Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip

• US 9,039,736 B2
• Filed: 02/25/2008
• Issued: 05/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Scirica, Paul A., Demmy, Todd L., Olson, Lee Ann
• Primary Examiner(s): SEVERSON, RYAN J
• Application Number:
  US12/036,828
• Publication Number:
  US 20080217375A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,647 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/179.1, 227/180.1, 606/142, 606/190, 606/205, 606/207, 606/211
• US Class Current: 606/219
• 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 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0023 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320044 Blunt dissectors

Abstract

A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of the surgical instrument, e.g., to the cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling device comprising:

an elongated body portion;

an end effector including an anvil assembly movably supported in relation to a cartridge assembly between an open position and a clamped position, the cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples supported therein;

a dissecting tip extending distally from a distal end of the cartridge assembly and towards the anvil assembly in the distal direction, the dissecting tip having a blunt distal end configured to separate target tissue from certain tissue.

2. A surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the dissecting tip includes smoothly curved inner and outer surfaces.

3. A surgical stapling device according to claim 2, wherein the distal end of the dissecting tip extends distally beyond the distal end of the anvil assembly.

4. A surgical stapling device according to claim 3, wherein the curved inner surface is formed by plural curved radii.

5. A surgical stapling device according to claim 4, wherein the width of the dissecting tip decreases from the proximal end of the dissecting tip to the distal end of the dissecting tip.

6. A surgical stapling device according to claim 5, wherein the dissecting tip is monolithically formed with the cartridge assembly.

7. A surgical stapling device according to claim 5, wherein the dissecting tip is secured to the cartridge assembly using a mechanical fastening technique.

8. A surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the curved inner surface of the dissecting tip is contiguous with an inner tissue contact surface of the cartridge assembly.

9. A surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the dissecting tip does not extend below a plane defined by an outer surface of the anvil assembly.

10. A surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the anvil assembly includes a tissue contacting surface and an outer surface opposite the tissue contacting surface, the dissecting tip terminating between a plane defined by the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly and a plane defined by the outer surface of the anvil assembly when the end effector is in the clamped position.

11. A surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated body portion, the end effector and the dissecting tip are configured to be received through an access port.

12. A surgical stapling device comprising:

an elongated body portion;

an end effector including an anvil assembly movably supported in relation to a cartridge assembly between an open position and a clamped position, the anvil assembly including a tissue contacting surface and an outer surface opposite the tissue contacting surface;

a dissecting tip extending distally from a distal end of the cartridge assembly and towards the anvil assembly in the distal direction, wherein the dissecting tip terminates between a plane defined by the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly and a plane defined by the outer surface of the anvil assembly when the end effector is in the clamped position.