Surgical stapling device

• US 20080023523A1
• Filed: 09/27/2007
• Published: 01/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Wells, Timothy, Racenet, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,033,439 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• 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 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• 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 2017/0038 Simultaneous actuation of two tools by pushing one button or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07264 characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2925 Pistol grips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2945 Curved jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 Guides for cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument

Abstract

A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling device comprising:

a body portion having a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion;

an alignment pin movable between a retracted position and an advanced position;

a cartridge having a plurality of staple pushers to eject staples and an opening to slidably receive the alignment pin;

an anvil assembly having an opening for passage of the alignment pin and having pockets with staple forming surfaces to form staples ejected from the cartridge;

a manually actuated member operatively associated with the alignment pin, the member manually advancing the alignment pin from the retracted position out of engagement with the anvil assembly to the advanced position in engagement with the anvil assembly; and

a trigger for approximating the cartridge and anvil assembly, wherein actuation of the trigger automatically advances the alignment pin from the retracted position out of engagement with the anvil assembly to the advanced position in engagement with the anvil assembly when the alignment pin has not previously been advanced by the manually actuated member.