Surgical stapling apparatus including sensing mechanism

• US 8,636,766 B2
• Filed: 11/30/2012
• Issued: 01/28/2014
• 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., Lehn, Randolph F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Scott A.
• Application Number:
  US13/690,413
• Publication Number:
  US 20130140342A1
• Time in Patent Office: 424 Days
• Field of Search: 227/19, 227/175.1, 227/175.2, 227/176.1, 227/180.1, 606/139, 606/151, 606/153, 606/219
• US Class Current: 606/219
• 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 method of performing a surgical procedure comprising:

inserting a disposable loading unit into a distal end of an elongate body;

causing the disposable loading unit to engage a sensing mechanism supported within the elongate body;

displacing a portion of the sensing mechanism to permit movement of a locking member from a first position, wherein the locking member is positioned to permit firing of the disposable loading unit, to a second position, wherein the locking member is positioned to inhibit firing of the disposable loading unit;

manipulating a lockout assembly to permit the locking member to return to the first position, and thereby permit firing of the disposable loading unit; and

firing the disposable loading unit to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein displacing the portion of the sensing mechanism includes overcoming a bias applied to the locking member by a biasing member.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein displacing the portion of the sensing mechanism includes sliding the portion of the sensing mechanism within the elongate body.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein displacing the portion of the sensing mechanism includes sliding a sensor tube within the elongate body.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein causing the disposable loading unit to engage the sensing mechanism includes causing the disposable loading unit to engage a distal end of the sensor tube.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein sliding the sensor tube within the elongate body includes sliding the sensor tube in a proximal direction away from an end effector of the disposable loading unit.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein sliding the sensor tube within the elongate body includes causing a sensor cylinder and a sensor link to move in the proximal direction away from the end effector of the disposable loading unit.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein moving the sensor link in the proximal direction includes causing an end of the sensor link to move distally to permit movement of the locking member from the first position to the second position.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein moving the sensor link in the proximal direction includes causing the end of the sensor link to move distally of a camming surface formed on the locking member.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein displacing the portion of the sensing mechanism includes moving the locking member into engagement with an actuation shaft.