Surgical stapling apparatus

• US 7,565,993 B2
• Filed: 10/15/2007
• Issued: 07/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Milliman, Keith L., Viola, Frank J., Orban, Joseph P. III, Lehn, Randolph F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith; Scott A.
• Application Number:
  US11/974,638
• Publication Number:
  US 20080041916A1
• Time in Patent Office: 652 Days
• Field of Search: 227/19, 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/180.1, 227/178.1, 606/139, 606/219, 606/153, 606/170
• US Class Current: 227/175.1
• 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 17/0686 having a forming anvil staying below the tissue during stapling
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/115 Staplers for performing anastomosis in a single operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0023 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07278 characterised by its sled or its staple holder
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2923 Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2929 with a head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0806 Instrument detectors with a removable part, e.g. working tip
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0808 for indicating correct assembly of components, e.g. of the surgical apparatus

Abstract

A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising:

a handle assembly including a movable handle, the movable handle being movable through at least one actuation stroke;

an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly mounted for articulation adjacent a distal end of the elongated body;

a longitudinally movable drive beam to effect the ejection of surgical staples from the tool assembly, the drive beam having a plurality of stacked sheets, each sheet at least partially abutting an adjacent sheet; and

an actuation shaft mounted for longitudinal movement in response to manipulation of the movable handle, the actuation shaft being arranged to move the drive beam longitudinally.

2. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an articulation mechanism mounted adjacent the handle assembly.

3. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the articulation mechanism has an articulation link extending through the elongated body.

4. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tool assembly includes an anvil member having a longitudinal slot to facilitate passage of the drive beam.

5. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the anvil member has a camming surface positioned to be engaged by the drive beam to facilitate clamping of tissue.

6. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tool assembly includes a staple cartridge having a longitudinal slot for facilitating passage of the drive beam.

7. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting assembly for mounting the tool assembly for articulation.

8. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mounting assembly has a pivot member.

9. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive beam includes a proximal engagement section having engagement fingers.

10. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the drive beam has a distal end defining a support strut.

11. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the strut supports a knife blade.

12. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the strut includes a flange that projects distally.

13. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the flange supports a cam roller.

14. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each sheet abuts at least one other adjacent sheet along the entire length of the stacked sheets.