Surgical stapler

• US 20050127131A1
• Filed: 12/14/2004
• Published: 06/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Dominick L. Mastri, Frank J. Viola, Jon Wilson, Robert J. Geiste, Thomas W. Alesi Jr
• Inventors: Alesi, Thomas W. Jr., Wilson, Jon, Geiste, Robert J., Viola, Frank J., Mastri, Dominick L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,044,353 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/176.100
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0684 having a forming anvil staying above 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 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• 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 2017/292 connection of actuating rod to handle, e.g. ball end in recess
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• 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 2017/320052 Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395

Abstract

A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Claims

1. A surgical stapler comprising:

a) a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a pivotable handle mounted for manipulation through an actuating stroke;

b) an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis;

c) a staple cartridge supported adjacent the distal end of the elongated body and containing a plurality of staples;

d) an anvil pivotally mounted in relation to the cartridge adjacent the distal end of the elongated body, the anvil having a fastener forming surface thereon and being mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the cartridge between an open position spaced from the staple cartridge and a closed position in close cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge;

e) an actuation sled supported within the cartridge, the actuation sled being movable to urge the plurality of staples from the cartridge; and

f) a drive assembly including a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end, the cam member being positioned to translate relative to a surface of the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position.