Surgical stapling apparatus

• US 8,210,416 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2011
• Issued: 07/03/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Milliman, Keith L., Viola, Frank J., Orban, Joseph P. III, Lehn, Randolph F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Scott A.
• Application Number:
  US13/285,355
• Publication Number:
  US 20120043368A1
• Time in Patent Office: 246 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/19, 227/180.1, 227/178.1, 606/139, 606/219, 606/153
• US Class Current: 227/180.1
• 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;

an elongated body extending from the handle assembly;

a tool assembly supported adjacent a distal end of the elongated body and being pivotable with respect to the elongated body, the tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical staples;

a flexible drive member movable in relation to the tool assembly to actuate the tool assembly, the drive member having a plurality of sheets and a knife blade; and

an actuation shaft mounted for longitudinal movement in response to manipulation of the handle, the actuation shaft being arranged to move the drive member longitudinally in relation to the tool assembly.

2. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an articulation mechanism mounted adjacent the handle assembly.

3. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 2, further including an articulation link extending through the elongated body.

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

5. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tool assembly includes a staple cartridge having a longitudinal slot for facilitating passage of the drive member.

6. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mounting assembly for mounting the tool assembly for articulation.

7. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 6, wherein the mounting assembly has a pivot member.

8. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the drive member defines a support strut.

9. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 8, wherein the support strut supports a cam member.

10. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cam member is arranged to engage an anvil member of the tool assembly.

11. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tool assembly includes a carrier for supporting a staple cartridge.

12. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 11, wherein a distal end of the drive member defines a support strut, the support strut supporting a support member.

13. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support member is arranged to engage the carrier.

14. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheets are stacked against one another.