阅读说明：本技术 用于线性外科缝合器的夹持组件 (Clamping assembly for linear surgical stapler ) 是由 A·C·德克 B·D·辛格斯 J·琼斯 G·J·巴克斯 D·K·诺维尔 C·J·沙尔 J 于 2019-08-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种外科缝合器,所述外科缝合器包括第一细长构件和第二细长构件,所述第一细长构件具有支撑砧座表面的远侧部分,所述第二细长构件具有被构造成能够接收钉仓的远侧部分。所述缝合器还包括销和夹持构件,所述销与所述第一细长构件可旋转地联接,所述夹持构件与所述第二细长构件可运动地联接。所述夹持构件能够操作以可释放地捕获所述销,从而抵靠所述第二细长构件夹持所述第一细长构件。所述销被构造成能够响应于被所述夹持构件捕获而相对于所述第一细长构件旋转。(A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface and a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge. The stapler further includes a pin rotatably coupled with the first elongate member and a clamping member movably coupled with the second elongate member. The clamping member is operable to releasably capture the pin to clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The pin is configured to rotate relative to the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamping member.)

1. A surgical stapler, comprising:

(a) a first elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets;

(b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

(c) a pin rotatably coupled with the first elongate member; and

(d) a clamping member movably coupled with the second elongate member, wherein the clamping member is operable to releasably capture the pin to clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member,

wherein the pin is configured to rotate relative to the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamping member.

2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the pin comprises a stepped pin.

3. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein said pin comprises a first cylindrical end portion, a second cylindrical end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between said first cylindrical end portion and said second cylindrical end portion, wherein said intermediate portion has a different outer diameter than said first cylindrical end portion and said second cylindrical end portion.

4. The surgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a cover configured to cover at least a portion of said first elongate member, wherein said pin couples said cover with said first elongate member.

5. The surgical stapler of claim 4, wherein the pin is configured to rotate relative to the cover and the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamping member.

6. The surgical stapler of claim 4, wherein the pin is disposed at a distal end of the cover.

7. The surgical stapler of claim 4, further comprising a keyhole slot disposed on one of the cover or the first elongate member, wherein the pin extends through the keyhole slot.

8. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said keyhole slot is configured to laterally constrain said pin relative to said cover and said first elongate member.

9. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said keyhole slot is configured to allow longitudinal movement of said cover relative to said first elongate member during assembly thereof when said pin is positioned within said keyhole slot.

10. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said keyhole slot is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of said first elongated member.

11. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said keyhole slot is configured to allow lateral movement of said cover relative to said first elongate member during assembly thereof when said pin is positioned within said keyhole slot.

12. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein said keyhole slot is oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis of said first elongated member.

13. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein said clamping member is movable from an undamped position to a clamped position to clamp said first elongate member against said second elongate member, wherein said clamping member comprises a latching feature configured to releasably retain said clamping member in said clamped position.

14. The surgical stapler of claim 13, wherein the clamping member comprises a lever, wherein the latching feature comprises a latching member pivotably coupled to a free end of the lever.

15. The surgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a latch member movably coupled to a proximal end of said second elongate member, wherein said latch member is operable to releasably couple said proximal end of said second elongate member with a proximal end of said first elongate member.

16. A surgical stapler, comprising:

(a) a first stapler half comprising:

(i) an elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets,

(ii) the cover is provided with a plurality of grooves,

(iii) a keyhole slot disposed in one of the elongated member or the cover, and

(iv) a coupling member, wherein the coupling member extends through the keyhole slot and couples the shroud with the elongate member; and

(b) a second stapler half, the second stapler half comprising:

(i) a distal portion configured to support a staple cartridge, an

(ii) A clamping member operable to releasably capture the coupling member to clamp the first stapler half against the second stapler half.

17. The surgical stapler of claim 16, wherein the coupling member is configured to rotate relative to the elongated member and the cover in response to being captured by the clamping member.

18. The surgical stapler of claim 16, wherein said coupling member comprises a pin, wherein said keyhole slot is configured to laterally constrain said pin relative to said elongated member and said cover.

