Apparatus and method for producing a reinforced surgical staple line

• US 20040093029A1
• Filed: 04/15/2003
• Published: 05/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated (Cook Group Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated (Cook Group Incorporated)
• Inventors: Patel, Umesh H., McAlexander, Chad S., Zubik, Joesph W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,377,928 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/219
• 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 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0647 having one single leg, e.g. tacks

Abstract

An apparatus for use with a surgical stapler to provide a reinforced surgical staple line. The apparatus includes an applicator that carries a first and second bioimplantable material connected by a hinge. An applicator clip may be provided to releasably secure the first and second bioimplantable material onto the applicator.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a surgical stapler to provide a reinforced surgical staple line comprising:

an applicator strip having a first face and a second face;

a first bioimplantable material having a first face adapted to attach to a first jaw of a surgical stapler and a second face in juxtaposed relation with the first face of the applicator strip;

a second bioimplantable material having a first face adapted to attach to a second jaw of a surgical stapler and a second face in juxtaposed relation with the second face of the applicator strip; and

a hinge connecting the first bioimplantable material to the second bioimplantable material.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first bioimplantable material and the second bioimplantable material comprise a length of a single material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first bioimplantable material, the second bioimplantable material, and the hinge all comprise the same material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first bioimplantable material, the second bioimplantable material, and the hinge are formed from a single length of material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first bioimplantable material has a first end and a second end, and the second bioimplantable material has a first end and a second end, such that the second end of the first bioimplantable material and second end of the second bioimplantable material are hingedly connected together.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the applicator strip has a first end and a second end such that the first end of the first bioimplantable material and the first end of the second bioimplantable material are adjacent the first end of the applicator strip.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising an applicator clip, wherein the clip contacts the first face of the first bioimplantable material such that the second face of the first bioimplantable material contacts the first face of the applicator strip, and wherein the clip contacts first face of the second bioimplantable material such that the second face of the second bioimplantable material contacts the second face of the applicator strip.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the applicator strip has a longitudinal length that is greater than that of the first and second jaws of the surgical stapler such that a portion of the applicator strip extends beyond an end of the first and second jaws.

9. A kit for applying a biocompatible material to the working surface of a jaw of a surgical fastener to a produce reinforced surgical fastener line, comprising:

an applicator strip having a first face and a second face;

a first bioimplantable material having a first face adapted to attach to a first jaw of a surgical stapler and a second face in juxtaposed relation with the first face of the applicator strip;

a second bioimplantable material having a first face adapted to attach to a second jaw of a surgical stapler and a second face in juxtaposed relation with the second face of the applicator strip;

a hinge connecting the first bioimplantable material to the second bioimplantable material; and

a biocompatible adhesive that removably secures the first and second biocompatible material to the working surface of the jaw.

10. The kit of claim 9 further comprising an applicator clip, wherein the clip contacts the first face of the first bioimplantable material such that the second face of the first bioimplantable material contacts the first face of the applicator strip, and wherein the clip contacts first face of the second bioimplantable material such that the second face of the second bioimplantable material contacts the second face of the applicator strip.

11. The kit of claim 9 wherein the applicator strip has a longitudinal length that is greater than that of the first and second jaws of the surgical stapler such that a portion of the applicator strip extends beyond an end of the first and second jaws.

12. A method of retrofitting a surgical fastener that has a pivoting jaw with opposed working surfaces to provide reinforced surgical fastener lines, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an applicator strip that has a first face and a second face, and a biocompatible material having a first face and a second face with the first face in contact with the first and second face of the applicator strip;

b) providing a biocompatible adhesive to the second face of the biocompatible material; and

c) releasably attaching the biocompatible material to the working surfaces of the jaw.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

d) removing an applicator clip from an end of the applicator strip to release the biocompatible material from the applicator strip.