Compressible staple cartridge comprising alignment members

• US 8,777,004 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2011
• Issued: 07/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Baxter, Chester O. III, Aronhalt, Taylor W., Young, Joseph E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stashick, Anthony
• Assistant Examiner(s): DESAI, KAUSHIKKUMAR A
• Application Number:
  US13/097,917
• Publication Number:
  US 20120083834A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,173 Days
• Field of Search: 206338-340, 206/341, 206343-347, 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/19, 411/457, 411/473, 606/139, 606/151, 606/153, 606219-221, 606/232, 606/75, 606/908
• US Class Current: 206/345
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00491 Surgical glue applicators surgical adhesives A61L24/00; two-component delivery syringes A61M5/19
• 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 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/29 Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/295 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00323 Cables or rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00327 : with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• 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 2017/00526 : Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0053 : Loading magazines or sutures into applying tools
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00818 : Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00862 : elastic or resilient for sutures A61B2017/0618
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00884 : enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 : pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00951 : adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0409 : Instruments for applying suture anchors for applying suture clamps, clips or locks A61B2017/0488
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0641 : having at least three legs as part of one single body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0688 : Packages or dispensers for surgical staplers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 : Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07221 : curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07228 : Arrangement of the staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07235 : containing different staples, e.g. staples of different shapes, sizes or materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07242 : achieving different staple heights during the same shot, e.g. using an anvil anvil having different heights or staples of different sizes
• 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 2017/07257 : 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 2017/07271 : characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07278 : characterised by its sled or its staple holder
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2902 : characterized by features of the actuating rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2908 : Multiple segments connected by articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2916 : pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2919 : details of linkages or pivot points
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/292 : connection of actuating rod to handle, e.g. ball end in recess
• 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 2017/2931 : with releasable head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2944 : Translation of jaw members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/034 : abutting on parts of the device itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/92 : coded with colour
• CPC Class Codes: B25C 5/1686 : using pre-loaded cassettes

Abstract

A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Claims

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

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

an implantable compressible portion positioned above said deck;

a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein each said staple extends above said deck and is at least partially positioned within said compressible portion when each said staple is positioned in said unfired position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired position and said fired position, and wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different said staples when said staples are deformed between said unfired configuration and said fired configuration; and

an array of retainers positioned above said implantable compressible portion, wherein each said retainer comprises a staple guide, and wherein at least a portion of each said staple is positioned within a said staple guide when said staple is in said unfired position.

2. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said retainers are detachably connected to one another.

3. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said retainers comprise keyed features configured to limit relative movement between said retainers, and wherein said retainers are configured to move independently of one another.

4. The staple cartridge of claim 3, wherein each said retainer comprises a recess and a projection, wherein a first retainer comprises a said projection configured to be received in a said recess of a second retainer, and wherein said first retainer comprises a said recess configured to receive a said projection of a third retainer.

5. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein each said retainer comprises a retention feature embedded in said compressible portion.

6. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said retainers are integrally molded into said compressible portion.

7. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said staple guides comprise apertures, and wherein each said staple comprises a leg slidably positioned in a said aperture.

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

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

an implantable compressible portion, wherein said deck is positioned relative to a first side of said implantable compressible portion;

a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein each said staple extends above said deck and is at least partially positioned within said compressible portion when each said staple is positioned in said unfired position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired position and said fired position, and wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different said staples when said staples are deformed between said unfired configuration and said fired configuration; and

an array of formed features positioned relative to a second side of said implantable compressible portion, wherein each said formed feature comprises a staple guide configured to receive at least a portion of a said staple.

9. The staple cartridge of claim 8, wherein said formed features are detachably connected to one another.

10. The staple cartridge of claim 8, wherein said formed features comprise keyed features configured to limit relative movement between said formed features, and wherein said formed features are configured to move independently of one another.

11. The staple cartridge of claim 10, wherein each said formed feature comprises a recess and a projection, wherein a first formed feature comprises a said projection configured to be received in a said recess of a second formed feature, and wherein said first formed feature comprises a said recess configured to receive a said projection of a third formed feature.

12. The staple cartridge of claim 8, wherein each said formed feature comprises a retention feature embedded in said compressible portion.

13. The staple cartridge of claim 8, wherein said formed features are integrally molded into said compressible portion.

14. The staple cartridge of claim 8, wherein said staple guides comprise apertures, and wherein each said staple comprises a leg slidably positioned in a said aperture when said staples are positioned in said unfired position.

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

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

an implantable compressible portion, wherein said deck is positioned relative to a first side of said implantable compressible portion;

a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein each said staple extends above said deck and is at least partially positioned within said compressible portion when each said staple is positioned in said unfired position, wherein each said staple is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration when each said staple is moved between said unfired position and said fired position, and wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different said staples when said staples are deformed between said unfired configuration and said fired configuration; and

retaining means for retaining at least a portion of said staples in position prior to being deployed from their unfired position to their unfired position, wherein said implantable compressible portion is positioned intermediate said retaining means and said deck.

16. The staple cartridge of claim 15, wherein said retaining means comprises a skin attached to said implantable compressible portion.

17. The staple cartridge of claim 16, wherein said skin comprises a plurality of longitudinal ridges and a plurality of longitudinal valleys, and wherein said staples each comprise a leg at least partially extending through said skin in a said longitudinal valley when positioned in said unfired position.

18. The staple cartridge of claim 16, wherein said retaining means further comprises a plurality of embossments, and wherein said staples are configured to penetrate said embossments.

19. The staple cartridge of claim 16, wherein said skin is bonded to said implantable compressible portion.

20. The staple cartridge of claim 15, wherein said retaining means comprises a plurality of pledgets, wherein said pledgets comprise apertures, and wherein at least a portion of each said staple is positioned in a said aperture when said staples are in said unfired position.