Surgical stapling apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A surgical stapler having in combination an anvil portion and a generally tubular tissue bolstering member fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene, the tissue bolstering member being fitted around the stapler anvil portion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical stapling apparatus having tissue bolstering material releasably attached thereto for application of the material and staples to body tissue is disclosed. The tissue bolstering material is preferably releasably held to surfaces of the stapling apparatus through pins, clips or similar securing structures. The tissue bolstering material can be either planar or tubular in configuration. Preferably, both the anvil portion and the fastener ejecting portion of the stapler are at least partially covered with the tissue bolstering material. In use, tissue is disposed between the anvil portion and the stapling portion of the instrument and the instrument is fired. The tissue bolstering material is thereby secured to the tissue and releasably detaches from the stapler upon withdrawal of the stapler from the surgical site.
2056 Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A surgical stapler having in combination an anvil portion and a generally tubular tissue bolstering member fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene, the tissue bolstering member being fitted around the stapler anvil portion.
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4. A method of applying surgical bolstering material to body tissue comprising:
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providing a surgical stapler having first and second jaw structures; providing a first, generally tubular surgical bolstering member fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene; disposing the first tissue bolstering member over one of the stapler jaw structures; positioning the jaw structures of the stapler on either side of tissue to be stapled; and firing the stapler to drive staples through the bolstering member and tissue. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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5. A method of applying surgical bolstering material to body tissue comprising;
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providing a surgical stapler having an anvil jaw and a staple cartridge jaw; selecting a first, generally tubular bolstering member fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene; fitting the first bolstering member over the staple cartridge jaw of the stapler, such that the bolstering member generally surrounds the staple cartridge jaw; selecting a second bolstering member fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene; fitting the second bolstering member over the staple cartridge jaw of the stapler, such that the bolstering member generally surrounds the staple cartridge jaw; positioning the stapler jaws having the bolstering members fitted thereon on either side of tissue to be stapled; and firing the stapler to drive staples through the bolstering members and tissue. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A surgical stapler having in combination an anvil portion and a generally tubular tissue bolstering member fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene, the tissue bolstering member being fitted around the stapler anvil portion and having first and second openings for receiving the stapler anvil portion.
- 10. A surgical stapler having in combination an anvil portion, a stapling containing portion, and a tissue bolstering member being fitted around the outer surface of at least the anvil portion, the tissue bolstering member defining a continuous sheet of material having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface of the tissue bolstering material facing the outer surface of the anvil portion when the tissue bolstering material is fitted around the anvil portion.
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13. A surgical apparatus for driving surgical fasteners into body tissue comprising:
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a first jaw structure for housing a plurality of surgical fasteners and having an outer perimetal surface; a second jaw structure being disposed in juxtaposed alignment with the first jaw structure to effect closure of said plurality of fasteners and having an outer perimetal surface; and a continuous wrap of biocompatible surgical fabric disposed around the outer perimetal surface of at least one of the first and second jaw structures, the wrap having an interior surface and an exterior surface, such that the interior surface of the wrap faces an outer perimetal surface of the first or second jaw structure when the wrap is disposed around the jaw structure. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification