and

a firing member operably coupled with said end effector drive screw, wherein, upon receiving rotary drive motions from said end effector drive screw, said firing member is actuated to perform said staple firing stroke, wherein said firing member comprises;

a body portion;

a cutting member;

a first camming portion engageable with said first jaw; and

a second camming portion engageable with said second jaw,

wherein said body portion of said firing member comprises an internal threaded section threadably engaged with said end effector drive screw, and

wherein said internal threaded section comprises a plurality of rods forming threads of said internal threaded section.

2. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a sled assembly actuatable by said firing member and configured to deploy said staples from said staple cartridge, and wherein said sled assembly is not threadably engaged with said end effector drive screw.

3. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said end effector drive screw comprises:

a proximal bearing segment positioned distal of said articulation joint;

a threaded section; and

a distal thrust bearing.

4. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising:

a shaft assembly;

an articulation joint;

an end effector coupled to said shaft assembly by said articulation joint for selective articulation relative thereto, said end effector comprising;

an anvil;

a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein said staples are movable between unfired positions and fired positions during a staple firing stroke;

a first jaw; and

a second jaw moveable relative to said first jaw; and

a firing system, comprising;

a rotary drive system configured to generate rotary drive motions;

an end effector drive screw configured to receive said rotary drive motions from said rotary drive system; and

a firing member operably coupled with said end effector drive screw, wherein, upon receiving rotary drive motions from said end effector drive screw, said firing member is actuated to perform said staple firing stroke, wherein said firing member comprises;

a body portion;

a cutting member;

a first camming portion engageable with said first jaw; and

a second camming portion engageable with said second jaw,

wherein said body portion of said firing member comprises an internal threaded section threadably engaged with said end effector drive screw, and

wherein said internal threaded section comprises a pair of windows configured to receive a pair of cooperative threaded plugs.

5. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 4, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a sled assembly actuatable by said firing member and configured to deploy said staples from said staple cartridge, and wherein said sled assembly is not threadably engaged with said end effector drive screw.

6. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 4, wherein said end effector drive screw comprises:

a proximal bearing segment positioned distal of said articulation joint;

a threaded section; and

a distal thrust bearing.

7. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising:

a shaft assembly;

an articulation joint defining an articulation axis;

an end effector coupled to said shaft assembly by said articulation joint, wherein said end effector is configured to be articulated about said articulation axis relative to said shaft assembly, said end effector comprising;

an anvil;

a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein said staples are configured to be ejected from said staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke;

a first jaw; and

a second jaw moveable relative to said first jaw; and

a firing system, comprising;

a rotary drive system configured to generate rotary drive motions;

a rotary drive shaft configured to receive said rotary drive motions from said rotary drive system; and

a firing member threadably coupled with said rotary drive shaft distal of said articulation joint, wherein, upon receiving rotary drive motions from said rotary drive shaft, said firing member is actuated to perform said staple firing stroke, wherein said firing member comprises;

a body portion;

a cutting member;

a first camming portion extending laterally from said body portion, wherein said first camming portion is engageable with said first jaw; and

a second camming portion extending laterally from said body portion, wherein said second camming portion is engageable with said second jaw,

wherein said body portion of said firing member comprises an internal threaded section threadably engaged with said rotary drive shaft, and

wherein said internal threaded section comprises a plurality of rods forming threads of said internal threaded section.

8. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 7, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a sled assembly actuatable by said firing member and configured to eject said staples from said staple cartridge, and wherein said sled assembly is not threadably engaged with said rotary drive shaft.

9. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 7, wherein said rotary drive shaft comprises:

a proximal bearing segment positioned distal of said articulation joint;

a threaded section; and

a distal thrust bearing.

10. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising:

a shaft assembly;

an articulation joint defining an articulation axis;

an end effector coupled to said shaft assembly by said articulation joint, wherein said end effector is configured to be articulated about said articulation axis relative to said shaft assembly, said end effector comprising;

an anvil;

a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein said staples are configured to be ejected from said staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke;

a first jaw; and

a second jaw moveable relative to said first jaw; and

a firing system, comprising;

a rotary drive system configured to generate rotary drive motions;

a rotary drive shaft configured to receive said rotary drive motions from said rotary drive system; and

a firing member threadably coupled with said rotary drive shaft distal of said articulation joint, wherein, upon receiving rotary drive motions from said rotary drive shaft, said firing member is actuated to perform said staple firing stroke, wherein said firing member comprises;

a body portion;

a cutting member;

a first camming portion extending laterally from said body portion, wherein said first camming portion is engageable with said first jaw; and

a second camming portion extending laterally from said body portion, wherein said second camming portion is engageable with said second jaw,

wherein said body portion of said firing member comprises an internal threaded section threadably engaged with said rotary drive shaft, and

wherein said internal threaded section comprises a pair of windows configured to receive a pair of cooperative threaded plugs.

11. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 10, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a sled assembly actuatable by said firing member and configured to eject said staples from said staple cartridge, and wherein said sled assembly is not threadably engaged with said rotary drive shaft.

12. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 10, wherein said rotary drive shaft comprises:

a proximal bearing segment positioned distal of said articulation joint;

a threaded section; and

a distal thrust bearing.

13. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising:

a shaft assembly;

an articulation joint defining an articulation axis;

an end effector coupled to said shaft assembly by said articulation joint, wherein said end effector is configured to be articulated about said articulation axis relative to said shaft assembly, said end effector comprising;

a first jaw comprising a staple cartridge, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples configured to be ejected from said staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke; and

a second jaw comprising an anvil, said second jaw moveable relative to said first jaw; and

a firing system, comprising;

a rotary drive system configured to generate rotary drive motions;

a drive screw configured to receive said rotary drive motions from said rotary drive system; and

a firing member threadably coupled with said drive screw distal of said articulation joint, wherein, upon receiving rotary drive motions from said drive screw, said firing member is actuated to perform said staple firing stroke, wherein said firing member comprises;

a body portion;

a cutting member; and

tissue gap controlling means configured to control a distance between said staple cartridge and said anvil during said staple firing stroke,

wherein said body portion of said firing member comprises an internal threaded section threadably engaged with said drive screw, and

wherein said internal threaded section comprises a plurality of rods forming threads of said internal threaded section.

14. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 13, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a sled assembly actuatable by said firing member and configured to eject said staples from said staple cartridge, and wherein said sled assembly is not threadably engaged with said drive screw.

15. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising:

a shaft assembly;

an articulation joint defining an articulation axis;

an end effector coupled to said shaft assembly by said articulation joint, wherein said end effector is configured to be articulated about said articulation axis relative to said shaft assembly, said end effector comprising;

a first jaw comprising a staple cartridge, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples configured to be elected from said staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke; and

a second jaw comprising an anvil, said second jaw moveable relative to said first jaw; and

a firing system, comprising;

a rotary drive system configured to generate rotary drive motions;

a drive screw configured to receive said rotary drive motions from said rotary drive system; and

a firing member threadably coupled with said drive screw distal of said articulation joint, wherein, upon receiving rotary drive motions from said drive screw, said firing member is actuated to perform said staple firing stroke, wherein said firing member comprises;

a body portion;

a cutting member; and

tissue gap controlling means configured to control a distance between said staple cartridge and said anvil during said staple firing stroke,

wherein said body portion of said firing member comprises an internal threaded section threadably engaged with said drive screw, and

wherein said internal threaded section comprises a pair of windows configured to receive a pair of cooperative threaded plugs.

16. The surgical stapling assembly of claim 15, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a sled assembly actuatable by said firing member and configured to eject said staples from said staple cartridge, and wherein said sled assembly is not threadably engaged with said drive screw.