Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip

• US 8,348,123 B2
• Filed: 11/23/2010
• Issued: 01/08/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc), Webroot Software Incorporated (Open Text Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Scirica, Paul A., Demmy, Todd L., Olson, Lee Ann
• Primary Examiner(s): SEVERSON, RYAN J
• Application Number:
  US12/952,389
• Publication Number:
  US 20110062213A1
• Time in Patent Office: 777 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/179.1, 227/180.1, 606/142, 606/190, 606/205, 606/207, 606/211
• 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 17/072 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 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0023 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320044 Blunt dissectors blunt suture needles A61B2017/06085

Abstract

A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of the surgical instrument, e.g., to the cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

Claims

1. A method of performing a surgical procedure comprising the steps of:

providing a surgical stapling device having an end effector, the end effector having a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly, the surgical stapling device further including a tip extending from the anvil assembly;

inserting the end effector through a cannula;

positioning the tip at tissue to be stapled;

advancing the tip and separating the tissue to be stapled from adjacent tissue;

clamping the tissue to be stapled between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly; and

actuating the surgical stapling device to staple the tissue to be stapled.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly and anvil assembly are pivoted with respect to one another to clamp the target tissue.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tip is advanced to position the tissue to be stapled between the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the tissue to be stapled is positioned between the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly when the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly are in an open position.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising cutting the stapled tissue.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the end effector is pivotally attached to a body portion for articulation.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tip extends from an anvil plate.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the end effector forms part of a loading unit.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tip has a curved shape.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the tip has an inner surface facing the cartridge assembly and the tissue to be stapled is positioned adjacent the inner surface prior to clamping.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the tissue to be stapled is a blood vessel.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising moving the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly to the open position.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the tip extends between a tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly when the cartridge assembly and anvil assembly are in an open position.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tissue to be stapled is a blood vessel.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tip extends in a distal direction and toward the cartridge assembly.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tip has a tapered shape.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the tip has an inner surface facing the cartridge assembly and the tissue to be stapled is positioned adjacent the inner surface prior to clamping.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the tissue to be stapled is a blood vessel.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in advancing the tip, an inner surface of the tip is pushed behind the tissue to be stapled.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein clamping the tissue to be stapled includes squeezing the tissue distally of a staple working portion of the cartridge assembly.