19. A surgical stapler, comprising:

(a) a first elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets;

(b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

(c) a clamping lever operable to pivot from a first position to a second position to clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member; and

(d) a latch member coupled to the clamp lever, wherein the latch member is operable to releasably couple a free end of the clamp lever with the second elongate member when the clamp lever is in the second position.

20. A surgical stapler, comprising:

(a) a first elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets;

(b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;

(c) a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is movable from a first position to a second position to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member; and

(d) a resilient member, wherein the resilient member is configured to force the distal portion of the first elongate member away from the distal portion of the second elongate member when the clamping member is in the first 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 comprise 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 having 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 depicts a distal perspective view of another 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. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an anvil half-section of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6 showing the anvil channel, anvil cover, and proximal and distal anvil pins, and showing the anvil cover partially broken away to reveal the inner flange;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the distal anvil pin of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the components of the anvil half-section of FIG. 6 during assembly showing the distal anvil pin aligned with the pair of distal pin openings of the anvil channel and the keyhole slot of the anvil cover for assembly of the anvil half-section;

FIG. 10B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the components of the anvil half-section of FIG. 6 during assembly showing the distal anvil pin extending laterally through the anvil channel and anvil cover flange;

FIG. 10C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the components of the anvil half-section of FIG. 6 during assembly showing the anvil cover translated distally relative to the anvil channel and a proximal anvil pin inserted through the anvil cover and the proximal end of the anvil channel;

FIG. 11A illustrates a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing the proximal and distal anvil pins of the anvil half-section aligned with the cartridge half-section when the clamping lever is in the open position;

FIG. 11B illustrates a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing the clamping lever pivoted to a closed position such that the distal end of the clamping lever clamps the anvil half-section against the cartridge half-section;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the proximal end of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, with the clamping lever in an open position and the anvil cover omitted from view;

FIG. 13 shows a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6 with the clamping lever in an open position and the anvil cover omitted from view, showing the anvil channel pivoted relative to the cartridge half-section;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the proximal end of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing the clamping lever in an open position;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the proximal end of the clamping lever and clamping lever cover of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing the clamping lever and clamping lever cover partially broken away to reveal details of the clamping lever latch member;

FIG. 16A shows a side cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6 showing the clamping lever closed to engage the clamping lever latch member with the proximal end of the cartridge channel;

FIG. 16B shows a side cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing the clamping lever in a fully closed position;

FIG. 16C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6 showing the firing assembly translated distally such that the lockout feature engages and locks the clamping lever latch member;

FIG. 16D illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 6, showing the clamping lever latch member actuated to disengage the channel member and allow the clamping lever to be opened;

FIG. 17 illustrates a side elevational view of a cartridge half of another exemplary linear surgical stapler;

FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of several components of the cartridge half of FIG. 17 showing the clamping lever, translating shoulder latch mechanism and clamping lever cover;

FIG. 19A shows a combined side elevational and side cross-sectional view of the cartridge half of FIG. 17 showing the shoulder latch mechanism resiliently biased in a distal home position in which the proximal latch member of the mechanism couples the clamping lever with the cartridge channel;

FIG. 19B shows a combined side elevational and side cross-sectional view of the cartridge half of FIG. 17 showing the shoulder latch mechanism actuated to a proximal position to disengage the proximal latch member from the cartridge channel and allow the clamping lever to be opened;

fig. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the proximal end of the exemplary cartridge channel and an anvil latch member coupled to the channel, showing the anvil latch member resiliently biased in a proximal home position;

FIG. 21A illustrates a side elevational view of the cartridge channel proximal end and anvil latch member of FIG. 20 showing the proximal pin of the anvil half-section of the linear surgical stapler engaging the upper cam surface of the anvil latch member;

FIG. 21B shows a side elevational view of the cartridge channel proximal end and anvil latch member of FIG. 20 showing the proximal anvil pin guided into the proximal recess of the cartridge channel to drive the anvil latch member distally via the upper cam surface;

FIG. 21C illustrates a side elevational view of the cartridge channel proximal end and anvil latch member of FIG. 20 showing the proximal anvil pin captured by the anvil latch member;

FIG. 21D illustrates a side elevational view of the cartridge channel proximal end and anvil latch member of FIG. 20 showing the anvil latch member depressed distally to eject the proximal anvil pin from the anvil latch member and the cartridge channel notch;

