Linear stapling mechanism with cutting means

• US 5,485,947 A
• Filed: 03/18/1994
• Issued: 01/23/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Cook, Robert, Olson, Todd, Steed, Gary, Meiser, Dan, Huffman, Eric, Chen, Ralph, Otten, Matthew, Knodell, Thomas, VanOverloop, Ronald, Rhad, Edward, Powell, Darrel
• Primary Examiner(s): Rada, Rinaldi I.
• Application Number:
  US08/215,075
• Time in Patent Office: 676 Days
• Field of Search: 227/19, 227/180, 227/176, 227/178, 227/8
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320016 Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes A61B10/0233, A61B17/29, A61B17/3207 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2919 details of linkages or pivot points
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2922 toggle linkages
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2929 with a head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2948 Sealing means, e.g. for sealing the interior from fluid entry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 Preventing re-use

Abstract

A stapler mechanism is described which contains a stapling assembly, and anvil assembly, firing means and knife means. These means are activated by a firing trigger. The anvil assembly is closed upon the stapling assembly by means of a closure trigger. The firing trigger is inoperable until the closure trigger has been activated. Another mechanism in the stapler is capable of locking the closure trigger after use so it does not spring open inadvertently before use of the firing trigger. Additionally, the stapler mechanism allows forward motion of both triggers and also is capable of allowing reverse motion of the closure trigger to open the mechanism.

Claims

1. A surgical stapler for endoscopic application comprising:

a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a stapling portion connected to the handle portion by said shaft portion,

said stapling portion having a stapling assembly including a replaceable staple-filled staple cartridge, and a movable anvil operable to cooperate with said staple cartridge to clamp and staple tissue disposed therebetween,

said stapling assembly including at least one firing wedge movable distally along a longitudinal axis of said staple cartridge for firing staples therein, and knife means movable distally of said staple cartridge for cutting tissue clamped by said anvil said knife having a first edge portion near said cartridge and a second edge portion near said anvil,

said stapler assembly including a lockout mechanism for preventing refiring of said stapler, including notch means defined along said first edge portion of said knife means, said knife means being movable in a direction generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis so that said notch means is movable from a first disengaged position to a second engaged position;

said lockout mechanism further including a movable lockout member mounted on said staple cartridge and engageable with said first edge portion,

said lockout member being movable from a first position to a second position during movement of said knife means relative to said cartridge, wherein in said first position of said lockout member, said notch means is disposed in said first disengaged position so that said knife means is movable distally of said staple cartridge, and in said second position of said lockout member, said notch means is positionable in said second engaged position when said knife means is moved proximally to a retracted position when said knife means is moved proximally to a retracted position, wherein said notch means prevents distal movement of said knife means to prevent refiring of said stapler.

2. An endoscopic surgical stapler in accordance with claim 1, wherein

said lockout member is pivotally mounted on said staple cartridge for pivotal movement about an axis extending transversely of the direction of movement of said knife means for movement of said notch means between said first and second positions thereof.

3. An endoscopic surgical stapler in accordance with claim 1, wherein

said lockout member is pivotally mounted on said stapler cartridge, said lockout member being movable from said first position to said second position thereof during movement of said knife means proximally of said staple cartridge.

4. An endoscopic surgical stapler in accordance with claim 1, wherein

said lockout member is slidably mounted in said staple cartridge for movement in a direction generally distally of said cartridge.

5. An endoscopic surgical stapler in accordance with claim 4, wherein

said lockout member is slidably moved by said knife means during movement of said knife means distally of said staple cartridge.

6. An endoscopic surgical stapler in accordance with claim 1,

further comprising detent means partially on said lockout member and partially on said stapler cartridge said detent means releasably retaining said lockout member in said first position, and retaining said lockout member in said second position.

7. An endoscopic surgical stapler in accordance with claim 6, wherein

said detent means comprises a retaining member on said stapler cartridge, and a pair of recesses defined by said lockout member for respectively receiving said retaining member in the first and second positions of said lockout member.

8. A surgical stapler for endoscopic application comprising:

a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a stapling portion connected to the handle portion by said shaft portion,

said stapling portion having a stapling assembly including a replaceable staple-filled staple cartridge, and a movable anvil operable to cooperate with said staple cartridge to clamp and staple tissue disposed therebetween,

said stapling assembly including at least one firing wedge movable distally along a longitudinal axis of said staple cartridge for firing staples therein, and knife means movable distally of said staple cartridge for cutting tissue clamped by said anvil said knife having a first edge portion near said anvil and a second edge portion near said cartridge,

said stapler assembly including a lockout mechanism for preventing refiring of said stapler, including notch means defined along said first edge portion of said knife means, said knife means being movable in a direction generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis so that said notch means is movable from a first disengaged position to a second engaged position;

said lockout mechanism further including a movable lockout member mounted on said staple cartridge and engageable with said first edge portion,

said lockout member being movable from a first position to a second position during movement of said knife means relative to said cartridge, wherein in said first position of said lockout member, said notch means is disposed in said first disengaged position so that said knife means is movable distally of said staple cartridge, and in said second position of said lockout member, said notch means is positionable in said second engaged position when said knife means is moved proximally to a retracted position, wherein said notch means prevents distal movement of said knife means to prevent refiring of said stapler wherein said lockout member is slidably mounted in said staple cartridge for movement in a direction generally distally of said cartridge; and

said lockout member includes at least one projection, and said cartridge includes a retaining member engageable with said projection in said second position of said lockout member to retain said lockout member in said second position.

