Staple cartridge comprising an adjustable distal portion
First Claim
1. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
- a cartridge body, comprising;
a proximal end;
a distal end;
a deck; and
a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck;
a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position;
a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and
a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein said contact member extends above said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold,wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein said contact member comprises a collapsible column extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
-
Citations
22 Claims
-
1. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein said contact member extends above said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein said contact member comprises a collapsible column extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
-
-
4. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said stales and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein said contact member extends above said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold, wherein said contact member comprises an internal cavity defined by a cavity wall, and wherein said cavity wall is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold.
-
-
5. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of stale cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said stale cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein said contact member extends above said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold, wherein said contact member comprises a first internal cavity defined by a first cavity wall, wherein said first cavity wall is configured to collapse when subjected to a first force, wherein said contact member comprises a second internal cavity defined by a second cavity wall, wherein said second cavity wall is configured to collapse when subjected to a second force, and wherein said second force is greater than said first force.
-
-
6. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of stales, wherein at least a portion of each said stale is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said stales and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein said contact member extends above said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold, wherein said contact member comprises a top contact surface and a plurality of deflectable supports, wherein said deflectable supports are positioned underneath said top contact surface, wherein said top contact surface is supported by said deflectable supports when a force below said collapse threshold is applied to said top contact surface, and wherein said deflectable supports are configured to deflect when a force above said collapse threshold is applied to said top contact surface.
-
-
7. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within said staples; and a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said collapse threshold, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein said contact member comprises a collapsible cylinder extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis.
-
-
8. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member extending above said deck, said contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a first rate when subjected to a force less than a threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a second rate when subjected to a force exceeding said threshold, wherein said second rate is larger than said first rate, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein said contact member comprises a collapsible abutment member extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
-
-
11. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member extending above said deck, said contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a first rate when subjected to a force less than a threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a second rate when subjected to a force exceeding said threshold, wherein said second rate is larger than said first rate, wherein said contact member comprises an internal cavity defined by a cavity wall, and wherein said cavity wall is configured to collapse when subjected to a force exceeding said threshold.
-
-
12. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member extending above said deck, said contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a first rate when subjected to a force less than a threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a second rate when subjected to a force exceeding said threshold, wherein said second rate is larger than said first rate, wherein said contact member comprises a first internal cavity defined by a first cavity wall, wherein said first cavity wall is configured to collapse when subjected to a first force, wherein said contact member comprises a second internal cavity defined by a second cavity wall, wherein said second cavity wall is configured to collapse when subjected to a second force, and wherein said second force is greater than said first force.
-
-
13. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a contact member extending above said deck, said contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a first rate when subjected to a force less than a threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a second rate when subjected to a force exceeding said threshold, wherein said second rate is larger than said first rate, wherein said contact member comprises a top contact surface and a plurality of deflectable supports, wherein said deflectable supports are positioned underneath said top contact surface, wherein said top contact surface is supported by said deflectable supports when a force below said threshold is applied to said top contact surface, and wherein said deflectable supports are configured to deflect when a force above said threshold is applied to said top contact surface.
-
-
14. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within said staples; and a contact member positioned at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to abut said contact member, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a first rate when subjected to a force less than a threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to deflect at a second rate when subjected to a force exceeding said threshold, wherein said second rate is larger than said first rate, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein said contact member comprises a collapsible cylinder extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis.
-
-
15. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil that clamps into a closed position, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck; a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and compliant means extending above said deck for limiting the downward movement of the anvil when the anvil is moved into a closed position and for collapsing downwardly when a force exceeding a limiting threshold has been applied to said compliant means by the anvil, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end, and wherein said compliant means comprises a collapsible pillar extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis.
-
-
16. A staple cartridge for treating the tissue of a patient and for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end; a deck configured to support the tissue; and a plurality of staple cavities; a plurality of staples, wherein said each said staple is at least partially positioned in a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; and a cylindrical gap-setting element extending above said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to apply a compressive force to said cylindrical gap-setting element when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said cylindrical gap-setting element is configured to deflect when subjected to a compressive force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said cylindrical gap-setting element is configured to collapse when subjected to a compressive force exceeding said collapse threshold.
