阅读说明：本技术 用于线性外科缝合器的闭合组件 (Closure assembly for linear surgical stapler ) 是由 B·D·辛格斯 G·J·巴克斯 J·琼斯 于 2019-10-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开一种外科缝合器,该外科缝合器包括第一细长构件、第二细长构件和夹持构件,该第一细长构件具有支撑多个钉成形凹坑的远侧部分,该第二细长构件具有支撑钉仓的远侧部分,该夹持构件可从打开位置运动到闭合位置以将第一细长构件和第二细长构件可释放地夹持在一起。夹持闭锁特征结构由第一细长构件支撑并且可在闭锁位置和释放位置之间运动,在该闭锁位置,夹持闭锁特征结构防止夹持构件的闭合,在该释放位置,夹持闭锁特征结构允许夹持构件的闭合。致动特征结构由第二细长构件支撑并且被构造成能够响应于第一细长构件和第二细长构件的远侧部分的接近而将夹持闭锁特征结构从闭锁位置致动到释放位置。(A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion supporting a plurality of staple forming pockets, a second elongate member having a distal portion supporting a staple cartridge, and a clamping member movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongate members together. A clamp lockout feature is supported by the first elongate member and is movable between a lockout position in which the clamp lockout feature prevents closure of the clamp members, and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature permits closure of the clamp members. An actuation feature is supported by the second elongate member and is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to an approach of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.)

1. A surgical stapler, comprising:

(a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to support one of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets;

(b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to support the other of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets;

(c) a clamp member, wherein the clamp member is movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongated members together;

(d) a clamp lockout feature supported by the first elongate member, wherein the clamp lockout feature is movable between a lockout position in which the clamp lockout feature is configured to prevent closure of the clamp members and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature is configured to allow closure of the clamp members; and

(e) an actuation feature supported by the second elongate member, wherein the actuation feature is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to an approach of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein said distal portion of said first elongate member supports an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets, wherein said distal portion of said second elongate member is configured to support a staple cartridge, wherein said clamp lockout feature and said actuation feature are positioned proximate to said anvil surface.

3. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the clamp member comprises a clamp lever pivotably coupled to the first elongate member with a coupling element.

4. The surgical stapler of claim 3, wherein the coupling element is configured to translate relative to the first elongate member in response to closure of the clamping lever.

5. The surgical stapler of claim 4, wherein the second elongate member comprises a slot configured to capture the coupling element in response to closure of the clamping lever.

6. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the clamp lockout feature is configured to translate along a longitudinal axis of the first elongate member between the lockout position and the release position.

7. The surgical stapler of claim 6, wherein said lockout position is distally oriented and said release position is proximally oriented.

8. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the clamp lockout feature is resiliently biased toward the lockout position.

9. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the clamp lockout feature comprises a pin extending laterally relative to the first elongate member.

10. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the actuation feature comprises a ramp, wherein the ramp is configured to longitudinally cam the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to an approach of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

11. The surgical stapler of claim 10, wherein said ramp is defined by a notch formed in said second elongate member.

12. The surgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a link coupled with the clamping member, wherein the clamping lockout feature in the lockout position is configured to engage the link to prevent closure of the clamping member, wherein the clamping lockout feature in the release position is configured to disengage the link to allow closure of the clamping member.

13. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein a proximal end of said link is pivotably coupled with said first elongate member, wherein a distal end of said link is pivotably coupled with said clamping member.

14. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein said clamping member comprises a clamping lever pivotably coupled with said first elongate member, wherein said link comprises a protrusion configured to releasably engage a free end of said clamping lever.

15. The surgical stapler of claim 12, wherein a proximal end of said link is coupled to said first elongate member with a coupling element, wherein said surgical stapler further comprises a movable structure supported by said second elongate member, wherein said movable structure comprises a latch feature configured to releasably capture said coupling element, thereby coupling a proximal end of said first elongate member with a proximal end of said second elongate member.

16. A surgical stapler, comprising:

(a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to support one of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets;

(b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to support the other of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets;

(c) a clamp member coupled to a first portion of the first elongate member, wherein the clamp member is movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongate members together; and

(d) a link, wherein a first end of the link is coupled to the second portion of the first elongated member, wherein a second end of the link is coupled to the clamping member,

wherein the linkage is operable to prevent closure of the clamping member when the first elongate member is separated from the second elongate member, wherein the linkage is operable to permit closure of the clamping member in response to the proximity of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

17. The surgical stapler of claim 16, wherein said first end of said link is pivotably coupled to said second portion of said first elongated member, wherein said second end of said link is pivotably coupled to said clamping member.

18. The surgical stapler of claim 16, further comprising a lockout feature movable between a lockout position and a release position, wherein the lockout feature in the lockout position is configured to engage the links to prevent closure of the clamping members, wherein the lockout feature in the release position is configured to disengage the links to allow closure of the clamping members.

19. A surgical stapler, comprising:

(a) a first stapler half having a distal portion with a plurality of staple forming pockets; and

(b) a second stapler half configured to releasably couple with the first stapler half, wherein the second stapler half comprises:

(i) a proximal portion of the catheter having a proximal end and a distal end,

(ii) a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge,

(iii) a firing assembly, and

(iv) a movable structure supported by the proximal portion, wherein the movable structure comprises:

(A) latch features, and

(B) the locking feature is triggered by the firing of the locking feature,

wherein the movable structure is movable between a first position in which the latch feature captures a proximal feature of the first stapler half and the firing lockout feature allows actuation of the firing assembly and a second position in which the latch feature releases the proximal feature and the firing lockout feature prevents actuation of the firing assembly.

20. The surgical stapler of claim 19, further comprising a clamping member movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp said first and second stapler halves together, wherein said movable structure further comprises a structural lockout feature configured to prevent said movable structure from moving to said second position when said clamping member is in said closed position.

Background

In some surgical procedures, such as gastroenterostomy, it may be desirable to clamp one or more layers of tissue, cut through the clamped layers, and simultaneously drive staples through the layers to substantially seal the severed layers of tissue together near the severed ends of the layers of tissue. One such instrument that may be used in such procedures is a linear surgical stapler, also known as a "endocutter". Linear surgical staplers typically include a first half-section (referred to as a "cartridge half-section" or "reload half-section") having a distal jaw configured to support a staple cartridge (or "reload") and a second half-section (referred to as an "anvil half-section") having a distal jaw supporting an anvil surface with staple forming features. The stapler also includes a movable clamping lever configured to releasably clamp the stapler halves together. The stapler halves are configured to pivot relative to each other when the clamping lever is closed to receive and clamp tissue between the two distal jaws. The firing assembly of the stapler is configured to be actuated to cut the clamped layers and simultaneously drive staples through tissue on either side of the cut line. After firing the stapler, the clamping levers may be opened and the stapler halves separated to release the severed and stapled tissue.

