Staple cartridge

• US 8,540,133 B2
• Filed: 03/17/2010
• Issued: 09/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Bedi, James J., Baxter, Chester O. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Nash, Brian D
• Application Number:
  US12/725,993
• Publication Number:
  US 20100213241A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,287 Days
• Field of Search: 227/180.1, 227/19, 227/175.1, 606/8
• US Class Current: 227/180.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• 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 2017/0042 with special provisions for gripping
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00455 Orientation indicators, e.g. recess on the handle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0725 with settable gap between anvil and cartridge, e.g. for different staple heights at different shots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0801 Prevention of accidental cutting or pricking
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/08021 of the patient or his organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0813 Accessories designed for easy sterilising, i.e. re-usable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 Preventing re-use

Abstract

A surgical stapling instrument and, in addition, a staple cartridge comprising a cutting member positioned therein. The staple cartridge can comprise alignment features configured to align the cutting member of the staple cartridge with a distal end of a drive bar when the staple cartridge is assembled to the surgical stapling instrument.

Claims

1. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a plurality of staple cavities;

a plurality of staples positioned in said staple cavities;

a distal end; and

a proximal end, comprising;

a first proximal retention portion positioned on a first side of said cutting slot, wherein said first proximal retention member is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler; and

a second proximal retention portion positioned on a second side of said cutting slot, wherein said second proximal retention member is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler;

wherein said first proximal retention portion comprises a first retention slot configured to receive a first retention key of the surgical stapler, and wherein said second proximal retention portion comprises a second retention slot configured to receive a second retention key of the surgical stapler; and

wherein said first retention slot comprises;

a first distal side; and

a first proximal side positioned opposite said first distal side, wherein said first proximal side is configured to deflect proximally when said first retention slot is engaged with the first retention key, and wherein said second retention slot comprises;

a second distal side; and

a second proximal side positioned opposite said second distal side, wherein said second proximal side is configured to deflect proximally when said second retention slot is engaged with the second retention key.

2. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a cutting member comprising a cutting edge;

a staple cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive said cutting edge;

a plurality of staple cavities; and

a distal end;

wherein said distal end comprises a datum surface, wherein said cutting member comprises a receiving slot configured to receive a drive member of the surgical stapler, wherein said cutting member is movable between a proximal position and a distal position by the drive member, and wherein said receiving slot defines a predetermined distance with respect to said datum surface when said cutting member is in said proximal position; and

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities.

3. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a plurality of staple cavities; and

a distal end; and

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

wherein said distal end comprises a projection configured to hook underneath a distal projection extending from a staple cartridge channel of the surgical stapler.

4. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a first body portion positioned on a first side of said cutting slot;

a second body portion positioned on a second side of said cutting slot;

a plurality of first staple cavities in said first body portion;

a plurality of second staple cavities in said second body portion;

a first alignment slot in said first body portion configured to receive a first alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a second alignment slot in said second body portion configured to receive a second alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a plurality of first staples positioned within said plurality of first staple cavities;

a plurality of second staples positioned within said plurality of second staple cavities;

wherein said plurality of first staple cavities comprises a first proximal-most staple cavity, wherein said plurality of second staple cavities comprises a second proximal-most staple cavity, wherein said first alignment slot is positioned laterally with respect to said first proximal-most staple cavity and said cutting slot, and wherein said second alignment slot is positioned laterally with respect to said second proximal-most staple cavity and said cutting slot.

5. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a first body portion positioned on a first side of said cutting slot;

a second body portion positioned on a second side of said cutting slot;

a plurality of first staple cavities in said first body portion;

a plurality of second staple cavities in said second body portion;

a first alignment slot in said first body portion configured to receive a first alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a second alignment slot in said second body portion configured to receive a second alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a plurality of first staples positioned within said plurality of first staple cavities;

a plurality of second staples positioned within said plurality of second staple cavities;

wherein said first alignment slot comprises;

a first lateral sidewall;

a second lateral sidewall; and

a first base wall extending between said first lateral sidewall and said second lateral sidewall, wherein said second alignment slot comprises;

a third lateral sidewall;

a fourth lateral sidewall; and

a second base wall extending between said third lateral sidewall and said fourth lateral sidewall, wherein said plurality of first staple cavities comprises a first proximal-most staple cavity, wherein said plurality of second staple cavities comprises a second proximal-most staple cavity, wherein said first proximal-most staple cavity is positioned proximally with respect to said first base wall, and wherein said second proximal-most staple cavity is positioned proximally with respect to said second base wall.

6. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a first body portion positioned on a first side of said cutting slot;

a second body portion positioned on a second side of said cutting slot;

a plurality of first staple cavities in said first body portion;

a plurality of second staple cavities in said second body portion;

a first alignment slot in said first body portion configured to receive a first alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a second alignment slot in said second body portion configured to receive a second alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a plurality of first staples positioned within said plurality of first staple cavities;

a plurality of second staples positioned within said plurality of second staple cavities;

wherein said first alignment slot comprises;

a first lateral sidewall;

a second lateral sidewall; and

a first base wall extending between said first lateral sidewall and said second lateral sidewall, wherein said second alignment slot comprises;

a third lateral sidewall;

a fourth lateral sidewall; and

a second base wall extending between said third lateral sidewall and said fourth lateral sidewall, wherein said plurality of first staple cavities comprises first and second proximal-most staple cavities, wherein said plurality of second staple cavities comprises first and second proximal-most staple cavities, wherein at least a portion of said first and second proximal-most staple cavities of said plurality of first staple cavities is positioned proximally with respect to said first base wall, and wherein at least a portion of said first and second proximal-most staple cavities of said plurality of second staple cavities is positioned proximally with respect to said second base wall.

7. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a first body portion;

a second body portion;

a plurality of staple cavities;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a first alignment slot in said first body portion configured to receive a first alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a second alignment slot in said second body portion configured to receive a second alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a first lateral gripping portion positioned laterally with respect to said first alignment slot;

a second lateral gripping portion positioned laterally with respect to said second alignment slot;

wherein said first lateral gripping portion comprises;

a first tissue-contacting surface on a first side of said first lateral gripping portion; and

a first plurality of ridges on a second side of said first lateral gripping portion, and

wherein said second lateral gripping portion comprises;

a second tissue-contacting surface on a first side of said second lateral gripping portion; and

a second plurality of ridges on a second side of said second lateral gripping portion.

8. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body comprising a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting member;

a plurality of staple cavities defined in said staple cartridge body;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a first alignment slot configured to receive a first alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a second alignment slot configured to receive a second alignment member of the surgical stapler;

a distal end; and

a proximal end, comprising;

a first proximal retention portion positioned on a first side of said cutting slot, wherein said first proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler; and

a second proximal retention portion positioned on a second side of said cutting slot, wherein said second proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler;

wherein said first retention portion is positioned proximally with respect to said first alignment slot, and wherein said second retention portion is positioned proximally with respect to said second alignment slot.

9. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body comprising a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting member;

a plurality of staple cavities defined in said body portion;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a distal end; and

a first proximal retention slot positioned on a first side of said cutting slot, wherein said first proximal retention slot is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler; and

a second proximal retention slot positioned on a second side of said cutting slot, wherein said second proximal retention slot is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler,

wherein said first retention slot and said second retention slot are positioned along an axis, and wherein said axis is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by said cutting slot.

10. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a staple cartridge body comprising a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a plurality of first staple cavities defined in said staple cartridge body;

a plurality of second staple cavities defined in said staple cartridge body;

a distal end;

a first proximal retention portion positioned on a first side of said cutting slot, wherein said first proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler; and

a second proximal retention portion positioned on a second side of said cutting slot, wherein said second proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler;

a first plurality of staples positioned within said plurality of first staple cavities; and

a second plurality of staples positioned within said plurality of second staple cavities;

wherein said plurality of first staple cavities comprises a first proximal-most staple cavity, wherein said plurality of second staple cavities comprises a second proximal-most staple cavity, wherein said first retention portion is positioned proximally with respect to said first proximal-most staple cavity, and wherein said second retention portion is positioned proximally with respect to said second proximal-most staple cavity.

11. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, said staple cartridge comprising:

a cutting member comprising a cutting edge;

a cartridge body comprising a cutting slot configured to receive said cutting edge;

a plurality of staple cavities defined in said cartridge body;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a distal end; and

a proximal end, comprising;

a first proximal retention portion positioned on a first side of said cutting slot, wherein said first proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler; and

a second proximal retention portion positioned on a second side of said cutting slot, wherein said second proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical stapler;

wherein said cutting member is positionable in a proximal-most position, and wherein said first retention portion and said second retention portion are positioned proximally with respect to said cutting member in its proximal-most position.

