Surgical stapling apparatus including an articulation system

• US 10,682,142 B2
• Filed: 10/20/2017
• Issued: 06/16/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, IV, Frederick E., Doll, Kevin R., Smith, Bret W., Kelly, William D., Kolata, Ronald J., Uth, Joshua R., Scheib, Charles J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Scott A
• Application Number:
  US15/789,538
• Publication Number:
  US 20180132851A1
• Time in Patent Office: 970 Days
• Field of Search: 227 19, 2271751, 2271761, 2271752, 2271801, 606139, 606153, 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 17/0682 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 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/115 Staplers for performing anastomosis in a single operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0023 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00367 Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00407 Ratchet means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00946 malleable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2901 Details of shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2905 flexible
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2906 Multiple forceps
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2908 Multiple segments connected by articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2925 : Pistol grips
• 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 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0813 : Accessories designed for easy sterilising, i.e. re-usable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/00 : Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers drapes specially adapted for instruments A61B46/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/70 : Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments

Abstract

A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a surgical instrument system is disclosed. The surgical stapling apparatus comprises a housing assembly, a shaft, a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an articulation system. The proximal segment comprises a first proximal end and a first distal end comprising an articulating segment. The distal segment comprises a second proximal end and a second distal end. The second proximal end comprises a pivot segment configured to be coupled with the articulating segment. The second distal end is configured to be attached to a stapling assembly. The articulation system is operably engaged with the distal segment to transmit a first articulation motion to the distal segment to cause the stapling assembly to articulate in a first plane and a second articulation motion to the distal segment to cause the stapling assembly to articulate in a second plane that is different than the first plane.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a surgical instrument system, wherein said surgical stapling apparatus comprises:

a housing assembly, comprising;

a stationary housing; and

a rotatable portion movable relative to said stationary housing;

an actuation shaft configured to transmit an actuation motion in response to the movement of said rotatable portion;

a proximal segment protruding from said stationary housing, wherein said proximal segment comprises;

a first proximal end; and

a first distal end comprising an articulating segment; and

a distal segment, comprising;

a second proximal end comprising a pivot segment configured to receive said articulating segment; and

a second distal end configured to be attached to a disposable loading unit, wherein the disposable loading unit comprises staples removably stored therein; and

an articulation system at least partially supported by said housing assembly, wherein said articulation system interfaces with said distal segment to selectively transmit;

at least one first articulation motion to said distal segment to cause said distal segment to articulate in a first plane; and

at least one second articulation motion to said distal segment to cause said distal segment to articulate in a second plane that is orthogonal to said first plane.

2. A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a surgical instrument system, wherein said surgical stapling apparatus comprises:

a housing assembly, comprising;

a housing; and

a rotatable portion movable relative to said housing;

a shaft configured to transmit an actuation motion in response to the movement of said rotatable portion;

a proximal segment extending from said housing, wherein said proximal segment comprises;

a first proximal end; and

a first distal end comprising an articulating segment; and

a distal segment, comprising;

a second proximal end comprising a pivot segment configured to be coupled with said articulating segment; and

a second distal end configured to be attached to a replaceable end effector; and

an articulation system supported by said housing assembly, wherein said articulation system is engaged with said distal segment and is selectively operable to transmit;

at least one first articulation motion to said distal segment to cause said distal segment to articulate in a first plane; and

at least one second articulation motion to said distal segment to cause said distal segment to articulate in a second plane that is orthogonal to said first plane.

3. A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a surgical instrument system, wherein said surgical stapling apparatus comprises:

a housing assembly, comprising;

a housing; and

a rotatable portion movable relative to said housing;

a shaft configured to transmit an actuation motion in response to the movement of said rotatable portion;

a proximal segment extending from said housing, wherein said proximal segment comprises;

a first proximal end; and

a first distal end comprising an articulating segment; and

a distal segment, comprising;

a second proximal end comprising a pivot segment configured to be coupled with said articulating segment; and

a second distal end configured to be attached to a stapling assembly; and

an articulation system supported by said housing assembly, wherein said articulation system is operably engaged with said distal segment to transmit;

a first articulation motion to said distal segment to cause the stapling assembly to articulate in a first plane; and

a second articulation motion to said distal segment to cause the stapling assembly to articulate in a second plane that is different than said first plane.