Modular stapling assembly

• US 10,226,250 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2015
• Issued: 03/12/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Beckman, Andrew T., Shelton, IV, Frederick E., Morgan, Jerome R., Yates, David C., Baxter, III, Chester O., Uth, Joshua R., Savage, Jeffrey L., Harris, Jason L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chukwurah, Nathaniel C
• Application Number:
  US14/633,541
• Publication Number:
  US 20160249927A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,474 Days
• Field of Search: 2271761, 227 19, 2271751, 2271801, 606151, 606153, 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 17/072 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 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/115 Staplers for performing anastomosis in a single operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32002 with continuously rotating, oscillating or reciprocating cutting instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output with imaging means A61B90/37, A61B34/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0042 with special provisions for gripping
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00424 ergonomic, e.g. fitting in fist
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 for use with different instruments with hole for different instruments A61B2017/22072
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0053 Loading magazines or sutures into applying tools
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0688 Packages or dispensers for surgical staplers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07221 curved
• 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 2017/2901 : Details of shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2903 : transferring rotary motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2905 : flexible
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 : the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320032 : Details of the rotating or oscillating shaft, e.g. using a flexible shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/065 : for measuring contact or contact pressure
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 : using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders

Abstract

A modular shaft assembly is disclosed. The modular shaft assembly includes one or more inputs configured to receive input motions from a surgical instrument system, such as a handle, for example. The shaft assembly further includes one or more on-board inputs configured to generate input motions. The input motions received and generated by the shaft assembly are transferrable to an end effector of the shaft assembly to perform various functions at the end effector. The end effector can include a staple cartridge and a firing member which is movable between a proximal position and a distal position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The end effector can include a plurality of jaw members and the firing member can comprise camming members which are configured to position the jaw members relative to one another.

Claims

1. A shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from a handle of a surgical instrument system, said shaft assembly comprising:

an attachment portion configured to be releasably attached to the handle;

a first drive input configured to receive a first drive motion from the handle;

a second drive input configured to receive a second drive motion from the handle;

an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw, and wherein said end effector extends distally from said attachment portion;

a firing member movable within said end effector;

an articulation joint, wherein said end effector is rotatable about said articulation joint;

a closure drive operably coupled to said first drive input and said first jaw, wherein said closure drive is configured to transmit said first drive motion to said first jaw to move said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;

a firing drive operably coupled to said second drive input and said firing member, wherein said firing drive is configured to transmit said second drive motion to said firing member to move said firing member relative to said end effector; and

an articulation drive comprising a motor positioned within said attachment portion, wherein said motor is configured to generate a third drive motion, wherein said articulation drive is configured to transmit said third drive motion to said end effector to rotate said end effector about said articulation joint.

2. The shaft assembly of claim 1, further comprising a battery configured to supply power to said motor.

3. The shaft assembly of claim 1, further comprising electrical contacts configured to be electrically coupled with electrical contacts on the handle when said shaft assembly is assembled to the handle.

4. The shaft assembly of claim 1, wherein said end effector comprises a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and wherein said firing member is configured to eject said staples from said staple cartridge.

5. The shaft assembly of claim 4, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceably positioned in said second jaw.

6. The shaft assembly of claim 4, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceably positioned in said first jaw.

7. The shaft assembly of claim 1, wherein said firing member comprises a first cam configured to engage said first jaw and a second cam configured to engage said second jaw, and wherein said first cam and said second cam are configured to position said first jaw relative to said second jaw.

8. A modular shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from a handle of a surgical instrument system, said modular shaft assembly comprising:

an attachment portion configured to be releasably attached to the handle;

a first drive input configured to receive a first drive motion from the handle;

a second drive input configured to receive a second drive motion from the handle;

a third drive input configured to generate a third drive motion within said modular shaft assembly;

an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw in response to one of said first drive motion, said second drive motion, and said third drive motion, and wherein said end effector extends distally from said attachment portion;

a firing member movable within said end effector in response to one of said first drive motion, said second drive motion, and said third drive motion; and

an articulation joint, wherein said end effector is rotatable about said articulation joint in response to one of said first drive motion, said second drive motion, and said third drive motion;

wherein said third drive input comprises an electric motor positioned within said attachment portion.