While various surgical stapling instruments and associated components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a distal perspective view of an exemplary linear surgical stapler showing the cartridge and anvil halves of the stapler coupled together with the clamping levers of the cartridge halves in a fully closed position;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cutaway perspective view of a cartridge assembly of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1, showing the stapler halves coupled together at their proximal ends with the clamping lever in an open position;

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1, illustrating the stapler halves coupled together with the clamping lever in a partially closed position;

FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1, illustrating the stapler halves coupled together with the clamping lever in a fully closed position;

FIG. 5A illustrates a distal perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing an actuator of the stapler in a proximal, pre-fired position;

FIG. 5B illustrates a distal perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing the actuator in a distal, fired position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary linear surgical stapler;

FIG. 7 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the distal end of the anvil half-section of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of an anvil half-section of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10A illustrates a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing distal portions of the stapler halves approaching toward one another with the proximal lockout pin of the anvil halves in a lockout position;

FIG. 10B illustrates a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6 showing the distal portions of the stapler halves further approximated such that the proximal cam ramps of the cartridge halves actuate the proximal lockout pins of the anvil halves proximally to a release position;

FIG. 10C illustrates a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6 showing the distal latch pin of the anvil half-section advanced distally within the cam slot of the cartridge half-section with the clamping lever of the anvil half-section closed;

FIG. 10D illustrates a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing the clamping lever in a fully closed position;

FIG. 11A shows a schematic side view of a proximal portion of another exemplary linear surgical stapler illustrating the button member of the cartridge half in a proximal position when the clamping lever is closed;

FIG. 11B shows a schematic side view of a proximal portion of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 11A, showing the button member actuated to a distal position after the clamping lever is opened;

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of a clamping portion of another exemplary linear surgical stapler, showing the blocking element in an extended blocking position in which the blocking element prevents closure of the clamping lever;

FIG. 13A illustrates a side elevational view of the clamping portion of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 12, showing the blocking element in an extended blocking position;

FIG. 13B illustrates a side elevational view of the clamping portion of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 12, showing the blocking element in a retracted position in which the blocking element permits closure of the clamping lever;

FIG. 14 depicts a schematic side view of another illustrative linear surgical stapler having an auxiliary element that facilitates opening of the clamping lever to separate the stapler halves;

FIG. 15A illustrates a schematic side view of a clamp lever, an auxiliary lever, and firing assembly members of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 14 showing the auxiliary lever in a first rotational position when the clamp lever is open such that a lockout feature of the auxiliary lever prevents distal translation of the firing assembly members; and is

FIG. 15B illustrates a schematic side view of the clamp lever, the auxiliary lever, and the firing assembly members of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 14 showing the auxiliary lever in a second rotational position when the clamp lever is closed such that the lockout feature of the auxiliary lever allows distal translation of the firing assembly members.

The figures are not intended to be limiting in any way and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the figures. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention; it should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

Detailed Description

The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is given by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

For clarity of disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein with respect to a surgeon or other operator holding a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" refers to a position where an element is disposed closer to a surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to a position where an element is disposed closer to a surgical end effector of a surgical instrument and further from a surgeon. Furthermore, to the extent spatial terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like are used herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such terms are used for exemplary descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In this regard, it should be understood that surgical instruments, such as those disclosed herein, may be used in a variety of orientations and positions not limited to those shown and described herein.

As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" for any numerical value or range denote suitable dimensional tolerances that allow the part or collection of parts to perform its intended purpose as described herein.

I. Exemplary Linear surgical stapler

A. Overview of a Linear surgical stapler

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary linear surgical stapler (10) (also referred to as a "linear cutter") suitable for use in a variety of cutting and stapling procedures, such as gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures. A linear surgical stapler (10) includes a cartridge half-section (12) (also referred to as a "reload half-section") and an anvil half-section (14) configured to be releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween. The cartridge half-section (12) includes an elongate cartridge channel (16) having a proximal frame portion (18) that slidably retains a portion of the firing assembly (34), a distal jaw portion (20) that supports a staple cartridge (80) (or "reload"), and a pair of upstanding side flanges (22) centrally disposed therebetween.

The cartridge half (12) also includes a clamp lever (24) (also referred to as a "closure handle") pivotably coupled to the underside of the cartridge channel (16) in general alignment with the side flange (22). The clamping lever (24) includes an elongated lever arm (26) having free proximal and distal ends, the elongated lever arm being pivotably coupled to the cartridge channel (16) with a pivot pin (28). A pair of opposed jaws (30) (also referred to as "hook latches") extend distally from a distal end of the lever arm (26) alongside the flange (22) of the cartridge channel (16). Each jaw (30) includes a respective elongated slot (32) having a closed proximal end and an open distal end, and the elongated slot defines upper and lower cam surfaces configured to engage respective latch protrusions (56) of the anvil half-sections (14). As described below, the clamping lever (24) is operable to pivot relative to the cartridge channel (16) between an open position and a closed position to releasably clamp the anvil half-section (14) against the cartridge half-section (12) to capture a layer of tissue therebetween.

As best shown in fig. 2, the firing assembly (34) of the cartridge half-section (12) includes a sled (36) slidably retained within the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16), an actuator (38) (or "firing knob") movably coupled with the sled (36), and an elongate actuation beam (not shown) extending distally from the sled (36) and configured to couple with a sled (100) (see fig. 3) housed within the staple cartridge (80). The actuator (38) of the present examples is configured to pivot about the proximal end of the cartridge half (12) to provide "double-sided firing" of the stapler (10). In particular, an actuator (38) can be positioned along either side of the cartridge half (12) to perform a distal firing stroke such that the stapler (10) can be conveniently fired in a variety of orientations during a surgical procedure.

The sled (36) is configured to be translatably driven within the proximal frame portion (18) by an actuator (38) between a proximal home position, shown in fig. 2 and 5A, and a distal fired position, shown in fig. 5B. In the proximal home position, the slider (36) abuts a post (40) fixed at the proximal end of the cartridge channel (16). The free end of the post (40) supports a laterally extending pivot pin (42). As described below, the actuator (38) may be driven distally when the stapler halves (12,14) are fully coupled together and the clamping lever (24) is closed. The distal advancement of the actuator (38) along either side of the stapler (10) causes the sled (36) and elongate actuation beam to be driven distally, which in turn drives the sled (100) distally through the staple cartridge (80). As described below, distal translation of the sled (100) through the staple cartridge (80) allows for simultaneous stapling and cutting of tissue clamped between the stapler halves (12, 14).

