Retainer assembly including a tissue thickness compensator

• US 9,386,988 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2012
• Issued: 07/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Baxter, Chester O. III, Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Schmid, Katherine J., Morgan, Jerome R., Scheib, Charles J., Cropper, Michael S., Aronhalt, Taylor W., Hall, Steven G., Timm, Richard W., Lang, Matthew M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lopez, Michelle
• Application Number:
  US13/433,114
• Publication Number:
  US 20120241499A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,567 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 606/151
• 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 17/0643 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 17/105 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 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable or resorptive
• 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 2017/00884 enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 pharmaceutically effective
• 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 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24124 : Fibers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24331 : including nonapertured component
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24612 : Composite web or sheet

Abstract

A retainer for assembling tissue thickness compensators to a surgical stapler can comprise a grip, a first surface for supporting a first tissue thickness compensator, a second surface for supporting a second tissue thickness compensator, and clips for aligning and attaching the retainer to the surgical stapler. The clips may align and attach the retainer to a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument. The clips may align the retainer with an anvil of the surgical instrument. An insertion tool may be used in combination with the retainer to insert the retainer into the surgical stapler and to push the tissue thickness compensators against the anvil and/or the staple cartridge of the surgical instrument.

Claims

1. A staple cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said staple cartridge assembly, said staple cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a first tissue thickness compensator;

a retainer coupled to said cartridge body, wherein said first tissue thickness compensator is positioned intermediate said cartridge body and said retainer, and wherein said retainer is used to deliver said staple cartridge assembly into the surgical stapler when said retainer is coupled to said cartridge body; and

a second tissue thickness compensator attached to at least one of said retainer and said first tissue thickness compensator, wherein said second tissue thickness compensator comprises an anvil attachment portion, wherein said retainer is positioned intermediate said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, wherein said retainer is configured to be removed from between said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, and wherein said first and second tissue thickness compensators are configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different staples.

2. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said second tissue thickness compensator comprises a surface, and wherein said anvil attachment portion comprises an adhesive on said surface of said second tissue thickness compensator.

3. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein said adhesive on said surface of said second tissue thickness compensator provides a first retention force to the anvil, wherein said attachment between said second tissue thickness compensator and at least one of said retainer and said first tissue thickness compensator provides a second retention force, and wherein said first retention force is greater than said second retention force.

4. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said second tissue thickness compensator further comprises alignment features configured to align with corresponding alignment features on the anvil.

5. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive configured to removably attach said second tissue thickness compensator to said retainer.

6. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said retainer comprises a plurality of clips removably engageable with said cartridge body, wherein said clips are configured to engage said cartridge body so as to define a gap in which said first tissue thickness compensator resides.

7. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said retainer comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to conform to at least a portion of the anvil, wherein said plurality of protrusions are configured to align said retainer with the anvil.

8. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said retainer defines an aperture;

and wherein said second tissue thickness compensator is connected to said first tissue thickness compensator by a connector extending through said aperture in said retainer.

9. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein said aperture defined by said retainer comprises a cutting edge configured to cut said connector when said retainer is removed from said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator.

10. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein said retainer comprises a plurality of clips configured to releasably engage said second tissue thickness compensator, wherein said second tissue thickness compensator includes an adhesive surface configured to adhere to the anvil, and wherein said plurality of clips are configured to detach from said second tissue thickness compensator after said adhesive surface adheres to the anvil.

11. A staple cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said staple cartridge assembly, said staple cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a first tissue thickness compensator;

a retainer coupled to said cartridge body, wherein said first tissue thickness compensator is positioned intermediate said cartridge body and said retainer; and

a second tissue thickness compensator attached to at least one of said retainer and said first tissue thickness compensator, wherein said second tissue thickness compensator comprises an anvil attachment portion, wherein said retainer is positioned intermediate said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, wherein said retainer is configured to be removed from between said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, and wherein said first and second tissue thickness compensators are configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different staples;

wherein said second tissue thickness compensator defines an aperture, and wherein said retainer comprises a protrusion extending through said aperture, and wherein said protrusion is configured to mate with a channel in the anvil.

12. A staple cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said staple cartridge assembly, said staple cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a first tissue thickness compensator;

a retainer coupled to said cartridge body, wherein said first tissue thickness compensator is positioned intermediate said cartridge body and said retainer; and

a second tissue thickness compensator attached to at least one of said retainer and said first tissue thickness compensator, wherein said second tissue thickness compensator comprises an anvil attachment portion, wherein said retainer is positioned intermediate said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, wherein said retainer is configured to be removed from between said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, and wherein said first and second tissue thickness compensators are configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different staples;

wherein said second tissue thickness compensator comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to conform to at least a portion of the anvil, wherein said plurality of protrusions are configured to move relative to the anvil and align said second tissue thickness compensator with the anvil.

