Surgical stapler using cartridge

• US 4,296,881 A
• Filed: 04/03/1980
• Issued: 10/27/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sukoo Lee
• Original Assignee: Sukoo Lee
• Inventors: Lee, Sukoo
• Primary Examiner(s): Peshock, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): Yu, Mickey
• Application Number:
  US06/136,785
• Time in Patent Office: 572 Days
• Field of Search: 128/334 R, 128/335, 128/337, 227/DIG. 1, 227/19, 227/124, 227/30, 227/135, 227/110, 227/138, 227/DIG. 1 A, 227/DIG. 1 B, 227/DIG. 1 C
• US Class Current: 227/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously

Abstract

A surgical stapling tool 10 using disposable cartridge elements includes an actuator 13 that moves toward and away from a staple folding anvil 20, a holder 22 for an array of staples oriented toward anvil 20, staples and a pusher 23 for pushing staples from holder 22 through tissue 30 and against anvil 20. Pusher 23 is shaped relative to actuator 13 to mount on the actuator in a retention fit and move with the actuator toward anvil 20. Holder 22 is shaped for a retention fit on pusher 23 to move with the pusher independently of the actuator and anvil. Actuator 13 advances pusher 23 and holder 22 until the holder is pressed against tissue 30 and stops. Then further advance of the actuator overcomes a predetermined frictional resistance between the pusher and holder, forces the pusher into the holder, and drives the staples through tissue 30 and against anvil 20 to accomplish the stapling. This eliminates clamping the staple holder against the tissue and avoids damaging the tissue from overclamping.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling tool using disposable cartridge elements and having a staple folding anvil, an actuator movable toward and away from said anvil, a holder for an array of staples oriented toward said anvil, and a pusher for pushing said staples from said holder through tissue to be stapled and against said anvil, said tool comprising:

a. said movable actuator and said staple pusher being shaped relative to each other so said pusher mounts on said actuator in a retention fit and moves with said actuator toward said anvil;

b. said holder being shaped for a retention fit on said pusher for movement with said pusher independently of said actuator and said anvil;

c. said pusher being movable relative to said holder by force overcoming a predetermined frictional resistance between said pusher and said holder; and

d. said actuator being movable through a distance sufficient to advance said pusher and said holder until said holder presses against and is stopped by tissue supported by said anvil and then continuing to advance said pusher into said holder to drive said staples through said tissue and against said anvil to staple said tissue.

2. The tool of claim 1 wherein said pusher has an anchoring head and said actuator has a slot shaped to receive said head.

3. The tool of claim 1 wherein said actuator has a removable coupler shaped to hold said pusher.

4. The tool of claim 3 wherein said pusher has an anchoring head and said actuator has a slot shaped to receive said head.

5. The tool of claim 4 wherein said actuator has a cross bar and said coupler has a slot that fits said cross bar to mount said coupler on said actuator.

6. The tool of claim 5 wherein said actuator is slidably mounted on said tool and is removable from said tool after removal of said coupler from said actuator.