Staple cartridge cavity configuration with cooperative surgical staple

• US 8,727,197 B2
• Filed: 06/29/2007
• Issued: 05/20/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Hess, Christopher J., Siebenaler, Douglas J., Huitema, Thomas W., Weisenburgh, William B. II
• Primary Examiner(s): Long, Robert
• Application Number:
  US11/824,275
• Publication Number:
  US 20090005808A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,517 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751-1821, 227/19, 606/219, 411/522, 411/457
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0643 with separate closing member, e.g. for interlocking with staple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0644 penetrating the tissue, deformable to closed position
• 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 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
• 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 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1114 of the digestive tract, e.g. bowels or oesophagus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/115 Staplers for performing anastomosis in a single operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/135 inflatable for measuring blood pressure A61B5/022; inflatable pressure pads A61F5/34
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00526 Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00818 Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00898 : expandable upon contact with fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07228 : Arrangement of the staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 : characterised by its anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07264 : characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2905 : flexible
• 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 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/031 : torque limiting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 : Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0086 : using clamps, folding means or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2023/08 : Microprocessor; Microcomputer
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2031/30 : Cooling after the engine is stopped
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2037/02 : starting
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 5/04 : Pump-driving arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 5/10 : Pumping liquid coolant; Arrangements of coolant pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 7/08 : by cutting in or out of pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 7/16 : by thermostatic control
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 7/162 : by cutting in and out of pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 11/105 : characterised by the function converting demand to actuation, e.g. a map indicating relations between an accelerator pedal position and throttle valve opening or target engine torque
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2011/102 : at least one throttle being moved only by an electric actuator
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2011/104 : using electric step motors
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/0095 : Synchronisation of the cylinders during engine shutdown
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2041/389 : for injecting directly into the cylinder
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/501 : Vehicle speed
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/602 : Pedal position
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 2200/604 : Engine control mode selected by driver, e.g. to manually start particle filter regeneration or to select driving style
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/002 : controlling air supply
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 35/025 : by determining temperatures inside the cylinder, e.g. combustion temperatures
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/042 : for stopping the engine
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/065 : at hot start or restart F02D41/067 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/3094 : the fuel injection being effected by at least two different injectors, e.g. one in the intake manifold and one in the cylinder
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/3809 : Common rail control systems common rail apparatus F02M55/025, F02M63/0225
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/401 : Controlling injection timing F02D41/402 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/402 : Multiple injections
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0814 : comprising means for controlling automatic idle-start-stop
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 19/02 : Aiding engine start by thermal means, e.g. using lighted wicks
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/40 : Engine management systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 227/902 : Surgical clips or staples

Abstract

Surgical staples including features which can cooperate with staple cavities in a staple cartridge in order to reduce, or even prevent, the surgical staples from rocking, rotating or tilting, within the staple cavities while the staples are deployed by a staple driver, especially when the staples are oriented at different directions. In various embodiments, the surgical staples can include crowns having arcuate and/or cylindrical features which can cooperate with arcuate and/or cylindrical features of the staple cavities in order to reduce unwanted relative movement, or rotation, between the staples and the staple cavities.

Claims

1. A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

a staple cartridge body including a cavity, wherein said cavity defines an axis, and wherein said cavity includes;

a first arcuate portion; and

a second arcuate portion;

a staple including;

a first deformable staple leg;

a second deformable staple leg;

a base connecting said first deformable staple leg and said second deformable staple leg; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said staple is movable relative to said cavity, wherein said crown includes;

a first arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said first arcuate portion of said cavity to guide said staple along said axis, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said first deformable staple leg; and

a second arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said second arcuate portion of said cavity to guide said staple along said axis, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said second deformable staple leg,

wherein said first deformable staple leg comprises a circular cross-section defined by a first radius of curvature, and wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown is defined by a second radius of curvature which is larger than said first radius of curvature.

2. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown includes a first partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said first deformable staple leg, and wherein said first partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said first arcuate portion of said cavity to guide said staple along said axis.

3. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown includes a second partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said second deformable staple leg, and wherein said second partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said second arcuate portion of said cavity to guide said staple along said axis.

4. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said first deformable staple leg, said second deformable staple leg, and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

5. A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

a staple cartridge body including a cavity, wherein said cavity defines an axis, and wherein said cavity includes;

a first arcuate portion; and

a second arcuate portion; and

a staple including;

a first deformable staple leg;

a second deformable staple leg;

a base connecting said first deformable staple leg and said second deformable staple leg; and

a crown, wherein said staple is movable relative to said cavity, wherein said crown includes;

a first arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said first arcuate portion of said cavity to inhibit said staple from rotating relative to said axis, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown extends around said first deformable staple leg; and

a second arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said second arcuate portion of said cavity to inhibit said staple from rotating relative to said axis, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown extends around said second deformable staple leg,

wherein said first deformable staple leg comprises a circular cross-section defined by a first radius of curvature, and wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown is defined by a second radius of curvature which is larger than said first radius of curvature.

6. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown includes a first partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said first deformable staple leg, and wherein said first partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said first arcuate portion of said cavity to inhibit said staple from rotating relative to said axis.

7. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 6, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown includes a second partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said second deformable staple leg, and wherein said second partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said second arcuate portion of said crown to inhibit said staple from rotating relative to said axis.

8. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said first deformable staple leg, said second deformable staple leg, and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

9. A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

a staple cartridge body including a cavity, wherein said cavity defines an axis, and wherein said cavity includes;

a first arcuate portion; and

a second arcuate portion; and

a staple including;

a first deformable staple leg;

a second deformable staple leg;

a base connecting said first deformable staple leg and said second deformable staple leg; and

a crown, wherein said staple is movable relative to said cavity, wherein said crown includes;

a first arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said first arcuate portion of said cavity to inhibit said staple from rotating relative to said axis, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown extends around said first deformable staple leg; and

a second arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said second arcuate portion of said cavity to inhibit said staple from rotating relative to said axis, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown extends around said second deformable staple leg,

wherein said first deformable staple leg is defined by a first diameter, wherein said second deformable staple leg is defined by a second diameter, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown is wider than said first diameter, and wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown is wider than said second diameter.

10. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 9, wherein said first deformable staple leg, said second deformable staple leg, and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

11. A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

a staple cartridge body including a cavity, wherein said cavity defines an axis, and wherein said cavity includes;

a first arcuate portion; and

a second arcuate portion;

a staple including;

a first deformable staple leg;

a second deformable staple leg;

a base connecting said first deformable staple leg and said second deformable staple leg; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said staple is movable relative to said cavity, wherein said crown includes;

a first arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said first arcuate portion of said cavity to guide said staple along said axis, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said first deformable staple leg; and

a second arcuate portion configured to cooperate with said second arcuate portion of said cavity to guide said staple along said axis, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said second deformable staple leg,

wherein said first deformable staple leg is defined by a first diameter, wherein said second deformable staple leg is defined by a second diameter, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown is wider than said first diameter, and wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown is wider than said second diameter.

12. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 11, wherein said first deformable staple leg, said second deformable staple leg, and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

13. A surgical staple configured to fit within a staple cartridge cavity, wherein said surgical staple is moveable relative to said staple cartridge cavity, wherein said staple cartridge cavity defines an axis, said surgical staple comprising:

a first deformable staple leg;

a second deformable staple leg;

a base connecting said first deformable staple leg and said second deformable staple leg; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said crown comprises;

a first arcuate portion configured to cooperate with a first arcuate portion of said staple cartridge cavity to guide said surgical staple along said axis, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said first deformable staple leg; and

a second arcuate portion configured to cooperate with a second arcuate portion of said staple cartridge cavity to guide said surgical staple along said axis, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said second deformable staple leg,

wherein said first deformable staple leg comprises a circular cross-section defined by a first radius of curvature, and wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown is defined by a second radius of curvature which is larger than said first radius of curvature.

14. The surgical staple of claim 13, wherein the first arcuate portion of said crown includes a first partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said first staple leg.

15. The surgical staple of claim 14, wherein the second arcuate portion of the crown includes a second partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said second staple leg.

16. The surgical staple of claim 13, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said first deformable staple leg.

17. The surgical staple of claim 13, wherein said first deformable staple leg, said second deformable staple leg, and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

18. A surgical staple configured to fit within a staple cartridge cavity, wherein said surgical staple is moveable relative to said staple cartridge cavity, wherein said staple cartridge cavity defines an axis, said surgical staple comprising:

a first deformable staple leg;

a second deformable staple leg;

a base connecting said first deformable staple leg and said second deformable staple leg; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said crown comprises;

a first arcuate portion configured to cooperate with a first arcuate portion of said staple cartridge cavity to guide said staple along said axis, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said first deformable staple leg; and

a second arcuate portion configured to cooperate with a second arcuate portion of said staple cartridge cavity to guide said staple along said axis, wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown at least partially circumscribes said second deformable staple leg,

wherein said first deformable staple leg is defined by a first diameter, wherein said second deformable staple leg is defined by a second diameter, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown is wider than said first diameter, and wherein said second arcuate portion of said crown is wider than said second diameter.

19. The surgical staple of claim 18, wherein said first arcuate portion of said crown comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said first deformable staple leg.

