Surgical stapling apparatus

• US 8,342,377 B2
• Filed: 08/14/2012
• Issued: 01/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien 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:
  US13/585,350
• Publication Number:
  US 20120305627A1
• Time in Patent Office: 140 Days
• Field of Search: 227/19, 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/175.2, 227/175.3, 227/180.1, 227/178.1, 606/139, 606/219
• US Class Current: 227/175.2
• 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 instrument, comprising a tool assembly including an anvil and a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly having a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein, the tool assembly having an axial drive assembly that includes at least one sheet with a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end defining a vertical strut, and the proximal end an engagement section, the axial drive assembly being movable through the cartridge assembly to drive the surgical fasteners against the anvil, the axial drive assembly having a drive member disposed at the engagement section, and a pivotable locking device at the engagement section, the pivotable locking device being movable with the axial drive assembly and pivotable to engage a locking projection and prevent a subsequent actuation of the surgical stapling instrument.

2. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 1, wherein the locking device has an elongate cam extending therefrom.

3. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is biased to pivot in a direction.

4. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a housing, the locking projection being defined in the housing.

5. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 4, wherein the locking projection is defined in a lower portion of the housing.

6. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a projection in a sidewall of the housing.

7. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 6, wherein the projection in the sidewall is disposed proximally of the locking projection.

8. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 7, wherein the projection in the sidewall is arranged to retain the locking device in an elevated position when the elongate cam is disposed on the projection in the sidewall.

9. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 8, wherein movement of the axial drive assembly moves the locking device away from the projection in the sidewall.

10. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is biased downwardly.

11. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 10, wherein the locking device engages the locking projection after the axial drive assembly is retracted.