As best shown in fig. 1 and 2, the anvil half-section (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) includes an elongate anvil channel (50) having a proximal frame portion (52) and a distal jaw portion (54). The anvil channel (50) also includes a latching feature in the form of a pair of protrusions (56) extending laterally from a middle portion of the anvil channel (50) in a direction toward the cartridge half (12). Each latch protrusion (56) may comprise a circular swivel cap configured to be captured within a slot (32) of a respective clamping lever jaw (30) when the anvil half-section (14) is coupled with the cartridge half-section (12) and the clamping lever (24) is pivoted from an open position to a closed position, as described below. A pair of hooks (58) extend proximally from a proximal end of the frame portion (52) and are configured to releasably capture opposite lateral ends of the proximal pivot pin (42) of the cartridge half (12). The distal jaw portion (54) supports an anvil surface in the form of an anvil plate (60) having a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown) and, in addition, a distal tip member (62). In other versions of the stapler (10), the anvil surface may be integrally formed with or otherwise rigidly attached to a distal jaw portion (54) of the anvil channel (50). In versions of the invention, each of the anvil channel (50) and the cartridge channel (16) is a monolithic structure formed of metal, such as stainless steel, that provides rigidity to the respective stapler halves (12, 14).

The example anvil half-section (14) of the present invention also includes a staple height adjustment mechanism (64) mounted to the middle portion of the anvil channel (50). A staple height adjustment mechanism (64) is operably coupled with the anvil plate (60), such as via one or more cam features (not shown), and includes a pair of user-engageable tabs (66). Longitudinal adjustment of the tab (66) between the plurality of predetermined positions causes lateral movement of the anvil plate (60) relative to the distal jaw portion (54) of the anvil channel (50). This enables adjustment of the lateral gap distance between the anvil plate (60) and a deck (94) of the staple cartridge (80) that defines the height of the formed staples. When stapling larger thicknesses of tissue, larger gap distances, and therefore larger staple heights, can be set. Conversely, when stapling smaller thicknesses of tissue, smaller gap distances, and therefore smaller staple heights, may be provided. It should be understood that the staple height adjustment mechanism (64) may be omitted in some versions, in which case the anvil surface may be fixed relative to the anvil channel (50). For example, the anvil surface may be integrally formed with or otherwise fixedly secured to a distal jaw portion (54).

As best shown in fig. 1 and 2, the linear surgical stapler (10) further includes a plurality of covers (70,72,74) that cover selected portions of the stapler (10) and promote efficient grasping and manipulation of the stapler (10) by an operator during use. In an example of the invention, the cartridge half (12) comprises a first cover (70) covering the outwardly facing side of the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16). The cartridge half (12) further includes a second cover (72) covering the outwardly facing side of the clamping lever (24) and configured to pivot with the clamping lever (24) relative to the cartridge channel (16) and the first cover (70). The anvil half-section (14) includes a third cover (74) covering an outwardly facing side of the proximal frame portion (52) of the anvil channel (50), including the proximal hook (58). Each cover (70,72,74) may be coupled to its respective component of the stapler (10) in any suitable manner as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, each cover (70,72,74) may be formed from one or more materials and provided with a texture adapted to promote effective gripping of the cover (70,72,74) by an operator to enable safe and effective use of the stapler (10) during a surgical procedure.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a staple cartridge (80) of the present example is an assembly that includes a cartridge body (82), a tray (84) covering an open underside of the cartridge body (82), and a plurality of staple drivers (86) housed within the cartridge body (82), wherein each staple driver is configured to drive a respective staple (88). The cartridge body (82) includes a proximal end having coupling features (90) configured to releasably engage corresponding coupling features (not shown) of the distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16) and a distal end defining a tapered nose (92). The upper side of the cartridge body (82) defines a generally planar deck (94) through which a longitudinal slot (96) and a plurality of staple cavities (98) open. Each staple cavity (98) houses a respective staple driver (86) and staple (88). As shown in fig. 3, the interior of the cartridge body (82) slidably houses a sled (100) comprising a sled body (102) and a knife member (104). Lateral sides of the slider body (102) support a plurality of cam ramps (106) that taper distally. The proximal end of the sled body (102) includes a downwardly extending tab (108) configured to lockingly engage a distal end of an elongate actuation beam (or "knife pusher") (not shown) of the firing assembly (34) when the staple cartridge (80) is mounted to the cartridge half-section (12) of the stapler (10). A knife member (104) extends upwardly from an upper side of the slider body (102) and presents a distally facing cutting edge (110) configured to cut tissue.

The sled (100) is configured to translate distally through the cartridge body (82) in response to distal actuation of the firing assembly (34) such that the knife member (104) translates distally through the longitudinal slot (96) to cut tissue clamped between the stapler halves (12, 14). Simultaneously, the cam ramps (106) translate distally through respective internal slots (not shown) of the cartridge body (82) to actuate the staple drivers (86) and staples (88) upwardly through the staple cavities (98) such that the free ends of the staples (88) pierce the clamped tissue and deform against the staple forming pockets of the anvil plate (60). In this manner, distal actuation of the firing assembly (34) allows for simultaneous severing and stapling of tissue clamped between the distal end effector portions of the stapler halves (12, 14).

The linear surgical stapler (10) and staple cartridge (80) may be further constructed and operated in accordance with one or more of the teachings of the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,7,905,381 entitled "scientific sampling Instrument with Current Member Arrangement" published 3/15 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 8,7,954,686 entitled "Surgical Stapler with Apparatus for adapting A Stack Height" published 7/6/2011; U.S. patent 8,348,129 entitled "scientific Stapler Having a Closure Mechanism" published on 8.1.2013; and/or U.S. patent 8,789,740 entitled "Linear Cutting and stacking Device with selective removable Cutting Member" published on 29/7/2014. The disclosure of each of these references is incorporated herein by reference.

B. Exemplary use of Linear surgical stapler

Fig. 4A-4C illustrate exemplary coupling of stapler halves (12,14) during a surgical procedure. As shown in fig. 4A, the proximal end of the anvil half-section (14) is aligned with the proximal end of the cartridge half-section (12) such that the proximal pivot pin (42) of the cartridge half-section (12) is received by the proximal hook (58) of the anvil half-section (14). With the clamping lever (24) in the open position, the anvil half-section (14) is then pivoted about the proximal pivot pin (42) towards the cartridge half-section (12) to guide the latch protrusion of the anvil half-section (14) into the slot (32) of the clamping lever jaw (30). Once the latch protrusion (56) is received by the clamp lever jaw (30), the clamp lever (24) pivots toward the partially closed position shown in fig. 4B. In this partially closed position of the clamping lever (24), the anvil half-section (14) is partially clamped with the cartridge half-section (12) so that the stapler (10) can now be held with one hand without the halves (12,14) undesirably separating from each other. Further, in this state, the distal portions of the stapler halves (12,14) remain spaced apart from each other to allow tissue to be positioned between the distal portions. It is to be understood that tissue may be positioned between the distal portions of the stapler halves (12,14) prior to or while such a partially clamped condition is achieved.