20. The surgical staple of claim 18, wherein said first deformable staple leg, said second deformable staple leg, and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

21. A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

a staple cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each said staple cavity comprises a curved cavity portion;

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple is positioned in a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple comprises;

a base;

a deformable staple leg extending from said base, wherein said deformable staple leg comprises a leg width; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said crown comprises a curved crown portion configured to cooperate with a said curved cavity portion to guide said crown along an axis, wherein said curved crown portion at least partially circumscribes said deformable staple leg, and wherein said curved crown portion is defined by a crown width which is wider than said leg width.

22. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 21, wherein said curved crown portion comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said deformable staple leg, and wherein said partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said curved cavity portion to guide said staple along said axis.

23. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 21, wherein said deformable staple leg and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

24. A staple cartridge assembly, comprising:

a staple cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each said staple cavity comprises a curved cavity portion, and wherein each said staple cavity defines a cavity axis;

a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple is positioned in a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple comprises;

a base;

a deformable staple leg extending from said base, wherein said deformable staple leg comprises a leg width; and

a crown, wherein said crown comprises a curved crown portion configured to cooperate with a said curved cavity portion to inhibit said staple from rotating about a said cavity axis, wherein said curved crown portion extends around said deformable staple leg, and wherein said curved crown portion is defined by a crown width which is wider than said leg width.

25. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 24, wherein said curved crown portion comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said deformable staple leg, and wherein said partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said curved cavity portion to guide said staple along said axis.

26. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 24, wherein said deformable staple leg and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

27. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of fastener cavities, wherein each said fastener cavity comprises a curved cavity portion;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is positioned in a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener comprises;

a base;

a deformable member extending from said base, wherein said deformable member comprises a member width; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said crown comprises a curved crown portion configured to cooperate with a said curved cavity portion to guide said crown along an axis, wherein said curved crown portion at least partially circumscribes said deformable member, and wherein said curved crown portion is defined by a crown width which is wider than said member width.

28. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 27, wherein said curved crown portion comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said deformable member, and wherein said partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said curved cavity portion to guide said fastener along said axis.

29. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 27, wherein said deformable member and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

30. A fastener cartridge assembly, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of fastener cavities, wherein each said fastener cavity comprises a curved cavity portion, and wherein each said fastener cavity defines a cavity axis;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein each said fastener is positioned in a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener comprises;

a base;

a deformable member extending from said base, wherein said deformable member comprises a member width; and

a crown, wherein said crown comprises a curved crown portion configured to cooperate with a said curved cavity portion to inhibit said staple from rotating about a said cavity axis, wherein said curved crown portion extends around said deformable member, and wherein said curved crown portion is defined by a crown width which is wider than said member width.

31. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 30, wherein said curved crown portion comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said deformable member, and wherein said partially cylindrical surface is configured to cooperate with said curved cavity portion to guide said staple along said axis.

32. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 30, wherein said deformable member and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

33. A surgical staple configured to fit within a staple cartridge cavity, wherein said surgical staple is moveable relative to said staple cartridge cavity, wherein said staple cartridge cavity defines an axis, said surgical staple comprising:

a deformable staple leg;

a base, wherein said deformable staple leg extends from said base; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said crown comprises an arcuate crown portion configured to cooperate with an arcuate portion of said staple cartridge cavity to guide said surgical staple along said axis, and wherein said arcuate crown portion at least partially circumscribes said deformable staple leg, wherein said deformable staple leg comprises a circular cross-section defined by a first radius of curvature, and wherein said arcuate crown portion is defined by a second radius of curvature which is larger than said first radius of curvature.

34. The surgical staple of claim 33, wherein said arcuate crown portion comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said deformable staple leg.

35. The surgical staple of claim 33, wherein said deformable staple leg and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.

36. A surgical staple configured to fit within a staple cartridge cavity, wherein said surgical staple is moveable relative to said staple cartridge cavity, wherein said staple cartridge cavity defines an axis, said surgical staple comprising:

a deformable staple leg;

a base, wherein said deformable staple leg extends from said base; and

a crown surrounding at least a portion of said base, wherein said crown comprises an arcuate crown portion configured to alignable with an arcuate portion of said staple cartridge cavity to guide said staple along said axis, wherein said arcuate crown portion at least partially circumscribes said deformable staple leg, wherein said deformable staple leg is defined by a leg width, and wherein said arcuate crown portion is wider than said leg width.

37. The surgical staple of claim 36, wherein said arcuate crown portion comprises a partially cylindrical surface at least partially surrounding said deformable staple leg.

38. The surgical staple of claim 36, wherein said deformable staple leg and said base are comprised of a unitary metal wire, and wherein said crown comprises plastic overmolded onto said metal wire.