SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS

• US 20150122872A1
• Filed: 01/15/2015
• Published: 05/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Olson, Lee Ann, Aranyi, Ernest, Mozdzierz, Patrick
• Granted Patent: US 9,486,215 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 227/179.1
• 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 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a tool assembly having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly that are movable in relation to one another; a surgical buttress releasably secured to a tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly, wherein each surgical buttress is secured to the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly by at least one anchor; a release assembly associated with the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly; and a drive assembly slidably translatable through the tool assembly between proximal and distal positions, wherein the drive assembly actuates the release assembly to thereby release the anchor to free the surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a tool assembly defining a longitudinal axis and including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly;

at least one surgical buttress releasably secured by at least one connecting member to a tissue contacting surface of at least one of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly;

a release assembly operably associated with the at least one connecting member, the release assembly including at least one movable member, wherein the movable member pushes the connecting member out of a slot, or grips and releases the connecting member, or moves the connecting member from a tensioning position to a releasing position.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the anvil assembly or cartridge assembly has a constricting slot for retaining the connecting member.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the release assembly includes a pivotable anchor bar that grips and releases the connecting member.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein a drive member for the surgical instrument moves the anchor bar to release the connecting member.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the release assembly includes an actuation member with an eccentric cam.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the release assembly has a link arm and a pusher bar, the pusher bar urging the connecting member out of a constricting slot.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the release assembly has a pivoting member connected to a hinge, the hinge connected to a pusher, wherein the pusher slides upon depression of the hinge.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the release assembly has a tensioning mechanism with a movable cinch track, the cinch track engaging the connecting member.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein the cinch track is movable between a first position tensioning the connecting member to a second position releasing tension on the connecting member.