As shown in fig. 4C, the clamping lever (24) is then pivoted further toward its fully closed position such that the camming surface of the clamping lever jaw (30) draws the latch protrusion of the anvil half-section (14) proximally against the closed proximal end of the slot (32) of the clamping lever jaw (30), thereby fully clamping the stapler half-sections (12,14) together with the tissue securely positioned therebetween. Once the halves (12,14) of the stapler (10) are in a fully clamped state, the actuator (38) may be manipulated to fire the staple cartridge 80. Specifically, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the actuator (38) pivots about the proximal end of the stapler (10) to cover one of the lateral sides of the stapler (10). The actuator (38) is then driven distally to actuate the firing assembly (34) in the manner described above to simultaneously sever and staple the clamped tissue. Upon completion of the distal firing stroke, the actuator (38) may return to its proximal home position, as shown in FIG. 2, and the clamp lever (24) may then be opened to separate the stapler halves (12,14) from one another and release the stapled and severed tissue.

Exemplary Linear surgical stapler with closure lockout feature

As described above in connection with the linear surgical stapler (10), the anvil half-section (14) is assembled with the cartridge half-section (12) such that the latch tab (56) of the anvil half-section (14) is received within the vertical slot defined by the side flange (22) of the cartridge channel (16). The clamping lever (24) is then pivoted from the open position to the closed position to capture the latch tab (56) thereby clamping the anvil half-section (14) against the cartridge half-section (12). As shown in fig. 4A, the clamp lever (24) must be manually maintained in the open position by the user to prevent premature closure and to allow the latch protrusion (56) to be properly received by the vertical slot of the cartridge channel (16) and the jaw (30) of the clamp lever (24).

In some instances, it is desirable to provide a linear surgical stapler with features that ensure that the clamping lever is automatically maintained in an open position and does not rotate closed until the stapler halves are sufficiently approximated such that the latch tabs of the anvil halves are positioned to be captured by the features of the cartridge halves. The exemplary linear surgical staplers (200,300,400) described below each have a configuration that provides such benefits.

A. Exemplary Linear surgical stapler with clamping lever and closing lockout pin on anvil half-section

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary linear surgical stapler (200) (or "endocutter") that is generally similar to the linear surgical stapler (10) described above, except as otherwise described below. A linear surgical stapler (200) includes a cartridge half-section (202) and an anvil half-section (230) configured to be releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween and simultaneously cut and staple the clamped tissue.

The cartridge half (202) of the stapler (200) includes an elongated cartridge channel (204) having a proximal frame portion (206) and a distal jaw portion (208). The proximal frame portion (206) slidably retains a firing assembly having a firing knob (210) and includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (212). Each side flange (212) includes a vertical slot (214) disposed at a proximal end of the side flange (212), a v-shaped notch (216) disposed distal to the vertical slot (214), and a curved cam slot (218) disposed at a distal end of the side flange (212). In versions of the invention, one of the side flanges (212) also includes a longitudinally extending firing slot (220) through which a portion of the firing knob (210) extends inwardly to couple with a translating member (not shown) of the firing assembly. The firing slot (220) enables longitudinal translation of the firing knob (210) relative to the cartridge channel (204) between a proximal position to a distal position to actuate a firing assembly to fire a staple cartridge (not shown) mounted within the distal jaw portion (208). The firing assembly and staple cartridge may be constructed in accordance with any one or more of the teachings incorporated by reference herein. In some versions, the staple cartridge may be similar to staple cartridge (80) described above.

The cartridge half (202) further comprises a proximal latch member (222) coupled to an exterior of the proximal end of the cartridge channel (204). The proximal latch member (222) includes a pair of vertically projecting latch hooks (224) and is configured to translate relative to the cartridge channel (204) between a proximal latched position shown in fig. 7 and a distal release portion. In the proximal latched position, each latching hook (224) is configured to capture a respective lateral end of a proximal pivot pin (246) of the anvil half-section (230), thereby coupling the proximal ends of the cartridge half-section (202) and the anvil half-section (230) together. In the release position, the latch hook (224) releases the proximal pivot pin (246) so that the proximal ends of the stapler halves (202,230) can be separated. In versions of the invention, the proximal latch member (222) is resiliently biased toward the proximal latched position. In addition, each latch hook (224) includes a proximally ramped upper surface configured to distally cam the proximal latch member (222) upon initial engagement with the proximal pivot pin (246) during coupling of the proximal ends of the stapler halves (202,230).

An anvil half-section (230) of a linear surgical stapler (200) includes an elongate anvil channel (232) having a proximal frame portion (234) and a distal jaw portion (236). As shown in fig. 8, the underside of the distal jaw portion (236) supports an anvil surface (238) having a plurality of staple forming pockets (240) (or "anvil pockets") configured to form staples ejected from a staple cartridge (not shown) mounted within the distal jaw portion (208) of the cartridge channel (204). Anvil surfaces (238) of the present versions are integrally formed with the distal jaw portion (236), but in other versions, the anvil surfaces (238) may be formed separately from the anvil channel (232) and subsequently coupled to the distal jaw portion (236) via permanent or releasable engagement features. A tapered distal tip member (242) extends distally from the distal jaw portion (236).

The proximal frame portion (234) of the anvil channel (232) includes a pair of laterally opposite side flanges (244) configured to be received between the cartridge channel side flanges (212) when the cartridge half (202) and anvil half (230) are coupled together in a manner described below. The anvil channel side flange (244) includes a pair of openings disposed at a proximal end of the anvil channel side flange and receiving a first coupling element in the form of a first pin (246) (also referred to herein as a "pivot pin") laterally therethrough. The anvil channel-side flange (244) also includes a first pair of elongated slots (248) disposed distal to the first pin (246) and receiving a second coupling element in the form of a second pin (250) (also referred to herein as a "lockout pin") extending laterally therethrough and longitudinally slidable therein. A second pair of elongated slots (252) is disposed at a distal end of the anvil channel side flange (244) and receives a third coupling element in the form of a third pin (254) (also referred to as a "clamp pin" or a "latch pin") extending laterally therethrough and longitudinally slidable therein. As described in greater detail below, the lockout pin (250) and the clamping pin (254) are configured to translate longitudinally within their respective elongated slots (248,252) to facilitate clamping the stapler halves (202,230) together.