9. An endoscopic surgical stapler in accordance with claim 8, wherein

said lockout member includes three of said projections, said retaining member being positioned generally between a first adjacent pair of said projections in said first position of said lockout member, said retaining member being positioned generally between a second adjacent pair of said projections in said second position of said lockout member.

10. A surgical stapler comprising:

a cartridge having a plurality of staples, frame means for carrying said cartridge, firing means including a pusher assembly movable relative to said frame means in an initial longitudinal firing movement of the pusher assembly down a path to fire the staples, a lockout mechanism for preventing a subsequent longitudinal firing movement of the pusher assembly after the pusher assembly has been moved to a retracted position by longitudinal movement of said pusher assembly along said path in a direction opposite to a direction of said firing movement, said lockout mechanism including barrier means for preventing refiring movement of said pusher assembly, said barrier means being movable from a first position to a second position, and restraining means for engaging said barrier means, wherein when said barrier means is in said first position said pusher assembly can be advanced along said path to effect firing of said staples, said restraining means being movable in response to movement of said pusher assembly relative to said frame means so that said barrier means is movable to said second position to prevent refiring after the pusher assembly has been moved to said retracted position, wherein said barrier means comprises a knife movable with said pusher assembly during firing movement thereof, and said restraining means comprises a lockout member slidably movably mounted on said staple cartridge for non-rotational movement in a direction generally distally of said cartridge.

11. A surgical stapler in accordance with claim 10, further comprising detent means partially on said cartridge and partially on said lockout member define said detent means releasably retaining said lockout member of said restraining means in said first position thereof, and retaining said lockout member of said restraining means in said second position thereof.

12. A surgical stapler comprising:

a cartridge having a plurality of staples, frame means for carrying said cartridge, firing means including a pusher assembly movable relative to said frame means in an initial longitudinal firing movement of the pusher assembly down a path to fire the staples, a lockout mechanism for preventing a subsequent longitudinal firing movement of the pusher assembly after the pusher assembly has been moved to a retracted position by longitudinal movement of said pusher assembly along said path in a direction opposite to a direction of said firing movement, said lockout mechanism including barrier means for preventing refiring movement of said pusher assembly, said barrier means being movable from a first position to a second position, and restraining means for engaging said barrier means, wherein when said barrier means is in said first position said pusher assembly can be advanced along said path to effect firing of said staples, said restraining means being movable in response to movement of said pusher assembly relative to said frame means so that said barrier means is movable to said second position to prevent refiring after the pusher assembly has been moved to said retracted position, said restraining means being movable in response to movement of said pusher assembly toward said retracted position; and

wherein said restraining means comprises a lockout member pivotally mounted on said cartridge.

13. A surgical

a cartridge having a plurality of staples, frame means for carrying said cartridge, firing means including a pusher assembly movable relative to said frame means in an initial longitudinal firing movement of the pusher assembly down a path to fire the staples, a lockout mechanism for preventing a subsequent longitudinal firing movement of the pusher assembly after the pusher assembly has been moved to a retracted position by longitudinal movement of said pusher assembly along said path in a direction opposite to a direction of said firing movement, said lockout mechanism including barrier means for preventing refiring movement of said pusher assembly, said barrier means being movable from a first position to a second position, and restraining means for engaging said barrier means, wherein when said barrier means is in said first position said pusher assembly can be advanced along said path to effect firing of said staples, said restraining means being movable in response to movement of said pusher assembly relative to said frame means so that said barrier means is movable to said second position to prevent refiring after the pusher assembly has been moved to said retracted position, said restraining means being movable in response to movement of said pusher assembly toward said retracted position;

and

wherein said pusher assembly comprises knife means comprising said barrier means, said knife means being movable in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by movement of said pusher assembly thereof for movement of said barrier means between said first and second positions.

14. A surgical stapler in accordance with claim 13, wherein said restraining means comprises a lockout member pivotally mounted on said cartridge.