12. A surgical instrument assembly, comprising:

a surgical stapler, comprising;

a drive bar;

a staple cartridge channel;

an alignment member; and

a retention key;

a movable member comprising a cutting edge, wherein said movable member is operably engageable with said drive bar;

a staple cartridge configured to be positioned in said staple cartridge channel, said staple cartridge comprising;

a cartridge body;

a cutting slot configured to receive said cutting edge;

a plurality of staple cavities;

an alignment slot configured to receive said alignment member of said surgical stapler;

a lateral gripping member positioned laterally with respect to said alignment slot;

a distal end; and

a proximal end comprising a proximal retention portion positioned on a side of said cutting slot, wherein said proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage said retention key; and

a plurality of staples positioned within said plurality of staple cavities,

wherein said distal end of said staple cartridge comprises a projection configured to hook underneath a distal projection extending from said staple cartridge channel of said surgical stapler.

13. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a fastener cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a plurality of fastener cavities;

a distal end; and

a proximal retention portion configured to releasably engage a portion of the fastening instrument, wherein said proximal retention portion comprises a retention slot configured to receive a retention key of the fastening instrument, and wherein said retention slot comprises a first side and a second side positioned opposite said first side, and wherein at least one of said first side and said second side is configured to deflect when said retention slot is engaged with the retention key; and

a plurality of fasteners positioned in said fastener cavities.

14. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a movable member;

a fastener cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a plurality of fastener cavities; and

a distal end;

wherein said distal end comprises a datum surface, wherein said movable member comprises a receiving slot configured to receive a drive member of the fastening instrument, wherein said movable member is movable between a proximal position and a distal position by the drive member, and wherein said receiving slot defines a predetermined distance with respect to said datum surface when said movable member is in said proximal position; and

a plurality of fasteners.

15. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a fastener cartridge body, comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a plurality of fastener cavities; and

a lateral alignment slot configured to receive a lateral alignment member of the fastening instrument; and

a plurality of fasteners;

wherein said plurality of fastener cavities comprises a proximal-most staple cavity, and wherein said alignment slot is positioned laterally with respect to said proximal-most fastener cavity and said cutting slot.

16. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a fastener cartridge body, comprising;

a plurality of fastener cavities;

an alignment slot configured to receive an alignment member of the surgical fastening instrument; and

a lateral gripping portion positioned laterally with respect to said alignment slot, wherein said lateral gripping portion comprises a tissue-contacting surface on a first side of said lateral gripping portion, and wherein said lateral gripping portion further comprises a plurality of ridges on a second side of said lateral gripping portion; and

a plurality of fasteners.

17. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a cartridge body comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting member;

a plurality of fastener cavities;

an alignment slot configured to receive an alignment member of the surgical fastening instrument;

a distal end; and

a proximal retention portion positioned on a side of said cutting slot, wherein said proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical fastening instrument, and wherein said retention portion is positioned proximally with respect to said alignment slot; and

a plurality of fasteners.

18. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a cartridge body comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting member;

a plurality of fastener cavities;

a distal end;

a first proximal retention slot positioned on a first side of said cutting slot, wherein said first proximal retention slot is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical fastener instrument; and

a second proximal retention slot positioned on a second side of said cutting slot, wherein said second proximal retention slot is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical fastening instrument, wherein said first retention slot and said second retention slot are positioned along an axis, and wherein said axis is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by said cutting slot; and

a plurality of fasteners.

19. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a fastener cartridge body comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive a cutting edge;

a plurality of fastener cavities;

a distal end; and

a proximal retention portion positioned on a side of said cutting slot, wherein said proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical fastening instrument, wherein said plurality of fastener cavities comprises a proximal-most fastener cavity, wherein said proximal retention portion is positioned proximally with respect to said proximal-most fastener cavity; and

a plurality of fasteners.

20. A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical fastening instrument, said fastener cartridge comprising:

a cutting member comprising a cutting edge;

a fastener cartridge body comprising;

a cutting slot configured to receive said cutting edge;

a plurality of staple cavities;

a distal end; and

a proximal retention portion positioned on a side of said cutting slot, wherein said proximal retention portion is configured to releasably engage a portion of the surgical fastening instrument, wherein said cutting member is positionable in a proximal-most position, and wherein said proximal retention portion is positioned proximally with respect to said cutting member in its proximal-most position; and

a plurality of fasteners.