Staple cartridges with atraumatic features

• US 10,709,446 B2
• Filed: 04/01/2016
• Issued: 07/14/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Harris, Jason L., Shelton, IV, Frederick E., Nalagatla, Anil K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Seif, Dariush
• Application Number:
  US15/089,336
• Publication Number:
  US 20170281164A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,565 Days
• Field of Search: 2271751-1821, 606 75, 606219, 606220
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• 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 17/0686 having a forming anvil staying below the tissue during stapling
• 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 17/115 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 17/29 Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320092 with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3211 Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output with imaging means A61B90/37, A61B34/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00128 related to intensity or progress of surgical action
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00305 Constructional details of the flexible means
• 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 2017/00398 : using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00407 : Ratchet means
• 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 2017/00477 : Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00818 : Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00946 : malleable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00964 : composite
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 : Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07221 : curved
• 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 2017/07257 : characterised by its anvil
• 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 2017/2903 : 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 2017/2912 : transmission of forces to actuating rod or piston
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/292 : connection of actuating rod to handle, e.g. ball end in recess
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2922 : toggle linkages
• 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 2017/2932 : Transmission of forces to jaw members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/034 : abutting on parts of the device itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/08021 : of the patient or his organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0808 : for indicating correct assembly of components, e.g. of the surgical apparatus
• 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 2090/0814 : Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/37 : Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation

Abstract

A staple cartridge comprises an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity. The at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple that includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface when the at least one first staple is in an unfired position. The staple cartridge includes an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity. At least one pocket extender protrudes from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the at least one first staple is in the unfired position. The inner tissue-contacting surface cooperates with the outer tissue-contacting surface and the at least one pocket extender to define a contoured frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the staple cartridge is moved relative to tissue.

Claims

1. A circular staple cartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument, wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises:

an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a longitudinal axis bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, and wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity;

a staple driver movable between a starting position and a fired position, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding above the outer tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the starting position;

an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity; and

at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is defined about a perimeter of the at least one first staple cavity, and wherein the pocket extender comprises a jacket configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the starting position, and wherein the jacket comprises;

an end portion positioned about a first end of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the first end is positioned on the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity;

an inner side wall extending from the end portion on a first side of the longitudinal axis, wherein the inner side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a first top most surface; and

an outer side wall extending from the end portion on a second side of the longitudinal axis opposite said first side, wherein the outer side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a second top most surface, and wherein the first top most surface is higher than the second top most surface.

2. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the inner side wall, the outer side wall, and the outer tissue-contacting surface cooperate to form a sloped frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the circular staple cartridge is moved relative to the tissue.

3. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer side wall comprises a beveled upper surface.

4. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

5. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the at least one second staple cavity is configured to receive at least one second staple.

6. The circular staple cartridge of claim 5, wherein the at least one first staple and the at least one second staple comprise different formed heights.

7. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.

8. The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.

9. A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cartridge comprises:

a staple driver movable between a default starting position and a fired position;

an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a longitudinal axis bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the default starting position;

an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity; and

at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the default starting position, and wherein the at least one pocket extender comprises;

an end portion positioned about a first end of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the first end is positioned on the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity;

an inner side wall extending from the end portion on a first side of the longitudinal axis, wherein the inner side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a first top most surface; and

an outer side wall extending from the end portion on a second side of the longitudinal axis opposite the first side, wherein the outer side wall extends from the outer tissue-contacting surface and comprises a second top most surface, and wherein the first top most surface is higher than the second top most surface.

10. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

11. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

12. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the at least one second staple cavity is configured to receive at least one second staple.

13. The staple cartridge of claim 12, wherein the at least one first staple and the at least one second staple comprise different formed heights.

14. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.

15. The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.

16. A circular surgical stapling instrument, comprising:

an anvil; and

a circular staple cartridge, wherein at least one of the anvil and the circular staple cartridge is moveable relative to the other one of the anvil and the circular staple cartridge to capture tissue therebetween, and wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises;

a staple driver movable between a starting position and a fired position;

a stepped cartridge deck, comprising;

a first annular tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a central plane bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the central plane is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the first annular tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the starting position;

a second annular tissue-contacting surface stepped up from the first annular tissue-contacting surface, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface at least partially surrounds the second annular tissue-contacting surface, and wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface comprises at least one second staple cavity; and

at least one pocket extender protruding from the first annular tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the starting position, and wherein the at least one pocket extender comprises;

an inner side wall positioned on a first side of the central plane of the at least one first staple cavity and extending from the first annular tissue-contacting surface a first maximum height; and

an outer side wall positioned on a second side of the central plane of the at least one first staple cavity opposite the first side, and wherein the outer side wall extends from the first annular tissue-contacting surface a second maximum height, and wherein the first maximum height is greater than the second maximum height.

17. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

18. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

19. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.

20. The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.

21. A circular staple cartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument, wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises:

a central axis;

an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity comprises a longitudinal axis bisecting the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the longitudinal axis is oriented along the length of the at least one first staple cavity;

a staple driver movable between a starting position and a fired position, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple, wherein the at least one first staple is supported by the staple driver, and wherein the at least one first staple includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding above the outer tissue-contacting surface when the staple driver is in the starting position;

an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface is closer to the central axis of the circular staple cartridge than the outer tissue-contacting surface; and

at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is defined about a perimeter of the at least one first staple cavity, and wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the staple driver is in the starting position, and wherein the at least one pocket extender comprises;

a first profile on a first side of the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity; and

a second profile on a second side of the longitudinal axis of the at least one first staple cavity, wherein the second profile is positioned farther away from the central axis of the circular staple cartridge than the first profile, and wherein the first profile and the second profile are different, and wherein the first profile extends above the outer tissue-contacting surface higher than the second profile.