15. An endoscopic surgical tissue fastening instrument comprising:

a tissue fastening portion;

a handle portion having a handle; and

an elongated shaft portion connecting said tissue fastening portion and said handle portion,

wherein said tissue fastening portion contains a cartridge portion having a plurality of fasteners arranged to be placed into tissue and an anvil portion arranged to clamp tissue between said anvil portion and said cartridge portion so as to permit the firing of said tissue fasteners into tissue; and

said cartridge portion and anvil portion pivotable one with respect to the other;

a knife in said tissue fastening portion, said knife further connected to a firing trigger, and said knife capable of severing tissue contained between said cartridge portion and said anvil portion; and

a lockout mechanism which contacts said knife during an intermediate point along the motion of said knife as said knife passes between said cartridge portion and said anvil portion such that said knife causes said lockout mechanism to move to a position wherein said firing trigger is prevented from being refired.

16. An endoscopic surgical tissue fastening instrument comprising:

a tissue fastening portion;

a handle portion having a handle; and

an elongated shaft portion connecting said tissue fastening portion and said handle portion,

wherein said tissue fastening portion contains a cartridge portion having a plurality of fasteners arranged to be placed into tissue and an anvil portion arranged to clamp tissue between said anvil portion and said cartridge portion so as to permit the firing of said tissue fasteners into tissue; and

said cartridge portion and anvil portion pivotable one with respect to the other;

a knife in said tissue fastening portion, said knife further connected to a firing trigger, and said knife capable of severing tissue contained between said cartridge portion and said anvil portion; and

a lockout mechanism which contacts said knife during motion of said knife as said knife passes between said cartridge portion and said anvil portion such that said knife causes said lockout mechanism to move to a position wherein said firing trigger is prevented from being refired; and

wherein said lockout mechanism comprises a tab on said cartridge portion, said tab contacting said knife at an intermediate point along the motion of said knife as said knife passes between said cartridge portion and said anvil portion, such that said tab moves from an initial position to a second position, wherein when in said second position, said knife is not capable of moving within said cartridge after retraction from said cartridge.

17. An endoscopic surgical tissue fastening instrument comprising:

a tissue fastening portion;

a handle portion having a handle; and

an elongated shaft portion connecting said tissue fastening portion and said handle portion,

wherein said tissue fastening portion contains a cartridge portion having a plurality of fasteners arranged to be placed into tissue and an anvil portion arranged to clamp tissue between said anvil portion and said cartridge portion so as to permit the firing of said tissue fasteners into tissue; and

said cartridge portion and anvil portion pivotable one with respect to the other;

a knife in said tissue fastening portion, said knife further connected to a firing trigger, and said knife capable of severing tissue contained between said cartridge portion and said anvil portion; and

a lockout mechanism which contacts said knife during motion of said knife as said knife passes between said cartridge portion and said anvil portion such that said knife causes said lockout mechanism to move to a position wherein said firing trigger is prevented from being refired;

wherein said handle portion containing a closure trigger and a firing trigger, said closure trigger remotely connected to said anvil portion, said closure trigger capable of causing said anvil portion to pivot so as to bring said anvil portion into proximity with said cartridge portion, and said firing trigger connected to said cartridge portion and capable of firing said fasteners from said cartridge portion into said tissue so as to fasten said tissue, and

wherein said firing trigger and said closure trigger are pivotable with respect to said handle, and said closure trigger having an initial position and a clamping position pivotally displaced from said initial position, and said firing trigger having an initial position, an intermediate position pivotally displaced from said initial position, and a final position pivotally displaced from said intermediate position, wherein the initial position of said closure trigger is pivotally displaced from the initial position of said firing trigger, and further including engagement means on said closure trigger for actuating said firing trigger from its initial position to its intermediate position and further during motion of said closure trigger from its initial position to its clamping position.

18. The instrument of claim 17 further containing clutch means in said handle portion, said clutch means causing engagement of said firing trigger with said cartridge portion when said firing trigger has moved to said intermediate position so that said firing means is thereafter able to cause firing of said tissue fasteners from said cartridge portion during motion of said firing trigger from said intermediate position to said final position.

19. The instrument of claim 18 wherein said closure trigger pivots from said initial position to a clamping position, wherein said clutch means engages said firing trigger, and said closure trigger pivoting through an arc of between 25°

and 50°

from said initial position to said clamping position.

20. The instrument of claim 19 wherein said closure trigger causes said firing trigger to pivot through an arc between about 30°

to 60°

from its initial position to its intermediate position during motion of said closure trigger from its initial position to its clamping position.

21. The instrument of claim 19 further containing multiplier means connecting said closure trigger and said firing trigger, such that the angular arc of travel of said closure trigger from said initial position to said clamping position causes said multiplier means to produce a pivoting motion in said firing trigger through a greater angular arc than passed through by said closure trigger.

22. The instrument of claim 19 further containing reset means connected to said handle portion and said closure trigger, said reset means actuable when said closure trigger is in said clamping position, and said reset means including a push button attached to spring means, and said push button capable of actuating said spring means to cause said spring means to create reset motion to return said closure trigger from its clamping position to its initial position and similarly cause said anvil portion to pivot out of proximity with said cartridge portion.