Surgical stapling device

• US 8,371,494 B2
• Filed: 08/30/2011
• Issued: 02/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Racenet, David C., Wells, Timothy N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rada, Rinaldi
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C
• Application Number:
  US13/221,331
• Publication Number:
  US 20110309130A1
• Time in Patent Office: 532 Days
• Field of Search: 227/19, 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/178.1
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• 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 2017/00367 Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0038 Simultaneous actuation of two tools by pushing one button or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07264 characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2925 Pistol grips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2945 Curved jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 Guides for cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument

Abstract

A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling device comprising:

a handle portion including a trigger;

a body portion extending from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis;

a head portion including an anvil and a cartridge, the cartridge movable from a first position to a second position;

an approximation mechanism operatively coupled to the cartridge, wherein actuation of the approximation mechanism repositions the cartridge between the first position and the second position;

an alignment pin assembly including a pusher extending through the body portion that is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position; and

an engagement member operatively associated with the alignment pin assembly, wherein the pusher is movable between the retracted position and the advanced position in response to advancement of the engagement member independently of actuation of the approximation mechanism.

2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is removable.

3. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the engagement member is spaced proximally from the cartridge.

4. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the engagement member is configured for manually advancement.

5. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the engagement member is slidable in a longitudinal direction to advance an alignment pin.

6. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the engagement member operatively engages a post extending into a slot extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

7. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, further comprising a release button.

8. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, further comprising a spring for urging an alignment pin to a retracted position.

9. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, further comprising a pivotable member pivotable to advance an alignment pin.

10. The surgical stapling device of claim 9, wherein the pivotable member includes a post extending transverse to the longitudinal axis to move the alignment pin distally to an advanced position.

11. The surgical stapling device of claim 9, wherein the pivotable member includes a cam member receivable in a slot of a clamp slide.

13. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the pusher is disposed within the handle portion.

14. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the engagement member is disposed proximal of the body portion.

12. The surgical stapling device of claim I, further comprising an alignment pin, wherein the pusher is configured to engage a proximal end portion of the alignment pin.

15. A surgical stapling device comprising:

a handle portion including a trigger;

a body portion extending from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis;

a head portion including an anvil and a cartridge, the cartridge movable from a first position to a second position;

an approximation mechanism operatively coupled to the cartridge, wherein actuation of the approximation mechanism repositions the cartridge between the first position and the second position;

an alignment pin assembly including a pusher that is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position, wherein the proximal end of the pusher is disposed within the handle portion; and

an engagement member operatively associated with the alignment pin assembly, wherein the pusher is movable between the retracted position and the advanced position in response to advancement of the engagement member independently of actuation of the approximation mechanism.