Surgical Stapling Device with Dissecting Tip

• US 20080269793A1
• Filed: 04/29/2004
• Published: 10/30/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Olson, Lee Ann, Scirica, Paul A., Demmy, Todd L.
• Granted Patent: US 9,597,078 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/190
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07221 curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 characterised by its anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320044 Blunt dissectors blunt suture needles A61B2017/06085

Abstract

A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of a surgical stapler, e.g., to the anvil assembly or cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

Claims

1. A dissecting tip for use with a surgical stapler having or that is connected to an end effector, the dissecting tip comprising:

a proximal portion configured to be fastened to a distal end portion of an anvil assembly of the end effector;

a distal portion contiguous with the proximal portion, the distal portion having an inner surface that faces the distal end of a cartridge assembly of the end effector, the distal portion having a cross-section which decreases in area substantially continuously from the proximal portion to a distal tip; and

the distal tip being positioned on a distal end of the distal portion and extending distally beyond and being spaced from the distal end of the cartridge assembly when the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are in a closed position.

2. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the distal tip has a substantially sound transverse cross-section.

3. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the distal tip has a substantially circular transverse cross-section.

4. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the distal tip has a substantially oval transverse cross-section.

5. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the distal tip has a diameter of from about 2 mm to about 6 mm.

6. A dissecting tip according to claim 5, wherein the distal tip has a diameter of from about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

7. A dissecting tip according to claim 5, wherein the distal tip has a diameter of from about 4 mm to about 6 mm.

8. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the distal tip is oblong in transverse cross-section.

9. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion defines a first longitudinal axis and the distal portion defines a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes defining an angle 6 of between about 5°

and about 90°

.

10. A dissecting tip according to claim 9, wherein angle 8 is from about 50°

to about 90°

.

11. A dissecting tip according to claim 9, wherein angle 6 is from about 80°

to about 90°

.

12. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion is substantially arcuate.

13. A dissecting tip according to claim 12, wherein the distal portion extends along an arc defined by at least one radius of curvature.

14. A dissecting tip according to claim 13, wherein the distal portion extends along an arc defined by a plurality of radii of curvature.

15. A dissecting tip according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface is planar.

16. A tool assembly for use with a surgical stapler comprising:

an anvil assembly;

a cartridge assembly; and

a dissecting tip comprising a proximal portion supported on and extending distally from one of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly, a distal portion contiguous with the proximal portion, the distal portion having an inner surface defined by a curve, and having a distal tip, the distal portion having a cross-sectional diameter that increases substantially continuously from the proximal portion to the distal tip.