Loading unit having drive assembly locking mechanism

• US 20060226195A1
• Filed: 04/06/2005
• Published: 10/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Czernik, Roman, Scirica, Paul A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,780,055 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/175.100
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• 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 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence

Abstract

A disposable loading unit is provided which includes a tool assembly and a body portion. A drive assembly is movably positioned at least partly within the body portion and is operably associated with the tool assembly to operate the tool assembly. A locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the drive assembly in a prefired position prior to and during attachment of a DLU to a surgical instrument. The locking mechanism includes a locking member and a locking member actuator. The locking member actuator is movable to move the locking member to an unlocked position in response to linear insertion of an insertion tip of the DLU into a surgical instrument.

Claims

1. A disposable loading unit comprising:

a body portion adapted to releasably engage a surgical instrument;

a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the body portion;

a drive assembly supported within the body portion; and

a locking member supported on the body portion, the locking member being movable from a first position engaged with the drive assembly to a second position disengaged from the drive assembly in response to linear movement of the disposable unit in relation to a surgical instrument.

2. A disposable loading unit according to claim 1, further including a locking member actuator operably engaged with the locking member, the locking member actuator being linearly movable from a retracted position to an advanced position in response to linear movement of the disposable loading unit in relation to a surgical instrument to effect movement of the locking member from its first position to its second position.

3. A disposable loading unit according to claim 2, wherein linear movement of the locking member actuator effects transverse movement of the locking member.

4. A disposable loading unit according to claim 3, wherein the locking member includes a cam member and the locking member actuator includes a cam slot, the cam member being positioned within the cam slot such that linear movement of the cam member in relation to the cam slot effects transverse movement of the locking member.

5. A disposable loading unit according to claim 4, wherein the body portion includes a transverse slot for slidably receiving the locking member and an axial slot for slidably receiving the locking member actuator.

6. A disposable loading unit according to claim 2, further including a biasing member positioned to urge the locking member actuator to its retracted position to urge the locking member to its first position.

7. A disposable loading unit according to claim 2, wherein the body portion includes an insertion tip dimensioned to be received within a distal end of a surgical instrument.

8. A disposable loading unit according to claim 7, wherein the locking member actuator includes an abutment member positioned at least partly on and extending radially outwardly of the insertion tip.

9. A disposable loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking member includes a finger and the drive assembly has a notch formed therein, the locking member finger being positioned within the drive assembly notch when the locking member is in its first position.

10. A disposable loading unit according to claim 2, wherein the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly, the cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples supported therein.

11. A disposable loading unit according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of staples are arranged in a plurality of linear rows.

12. A disposable loading unit according to claim 11, wherein the distal end of the drive assembly includes at least one cam member, the cam member being movable into engagement with a cam surface on the anvil assembly to move the anvil assembly from an open position in relation to the cartridge assembly to a closed position in juxtaposed alignment with the cartridge assembly.

13. A disposable loading unit according to claim 12, wherein the tool assembly is pivotally attached to the body portion.

14. A disposable loading unit comprising:

a body portion adapted to releasably engage a surgical instrument, the body portion including an outer sleeve and an inner housing;

a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the body portion; and

a drive assembly supported within the body portion and being movable in relation to the tool assembly to effect actuation of the tool assembly;

wherein the inner housing includes a raised projection and the outer sleeve includes a cutout dimensioned and configured to receive the raised projection, the raised projection being positioned within the cutout to prevent movement of the inner housing in relation to the outer sleeve.

15. A disposable loading unit according to claim 14, wherein the inner housing is formed from upper and lower half-sections.

16. A disposable loading unit according to claim 14, wherein the raised projection is substantially rectangular.

17. A disposable loading unit according to claim 16, wherein the raised projection has a greater axial dimension than lateral dimension.

18. A disposable loading unit according to claim 17, wherein the raised projection includes a proximal ramped surface.