Compressible staple cartridge assembly

• US 9,301,755 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2011
• Issued: 04/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Baxter, Chester O. III, Aronhalt, Taylor W., Young, Joseph E.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C
• Application Number:
  US13/097,907
• Publication Number:
  US 20120080338A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,803 Days
• Field of Search: 227/178.1, 227/176.1, 227/175.1, 227/19, 606/219
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;

a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each said staple is removably stored within a said staple cavity, wherein each said staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein each said staple comprises an unfired height and a fired height, and wherein each said staple defines a staple entrapment area when deformed to said fired height; and

an implantable tissue thickness compensator comprised of a porous material having a porosity of greater than 93 percent, wherein said implantable tissue thickness compensator comprises a cartridge-facing surface, a tissue-facing surface, and a continuous portion extending between said cartridge-facing surface and said tissue-facing surface, wherein said continuous portion comprises an uncompressed height which is one of equal to or taller than said fired height of said staples, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staple entrapment areas of said staples along with tissue, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different said staples, and wherein said compressed height of said tissue thickness compensator within a said staple entrapment area is dependent on the thickness of tissue and the porosity of said porous material captured within said same staple entrapment area.

2. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is comprised of an elastic material having a durometer of less than 15 Shore A.

3. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is less than twice said fired height of said staples.

4. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is twice said fired height of said staples.

5. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is three times said fired height of said staples.

6. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is four times said fired height of said staples.

7. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is at least 50 percent larger than the largest of said different compressed heights.

8. The staple cartridge of claim 7, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is less than 100 times larger than the largest of said different compressed heights.

9. The staple cartridge of claim 7, further comprising:

a plurality of staple drivers configured to move said staples between their unfired positions and their fired positions; and

a sled configured to traverse said cartridge body and lift said staple drivers.

10. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is 10 percent larger than the largest of said different compressed heights.

11. The staple cartridge of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of staple drivers configured to move said staples between their unfired positions and their fired positions; and

a sled configured to traverse said cartridge body and lift said staple drivers.

12. The staple cartridge of claim 11, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is less than 100 times larger than the largest of said different compressed heights.

13. A staple cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;

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

an implantable tissue thickness compensator comprising a cartridge-facing surface, a tissue-facing surface, and a continuous portion extending between said cartridge-facing surface and said tissue-facing surface, wherein said continuous portion comprises an uncompressed height, wherein said uncompressed height is one of equal to or taller than said fired height of at least one said staple, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is comprised of an elastic material having a durometer of less than 15 Shore A and a porosity of greater than 93 percent, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples along with tissue, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different said staples, and wherein said compressed height of said tissue thickness compensator within a said staple is dependent on the thickness of tissue and the durometer and the porosity of said elastic material captured within said same staple.

14. The staple cartridge of claim 13, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is taller than said fired height of said staples and shorter than twice said fired height of said staples.

15. The staple cartridge of claim 13, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is taller than said fired height of said staples and three times said fired height of said staples.

16. The staple cartridge of claim 13, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is taller than said fired height of said staples and four times said fired height of said staples.

17. The staple cartridge of claim 13, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is at least 50 percent larger than the largest of said different compressed heights.

18. A staple cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities;

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

an implantable tissue thickness compensator comprising a cartridge-facing surface, a tissue-facing surface, and a continuous portion extending between said cartridge-facing surface and said tissue-facing surface, wherein said continuous portion comprises an uncompressed height, wherein said uncompressed height is one of equal to or taller than said fired height of at least one said staple, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is comprised of a porous material having a porosity of at least 85 percent, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to be captured within said staples, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different said staples, and wherein said compressed height of said tissue thickness compensator within a said staple is dependent on the thickness of tissue and the porosity of said porous material captured within said same staple.

19. The staple cartridge of claim 18, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is comprised of an elastic material having a durometer of less than 15 Shore A.

20. The staple cartridge of claim 18, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is taller than said fired height of said staples and shorter than twice said fired height of said staples.

21. The staple cartridge of claim 18, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is at least 50 percent larger than the largest of said different compressed heights.

22. The staple cartridge of claim 18, wherein said uncompressed height of said tissue thickness compensator is less than 100 times larger than the largest of said different compressed heights.

23. The staple cartridge of claim 18, further comprising:

a plurality of staple drivers configured to move said staples between their unfired positions and their fired positions; and

a sled configured to traverse said cartridge body and lift said staple drivers.

24. A staple cartridge, comprising:

a cartridge body comprising a plurality of staple cavities arranged along a longitudinal line;

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

an implantable tissue thickness compensator working in conjunction with said staples to provide a variable compression force to tissue between said staples along said longitudinal line, wherein said tissue thickness compensator is comprised of a porous material having a porosity of greater than 93 percent, wherein said tissue thickness compensator comprises a cartridge-facing surface, a tissue-facing surface, and a continuous portion extending between said cartridge-facing surface and said tissue-facing surface, wherein said continuous portion comprises an uncompressed height, wherein said uncompressed height is one of equal to or taller than said fired height of at least one said staple, wherein said implantable tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights along said longitudinal line, and wherein said compressed height of each portion of said implantable tissue thickness compensator is dependent on the thickness of adjacent tissue and the porosity of said porous material.

25. The staple cartridge of claim 24, wherein said implantable tissue thickness compensator comprises an uncompressed thickness, and wherein said uncompressed thickness is substantially constant along said longitudinal line.