FIG. 22A illustrates a side elevational view of components of an anvil half-section of another exemplary linear surgical stapler illustrating the anvil cover, anvil channel, and distal anvil pin separated from one another prior to assembly;

FIG. 22B illustrates a side elevational view of the anvil half-components of FIG. 22A during assembly showing the anvil cover applied to the anvil channel and the distal anvil pin inserted laterally through the anvil cover and anvil channel;

FIG. 22C illustrates a side elevational view of the anvil half-component of FIG. 22A showing the anvil cover and distal anvil pin translated to a distal position relative to the anvil channel;

FIG. 22D illustrates a bottom plan view of the anvil half-component of FIG. 22A showing the distal anvil pin laterally constrained relative to the anvil channel and anvil cover with the anvil cover and distal anvil pin in a distal position;

FIG. 23 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the anvil half-component of FIG. 22A showing the anvil cover and distal anvil pin in a distal position relative to the anvil channel;

FIG. 24A illustrates a bottom plan view of the anvil channel, anvil cover, and proximal end of the proximal anvil pin of the anvil half-section of FIG. 22A showing the anvil cover in a proximal position relative to the anvil channel and proximal anvil pin during assembly;

FIG. 24B illustrates a bottom plan view of the anvil half-section of FIG. 24A showing the anvil cover in a distal position relative to the anvil channel and proximal anvil pin upon complete assembly;

FIG. 25A illustrates a side elevational view of components of an anvil half-section of another exemplary linear surgical stapler illustrating the anvil cover, anvil channel, and distal anvil pin separated from one another prior to assembly;

FIG. 25B illustrates a side elevational view of the anvil half-section components of FIG. 25A during assembly showing the anvil cover applied to the anvil half-section and the distal anvil pin laterally inserted through the anvil cover and anvil half-section, showing the anvil cover in a first raised transverse position relative to the anvil channel;

FIG. 25C shows a schematic side elevational view of the anvil cover and distal anvil pin of the anvil half-section of FIG. 25A with the anvil channel omitted from view, showing the position of the distal anvil pin within the slot of the anvil cover when the anvil cover is in the second lowered transverse position relative to the anvil channel;

FIG. 26A illustrates a side elevational view of components of an anvil half-section of another exemplary linear surgical stapler illustrating the anvil cover, anvil channel, and distal anvil pin separated from one another prior to assembly;

FIG. 26B shows a schematic side elevational view of the anvil channel and distal anvil pin of FIG. 26A during assembly showing the distal anvil pin in a first lateral position relative to the anvil channel;

FIG. 26C illustrates a schematic side elevational view of the anvil channel and distal anvil pin of FIG. 26A showing the distal anvil pin in a second lateral position relative to the anvil channel and showing the anvil cover in an initial distal position relative to the anvil channel and distal anvil pin;

FIG. 26D illustrates a schematic side elevational view of the anvil channel and distal anvil pin of FIG. 26A showing the anvil cover in a final proximal position relative to the anvil channel and distal anvil pin;

FIG. 26E illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the anvil channel and the proximal end of the anvil cover of FIG. 26A showing the anvil cover translated to a final proximal position relative to the anvil channel;

fig. 26F illustrates a side elevational view of the proximal end of the anvil cover and anvil channel in the configuration of fig. 26E, showing the insertion of a proximal anvil pin through the anvil cover and anvil channel;

FIG. 27 depicts a side elevational view of another exemplary linear surgical stapler with a cover of the stapler omitted to show details of a clamping lever lockout member, showing a clamping lever locked in an open position;

FIG. 28 shows an enlarged perspective view of a support structure for the clamp lever latch member of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29A depicts a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 27 taken along line 29A-29A in FIG. 27, illustrating the lockout member in a lockout position in which the lockout member prevents the clamping lever from closing;

FIG. 29B illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 27 taken along line 29A-29A in FIG. 27 showing the lockout member after it has been actuated to a release position by a side flange of the anvil half-section;

FIG. 29C illustrates a side elevational view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 29A, showing the clamping lever pivoted to a closed position after releasing the clamping lever lockout member;

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary linear surgical stapler showing a portion of the anvil cover cut away to reveal an inner resilient member;

