RELEASABLE TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR AND FASTENER CARTRIDGE HAVING THE SAME

• US 20130221063A1
• Filed: 02/08/2013
• Published: 08/29/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Aronhalt, Taylor W., Vendely, Michael J., Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Schellin, Emily A., Reynolds, Donald L. II
• Granted Patent: US 9,861,361 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00491 Surgical glue applicators surgical adhesives A61L24/00; two-component delivery syringes A61M5/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0643 with separate closing member, e.g. for interlocking with staple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0644 penetrating the tissue, deformable to closed position
• 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 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0686 having a forming anvil staying below 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 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00327 with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00526 Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0053 Loading magazines or sutures into applying tools
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00818 Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00862 : elastic or resilient for sutures A61B2017/0618
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00884 : enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 : pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00951 : adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0641 : having at least three legs as part of one single body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07228 : Arrangement of the staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07235 : containing different staples, e.g. staples of different shapes, sizes or materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07242 : achieving different staple heights during the same shot, e.g. using an anvil anvil having different heights or staples of different sizes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0725 : with settable gap between anvil and cartridge, e.g. for different staple heights at different shots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 : characterised by its anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07264 : characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material
• 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 2017/2908 : Multiple segments connected by articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2916 : pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2919 : details of linkages or pivot points
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 : Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 : the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: B25C 5/1686 : using pre-loaded cassettes

Abstract

A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body, fasteners, and a layer of material releasably secured to the cartridge body. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. The cartridge body, the fasteners, the tissue thickness compensator and/or the end effector can comprise various features to releasably secure the tissue thickness compensator relative to the cartridge body. For example, the cartridge body can comprise slots, projections, cavities, drivers, locks, and/or keys, the fasteners can comprise barbs, and/or the tissue thickness compensator can comprise mounts and/or connectors.

Claims

1. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck;

a plurality of cavities defined in said deck; and

a slot;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is removably positioned in a said cavity; and

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said cartridge body, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a mount, wherein said mount is positioned in said slot when said tissue thickness compensator is secured to said cartridge body, and wherein said mount deflects to release said tissue thickness compensator from said deck.

2. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said mount is friction fit in said slot.

3. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said slot extends longitudinally along said cartridge body, and wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a plurality of deflectable mounts that extend into said slot.

4. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein a firing element is configured to translate along said slot, and wherein the firing element deflects said deflectable mount out of said slot as said firing element translates.

5. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck;

a plurality of cavities defined in said deck;

a slot; and

a splitable bridge extending across said slot;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fasteners is removably positioned in a said cavity; and

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said cartridge body, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a mount, wherein said mount is held by said splitable bridge when said tissue thickness compensator is secured to said cartridge body.

6. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said splitable bridge breaks to release said mount.

7. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said splitable bridge comprises an aperture, and wherein said mount extends into said aperture when said bridge holds said mount.

8. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said splitable bridge deflects to release said mount.

9. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein said splitable bridge comprises:

a first flexible extension extending from a first side of said slot; and

a second flexible extension extending from a second side of said slot, wherein said mount is held between said first and second flexible extensions.

10. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein a firing element is configured to translate along said slot, and wherein the firing element is configured to split said splitable bridge as the firing element translates along said slot.

11. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a plurality of fasteners;

a cartridge body comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of cavities defined in said deck, wherein each said fastener is removably positioned in a said cavity; and

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said cartridge body, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a mount, and wherein said mount is positioned in a said cavity when said tissue thickness compensator is secured to said cartridge body.

12. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 11, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a plurality of mounts, and wherein each said mount is positioned in a said cavity when said tissue thickness compensator is secured to said cartridge body.

13. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises:

a proximal portion, wherein at least one mount extends from said proximal portion; and

a distal portion, wherein at least one mount extends from said distal portion.

14. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein said plurality of cavities comprises:

a plurality of fastener cavities, wherein each said fastener is positioned in a said fastener cavity; and

a plurality of mount cavities, wherein each said mount is positioned in a said mount cavity.

15. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 14, wherein at least one mount cavity is positioned between adjacent fastener cavities.

16. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein said mounts are thermoformed into said cavities.

17. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 16, comprising a cover positioned between said cartridge body and said tissue thickness compensator, wherein said cover comprises a metallic material.

18. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 11, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a recess adjacent to said mount, and wherein said mount is compressible into said recess.

19. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of cavities;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is removably positioned in a said cavity;

a lock moveably positioned in a said cavity;

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said cartridge body; and

a connector extending from said tissue thickness compensator, wherein said lock holds said connector when said tissue thickness compensator is secured to said cartridge body, and wherein said lock releases said connector when said tissue thickness compensator is released from said cartridge body.

20. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 19, wherein said plurality of cavities comprises:

a plurality of fastener cavities, wherein each said fastener is positioned in a said fastener cavity; and

a lock cavity, wherein said lock is positioned in a said lock cavity.

21. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 19, wherein said lock is moveable from a locked positioned to an unlocked position, wherein said lock holds said connector when in said locked position and releases said connector when moved to said unlocked position.

22. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 21, comprising a key configured to move along at least a portion of said cartridge body during a firing stroke, and wherein said key moves said lock from said locked position to said unlocked position during the firing stroke.

23. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 21, wherein said lock is embedded in said cartridge body when in said locked position and is at least partially removed from said cartridge body when in said unlocked position.

24. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 19, wherein said connector extends through said lock when said connector is held by said connector driver.

25. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of said connector is friction fit in said tissue thickness compensator.

26. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 19, comprising:

a plurality of locks, wherein each said lock is positioned in a said cavity; and

a plurality of connectors extending from said tissue thickness compensator, wherein each said lock holds a said connector when said tissue thickness compensator is secured to said cartridge body, and wherein each said lock releases said connector when said tissue thickness compensator is released from said cartridge body.

27. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 26, wherein said plurality of cavities comprises:

a plurality of fastener cavities, wherein each said fastener is positioned in a said fastener cavity; and

a plurality of lock cavities, wherein each said lock is positioned in a said lock cavity.

28. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 27, wherein said plurality of cavities are arranged in a plurality of rows in said cartridge body, wherein said plurality of rows comprises a peripheral row, and wherein said lock cavities are in said peripheral row.

29. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 19, wherein said connector comprises a suture.

30. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a cavity, wherein said cavity comprises a key;

a lock moveably positioned in said cavity, wherein said lock is configured to move from a locked position to an unlocked position; and

a fastener removably positioned in said cavity, wherein said fastener is secured to said lock when said lock is in said locked position, and wherein said key releases said fastener from said lock when said lock moves to said unlocked position.

31. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 30, wherein said lock comprises a flexible catch, and wherein said flexible catch flexes when said lock moves from said locked position to said unlocked position.

32. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 31, wherein said key comprises a camming surface, wherein said lock abuts said camming surface when said lock moves from said locked position to said unlocked position, and wherein said camming surface flexes said flexible catch.

33. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 31, wherein said fastener comprises:

a base;

a first leg extending from said base; and

a second leg extending from said base, wherein said flexible catch hooks around at least a portion of said base when said lock is in said locked position.

34. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 30, comprising a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said fastener releasably secures said tissue thickness compensator to said cartridge body when said lock is in said locked position.

35. A fastener cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a cavity;

a fastener removably positioned in said cavity, wherein said fastener comprises;

a base comprising;

a first end; and

a second end;

a first leg comprising;

a first tip, wherein said first leg extends from said first end to said first tip; and

a barb positioned intermediate said first end and said first tip; and

a second leg comprising a second tip, wherein said second leg extends from said second end to said second tip; and

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said cartridge body, wherein said barb is positioned in said tissue thickness compensator when said fastener is positioned in said cavity.

36. The fastener cartridge of claim 35, wherein said barb comprises a sharp point.

37. The fastener cartridge of claim 35, wherein said second leg comprises a barb positioned intermediate said second end and said second tip.

38. The fastener cartridge of claim 35, comprising a barb at one of the first tip and the second tip.

39. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck;

a plurality of projections extending from said deck; and

a plurality of cavities defined in said deck;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is removeably positioned in a said cavity; and

a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to said deck, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is thermoformed around said projections.

40. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 39, wherein said projections are positioned between adjacent cavities in said cartridge body.

41. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 40, wherein a said cavity comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a said projection is positioned at said proximal end, and wherein a said projection is positioned at said distal end.