Stapling assembly

• US 10,463,384 B2
• Filed: 05/10/2018
• Issued: 11/05/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, IV, Frederick E., Balek, Stephen J., Timperman, Eugene L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chukwurah, Nathaniel C
• Application Number:
  US15/976,332
• Publication Number:
  US 20180256184A1
• Time in Patent Office: 544 Days
• Field of Search: 2271761-1801
• 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 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• 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 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/76 Manipulators having means for providing feel, e.g. force or tactile feedback

Abstract

A stapling assembly comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a cartridge channel and an anvil, wherein the anvil is pivotably connected to the cartridge channel and is movable relative to the cartridge channel between an open position and a closed position. The end effector comprises a replaceable staple cartridge positionable within the cartridge channel and a drive screw. The end effector also comprises a firing member comprising a knife, a first cam member configured to engage the cartridge channel, a second cam member configured to engage the anvil, and a bearing. The bearing is supported by the drive screw and extends distally relative to the first cam member and the second cam member. The drive screw is configured to drive the firing member distally during a firing stroke and extends through the cartridge channel.

Claims

1. A stapling assembly, comprising:

an end effector, comprising;

a cartridge channel;

an anvil, wherein said anvil is pivotably connected to said cartridge channel and is movable relative to said cartridge channel between an open position and a closed position;

a replaceable staple cartridge positionable within said cartridge channel, wherein said replaceable staple cartridge comprises;

staple cavities; and

staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a drive screw, wherein said drive screw extends within said cartridge channel;

a firing member, comprising;

a knife;

a first cam member configured to engage said cartridge channel;

a second cam member configured to engage said anvil; and

a bearing, wherein said bearing is supported by said drive screw and extends distally relative to said first cam member and said second cam member, and wherein said drive screw is configured to drive said firing member distally during a firing stroke; and

a wedge sled configured to drive said staples from said staple cavities as said firing member moves distally during said firing stroke.

2. The stapling assembly of claim 1, wherein said firing member and said wedge sled are inter-connected.

3. A stapling assembly, comprising:

an end effector, comprising;

a cartridge channel;

a clamping member, wherein said clamping member is pivotably connected to said cartridge channel and is movable relative to said cartridge channel between an open position and a clamped position; and

a replaceable staple cartridge positioned within said cartridge channel, wherein said replaceable staple cartridge comprises;

a plurality of staple cavities; and

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a drive screw, wherein said drive screw extends through said cartridge channel;

a firing member, comprising;

a knife;

a first projection configured to engage said cartridge channel;

a second projection configured to engage said clamping member; and

a bearing threadably engaged with said drive screw, wherein said bearing extends distally relative to said knife, and wherein said drive screw is configured to drive said firing member distally during a staple firing stroke; and

a wedge sled configured to drive said staples from said staple cavities during said staple firing stroke.

4. The stapling assembly of claim 3, wherein said firing member and said wedge sled are inter-connected.

5. A stapling assembly, comprising:

an end effector, comprising;

a first jaw;

a second jaw pivotably connected to said first jaw, wherein said second jaw is movable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a clamped position; and

a replaceable staple cartridge comprising staple cavities and staples;

a drive screw extending through said end effector;

a firing member, comprising;

a knife;

a first projection configured to engage said first jaw;

a second projection configured to engage said second jaw; and

a bearing threadably engaged with said drive screw, wherein said bearing extends distally relative to said knife, and wherein said drive screw is configured to drive said firing member distally during a staple firing stroke; and

a wedge sled configured to drive said staples from said staple cavities during said staple firing stroke.

6. A fastening assembly, comprising:

an end effector, comprising;

a cartridge support;

an anvil, wherein said anvil is pivotably connected to said cartridge support and is movable relative to said cartridge support between an open position and a closed position; and

a fastener cartridge positionable in said cartridge support, wherein said fastener cartridge comprises;

a plurality of fastener cavities;

a plurality of fasteners positioned within said fastener cavities; and

a plurality of fastener drivers configured to support said fasteners; and

a firing member, comprising;

a knife;

a first portion configured to engage said cartridge support;

a second portion configured to engage said anvil;

a sled comprising ramps configured to engage said fastener drivers to drive said fasteners from said fastener cavities;

a drive screw configured to drive said firing member distally during a firing stroke, wherein said drive screw extends within said cartridge support; and

a bearing, wherein said bearing is supported by said drive screw and wherein said bearing extends distally under said ramps.

7. A stapling assembly, comprising:

an end effector, comprising;

a first jaw;

a second jaw pivotably connected to said first jaw, wherein said second jaw is movable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a closed position; and

a replaceable staple cartridge, comprising;

staple cavities;

staples; and

staple drivers configured to support said staples; and

a firing system, comprising;

a knife;

a first portion configured to engage said first jaw;

a second portion configured to engage said second jaw;

a sled comprising ramps configured to engage said staple drivers to drive said staples from said staple cavities;

a drive screw configured to drive said firing system distally during a firing stroke, wherein said drive screw extends within said end effector; and

a bearing, wherein said bearing is supported by said drive screw and wherein said bearing extends distally under said ramps.