9. The modular shaft assembly of claim 8, wherein said third drive input further comprises a battery configured to supply power to said electric motor.

10. The modular shaft assembly of claim 8, further comprising electrical contacts configured to be electrically coupled with electrical contacts on the handle when said modular shaft assembly is assembled to the handle.

11. The modular shaft assembly of claim 8, wherein said end effector comprises a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and wherein said firing member is configured to eject said staples from said staple cartridge.

12. The modular shaft assembly of claim 11, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceably positioned in said second jaw.

13. The modular shaft assembly of claim 11, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceably positioned in said first jaw.

14. The modular shaft assembly of claim 8, wherein said firing member comprises a first cam configured to engage said first jaw and a second cam configured to engage said second jaw, and wherein said first cam and said second cam are configured to position said first jaw relative to said second jaw.

15. A shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from a surgical instrument system, said shaft assembly comprising:

an attachment portion configured to be releasably attached to the surgical instrument system;

a first drive input configured to receive a first drive motion from the surgical instrument system;

a second drive input configured to receive a second drive motion from the surgical instrument system;

an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw, and wherein said end effector extends distally from said attachment portion;

a firing member movable within said end effector;

an articulation joint, wherein said end effector is rotatable about said articulation joint;

a closure drive comprising a first longitudinal threaded shaft operably coupled to said first drive input and said first jaw, wherein said first longitudinal threaded shaft is configured to transmit said first drive motion to said first jaw to move said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;

a firing drive comprising a second longitudinal threaded shaft operably coupled to said second drive input and said firing member, wherein said second longitudinal threaded shaft is configured to transmit said second drive motion to said firing member to move said firing member relative to said end effector; and

an articulation drive comprising a motor positioned within said attachment portion, wherein said motor is configured to generate a third drive motion, wherein said articulation drive further comprises a third longitudinal threaded shaft configured to transmit said third drive motion to said end effector to rotate said end effector about said articulation joint.

16. The shaft assembly of claim 15, further comprising a battery configured to supply power to said motor.

17. The shaft assembly of claim 15, further comprising electrical contacts configured to be electrically coupled with electrical contacts on the surgical instrument system when said shaft assembly is assembled to the surgical instrument system.

18. The shaft assembly of claim 15, wherein said end effector comprises a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and wherein said firing member is configured to eject said staples from said staple cartridge.

19. The shaft assembly of claim 18, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceably positioned in said second jaw.

20. The shaft assembly of claim 18, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceably positioned in said first jaw.

21. The shaft assembly of claim 15, wherein said first longitudinal shaft, said second longitudinal shaft, and said third longitudinal shaft are parallel to one another.

22. The shaft assembly of claim 15, wherein said firing member comprises a first cam configured to engage said first jaw and a second cam configured to engage said second jaw, and wherein said first cam and said second cam are configured to position said first jaw relative to said second jaw.

23. A shaft assembly configured to be operably attached to and detached from a surgical instrument interface, wherein said shaft assembly comprises:

an attachment portion configured to be releasably attached to the surgical instrument interface;

a first drive input configured to receive a first drive motion from the surgical instrument interface;

a second drive input configured to receive a second drive motion from the surgical instrument interface;

an end effector, comprising;

a first jaw;

a second jaw, wherein said first jaw is movable relative to said second jaw;

an anvil; and

a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein;

a firing member movable within said end effector;

an articulation joint, wherein said end effector is rotatable about said articulation joint;

a closure drive operably coupled to said first drive input, wherein said closure drive is configured to transmit said first drive motion to said first jaw to move said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;

a firing drive operably coupled to said second drive input and said firing member, wherein said firing drive is configured to transmit said second drive motion to said firing member to move said firing member relative to said end effector; and

an articulation drive comprising a motor positioned within said attachment portion, wherein said motor is configured to generate a third drive motion, wherein said articulation drive is configured to transmit said third drive motion to said end effector to rotate said end effector about said articulation joint.