Tissue thickness compensator comprising structure to produce a resilient load

• US 9,220,500 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2012
• Issued: 12/29/2015
• 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: Swayze, Jeffrey S., Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Widenhouse, Tamara, Widenhouse, Christopher W., Aronhalt, Taylor W., Scheib, Charles J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chukwurah, Nathaniel
• Application Number:
  US13/433,148
• Publication Number:
  US 20120241501A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,371 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/178.1, 227/179.1, 227/180.1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 17/068 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 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• 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 2017/00327 with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• 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 2017/00862 elastic or resilient for sutures A61B2017/0618
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00884 enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00889 : antimicrobial, disinfectant
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 : pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00898 : expandable upon contact with fluid
• 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 2017/07285 : 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 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/00 : Materials for other surgical articles , e.g. stents, stent-grafts, shunts, surgical drapes, guide wires, materials for adhesion prevention, occluding devices, surgical gloves, tissue fixation devices shape or structure of stent-grafts A61F2/07, of stents A61F2/82, of surgical gloves A61B42/00, of surgical drapes A61B46/00, of occluding devices A61B17/12022
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/04 : Macromolecular materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/145 : Hydrogels or hydrocolloids
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/16 : Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances A61L31/047 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 2270/0421 : Controlled or regulated
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 999/99 : dummy group

Abstract

A fastener cartridge assembly for an end effector of a surgical instrument can comprise a cartridge body, a deformable tube, and a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. The deformable tube can be longitudinally positioned along a length of the cartridge body. When the fastener is moved to the fired position, the fastener can compress a portion of the deformable tube. The deformable tube can comprise a resilient material such that deformation of the deformable tube generates a restoring force. The deformable tube can comprise a lattice of strands woven together to form a tube wall. Further, the deformable tube can be bioabsorbable and can hold a therapeutic agent. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise multiple, substantially parallel deformable tubes positioned side-by-side and/or within each other.

Claims

1. A fastener cartridge assembly for a surgical instrument, the fastener cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal row of fastener cavities;

a deformable tube positioned relative to said cartridge body, wherein said deformable tube comprises a resilient material, and wherein said deformable tube comprises;

a top portion;

a bottom portion;

a first end;

a second end; and

a tubular channel intermediate said top portion and said bottom portion and extending between said first end and said second end, wherein said top portion and said bottom portion are positioned above said cartridge body; and

a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position, wherein said fastener is positioned in a fastener cavity in said row of fastener cavities when said fastener is in said initial position, and wherein said fastener is configured to engage a portion of said deformable tube when said fastener is moved to said fired position.

2. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said cartridge body further comprises a deck, wherein said deformable tube overlies at least a portion of said longitudinal row of fastener cavities.

3. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein said deformable tube is positioned adjacent to said deck of said cartridge body.

4. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein said cartridge body comprises a plurality of substantially parallel rows of fastener cavities, wherein said plurality of substantially parallel rows of fastener cavities comprises said longitudinal row of fastner cavities, and wherein said cartridge body further comprises:

a slot extending between two said substantially parallel rows of fastener cavities; and

a cutting element configured to translate within said slot, wherein at least a portion of said deformable tube overlies said slot such that said cutting element is configured to cut at least a portion of said deformable tube.

5. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein said deformable tube comprises a first deformable tube, wherein the fastener cartridge assembly further comprises a second deformable tube, wherein said second deformable tube is substantially parallel to said first deformable tube.

6. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said second deformable tube is positioned within said first deformable tube.

7. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 6, further comprising a third deformable tube, wherein said third deformable tube is positioned within said second deformable tube.

8. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, further comprising a third deformable tube, wherein said first deformable tube is aligned with a longitudinal axis defined by said cartridge body, wherein said second deformable tube is positioned on a first side of said first deformable tube, and wherein said third deformable tube is positioned on a second side of said first deformable tube.

9. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 5, wherein said first deformable tube and said second deformable tube are coextruded with an adjoining portion to form a single piece.

10. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said deformable tube comprises a lattice of strands woven together to form a tube wall.

11. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 10, wherein said lattice of strands comprises tubular strands.

12. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 10, wherein said lattice of strands comprises bioabsorbable strands.

13. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 10, wherein said deformable tube further comprises a non-porous tube positioned one of outside and inside said lattice of strands, and wherein said non-porous tube is coextruded with said lattice of strands.

14. The fastener cartridge assembly of claim 13, wherein said lattice of strands is at least partially filled with a therapeutic agent to treat tissue.

15. A fastener cartridge for a surgical instrument, the fastener cartridge comprising:

a cartridge body defining a longitudinal axis;

a first plurality of strands woven into a resilient lattice, wherein said resilient lattice is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, and wherein said resilient lattice comprises;

a top wall;

a bottom wall; and

a channel intermediate said top wall and said bottom wall, wherein said top wall and said bottom wall are positioned above said cartridge body; and

fasteners moveable between an initial position and a fired position, wherein at least one said fastener is configured to compress a portion of said resilient lattice when said at least one fastener is moved to said fired position.

16. The fastener cartridge of claim 15, wherein said resilient lattice comprises a first resilient lattice, wherein said fastener cartridge further comprises a second plurality of strands woven into a second resilient lattice, wherein said second resilient lattice is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, and wherein at least one of said first plurality of strands and said second plurality of strands comprises tubular strands.

17. An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument, the end effector assembly comprising:

an anvil;

a fastener cartridge, comprising;

at least one row of fastener cavities; and

fasteners moveable between an initial position and a fired position, wherein each said fastener is positioned in a said fastener cavity when each said fastener is in said initial position; and

a tube, wherein said tube comprises a resilient material, wherein said tube is substantially parallel to said at least one row of fastener cavities, and wherein said tube comprises;

a top portion;

a bottom portion; and

a tubular passage intermediate said top portion and said bottom portion, wherein said top portion and said bottom portion are positioned between said anvil and said fastener cartridge;

wherein at least one said fastener, when moved to said fired position, is configured to deform a portion of said tube.

18. The end effector assembly of claim 17, wherein said tube comprises a therapeutic agent to treat tissue.

19. The end effector assembly of claim 18, wherein said tube is bioabsorbable such that said tube releases said therapeutic agent as said tube is being bioabsorbed.

20. The end effector assembly of claim 18, further comprising a cutting element configured to translate along at least a portion of a slot in said fastener cartridge, wherein at least one of said cutting element and said fasteners is configured to penetrate said tube such that said therapeutic agent is released from said tube.