Staple cartridge loading assembly

• US 8,857,694 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2011
• Issued: 10/14/2014
• 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., Mandakolathur Vasudevan, Venkataramanan, Nur, Israel, Hunt, John V., Hueil, Geoffrey C., Fanuele, Gregory J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Long, Robert
• Application Number:
  US13/097,869
• Publication Number:
  US 20120160721A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,264 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751-1821, 623 236- 237, 411/457, 411/469, 411/475, 606/216, 606/75, 606219-221
• US Class Current: 227/175.3
• 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 or resorptive
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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 comprising an anvil, said staple cartridge comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck, wherein said deck comprises a staple storage zone; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said cartridge body, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, and wherein said openings are positioned within said staple storage zone;

an implantable compressible portion positioned above said deck, wherein said implantable compressible portion extends over said staple storage zone, and wherein said compressible portion comprises;

a top surface; and

a bottom surface facing 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

a removable insertion cap, comprising;

a cover which covers at least a portion of said top surface of said compressible portion, wherein said cover extends over said staple cavity openings in said staple storage zone;

an attachment portion releasably engaged with said cartridge body; and

a plurality of supports extending from said cover configured to engage said cartridge body and limit relative movement between said insertion cap and said cartridge body.

2. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said cartridge body comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said plurality of supports comprises at least one distal support configured to engage said distal end and at least one proximal support configured to engage said proximal end.

3. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said cover extends over the entirety of said staple storage zone.

4. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said removable insertion cap further comprises a loading surface, wherein said staple cartridge further comprises a second compressible portion removably attached to said loading surface, and wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to contact said second compressible portion and detach said second compressible portion from said removable insertion cap.

5. The staple cartridge of claim 4, wherein said second compressible portion comprises a contact surface, wherein said contact surface comprises an adhesive, and wherein the anvil is configured to contact said contact surface.

6. The staple cartridge of claim 5, further comprising a pull tab positioned intermediate said second compressible portion and said insertion cap, wherein said pull tab is configured to be slid between said second compressible portion and said insertion cap to detach said second compressible portion from said insertion cap.

7. The staple cartridge of claim 6, wherein said pull tab comprises a handle and a suture loop extending from said handle, wherein said handle extends outwardly from said second compressible portion and said insertion cap, and wherein said suture loop extends around a perimeter of said cartridge body.

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

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck comprising a staple storage zone; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said cartridge body, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck, and wherein said openings are defined within said staple storage zone;

an implantable compressible portion positioned above said deck, wherein said implantable compressible portion extends over said staple storage zone, and wherein said compressible portion comprises;

a top surface; and

a bottom surface facing 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

a removable load distribution cover, comprising;

a push plate positioned adjacent to said top surface, wherein said push plate covers said staple cavity openings in said staple storage zone;

an attachment portion releasably engaged with said cartridge body; and

a plurality of supports extending from said push plate configured to engage said cartridge body and limit relative movement between said push plate and said cartridge body.

9. The staple cartridge of claim 8, wherein said cartridge body comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said plurality of supports comprises at least one distal support configured to engage said distal end and at least one proximal support configured to engage said proximal end.

10. The staple cartridge of claim 8, wherein said removable load distribution cover further comprises a loading surface, wherein said staple cartridge further comprises a second compressible portion removably attached to said loading surface, and wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to contact said second compressible portion and detach said second compressible portion from said load distribution cover.

11. The staple cartridge of claim 10, wherein said second compressible portion comprises a contact surface, wherein said contact surface comprises an adhesive, and wherein the anvil is configured to contact said contact surface.

12. The staple cartridge of claim 11, further comprising a pull tab positioned intermediate said second compressible portion and said load distribution cover, wherein said pull tab is configured to be slid between said second compressible portion and said load distribution cover to detach said second compressible portion from said load distribution cover.

13. The staple cartridge of claim 12, wherein said pull tab comprises a handle and a suture loop extending from said handle, wherein said handle extends outwardly from said second compressible portion and said load distribution cover, and wherein said suture loop extends around a perimeter of said cartridge body.