Tissue thickness compensator for a surgical stapler

• US 8,657,176 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2011
• Issued: 02/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Baxter, Chester O. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Nash, Brian D
• Application Number:
  US13/097,936
• Publication Number:
  US 20120080339A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,033 Days
• Field of Search: 227/180.1, 227/176.1, 227/178.1, 227/19
• US Class Current: 227/178.1
• 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 17/00491 Surgical glue applicators surgical adhesives A61L24/00; two-component delivery syringes A61M5/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• 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 17/068 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 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
• 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 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/29 Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/295 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00314 Separate linked members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00323 Cables or rods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00327 : with actuating members moving in opposite directions
• 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 2017/00526 : Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0053 : Loading magazines or sutures into applying tools
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00818 : Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00862 : elastic or resilient for sutures A61B2017/0618
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00884 : enhancing wound closure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00893 : pharmaceutically effective
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00951 : adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0409 : Instruments for applying suture anchors for applying suture clamps, clips or locks A61B2017/0488
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0641 : having at least three legs as part of one single body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0688 : Packages or dispensers for surgical staplers
• 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 2017/0725 : with settable gap between anvil and cartridge, e.g. for different staple heights at different shots
• 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 2017/2902 : characterized by features of the actuating rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2908 : Multiple segments connected by articulations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2916 : pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2919 : details of linkages or pivot points
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/292 : connection of actuating rod to handle, e.g. ball end in recess
• 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 2017/2931 : with releasable head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2936 : Pins in guiding slots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2944 : Translation of jaw members
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2946 : Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320052 : Guides for cutting instruments by marking A61B2090/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/034 : abutting on parts of the device itself
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• 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 90/92 : coded with colour
• CPC Class Codes: B25C 5/1686 : using pre-loaded cassettes

Abstract

A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Claims

1. A staple cartridge, comprising:

an annular cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

an annular compressible portion, wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different said staples, and wherein said compressible portion comprises;

an annular support ring; and

a plurality of tags extending from said annular support ring, wherein each said tag is positioned over a said staple cavity.

2. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein each said tag comprises a head positioned over a said staple cavity and a neck connecting said head to said annular support ring.

3. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein said head is circular.

4. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein said annular support ring comprises an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and wherein said tags extend from said inner diameter.

5. The staple cartridge of claim 2, wherein said annular support ring comprises an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and wherein said tags extend from said outer diameter.

6. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said annular support ring comprises a first portion having a first arc length and a second portion having a second arc length, and wherein said first portion is detachably connected to said second portion.

7. The staple cartridge of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of said staples extend above said deck and into said compressible portion when said staples are in said unfired position, whereby said compressible portion is releasably held to said cartridge body by said staples.

8. The staple cartridge of claim 6, wherein said compressible portion comprises at least one perforation between said first portion and said second portion.

9. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said annular support ring comprises a first portion having a first arc length and a second portion having a second arc length, and wherein said annular support ring further comprises a flexible section positioned intermediate said first portion and said second portion, whereby said first portion can move relative to said second portion.

10. A staple cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

an annular array of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

an expandable tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different said staples, and wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises;

an annular support ring; and

a plurality of tags extending from said annular support ring, wherein each said tag is positioned over a said staple cavity.

11. The staple cartridge of claim 10, wherein each said tag comprises a head positioned over a said staple cavity and a neck connecting said head to said annular support ring.

12. The staple cartridge of claim 11, wherein said head is circular.

13. The staple cartridge of claim 11, wherein said annular support ring comprises an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and wherein said tags extend from said inner diameter.

14. The staple cartridge of claim 11, wherein said annular support ring comprises an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and wherein said tags extend from said outer diameter.

15. The staple cartridge of claim 10, wherein said annular support ring comprises a first portion having a first arc length and a second portion having a second arc length, and wherein said first portion is detachably connected to said second portion.

16. The staple cartridge of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of said staples extend above said deck and into said tissue thickness compensator when said staples are in said unfired position, whereby said tissue thickness compensator is releasably held to said cartridge body by said staples.

17. The staple cartridge of claim 15, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises at least one perforation between said first portion and said second portion.

18. The staple cartridge of claim 10, wherein said annular support ring comprises a first portion having a first arc length and a second portion having a second arc length, and wherein said annular support ring further comprises a flexible section positioned intermediate said first portion and said second portion, whereby said first portion can move relative to said second portion.

19. A staple cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of staple cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, and wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

an expandable tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples and assume different compressed heights within different said staples, and wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises;

a first arcuate portion configured to receive a first group of staples; and

a second arcuate portion configured to receive a second group of staples, wherein said first arcuate portion is movable relative to said second arcuate portion after said expandable tissue thickness compensator has been implanted against the tissue.

20. The staple cartridge of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of perforations defined between said first arcuate portion and said second arcuate portion, wherein said perforations are configured to permit said first arcuate portion to detach from said second arcuate portion.

21. A fastener cartridge, comprising:

an annular cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of fastener cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said fastener cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein at least a portion of each said fastener is removably stored within a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

an annular compressible portion, wherein said compressible portion is configured to be captured within said fasteners and assume different compressed heights within different said fasteners, and wherein said compressible portion comprises;

a support ring; and

a plurality of tags extending from said support ring, wherein each said tag is positioned over a said fastener cavity.

22. A fastener cartridge, comprising:

an arcuate cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of fastener cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said fastener cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein at least a portion of each said fastener is removably stored within a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

an arcuate tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said fasteners and assume different compressed heights within different said fasteners, and wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises;

an arcuate support; and

a plurality of pads extending from said arcuate support, wherein each said pad is positioned relative to a said fastener cavity.

23. A fastener cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

an arcuate array of fastener cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said fastener cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein at least a portion of each said fastener is removably stored within a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said fasteners and assume different compressed heights within different said fasteners, and wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises;

an arcuate support; and

a plurality of tags extending from said arcuate support, wherein each said tag is positioned over a said fastener cavity.

24. A fastener cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a curved array of fastener cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said fastener cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein at least a portion of each said fastener is removably stored within a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

a layer, wherein said layer is configured to be captured within said fasteners and assume different compressed heights within different said fasteners, and wherein said layer comprises;

a curved support; and

a plurality of pads extending from said curved support, wherein each said pad is positioned over a said fastener cavity.

25. A fastener cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of fastener cavities defined within said deck, wherein each said fastener cavity comprises an opening in said deck;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein at least a portion of each said fastener is removably stored within a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

a tissue thickness compensator, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said fasteners and assume different compressed heights within different said fasteners, and wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises;

a first curved portion configured to receive a first group of fasteners; and

a second curved portion configured to receive a second group of fasteners, wherein said first curved portion is movable relative to said second curved portion after said tissue thickness compensator has been implanted against the tissue.

26. A fastener cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body, comprising;

a deck; and

a plurality of fastener cavities defined within said deck;

a plurality of fasteners, wherein at least a portion of each said fastener is removably stored within a said fastener cavity, and wherein each said fastener is movable between an unfired position and a fired position; and

a layer, wherein said layer is configured to be captured within said fasteners and assume different compressed heights within different said fasteners, and wherein said layer comprises;

a first curved portion configured to receive a first group of fasteners; and

a second curved portion configured to receive a second group of fasteners, wherein said first curved portion is movable relative to said second curved portion after said tissue thickness compensator has been implanted against the tissue.