As best shown in fig. 7 and 9, the anvil half-section (230) further includes an elongated clamping lever (260) having a proximal handle portion (262) and a distal angled portion (264) pivotally coupled to the distal end of the proximal frame portion (234) with a clamping pin (254). As described below, the clamping lever (260) is configured to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to the anvil channel (232) to clamp the stapler halves (202,230) together. The anvil half-section (230) also includes an elongated closure link (266) having a linear distal link portion (268) and an angled proximal link portion (270). A distal end of the distal link portion (268) is pivotably coupled to a distal end of the clamp lever handle portion (262) by a laterally extending pin (272). The proximal end of the proximal link portion (270) is pivotably coupled to the proximal end of the anvil channel (232) with the pivot pin (246) described above. Accordingly, the closure link (266) is configured to pivot relative to the anvil channel (232) and the clamp lever (260) in response to pivoting of the clamp lever (260) between its open and closed positions.

An interface between the proximal link portion (270) and the distal link portion (268) of the closure link (266) includes an upwardly extending latch hook (274) and a downwardly extending tab (276). When the clamp lever (260) is closed, as shown in fig. 10A-10D, the latch hook (274) is received through an opening formed in the proximal end of the clamp lever handle portion (262) and captured by the translating latch plate (278) shown in fig. 7, locking the clamp lever (260) in the closed position. The latch plate (278) is slidably coupled to a proximal end of the clamp lever handle portion (262) and is configured to longitudinally translate between a proximal latch position and a distal release position. The latch plate (278) is resiliently biased toward the proximal latched position and is distally cammed by a sloped upper surface of the latch hook (274) when the clamp lever (260) is closed such that the latch hook (274) is captured within the elongated slot of the latch plate (278). The proximal end of the latch plate (278) extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the clamping lever (260), as shown in fig. 7, and is configured to be actuated distally by a user to release the latch hook (274) from the latch plate (278) and allow the clamping lever (260) to be opened.

As shown in fig. 9, the lockout pin (250) extends laterally through the proximal translating clevis (280) and the clamp pin (254) extends laterally through the distal translating clevis (282). The lockout pin (250) and proximal clevis (280) are resiliently biased distally, and the clamp pin (254) and distal clevis (282) are resiliently biased proximally. In the present example, the lockout pin (250) and the clamp pin (254) are resiliently biased in their respective directions by a common resilient member in the form of a tension spring (284) coupled at its proximal end to the proximal clevis (280) and at its distal end to the distal clevis (282). In other versions, each pin (250,254) and its clevis (280,282) may be resiliently biased in a respective direction by a respective resilient member.

The lockout pins (250) of the anvil halves (230) are configured to function as a closure lockout feature that engages the closure link (266) to prevent closure of the clamp lever (260) unless the proximal ends of the stapler halves (202,230) are coupled together and the distal jaw portions (208,236) are approximated toward one another to a predetermined extent. As shown in fig. 9, the lockout pin (250) and proximal clevis (280) are positioned in a distal lockout position in which the lockout pin (250) abuts a downward tab (276) of the closure link (266). This interaction prevents the distal end of the closure link (266) from pivoting toward the cartridge channel (204), which in turn prevents the clamp lever (260) from fully closing. As described below in connection with fig. 10A-10D, the lockout pin (250) is configured to be proximally cammed by the v-notch (216) of the cartridge channel (204) to a release position when the distal jaw portion (208,236) of the stapler half (202,230) is sufficiently approximated. When in the proximal release position, the lockout pin (250) disengages from the downward tab (276) of the closure link (266), and thus allows pivoting of the closure link (266) and closure of the clamp lever (260). As also described below in connection with fig. 10A-10D, closure of the clamp lever (260) drives the clamp pin (254) distally within the longitudinal slot (252) of the anvil channel (232) and the curved cam slot (218) of the cartridge channel (204), thereby clamping the stapler halves (202,230) together. Upon subsequent opening of the clamping lever (260) and separation of the stapler halves (202,230), the tension spring (284) contracts causing the lockout pin (250) to resume its distal lockout position and the clamping pin (254) to resume its proximal position, shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, each stapler half (202,230) includes a respective cover configured to facilitate efficient gripping and manipulation of the linear surgical stapler (200) by a user. In the present example, the cartridge half (202) includes a first shroud (290) coupled to and extending longitudinally along outwardly facing surfaces of the proximal frame portion (206) of the cartridge channel (204). The anvil half-section (230) includes a second cover (294) coupled to and extending longitudinally along the outwardly facing surfaces of the proximal handle portion of the clamping lever (260). Each cover (290,294) of the present examples includes a respective distal shoulder (292,296) configured to further enhance gripping and manipulation of the stapler half (202,230).

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate an exemplary closing sequence of a stapler half (202,230) of a linear surgical stapler (200). As shown in fig. 10A, the stapler halves (202,230) are aligned with each other such that the proximal pivot pin (246) of the anvil half-section (230) is received within the proximal vertical slot (214) of the cartridge channel (204). Although not shown in fig. 10A-10D, the opposite lateral ends of the pivot pin (246) are captured by the latch hooks (224) of the proximal latch members (222) of the cartridge half (202), as seen in fig. 6, thereby latching the proximal ends of the stapler halves (202,230) together. Additionally, although not shown, a staple cartridge is loaded into the distal jaw portion (208) of the cartridge channel (204) before the stapler halves (202,230) are brought together.

At the stage shown in fig. 10A, the lockout pin (250) is in a distal lockout position such that the closing link (266) is prevented from pivoting, thus preventing the clamp lever (260) from closing. As shown in fig. 10A and 10B, the anvil half-section (230) is then pivoted about the proximal pivot pin (246) toward the cartridge half-section (202) such that the distal jaw portions (208,236) of the stapler half-sections (202,230) are approximated toward each other, which results in the distal clamp pins (254) of the anvil half-section (230) being guided into the open proximal ends of the curved cam slots (218) of the cartridge channel (204). The receptivity of the gripping pin (254) within the open proximal end of the curved cam slot (218) corresponds to a predetermined proximity of the distal jaw portion (208,236). This approach causes the ramped distal surface of the v-shaped notch (216) in the cartridge channel (204) to contact the lateral end of the lockout pin (250) in camming engagement and actuate the lockout pin (250) proximally to its release position. In particular, the angled surface of the v-shaped notch (216) drives the lockout pin (250) proximally such that the lockout pin (250) disengages from the downward tab (276) of the closure link (266).