13. A staple cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said staple cartridge assembly, said staple cartridge assembly comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple cavities;

a first tissue thickness compensator;

a retainer coupled to said cartridge body, wherein said first tissue thickness compensator is positioned intermediate said cartridge body and said retainer;

a second tissue thickness compensator attached to at least one of said retainer and said first tissue thickness compensator, wherein said second tissue thickness compensator comprises an anvil attachment portion, wherein said retainer is positioned intermediate said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, wherein said retainer is configured to be removed from between said first tissue thickness compensator and said second tissue thickness compensator, and wherein said first and second tissue thickness compensators are configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different staples; and

a sock coupled to said second tissue thickness compensator, wherein said sock is configured to slide relative to and over the anvil.

14. The staple cartridge assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of said sock and said second tissue thickness compensator define perforations configured to enable said second tissue thickness compensator to tear away from said sock.

15. A retainer assembly for applying at least one tissue thickness compensator to a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said retainer assembly, said retainer assembly comprising:

a grip;

a first surface;

a second surface positioned opposite said first surface;

at least one tissue thickness compensator; and

a plurality of clips extending from said second surface, wherein said clips are configured to be releasably attached to at least one of a staple cartridge and a staple cartridge channel of a surgical stapler, wherein said clips are configured to permit said retainer assembly to be removed from the surgical stapler after said at least one tissue thickness compensator has been delivered to the surgical stapler, and wherein said first surface comprises engagement features configured to couple to respective engagement features on a first tissue thickness compensator.

16. A retainer assembly for applying at least one tissue thickness compensator to a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said retainer assembly, said retainer assembly comprising:

a grip;

a first surface;

a second surface positioned opposite said first surface;

at least one tissue thickness compensator; and

a plurality of clips extending from said second surface, wherein said clips are configured to be releasably attached to at least one of a staple cartridge and a staple cartridge channel of a surgical stapler, wherein said clips are configured to permit said retainer assembly to be removed from the surgical stapler after said at least one tissue thickness compensator has been delivered to the surgical stapler, and wherein said second surface comprises engagement features configured to couple to respective engagement features on a second tissue thickness compensator.

17. A retainer assembly for applying at least one tissue thickness compensator to a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said retainer assembly, said retainer assembly comprising:

a grip;

a first surface;

a second surface positioned opposite said first surface;

at least one tissue thickness compensator; and

a plurality of clips extending from said second surface, wherein said clips are configured to be releasably attached to at least one of a staple cartridge and a staple cartridge channel of a surgical stapler, wherein said clips are configured to permit said retainer assembly to be removed from the surgical stapler after said at least one tissue thickness compensator has been delivered to the surgical stapler, wherein said plurality of clips is a first plurality of clips, said retainer assembly further comprising a second plurality of clips extending from said first surface, wherein said second plurality of clips are configured to releasably engage a said tissue thickness compensator, and wherein said second plurality of clips are configured to disengage from said tissue thickness compensator after said tissue thickness compensator attaches to an anvil of the surgical stapler.

18. A retainer assembly for applying at least one tissue thickness compensator to a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said retainer assembly, said retainer assembly comprising:

a grip;

a first surface;

a second surface positioned opposite said first surface;

at least one tissue thickness compensator;

a plurality of clips extending from said second surface, wherein said clips are configured to be releasably attached to at least one of a staple cartridge and a staple cartridge channel of a surgical stapler, and wherein said clips are configured to permit said retainer assembly to be removed from the surgical stapler after said at least one tissue thickness compensator has been delivered to the surgical stapler; and

an aperture extending through said first surface and said second surface through which first and second tissue thickness compensators may be connected.

19. A retainer assembly for applying at least one tissue thickness compensator to a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said retainer assembly, said retainer assembly comprising:

a grip;

a first surface;

a second surface positioned opposite said first surface;

at least one tissue thickness compensator;

a plurality of clips extending from said second surface, wherein said clips are configured to be attachable to at least one of a staple cartridge and a staple cartridge channel of a surgical stapler; and

an aperture extending through said first surface and said second surface through which first and second tissue thickness compensators may be connected, wherein said aperture comprises a cutting edge configured to disconnect said first and second tissue thickness compensators when said retainer is removed from said first and second tissue thickness compensators.

20. A retainer assembly for applying at least one tissue thickness compensator to a surgical stapler, wherein the surgical stapler includes an anvil configured for a facing relationship with said retainer assembly, said retainer assembly comprising:

a grip;

a first surface;

a second surface positioned opposite said first surface;

at least one tissue thickness compensator;

a plurality of clips extending from said second surface, wherein said clips are configured to be attachable to at least one of a staple cartridge and a staple cartridge channel of a surgical stapler; and

a plurality of protrusions extending from said first surface, wherein said protrusions are configured to conform to at least a portion of the anvil of the surgical stapler, and wherein said protrusions are configured to move relative to the anvil and to align said at least one tissue thickness compensator with the anvil.