Surgical stapling device

• US 8,777,083 B2
• Filed: 01/15/2013
• Issued: 07/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Racenet, David C., Wells, Timothy N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Truong, Thanh
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C
• Application Number:
  US13/741,459
• Publication Number:
  US 20130248574A1
• Time in Patent Office: 546 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 by marking A61B2090/395
• 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 instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue, the surgical instrument comprising:

a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and being shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly at the distal end, the cartridge assembly and anvil assembly being relatively movable by actuation of an approximation mechanism;

a firing mechanism associated with the cartridge assembly for selective actuation of the surgical fasteners; and

an alignment pin for enclosing tissue between the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly, the alignment pin is moved by actuation of the approximation mechanism from an open position to a closed position; and

a manual actuator associated with the alignment pin for moving the alignment pin from the open position to the closed position prior to actuation of the approximation mechanism.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein a pivotally mounted bell crank is linked to the alignment pin for facilitating movement thereof.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the approximation mechanism acts upon the bell crank to advance the retaining pin between the open position and the closed position.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the bell crank is not directly attached to the alignment pin.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the manual actuator includes a pusher coupled to the alignment pin.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein a pivotally mounted bell crank is linked to the alignment pin for facilitating movement of the alignment pin.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein the approximation mechanism acts upon the bell crank to advance the alignment pin between the open position and the closed position.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein the bell crank is not directly attached to the alignment pin.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the alignment pin is entirely disposed within the cartridge assembly when the alignment pin is in the open position.

10. A surgical instrument adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue, the surgical instrument comprising:

a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and being shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly at the distal end, the cartridge housing and anvil being relatively movable by actuation of an approximation mechanism;

a firing mechanism associated with the cartridge assembly for selective actuation of the surgical fasteners; and

an alignment pin for enclosing tissue between the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly, the alignment pin is moved by actuation of the approximation mechanism from an open position to a closed position; and

manual actuating means associated with the alignment pin for moving the alignment pin from the open position to the closed position prior to actuation of the approximation mechanism.

11. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the manual actuating means includes a manual actuator associated with the alignment pin.

12. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein the manual actuator includes a pusher coupled to the alignment pin.

13. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein a pivotally mounted bell crank is linked to the alignment pin for facilitating movement thereof.

14. The surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein the approximation mechanism acts upon the bell crank to advance the alignment pin between the open position and the closed position.

15. The surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein the bell crank is not directly attached to the alignment pin.

16. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein a pivotally mounted bell crank is linked to the alignment pin for facilitating movement thereof.

17. The surgical instrument according to claim 16, wherein the approximation mechanism acts upon the bell crank to advance the alignment pin between the open position and the closed position.

18. The surgical instrument according to claim 16, wherein the bell crank is not directly attached to the alignment pin.

19. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the alignment pin is entirely disposed within the cartridge assembly when the alignment pin is in the open position.