As shown in fig. 10C, the closure link (266) is now free to pivot relative to the anvil channel (232) such that the clamp lever (260) can pivot about the clamp pin (254) toward its closed position. As shown in fig. 10C and 10D, closure of the clamping lever (260) drives the clamping pin (254) distally within the cam slot (218) of the cartridge channel (204), clamping the anvil half-section (230) against the cartridge half-section (202) and compressing tissue (not shown) positioned between the distal jaw portions (208,236). As described above, the distal elongate slot (252) of the anvil channel (232) enables the clamp pin (254) to translate distally relative to the anvil channel (232) in response to pivoting of the closure link (266) and simultaneous closing of the clamp lever (260). Thus, the above-described stapler (200) configuration provides mechanical advantage via the clamping lever (260), while avoiding unintended premature closing of the clamping lever (260) via the clamping lever latching system defined by the latching pin (250) and the closure link (266).

B. An exemplary linear surgical stapler having a button member and a proximal latch feature that provide firing lockout

In some instances, it is desirable to provide a linear surgical stapler (200) with additional features that prevent distal actuation of the firing assembly until the clamping lever (260) is fully closed. Fig. 11A and 11B illustrate the proximal end of an exemplary alternative linear surgical stapler (300) including such features. The stapler (300) comprises a cartridge half-section (302) and an anvil half-section (330) which are similar to the cartridge half-section (202) and anvil half-section (230) described above, as indicated by the use of similar reference numerals, with the differences described otherwise below.

The cartridge half (302) of the present example omits the externally mounted proximal latch member (222) of the stapler (200) described above, and instead includes an internally mounted button member (304) disposed within the proximal end of the proximal frame portion (206) of the cartridge channel (204). The button member (304) of the present examples includes a block-shaped body (306) having a proximal end defining a push button feature (308) exposed through an opening in the proximal end of the stapler (300). A latch hook (310) extending upward from a middle portion of the main body (306) and facing proximally; and is configured to engage a pivot pin (246) of the anvil half-section (330). A post (312) extends upwardly from a distal portion of the body (306) and is configured to engage a proximal face of a downward tab (276) of the closure link (266). A distal extension (314) extends distally from the body (306) and includes an upwardly extending tab (316) configured to engage a pusher block (320) of a firing assembly (318). The pusher block (320) includes a notch (322) and is coupled to an elongated actuation beam (324) (or "knife pusher") that is configured to drive the knife and staple driving features (not shown) through the staple cartridge.

The button member (304) is longitudinally movable within the cartridge channel (204) between a proximal position and a distal position, and laterally movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A distal extension (314) of the button member (304) is coupled to a first resilient member in the form of a compression spring (326) that biases the button member (304) proximally. A second resilient member in the form of a leaf spring (328) engages the underside of the button member (304) and biases the button member (304) upwardly. Thus, the compression spring (326) and the leaf spring (328) cooperate to resiliently bias the button member (304) toward the proximal raised position.

In the proximal raised position of the button member (304), the latch hook (310) is longitudinally aligned with the vertical slot (214) of the cartridge channel (204). Thus, when the proximal pivot pin (246) of the anvil half-section (330) is directed down into the vertical slot (214), the pivot pin (246) bears against the inclined upper surface of the latch hook (310) and drives the button member (304) distally. When the pivot pin (246) passes beyond the upper portion of the latch hook (310), the button member (304) snaps back proximally via the compression spring (326) such that the latch hook (310) captures the pivot pin (246) and prevents the proximal ends of the stapler halves (302,330) from coming apart. As the clamp lever (260) is closed, the closure link (266) pivots downward such that the downward tab (276) of the closure link (266) contacts the button member (304) and forces the button member downward against the upward bias of the leaf spring (328), resulting in the configuration shown in fig. 11A. In this proximal lowered position of the button member (304), the post (312) abuts the proximal edge of the downward tab (276), thereby locking the button member (304) in the proximal position and preventing the pivot pin (246) from being released from the latch hook (310) while the clip member (260) remains closed. In addition, when the button member (304) is in the proximally lowered position, the distal tab (316) is disengaged from the push block (320) such that the firing assembly (318) can be actuated distally by the firing knob (210) (see fig. 6) to fire the stapler (300).

As shown in FIG. 11B, upon reopening the clamp lever (260) after firing, the downward tab (276) of the closure link (266) disengages from the button member (304), allowing the button member (304) to rise via the bias of the leaf spring (328). This causes the distal tab (316) to engage a notch (322) in the underside of the pusher block (320), thereby latching the firing assembly (318) and preventing it from being actuated distally by the firing knob (210) while the clamp lever (260) remains open. As also shown in fig. 11B, the downward tab (276) of the closure link (266) has a disengagement post (312) of the button member (304) such that the button member (304) can be actuated distally by a user via the push button feature (308), which causes the latch hook (310) to release the proximal pivot pin (246) of the anvil half-section (230) such that the proximal ends of the stapler half-section (302,330) can be separated.

C. Exemplary Linear surgical stapler with closure lockout feature on cartridge half

As described above, each of the linear surgical staplers (200,300) has a clamping lever (260) and a closure lockout feature in the form of a lockout pin (250) arranged on the anvil half (230, 330). However, in some instances, it is desirable to position both the clamp arm and the closure lockout feature of a linear surgical stapler on the cartridge half. Fig. 12-13B illustrate an exemplary alternative linear surgical stapler (400) having such a configuration. The stapler (400) is similar to the staplers (10,200,300) described above, except as described otherwise below.

As shown in fig. 12, a linear surgical stapler (400) includes a cartridge half-section (402) and an anvil half-section (430) configured to be releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween and simultaneously cut and staple the clamped tissue. The cartridge half-section (402) includes an elongate cartridge channel (404) having a proximal frame portion (406) configured to slidably receive a firing assembly (not shown) and a distal jaw portion (408) configured to receive a staple cartridge (not shown). The proximal frame portion (406) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (410), each having a vertical slot (412) disposed at a distal end thereof. A clamping lever (414) is pivotably coupled to a distal end of the proximal frame portion (406) and includes a pair of laterally opposed jaws (416) each having a jaw slot (418). In versions of the invention, the first cap (420) is coupled to the underside of the proximal frame portion (434) of the cartridge channel (404) and the second cap (422) is coupled to the proximal arm portion of the clamp lever (414).

The cartridge half (402) also includes a closure lockout feature in the form of a block element (424) slidably disposed within one of the vertical slots (412) of the cartridge channel (404). A resilient member, shown in the form of a compression spring (426), couples the block element (424) to a portion of the first cage (420) and biases the block element (424) laterally toward the upper open end of the vertical slot (412). As shown in fig. 12 and 13A, the block element (424) is configured to abut the distal tip of the respective clamp lever jaw (416), thereby preventing closure of the clamp lever (414) when the stapler halves (402,430) are not sufficiently approximated.