FIG. 31A shows a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 30 taken along line 31A-31A, illustrating the resilient member in a compressed state when the clamping levers of the stapler are closed;

FIG. 31B shows a cross-sectional end view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 30 taken along line 31A-31A, illustrating the resilient member in an expanded state when the clamping lever is open;

FIG. 31C illustrates a side elevational view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 30, showing the clamping lever in an open position such that the resilient member is expandable;

FIG. 32 depicts an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary alternative cartridge half-section suitable for use with the anvil half-section of the surgical stapler of FIG. 30; and is

Fig. 33 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary alternative anvil half-section having an anvil cover with a proximal gripping feature that is shown partially cut away to reveal a resilient member received therein.

The drawings 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 drawings. 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) further includes a clamping lever (24) pivotably coupled to an underside of the cartridge channel (16) in substantial 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) extend distally from a distal end of the lever arm (26) along 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).

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 the present example, the cartridge half (12) includes a first cover (70) that covers 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 an 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 a proximal frame portion (52) of the anvil channel (50), including a 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 examples is an assembly comprising a cartridge body (82), a tray (84) covering the 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). The 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 (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 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.

With rotating distal anvil pinExemplary Linear surgical stapler

As described above in connection with fig. 4A-4C, the anvil half-section (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) is clamped against the cartridge half-section (12) by closing the clamping lever (24) such that the clamping lever jaw (30) captures and pulls the latch protrusion (56) proximally into the jaw slot (32). The frictional engagement between the jaw (30) and the latch protrusion (56) is a significant contributor to the amount of closing force that the operator must apply to the clamping lever (24). The exemplary linear surgical stapler (200) described below is suitably configured to minimize this frictional engagement, thereby minimizing the closing force required. In particular, the stapler (200) includes a stepped distal anvil pin (278) configured to rotate when engaged by the clamping lever (240), as described in more detail below.

A. Overview of a Linear surgical stapler

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary linear surgical stapler (200) (or "endocutter") 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) (or "reload half-section") and an anvil half-section (204) configured to be releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween for simultaneously cutting and stapling the clamped tissue.

The cartridge half (202) comprises an elongated cartridge channel (206) having a proximal frame portion (208) and a distal jaw portion (210). The proximal frame portion (208) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (212), each upright side flange having a vertical slot (214) disposed at a distal end thereof and a tapered notch (216) disposed at a proximal end thereof. An outwardly projecting rigid rib (218) extends longitudinally between the distal slot (214) and the proximal notch (216) of each side flange (212) and is configured to provide enhanced stiffness to the side flanges (212). The outwardly flared upper section (220) defines an upper edge of a proximal portion of each side flange (212) and is configured to facilitate receipt of the anvil half-section (204) by the cartridge half-section (202), as described in greater detail below.

Each side flange (212) of the cartridge half (202) further includes an elongate firing slot (222) extending longitudinally along an underside of the side flange (212) between a proximal notch (216) and a distal slot (214). The elongate firing slot (222) is configured to guide a firing assembly (224) that is slidably retained within the proximal frame portion (208) between a proximal position and a distal position. Among other features, the firing assembly (224) includes a sled (226) and a pair of actuators (228) (or "firing knobs") pivotally coupled with the sled (226) to provide bilateral firing of the stapler (10). The present invention can also be made in accordance with U.S. patent application No. [ attorney docket No.: END8623USNP ] whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

A distal jaw portion (210) of the cartridge channel (206) is configured to receive a staple cartridge (230) (or "reload"), which may be similar to staple cartridge (80) described above, except as otherwise described below. The staple cartridge (230) includes a cartridge body (232) that houses a plurality of staple drivers and staples (not shown) similar to the staple drivers (86) and staples (88). The cartridge body (232) further includes a longitudinal slot (234) configured to slidably receive a knife member (not shown) of the firing assembly (224), and a pair of internal slots (not shown) configured to slidably receive a pair of cam ramps (not shown) of the firing assembly (224). In other versions, the staple cartridge (230) and firing assembly (224) may alternatively be configured such that the knife member and cam ramp are housed within a cartridge body (232), similar to the staple cartridge (80). A staple cartridge (230) of the present version further includes a pair of proximal coupling legs (236) configured to be guided through openings (not shown) in the base wall of the cartridge channel (206) and releasably coupled to the clamp lever pivot pin (242) in a snap-fit engagement.

