Method of stapling tissues with a staple assembly

• US 9,636,111 B2
• Filed: 05/05/2008
• Issued: 05/02/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Wenchell, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Templeton, Christopher L
• Application Number:
  US12/598,064
• Publication Number:
  US 20100137904A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,284 Days
• Field of Search: 606219-220, 411457, 411469, 411478, 411458-468, 2271751, 2271752-1821, 24 28, 24 305, 24 355 L, 24282, 24 21, 24284, 24 23 EE, 24 20 EE, 24 20 H, 24 20 W, 24 33 A, 24 68 A, 24 68 E, 24131 C, 24129 W, 248 741, 403314, 385 60
• 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 17/0686 having a forming anvil staying below the tissue during stapling
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• 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 2017/07264 characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material

Abstract

There is provided a variable size, uniform compression staple assembly for use in stapling differing thicknesses of tissues. The staple assembly includes a staple and a staple block for receipt of tissue penetrating tips of the staple. Upon assembly through tissue, the tissue penetrating tips of the staple lodge within the staple block to a depth inversely proportional to the thickness of the tissues being stapled. There is also disclosed an anvil configured for use with the staple assembly.

Claims

1. A method of stapling tissues of differing thicknesses with a uniform size staple assembly comprising:

providing a surgical stapler having a staple head containing a staple and an anvil, the anvil and staple head being relatively movable, the anvil releasably containing a staple block formed from a material and defining a rectangular configuration having a length, a width less than the length, and a height less than the length, the staple block including an exterior having four sides extending along the length of the staple block and opposed ends extending along the width of the staple block;

capturing tissue having a thickness between the staple head and the anvil; and

passing the staple through the captured tissue such that tips of the staple move toward one another along parallel axes to pierce the opposed ends of the exterior of the staple block, extend into the staple block, and lodge within the staple block at a depth proportional to the thickness and in a position wherein the tips are oriented in opposite directions in parallel orientation relative to the four sides of the staple block.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the material is a composite material.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the material is a plastic material.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the material is a polymeric material.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the material is an absorbable material.