Surgical stapling device

• US 9,427,231 B2
• Filed: 06/03/2014
• Issued: 08/30/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Racenet, David C., Wells, Timothy N.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C
• Application Number:
  US14/294,188
• Publication Number:
  US 20140316459A1
• Time in Patent Office: 819 Days
• Field of Search: 227/175.1, 227/176.1, 227/180.1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 2017/00367 Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0038 Simultaneous actuation of two tools by pushing one button or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07264 characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2925 Pistol grips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2945 Curved jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 Guides for cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument

Abstract

A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile.

Claims

1. A method of fastening tissue comprising:

providing a surgical stapling device including an alignment pin assembly having an alignment pin that can be both manually advanced and automatically advanced; and

overriding the automatic advancement of the alignment pin by manually advancing the alignment pin.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein overriding the automatic advancement of the alignment pin includes pushing an engagement member distally.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the engagement member includes at least one thumb button.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein overriding the automatic advancement of the alignment pin includes disengaging the alignment pin assembly from an approximation mechanism of the surgical stapling device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein disengaging the alignment pin assembly from the approximation mechanism includes disengaging a pusher of the alignment pin assembly from the approximation mechanism.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein disengaging the pusher of the alignment pin assembly from the approximation mechanism includes disengaging a C-clip of the pusher from a post of the approximation mechanism.

7. The method of claim 4, further including approximating a cartridge assembly of the surgical stapling device towards an anvil assembly of the surgical stapling device by actuating the approximation mechanism.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein actuating the approximation mechanism includes pivoting a trigger of the surgical stapling device.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein manually advancing the alignment pin to the closed position encloses the tissue between an anvil assembly of the surgical stapling device and a cartridge assembly of the surgical stapling device.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical stapling device further includes an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly, and an approximation assembly, wherein the cartridge assembly is approximated towards the anvil assembly through actuation of the approximation assembly.