Stapler Cartridge and Channel Interlock

• US 20100282816A1
• Filed: 05/08/2009
• Published: 11/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Scirica, Paul, Olson, Lee
• Granted Patent: US 8,127,976 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge

Abstract

A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an endoscopic portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a first longitudinal axis. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The end effector includes a cartridge channel configured and dimensioned to securely receive a cartridge therein.

Claims

1. A surgical fastener-applying instrument, comprising:

an anvil;

a cartridge assembly defining a longitudinal axis and having a cartridge channel, the cartridge channel having a distal end with at least one protrusion extending transverse to the longitudinal axis; and

a fastener cartridge located within the cartridge channel, the fastener cartridge having a plurality of surgical fasteners therein and at least one recess for receiving the at least one protrusion.

2. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 1, wherein the position of the fastener cartridge within the cartridge channel is confirmable through an indicator.

3. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 1, wherein the placement of the fastener cartridge within the cartridge channel is confirmable through an audible indicator.

4. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 1, wherein the cartridge channel is formed from a material having a bias in one direction such that the cartridge applies a force around the fastener cartridge when the fastener cartridge is positioned within the cartridge channel.

5. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions extending in opposite directions.

6. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 5, wherein the pair of protrusions forms a T-shaped extension of the cartridge channel.

7. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 5, wherein the at least one recess forms a T-shaped recess corresponding to the T-shaped extension of the cartridge channel.

8. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 1, wherein the cartridge channel is a generally U-shaped channel having a distally-extending extension.

9. The surgical fastener-applying instrument of claim 1, wherein the fastener cartridge has tabs and the cartridge channel has slots for receiving the tabs.