-
-
17. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler comprises an anvil, and wherein said staple cartridge comprises:
-
a cartridge body, comprising; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities; a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a layer configured to be captured within said staples; and a gap element extending above said deck, wherein said gap element comprises a pillar extending substantially transverse to said deck, wherein the anvil of the surgical stapler is configured to apply a compressive force to said gap element when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said gap element is configured to control the distance between the anvil and said deck, wherein said gap element is configured to deflect when subjected to a compressive force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said gap element is configured to collapse when subjected to a compressive force exceeding said collapse threshold.
-
-
18. An end effector for treating the tissue of a patient and for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:
-
a staple cartridge, comprising; a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end; a deck configured to support the tissue; and a plurality of staple cavities; and a plurality of staples removably stored in said staple cavities in an unfired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; an anvil configured to deform said staples; and a contact member positioned intermediate said anvil and said deck of said cartridge body at said distal end of said cartridge body, wherein said anvil is configured to apply a compressive force to said contact member when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said contact member is configured to deflect when subjected to a compressive force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said contact member is configured to collapse when subjected to a compressive force exceeding said collapse threshold, wherein said contact member comprises a collapsible pin extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis.
-
-
19. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:
-
a staple cartridge, comprising; a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a longitudinal axis is defined between said proximal end and said distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities; and a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within said staples; an anvil, wherein said staples are configured to be deformed against said anvil when said staples are moved into said fired position; and a gap-setting element disposed above said deck of said cartridge body, wherein said anvil is configured to apply a compressive force to said gap-setting element when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said gap-setting element is configured to deflect when subjected to a compressive force from said anvil which is less than a collapse threshold, wherein said gap-setting element is configured to collapse when subjected to a compressive force from said anvil which exceeds said collapse threshold, and wherein said gap setting element comprises a collapsible arcuate member extending in a direction which is transverse to said longitudinal axis.
-
-
20. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:
-
a staple cartridge, comprising; a cartridge body, comprising; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities; and a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a layer configured to be captured within said staples; an anvil, wherein said staples are configured to be deformed against said anvil when said staples are moved into said fired position; and a gap element extending above said deck, wherein said gap setting element comprises a collapsible pillar element extending in in a direction substantiall transverse to said deck, wherein said anvil is configured to apply a compressive force to said gap element when said staples are in said unfired position, wherein said gap element is configured to control the distance between said anvil and said deck, wherein said gap element is configured to deflect when subjected to a compressive force less than a collapse threshold, and wherein said gap element is configured to collapse when subjected to a compressive force exceeding said collapse threshold.
-
-
21. An end effector for treating the tissue of a patient and for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:
-
a staple cartridge, comprising; a cartridge body, comprising; a deck configured to support the tissue; and a plurality of staple cavities; and a plurality of staples, wherein said each said staple is at least partially positioned in a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights therein; an anvil configured to deform said staples; and a columnar gap-setting element extending intermediate said anvil and said deck of said cartridge body, wherein said anvil is configured to apply a compressive force to said columnar gap-setting element, wherein said columnar gap-setting element is configured to deflect at a first rate when subjected to a compressive force less than a threshold, wherein said columnar gap-setting element is configured to deflect at a second rate when subjected to a compressive force exceeding said threshold, and wherein said second rate is larger than said first rate.
-
-
22. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler, said end effector comprising:
-
a staple cartridge, comprising; a cartridge body, comprising; a proximal end; a distal end; a deck; and a plurality of staple cavities; and a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; a layer configured to be captured within said staples; an anvil configured to deform said staples; and a gap element located above said deck of said staple cartridge and extending substantially transverse thereto, wherein said gap element comprises a pin member, wherein said anvil is configured to apply a compressive force to said gap element, wherein said gap element is configured to set the distance between said anvil and said deck, wherein said gap element is configured to deflect at a first rate when subjected to a compressive force less than a threshold, wherein said gap element is configured to deflect at a second rate when subjected to a compressive force exceeding said threshold, and wherein said second rate is different than said first rate.
-
Specification