Surgical stapler having interchangeable loading units
First Claim
1. A surgical stapling kit which comprises:
- a) a surgical stapler including;
i) a first body portion supporting an anvil which defines a fastener forming surface; and
ii) a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion and having a retention channel extending from a distal end thereof;
b) a first disposable loading unit configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and including a cartridge carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which form staple lines having a first lengthwise dimension; and
c) a second disposable loading unit configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and including a cartridge carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which, when applied to body tissue, form staple lines having a second lengthwise dimension different from the first lengthwise dimension of the staple lines formed by the first loading unit.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical stapler is disclosed which includes a first body portion supporting an anvil which defines a fastener forming surface and a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion and having an elongate retention channel extending from a distal end thereof. A first disposable loading unit is provided which is configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and which includes a staple housing carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which, when applied to body tissue, form staple lines having a first lengthwise dimension. A second disposable loading unit is provided which is configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and which includes a staple housing carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which, when applied to body tissue, form staple lines having a second lengthwise dimension different from that of the staple lines formed by the first loading unit. The loading units and stapler can be packaged as a kit.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A surgical stapling kit which comprises:
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a) a surgical stapler including; i) a first body portion supporting an anvil which defines a fastener forming surface; and ii) a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion and having a retention channel extending from a distal end thereof; b) a first disposable loading unit configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and including a cartridge carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which form staple lines having a first lengthwise dimension; and c) a second disposable loading unit configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and including a cartridge carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which, when applied to body tissue, form staple lines having a second lengthwise dimension different from the first lengthwise dimension of the staple lines formed by the first loading unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A surgical stapling kit which comprises:
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a) a first disposable loading unit configured to be removably supported in a retention channel of a surgical stapler and including; 1) a cartridge carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which form staple lines having a first lengthwise dimension; and 2) a wedged actuation sled mounted to translate through the staple housing in a longitudinal direction to effectuate sequential ejection of the staples therefrom; and b) a second disposable loading unit configured to be removably supported in the retention channel of the surgical stapler and including; 1) a cartridge carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which form staple lines having a second lengthwise dimension different from the first lengthwise dimension of the staple lines formed by the first loading unit; and 2) a wedged actuation sled mounted to translate through the staple housing in a longitudinal direction to effectuate sequential ejection of the staples therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising:
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a) a first body portion supporting an anvil which defines a fastener forming surface; b) a second body portion having a retention channel extending from a distal end thereof, the second body portion having an actuator supported therein for movement between a first position and a second position; c) a first disposable loading unit supported in the retention channel and including a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which form staple lines having a first lengthwise dimension and a plurality of staple drivers movable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the actuator to apply the staples to body tissue, the disposable loading unit being removable and replaceable with a second disposable loading unit having a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which form staple lines having a second lengthwise dimension different than the first lengthwise dimension of the staple lines of the first disposable loading unit. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification