Surgical instrument having a plastic surface

• US 9,814,461 B2
• Filed: 03/10/2015
• Issued: 11/14/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Scirica, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Long, Robert
• Application Number:
  US14/643,589
• Publication Number:
  US 20150182219A1
• Time in Patent Office: 980 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751-1821, 606 75, 606219
• 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 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00128 related to intensity or progress of surgical action
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0023 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00845 of moving parts with respect to each other
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14344 Moulding in or through a hole in the article, e.g. outsert moulding

Abstract

A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly.

Claims

1. A closure apparatus configured for movement through a tool assembly of a surgical fastener applying instrument including an anvil assembly defining a first metallic contact surface, and a cartridge assembly pivotally connected to the anvil assembly defining a second metallic contract surface, the closure apparatus including:

an upper metallic flange portion configured to engage the anvil assembly;

a lower metallic flange portion configured to engage the cartridge assembly such that distal movement of the closure apparatus approximates the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly;

a vertical beam portion interconnecting the upper and lower flange portions, wherein the upper and lower flange portions each include internal and external surfaces extending transversely in relation to the vertical beam portion; and

at least one insert formed from a non-metallic material positioned within a hole formed in the upper flange portion or the lower flange portion such that the insert is positioned between the upper flange portion and the first metallic contact surface of the anvil assembly, or between the lower flange portion and the second metallic contact surface of the cartridge assembly, to minimize friction between the tool assembly and the closure apparatus.

2. The closure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insert extends between the internal and external surfaces of the flange portion to which the at least one insert is associated, the at least one insert extending onto at least a portion of the internal surface of the flange portion to which the at least one insert is associated.

3. The closure apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the closure apparatus includes a first insert formed from a non-metallic material positioned within a first hole formed in the upper flange portion such that the first insert is positioned between the upper flange portion and the first metallic contact surface of the anvil assembly, and a second insert formed from a non-metallic material positioned within a second hole formed in the lower flange portion such that the second insert is positioned between the lower flange portion and the second metallic contact surface of the cartridge assembly.

4. The closure apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first insert extends between the internal and external surfaces of the upper flange portion, and onto at least a portion of the internal surface of the upper flange portion, and the second insert extends between the internal and external surfaces of the lower flange portion, and onto at least a portion of the internal surface of the lower flange portion.

5. The closure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closure apparatus defines an I-shaped cross-sectional configuration.