As shown in fig. 13A-13B, the anvil half-section (430) includes an elongate anvil channel (432) having a proximal frame portion (434) and a distal jaw portion (436) configured to support an anvil surface (438) having a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown) that may be similar to the staple forming pockets (238) of anvil surface (240) described above. The anvil half-section (430) further includes a pin (440) extending laterally through the distal end of the proximal frame portion (434) and configured to be received within the vertical slot (412) of the cartridge channel (404) when the cartridge half-section (402) and the anvil half-section (430) are coupled together.

Fig. 13A shows the stapler halves (402,430) after being coupled together at their proximal ends and pivoted toward each other about their proximal ends such that opposing lateral ends of the anvil pin (440) engage an upper side of the block element (424). As the distal jaw portion (436) of the anvil half-section (430) is further approximated toward the distal jaw portion (408) of the cartridge channel (404), the anvil pin (440) pushes the block element (424) downward within the vertical slot (412) by compressing the compression spring (426). As shown in fig. 13B, further approximation of the stapler halves (402,430) causes the block element (424) to disengage from the distal tip of the clamping lever jaw (416) and enables the clamping lever (414) to pivot closed such that the clamping lever (414) captures the opposite end of the anvil pin (440) within the jaw slot (412). Thus, the block element (424) ensures that the clamping lever (414) is only allowed to close when the anvil pin (440) is sufficiently aligned with and received within the open ends of the cartridge channel slot (412), thereby preventing premature closing of the clamping lever (414) that would prevent the anvil pin (440) from being received within the vertical slot (412). Upon reopening the clamping lever (414) to release the anvil pin (440) from the cartridge channel slot (412), the compression spring (426) expands to return the block element (424) to the raised blocking position shown in fig. 13A.

Exemplary Linear surgical stapler with auxiliary lever for opening clamping lever

In some instances, it is desirable to provide a linear surgical stapler with features that facilitate opening of the clamping lever, which can be particularly advantageous when the stapler halves clamp onto thicker tissue masses with greater clamping forces. Fig. 14-15B illustrate an exemplary linear surgical stapler (500) having an auxiliary lever (510) that provides such benefits. The stapler (500) is similar to the stapler (10,200,300,400) described above, except as described otherwise below.

As shown in fig. 14, a linear surgical stapler (500) includes a cartridge half-section (502) and an anvil half-section (520) configured to be releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween and simultaneously cut and staple the clamped tissue. The cartridge half (502) comprises an elongate cartridge channel (504) having a proximal frame portion configured to slidably receive a firing assembly comprising an elongate actuation member (504), as shown in fig. 15A and 15B. A distal jaw portion (506) of the cartridge channel (504) is configured to receive a staple cartridge (not shown). The cartridge half (502) further comprises a clamping lever (508) pivotably coupled with the cartridge channel (504) and configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position to clamp the anvil half (520) against the cartridge half (502).

The cartridge half (502) further comprises an auxiliary lever (510) pivotably coupled to a proximal portion of the cartridge half (502). An auxiliary lever (510) of the present example includes a proximal head (512), an elongated arm (514) extending distally and angularly downwardly from the head (512), and a distal finger (516) extending angularly upwardly from a distal end of the lever arm (514). As shown in fig. 14, the lever finger (516) is positioned to engage the underside of the proximal end of the clamping lever (508). Thus, when the clamp lever (508) is closed, the clamp lever (508) engages the distal finger (516) and pivots the auxiliary lever (510) in a first direction such that the proximal head (512) is raised. When the user wishes to open the clamp lever (508), the user depresses the proximal head (512), which causes the auxiliary lever (510) to pivot in the second direction and drives the distal finger (516) against the underside of the proximal end of the clamp lever (508), thereby slightly opening the clamp lever (508).

As shown in fig. 15A and 15B, the auxiliary lever (510) of the present example also includes a firing lockout tab (518) extending downward from the lever arm (514). As shown in fig. 15A, when the clamp lever (508) is open, the auxiliary lever (510) is configured to assume a pivoted position in which the lockout tab (518) engages the proximal end of the firing assembly actuation member (504), thereby blocking distal actuation of the actuation member (504) such that firing is prevented. As shown in fig. 15B, when the clamp lever (508) is closed, the clamp lever (508) engages the lever arm (514) and causes the auxiliary lever (510) to pivot such that the lockout tab (518) disengages the firing assembly actuation member (504) and allows firing of the stapler (500).

Exemplary combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filing of this application. Disclaimer is not intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in a variety of other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the following embodiments. Thus, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered critical unless explicitly indicated otherwise, e.g., by the inventors or successors to the inventors at a later date. If any claim made in this application or in a later filed document related to this application includes additional features beyond those mentioned below, these additional features should not be assumed to be added for any reason related to patentability.

Example 1

A surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to support one of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to support the other of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets; (c) a clamp member, wherein the clamp member is movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongated members together; (d) a clamp lockout feature supported by the first elongate member, wherein the clamp lockout feature is movable between a lockout position in which the clamp lockout feature is configured to prevent closure of the clamp members and a release position in which the clamp lockout feature is configured to allow closure of the clamp members; and (e) an actuation feature supported by the second elongate member, wherein the actuation feature is configured to actuate the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to an approach of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

Example 2

The surgical stapler of embodiment 1, wherein said distal portion of said first elongate member supports an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets, wherein said distal portion of said second elongate member is configured to support a staple cartridge, wherein said clamp lockout feature and said actuation feature are positioned proximate to said anvil surface.

Example 3

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the clamping member comprises a clamping lever pivotably coupled to the first elongate member with a coupling element.

Example 4

The surgical stapler of embodiment 3, wherein the coupling element is configured to translate relative to the first elongate member in response to closure of the clamping lever.

Example 5

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 3-4, wherein the second elongate member comprises a slot configured to capture the coupling element in response to closure of the clamping lever.

Example 6

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the clamp lockout feature is configured to translate along a longitudinal axis of the first elongate member between the lockout position and the release position.

Example 7

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the lockout position is distally oriented and the release position is proximally oriented.

Example 8

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the clamp lockout feature is resiliently biased toward the lockout position.

Example 9

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the grip lockout feature comprises a pin extending laterally relative to the first elongate member.

Example 10

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the actuation feature comprises a ramp, wherein the ramp is configured to longitudinally cam the clamp lockout feature from the lockout position to the release position in response to an approach of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

Example 11

The surgical stapler of embodiment 10, wherein the ramp is defined by a notch formed in the second elongate member.

Example 12

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a link coupled with the clamping member, wherein the clamping lockout feature in the lockout position is configured to engage the link to prevent closure of the clamping member, wherein the clamping lockout feature in the release position is configured to disengage the link to allow closure of the clamping member.

