Surgical stapler with floating anvil

• US 8,893,949 B2
• Filed: 09/23/2011
• Issued: 11/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Young, Joseph E., Aronhalt, Taylor W., Baxter, Chester O. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Tecco, Andrew M
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C
• Application Number:
  US13/242,029
• Publication Number:
  US 20120080493A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,159 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/177.1, 227/178.1, 227/179.1, 227/180.1, 227/181.1, 606/153, 606/213, 606/219
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• 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 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
• 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 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• 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 2017/00353 one mechanical instrument performing multiple functions, e.g. cutting and grasping channel for multiple instruments A61B2017/3445; instrument channel A61B2017/22072; replaceable heads A61B2017/2931; suction A61M1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00495 for two-component glue
• 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 2017/00884 enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0409 : Instruments for applying suture anchors for applying suture clamps, clips or locks A61B2017/0488
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07221 : 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 2017/07264 : 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 2017/07285 : characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2908 : Multiple segments connected by articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2919 : details of linkages or pivot points
• 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 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/92 : coded with colour

Abstract

A surgical instrument can include an anvil and, in addition, a staple cartridge support configured to support a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the jaw can be moved toward the staple cartridge to deform staples contained within the staple cartridge. The anvil can be configured to be translated and/or rotated as the anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the anvil can be configured to float and adjust such that the anvil is moved downwardly in a level manner.

Claims

1. A surgical stapler configured to receive a staple cartridge comprising staples, said surgical stapler comprising:

a handle, comprising;

a trigger; and

a firing assembly, wherein said trigger is configured to actuate said firing assembly;

a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises a knife bar operably coupled with said firing assembly, wherein said knife bar comprises;

a cam; and

a cutting edge; and

an end effector, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a support jaw, comprising;

a support surface configured to support the staple cartridge, wherein said support surface defines a support plane and a plurality of stationary staple drivers; and

a displacement guide defined along an axis transverse to said support plane; and

an anvil jaw, comprising;

a follower slidably received within said displacement guide; and

an anvil surface configured to deform the staples, wherein said cam of said knife bar is configured to contact said anvil jaw and drive said anvil surface toward said support surface when said knife bar is moved from said proximal end toward said distal end of said end effector, and wherein said displacement guide comprises a vertical slot, and wherein said follower comprises a peg slidably received within said slot.

2. A surgical stapler configured to receive a staple cartridge comprising staples, said surgical stapler comprising:

a handle, comprising;

a trigger; and

a firing assembly, wherein said trigger is configured to actuate said firing assembly;

a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises a knife bar operably coupled with said firing assembly, wherein said knife bar comprises;

a cam; and

a cutting edge; and

an end effector, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a support jaw, comprising;

a support surface configured to support the staple cartridge, wherein said support surface defines a support plane and a plurality of stationary staple drivers; and

a displacement guide defined along an axis transverse to said support plane; and

an anvil jaw, comprising;

a follower slidably received within said displacement guide; and

an anvil surface configured to deform the staples, wherein said cam of said knife bar is configured to contact said anvil jaw and drive said anvil surface toward said support surface when said knife bar is moved from said proximal end toward said distal end of said end effector, and wherein said axis is perpendicular to said support surface, and wherein said axis is perpendicular to said anvil surface when said anvil jaw is moved between an unfired position and a fired position.

3. A surgical stapler configured to receive a staple cartridge comprising staples, said surgical stapler comprising:

a handle, comprising;

a trigger; and

a firing system, wherein said trigger is configured to actuate said firing system;

a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises a cutting member operably coupled with said firing system, and wherein said cutting member comprises at least one camming member; and

an end effector, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a support jaw, comprising;

a plurality of stationary staple drivers; and

a guide defined along an axis;

an anvil jaw, comprising;

a follower slidably received within said guide; and

a forming surface configured to deform the staples, wherein said camming member of said cutting member is configured to contact said anvil jaw and drive said forming surface toward said stationary staple drivers between an open position, a closed position, and a fired position when said cutting member is moved from said proximal end toward said distal end, and wherein said forming surface is perpendicular to said axis when said anvil jaw is moved between said closed position and said fired position, wherein said guide comprises a vertical slot, and wherein said follower comprises a peg slidably received within said vertical slot.

