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Circular stapler introducer with rigid cap assembly configured for easy removal

  • US 8,353,438 B2
  • Filed: 11/19/2009
  • Issued: 01/15/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An introducer for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient, the circular stapler having a handle portion, an elongated shaft protruding from the handle portion, and a stapling head coupled to the elongated shaft, said introducer comprising:

  • a hollow flexible sheath having a distal end and an open proximal end, said hollow flexible sheath sized to receive the stapling head and at least a portion of the elongated shaft therein; and

    a rigid cap assembly attached to said distal end of said hollow flexible sheath, said rigid cap assembly configured to selectively move between a closed position wherein a distal face of the stapling head is covered by said rigid cap assembly when the stapling head has been inserted therein to a fully inserted position and an open position wherein said cap assembly may be proximally withdrawn from around the stapling head and elongated shaft, said cap assembly having a portion shaped to match a shape of a perimeter of a corresponding portion of the stapling head to enable the rigid cap assembly to pass proximally past the stapling head when being withdrawn therefrom.

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