Surgical stapling apparatus

• US 8,292,152 B2
• Filed: 06/07/2012
• Issued: 10/23/2012
• 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:
  US13/491,085
• Publication Number:
  US 20120241495A1
• Time in Patent Office: 138 Days
• Field of Search: 227/19, 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/180.1, 227/178.1, 606/139, 606/219, 606/151, 606/153
• 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 tool assembly having an axial drive assembly including a drive beam having a plurality of sheets, the tool assembly including a pivot member allowing the tool assembly to articulate, the tool assembly having a movable link that contacts a proximal end of the tool assembly at a location offset from the pivot member so that movement of the link articulates the tool assembly.

2. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive beam has a knife blade.

3. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plate positioned adjacent the pivot member to prevent outward bulging of the drive assembly.

4. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive beam is an I-beam having an upper surface and a lower surface.

5. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tool assembly has jaws and the upper and lower surfaces are used to close the jaws of tool assembly.

6. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the drive beam also closes the jaws.

7. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of surgical staples and an anvil assembly.

8. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the drive beam has an upper surface and a lower surface configured to close the jaws of tool assembly.

9. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge and a plurality of pushers.

10. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pushers sequentially fire a plurality of staples.

11. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus applies linear rows of staples.

12. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a handle assembly.

13. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the handle assembly is manually actuated.

14. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the handle assembly includes an articulation handle.

15. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the handle assembly includes a handle member that pivots to move a rack.

16. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the rack moves the drive beam to fire staples.

17. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tool assembly forms part of a replaceable loading unit.