4. A surgical stapler configured to receive a staple cartridge comprising staples, said surgical stapler comprising:

a handle, comprising;

a trigger; and

a firing system, wherein said trigger is configured to actuate said firing system;

a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises a cutting member operably coupled with said firing system, and wherein said cutting member comprises at least one camming member; and

an end effector, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a support jaw, comprising;

a plurality of stationary staple drivers; and

a guide defined along an axis;

an anvil jaw, comprising;

a follower slidably received within said guide; and

a forming surface configured to deform the staples, wherein said camming member of said cutting member is configured to contact said anvil jaw and drive said forming surface toward said stationary staple drivers between an open position, a closed position, and a fired position when said cutting member is moved from said proximal end toward said distal end, and wherein said forming surface is perpendicular to said axis when said anvil jaw is moved between said closed position and said fired position, and wherein said axis is perpendicular to said support surface.

5. An end effector of a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:

a staple cartridge, comprising;

a plurality of staples;

a collapsible deck movable between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein said deck is configured to support and maintain an alignment of the staples when said deck is in said unfired position;

a cutting member operably coupled with a firing system of the surgical stapler, wherein said cutting member comprises at least one camming member; and

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a first jaw, comprising;

a plurality of stationary drivers configured to support said staples; and

a first guide element;

an anvil jaw, comprising;

a second guide element slidably engaged with said first guide element, wherein said second guide element is movable along an axis;

a tissue-engaging surface; and

a plurality of forming pockets configured to deform said staples, wherein said camming member of said cutting member is configured to contact said anvil jaw and drive said tissue-engaging surface toward said first jaw between an open position, a closed position, and a fired position when said cutting member is moved from said proximal end toward said distal end, and wherein said tissue-contacting surface is parallel to said deck when said anvil jaw is moved between said closed position and said fired position.

6. A surgical stapler configured to receive a staple cartridge comprising staples, said surgical stapler comprising:

a handle, comprising;

a trigger; and

a firing assembly, wherein said trigger is configured to actuate said firing assembly;

a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises a knife bar operably coupled with said firing assembly, wherein said knife bar comprises;

a cam; and

a cutting edge; and

an end effector, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a support jaw, comprising;

a support surface configured to support the staple cartridge, wherein said support surface defines a support plane and a plurality of stationary staple drivers; and

a displacement guide defined along an axis transverse to said support plane; and

an anvil jaw, comprising;

a follower slidably received within said displacement guide; and

an anvil surface configured to deform the staples, wherein said cam of said knife bar is configured to contact said anvil jaw and drive said anvil surface toward said support surface to contact and deform the staples stored within the staple cartridge when said knife bar is moved from said proximal end toward said distal end of said end effector.

7. The surgical stapler of claim 6, wherein said anvil jaw is displaceable between an open position, a closed position, and a fired position, wherein said anvil jaw comprises a proximal cam surface and a distal cam surface, wherein said cam is configured to contact said proximal cam surface to displace said anvil jaw between said open position and said closed position, and wherein said cam is configured to contact said distal cam surface to displace said anvil jaw between said closed position and said fired position.

8. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said anvil surface is rotated toward said support surface when said anvil jaw is displaced from said open position to said closed position, and wherein said anvil surface is parallel to said support surface when said anvil jaw is displaced from said closed position to said fired position.

9. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said knife bar is configured to displace said anvil between said open position, said closed position, and said fired position during a single stroke of said trigger.

10. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said distal cam surface is parallel to said anvil surface.

11. A surgical stapler configured to receive a staple cartridge comprising staples, said surgical stapler comprising:

a handle, comprising;

a trigger; and

a firing system, wherein said trigger is configured to actuate said firing system;

a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises a cutting member operably coupled with said firing system, and wherein said cutting member comprises at least one camming member; and

an end effector, comprising;

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a support jaw, comprising;

a plurality of stationary staple drivers; and

a guide defined along an axis;

an anvil jaw, comprising;

a follower slidably received within said guide; and

a forming surface configured to deform the staples, wherein said camming member of said cutting member is configured to contact said anvil jaw and drive said forming surface toward said stationary staple drivers between an open position, a closed position, and a fired position to contact and deform the staples in the staple cartridge when said cutting member is moved from said proximal end toward said distal end, and wherein said forming surface is perpendicular to said axis when said anvil jaw is moved between said closed position and said fired position.

12. The surgical stapler of claim 11, wherein said anvil jaw comprises a proximal cam surface and a distal cam surface, wherein said camming member is configured to contact said proximal cam surface to drive said anvil jaw between said open position and said closed position, and wherein said at least one camming member is configured to contact said distal cam surface to drive said anvil jaw between said closed position and said fired position.

13. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein said anvil surface is rotated toward said stationary staple drivers when said anvil jaw is driven from said open position to said closed position, and wherein said anvil surface is parallel to said stationary staple drivers when said anvil jaw is driven from said closed position to said fired position.

14. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein said cutting member is configured to displace said anvil between said open position, said closed position, and said fired position during a single stroke of said trigger.

15. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein said distal cam surface is parallel to said anvil surface.