Example 13

The surgical stapler of embodiment 12, wherein a proximal end of the link is pivotably coupled with the first elongate member, wherein a distal end of the link is pivotably coupled with the clamping member.

Example 14

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 12-13, wherein the clamping member comprises a clamping lever pivotably coupled with the first elongate member, wherein the link comprises a protrusion configured to releasably engage a free end of the clamping lever.

Example 15

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 12-14, wherein the proximal end of the link is coupled to the first elongate member with a coupling element, wherein the surgical stapler further comprises a movable structure supported by the second elongate member, wherein the movable structure comprises a latch feature configured to releasably capture the coupling element, thereby coupling the proximal end of the first elongate member with the proximal end of the second elongate member.

Example 16

A surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to support one of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to support the other of a staple cartridge or an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets; (c) a clamp member coupled to a first portion of the first elongate member, wherein the clamp member is movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp the first and second elongate members together; and (d) a link, wherein a first end of the link is coupled to a second portion of the first elongate member, wherein a second end of the link is coupled to the clamping member, wherein the link is operable to prevent closure of the clamping member when the first elongate member is separated from the second elongate member, wherein the link is operable to permit closure of the clamping member in response to the proximity of the distal portions of the first and second elongate members.

Example 17

The surgical stapler of embodiment 16, wherein the first end of the link is pivotably coupled to the second portion of the first elongate member, wherein the second end of the link is pivotably coupled to the clamping member.

Example 18

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 16-17, further comprising a lockout feature movable between a lockout position and a release position, wherein the lockout feature in the lockout position is configured to engage the links to prevent closure of the clamping members, wherein the lockout feature in the release position is configured to disengage the links to allow closure of the clamping members.

Example 19

A surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a first stapler half having a distal portion with a plurality of staple forming pockets; and (b) a second stapler half configured to releasably couple with the first stapler half, wherein the second stapler half comprises: (i) a proximal portion, (ii) a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge, (iii) a firing assembly, and (iv) a movable structure supported by the proximal portion, wherein the movable structure comprises: (A) a latch feature, and (B) a firing lockout feature, wherein the movable structure is movable between a first position in which the latch feature captures a proximal feature of the first stapler half and the firing lockout feature allows actuation of the firing assembly, and a second position in which the latch feature releases the proximal feature and the firing lockout feature prevents actuation of the firing assembly.

Example 20

The surgical stapler of embodiment 19, further comprising a clamping member movable from an open position to a closed position to releasably clamp said first and second stapler halves together, wherein said movable structure further comprises a structural lockout feature configured to prevent movement of said movable structure to said second position when said clamping member is in said closed position.

V. miscellaneous items

It is to be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Accordingly, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation from each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

Additionally, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described in the following documents: us application 15/889,363 entitled "Release Mechanism for Linear predictive Stapler" filed on 6.2.2018; us application 15/889,370 entitled "Lockout Assembly for Linear Surgical specimen" filed on 6.2.2018; U.S. application 15/889,374 entitled "Features to Align and Close line scientific specimen," filed on 6.2.2018; U.S. application 15/889,376 entitled "releaseable Coupling Features for procedural porting of Linear Surgical Stapler", filed on 6.2.2018; us application 15/889,388 entitled "fire Lever Assembly for Linear Surgical specimen" filed on 6.2.2018; us application 15/889,390 entitled "Clamping Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler" filed on 6.2.2018; us application 16/102,164 entitled "fastening System for Linear Surgical Stapler" filed on 8/13/2018; us application 16/102,170 entitled "Clamping Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler" filed on 13.8.2018; and U.S. application entitled "Artificial Assembly for Linear predictive Stacker" filed on even date herewith [ attorney docket number END8624USNP ]. The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood that any patent, patent publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Versions of the above described apparatus may be used in traditional medical treatments and procedures performed by medical professionals, as well as in robotic-assisted medical treatments and procedures. By way of example only, the various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into a robotic Surgical system, such as davinc (r) of intelligent Surgical, Inc (Sunnyvale, California)^TMProvided is a system. Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various teachings herein can be readily combined with the various teachings of any of the following patents: the name "organized Surgery Instrument For Performing minimum aware approach With Enhanced depth Dexteri published in 1998 at 8/11/1998U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135 to Ty and SENSITIVITY, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. patent 5,817,084 entitled "Remote Center Positioning Device with Flexible Drive" published on 6.10.1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,193 entitled "Automated Endoscope System for Optimal Positioning", published 3/2 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,565, entitled "Robotic Arm DLUS for Performance scientific Tasks", published 5/15 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,524, published at 31/8/2004, entitled "Rolling Surgical Tool with ultrasonic machining and Cutting Instrument," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,888, entitled "Alignment of Master and Slave in a miniature active overview Apparatus", published 2002, 4, 2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,320 entitled "Mechanical Actuator Interface System for Robotic scientific Tools" published on 28.4.2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. patent 7,691,098 entitled "Platform Link wriest Mechanism" published on 6.4.2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,891 entitled "reproducing and orientation of Master/Slave Relationship in minimum investment Telesurgery", published on 5.10.2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. patent 8,844,789 entitled "Automated End efficiency Component loading System for Use with a road System" published on 30/9 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. patent 8,820,605 entitled "Roboticaly-Controlled Surgical Instruments" published on 2.9.2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,431 entitled "Shiftable Drive Interface for Robotically-Controlled Surgical Tool", published 31/12/2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; the name of the publication of 11 months and 5 days in 2013 is' Surgical stabilizing InstrU.S. Pat. No. 8,573,461 to meters with Cam-Driven complete delivery enterprises ", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,602,288 entitled "Robotically-Controlled Motorized surgery End Effect System with Rotarily activated Closure Systems Having Variable activation Speeds" published on 12/10 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 9,301,759 entitled "Robotic-Controlled Surgical Instrument with Selective engineering End Effect", published 5/4/2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. patent 8,783,541 entitled "Roboticaly-Controlled Surgical End Effect System," published 22/7/2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969 entitled "Drive Interface for operating Coupling a regulatory Surgical Tool to a Robot" published on 7/9/2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. patent publication 8,800,838 entitled "Roboticaly-Controlled Cable-Based Surgical End effects," published 12/8/2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and/or U.S. patent 8,573,465 entitled "road-Controlled Surgical End Effector System with road acquired Closure Systems" published on 11/5/2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Devices of the type described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple times. In either or both cases, these versions can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. The repair may include any combination of the following steps: disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular parts and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular components, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques and the resulting prosthetic devices are within the scope of the present application.

By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilized before and/or after surgery. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in a sterile container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further modifications of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several such possible modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, implementations, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc., discussed above are illustrative and not required. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.