Surgical stapler having an intermediate closing position

• US 7,857,186 B2
• Filed: 09/19/2008
• Issued: 12/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Bedi, James J., Baxter, Chester O. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Nash; Brian D
• Application Number:
  US12/234,143
• Publication Number:
  US 20100072253A1
• Time in Patent Office: 830 Days
• Field of Search: 227/176.1, 227/19, 227/175.1
• US Class Current: 227/176.1
• 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 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• 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 2017/00446 for use only by lefthanded or only by righthanded persons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 Stapler heads
• 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 2017/0725 with settable gap between anvil and cartridge, e.g. for different staple heights at different shots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0801 Prevention of accidental cutting or pricking
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/08021 of the patient or his organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0813 Accessories designed for easy sterilising, i.e. re-usable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 Preventing re-use

Abstract

A surgical stapling instrument including first and second jaw members which can be pivotably connected to each other and secured in position relative to each other by a latch. The first and second jaw members can include first and second locking members which can allow the first and second jaw members to be rotated relative to one another but prevent, or at least inhibit, the first and second jaw members from being separated from one another. Such embodiments may be particularly useful in circumstances when the latch is in a partially-closed position and the first and second jaw members are being manipulated to position tissue therebetween. The first and second jaw members can be sufficiently connected together in order to prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, the first and second jaw members from becoming detached from one another and exposing a cutting member.

Claims

1. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including;

a proximal end;

a distal end; and

a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including;

a proximal end;

a distal end; and

an anvil, wherein the proximal end of one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a pin and the proximal end of the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a slot configured to slidably receive said pin;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge channel and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position, and wherein said slot and said pin are configured such that said pin cannot be disengaged from said slot when said latch is in said partially-closed position,

wherein said latch is rotatably mounted to said first handle portion, wherein said second handle portion includes a projection extending therefrom, and wherein said latch is configured to engage said projection to move said anvil into close opposition to said staple cartridge channel when said latch is moved between said open position and said closed position.

2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein said first handle portion includes said pin, wherein said second handle portion includes said slot, and wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

3. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein said pin and said slot are configured to be disengaged from each other only when said latch is in said open position.

4. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein said pin and said slot are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

5. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including;

a proximal end;

a distal end; and

a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including;

a proximal end;

a distal end; and

an anvil, wherein the proximal end of one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a pin and the proximal end of the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a slot configured to slidably receive said pin;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge channel and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position, and wherein said slot and said pin are configured such that said pin cannot be disengaged from said slot when said latch is in said partially-closed position,

wherein said pin and said slot are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

6. The surgical stapler of claim 5, wherein said first handle portion includes said pin, wherein said second handle portion includes said slot, and wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

7. The surgical stapler of claim 5, wherein said pin can be disengaged from said slot when said latch is in said open position.

8. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

an anvil, wherein the proximal end of one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a pin and the proximal end of the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a slot configured to slidably receive said pin;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge channel and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and wherein said slot and said pin are configured such that said pin can be disengaged from said slot only when said latch is in said fully open position,

wherein said latch is rotatably mounted to said first handle portion, wherein said second handle portion includes a projection extending therefrom, and wherein said latch is configured to engage said projection to move said anvil into close opposition to said staple cartridge channel when said latch is moved between said fully open position and said fully closed position.

9. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein the engagement between said latch and said projection prevents said pin from being disengaged from said slot.

10. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein said first handle portion includes said pin, wherein said second handle portion includes said slot, and wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

11. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein said pin and said slot are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

12. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

an anvil, wherein the proximal end of one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a pin and the proximal end of the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a slot configured to slidably receive said pin;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge channel and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and wherein said slot and said pin are configured such that said pin can be disengaged from said slot only when said latch is in said fully open position,

wherein said pin and said slot are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

13. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein said first handle portion includes said pin, wherein said second handle portion includes said slot, and wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

14. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein said pin and said slot are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

15. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including;

a proximal end;

a first lock portion; and

a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including;

a proximal end

a second lock portion; and

an anvil, wherein said first lock portion is configured to be engaged with said second lock portion to pivotably couple said proximal end of said first handle portion and said proximal end of said second handle portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge channel and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion and move said anvil into position relative to said staple cartridge channel,

wherein said latch is rotatably mounted to said first handle portion, wherein said second handle portion includes a projection extending therefrom, and wherein said latch is configured to engage said projection to move said anvil into close opposition to said staple cartridge channel when said latch is moved between an open position and a closed position.

16. The surgical stapler of claim 15, wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position, and wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to prevent said first handle portion from being disengaged from said second handle portion when said latch is in said partially-closed position and said closed position.

17. The surgical stapler of claim 15, wherein said latch is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to be disengaged from each other only when said latch is in said fully open position.

18. The surgical stapler of claim 15, wherein one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a pin, wherein the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a slot, and wherein said pin and said slot are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

19. The surgical stapler of claim 15, wherein said first lock portion includes a pin, wherein said second lock portion includes a slot, and wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

20. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

an anvil;

pivot means for pivotably coupling said proximal end of said first handle portion to said proximal end of said second handle portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge channel and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion and move said anvil into position relative to said staple cartridge channel,

wherein said latch is rotatably mounted to said first handle portion, wherein said second handle portion includes a projection extending therefrom, and wherein said latch is configured to engage said projection to move said anvil into close opposition to said staple cartridge channel when said latch is moved between an open position and a closed position.

21. The surgical stapler of claim 20, wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position, and wherein said first handle portion cannot be disengaged from said second handle portion when said latch is in said partially-closed position and said closed position.

22. The surgical stapler of claim 20, wherein said latch is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, wherein said first handle portion can be disengaged from said second handle portion only when said latch is in said fully open position.

23. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including;

a proximal end; and

an anvil;

pivot means for pivotably coupling said proximal end of said first handle portion to said proximal end of said second handle portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge channel and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion and move said anvil into position relative to said staple cartridge channel,

wherein one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a pin, wherein the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion includes a slot, and wherein said pin and said slot comprise said pivot means.

24. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including an anvil;

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, and wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position and a closed position; and

a biasing member configured to bias said anvil away from said staple cartridge channel.

25. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion including a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion including an anvil;

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, and wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position and a closed position; and

a biasing member configured to bias said anvil away from said staple cartridge channel,

wherein said first handle portion comprises a proximal end including a first lock portion, wherein said second handle portion comprises a proximal end including a second lock portion, and wherein said first lock portion is configured to be engaged with said second lock portion to pivotably couple said proximal end of said first handle portion and said proximal end of said second handle portion.

26. The surgical stapler of claim 25, wherein said biasing member is positioned intermediate said first handle portion and said second handle portion.

27. The surgical stapler of claim 25, wherein said latch is rotatable into a partially-closed position, and wherein said biasing member is configured to position said anvil relative to said staple cartridge such there is a tissue-receiving gap present between said anvil and said staple cartridge channel when said latch is in said partially-closed position.

28. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion, comprising;

a first lock portion; and

a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion, comprising;

a second lock portion; and

an anvil, wherein said second lock portion is configured to engage said first lock portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion to move said anvil into close opposition to said staple cartridge attachment portion when said latch is moved between said open position and said closed position, and wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured such that said first lock portion cannot be disengaged from said second lock portion when said latch is in said partially-closed position.

29. The surgical stapler of claim 28, wherein said first lock portion includes a pin, wherein said second lock portion includes a slot, wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

30. The surgical stapler of claim 28, wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to be disengaged from each other only when said latch is in said open position.

31. The surgical stapler of claim 28, wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

32. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion, comprising;

a first lock portion; and

a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion, comprising;

a second lock portion; and

an anvil, wherein said second lock portion is configured to engage said first lock portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position, and wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured such that said first lock portion cannot be disengaged from said second lock portion when said latch is in said partially-closed position,

wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

33. The surgical stapler of claim 32, wherein said first lock portion includes a pin, wherein said second lock portion includes a slot, wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

34. The surgical stapler of claim 32, wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to be disengaged from each other only when said latch is in said open position.

35. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion, comprising;

a first lock portion; and

a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion, comprising;

a second lock portion; and

an anvil, wherein said second lock portion is configured to engage said first lock portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion to move said anvil into close opposition to said staple cartridge attachment portion when said latch is moved between said fully open position and said fully closed position, and wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured such that said first lock portion can be disengaged from said second lock portion only when said latch is in said fully open position.

36. The surgical stapler of claim 35, wherein said first lock portion includes a pin, wherein said second lock portion includes a slot, wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

37. The surgical stapler of claim 35, wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

38. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion, comprising;

a first lock portion; and

a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion, comprising;

a second lock portion; and

an anvil, wherein said second lock portion is configured to engage said first lock portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured such that said first lock portion can be disengaged from said second lock portion only when said latch is in said fully open position,

wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to comprise a pivot about which said second handle portion can be rotated toward said first handle portion.

39. The surgical stapler of claim 38, wherein said first lock portion includes a pin, wherein said second lock portion includes a slot, wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

40. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion, comprising;

a proximal end;

a first connector portion; and

a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion, comprising;

a proximal end

a second connector portion; and

an anvil, wherein said first connector portion is configured to be engaged with said second connector portion to pivotably couple said proximal end of said first handle portion and said proximal end of said second handle portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion and move said anvil into position relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion when said latch is moved between an open position and a closed position.

41. The surgical stapler of claim 40, wherein said first connector portion includes a pin, wherein said second connector portion includes a slot, wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

42. The surgical stapler of claim 41, wherein said first connector portion and said second connector portion are configured to be disengaged from each other only when said latch is in said open position.

43. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion, comprising;

a proximal end; and

a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion, comprising;

a proximal end; and

an anvil;

pivot means for pivotably coupling said proximal end of said first handle portion to said proximal end of said second handle portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first portion and said second portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first portion and said second portion and move said anvil into position relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion when said latch is moved between an open position and a closed position.

44. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion, comprising;

a proximal end; and

a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion, comprising;

a proximal end; and

an anvil;

pivot means for pivotably coupling said proximal end of said first handle portion to said proximal end of said second handle portion;

a drive member configured to be advanced relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion and said anvil; and

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion and move said anvil into position relative to said staple cartridge attachment portion,

wherein said pivot means comprises a first lock portion on said first handle portion and a second lock portion on said second handle portion, and wherein said first lock portion and said second lock portion are configured to be engaged with one another and permit relative rotation between said first handle portion and said second handle portion.

45. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a first handle portion comprising a staple cartridge attachment portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

a second handle portion comprising an anvil;

a latch rotatably coupled to one of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, wherein said latch is configured to engage the other of said first handle portion and said second handle portion, and wherein said latch is rotatable between an open position and a closed position; and

a biasing member configured to bias said anvil away from said staple cartridge attachment portion,

wherein said first handle portion comprises a proximal end comprising a first connector portion, wherein said second handle portion comprises a proximal end comprising a second connector portion, and wherein said first connector portion is configured to be engaged with said second connector portion to pivotably couple said proximal end of said first handle portion and said proximal end of said second handle portion.

46. The surgical stapler of claim 45, wherein said first connector portion includes a pin, wherein said second connector portion includes a slot, wherein said slot includes an open end and a closed end, and wherein said open end is proximal with respect to said closed end.

47. The surgical stapler of claim 45, wherein said first connector portion and said second connector portion are configured to be disengaged from each other only when said latch is in said open position.