The cartridge half (202) further includes a clamp lever (240) pivotably coupled to the cartridge channel (206) with a clamp lever pivot pin (242) disposed in substantial alignment with the distal slot (214) of the cartridge channel side flange (212). The clamp lever (240) includes an elongated lever arm (244) having a free proximal end (245) and a distal end pivotably coupled to a lower portion of the cartridge channel (206) with a pivot pin (242). A pair of opposing jaws (246) extend distally from a distal end of the lever arm (244) alongside the cartridge channel side flange (212). Each jaw (246) includes a curved slot (248) having a closed proximal end and an open distal end configured to receive a distal coupling member (278) of an anvil half-section (204), as described below.

The clamping lever (240) is operable to pivot relative to the cartridge channel (206) between an open position (see fig. 11A) in which a proximal end (245) of the lever arm (244) is spaced from the cartridge channel frame portion (208), and a closed position (see fig. 11B) in which the proximal end (245) faces the cartridge channel frame portion (208). The clamping lever (240) is operated to actuate from an open position to a closed position to clamp the anvil half-section (204) against the cartridge half-section (202). In particular, the curvature of each jaw slot (248) defines respective upper and lower cam surfaces configured to engage and pull the distal coupling member (278) of the anvil half-section (204) toward the cartridge channel (206) when the clamping lever (240) is pivotally closed, as described in more detail below.

As shown in fig. 7, the cartridge half (202) further comprises a clamping lever latch member (250) disposed at the proximal end (245) of the lever arm (244). As described in more detail below, the clamp lever latch member (250) is resiliently biased to engage the proximal end of the cartridge channel (206) to releasably retain the clamp lever (240) in the closed position, e.g., when the stapler (200) is fired. A resilient member, shown in the form of a leaf spring (252), biases the clamping lever (240) towards the open position. Thus, upon disengagement of the clamping lever latch member (250) from the proximal end of the cartridge channel (206), the leaf spring (252) facilitates disengagement of the lever jaw (246) from the anvil half-section (204), as described below.

The cartridge half (202) further comprises a retaining assembly (260) arranged at a proximal end of the cartridge half. As best shown in fig. 12 and 16A-16D, the retention assembly (260) includes an anvil latch member (262) and a stop member (264) rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the cartridge channel (206). The anvil latch member (262) and the stop member (264) are configured to rotate independently of each other about a common axis of rotation. The anvil latch member (262) is configured to releasably capture a proximal pin (280) of the anvil half-section (204) thereby pivotably coupling the proximal end of the cartridge half-section (202) with the proximal end of the anvil half-section (204). As shown in fig. 14, the anvil latch member (262) includes a lower release button (266) that is exposed through the underside of the cartridge channel (206) when the clamp lever (240) is open and is concealed when the clamp lever (240) is closed. A release button (266) is configured to be depressed by an operator to selectively disengage the anvil latch member (262) from the proximal anvil pin (280) to allow the proximal ends of the stapler halves (202,204) to be disengaged. A stop member (264) of the retention assembly (260) is configured to releasably retain the firing assembly (224) in a proximal home position. As seen in fig. 12 and 16A-16D, the stop member (264) includes a proximal hook (268) configured to maintain the clamp lever (240) in the closed position as the firing assembly (224) translates distally from its proximal home position, as described below. The retention assembly (260) may also be constructed and operated in accordance with the teachings of U.S. patent application No. [ attorney docket No. END8623USNP ], which is incorporated by reference.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the anvil half-section (204) of the linear surgical stapler (200) includes an elongate anvil channel (270) having a proximal frame portion (272) and a distal jaw portion (274). The proximal frame portion (272) includes a pair of laterally opposite side flanges (276) configured to be received between the cartridge channel side flanges (212) when the anvil half-section (204) is coupled with the cartridge half-section (202). A distal coupling member in the form of a distal anvil pin (278) extends laterally across a distal end of the anvil channel side flange (276), and a proximal coupling member in the form of a proximal anvil pin (280) extends laterally across a proximal end of the anvil channel side flange (276). The anvil pins (278,280) are configured to facilitate coupling of the anvil half-section (204) with the cartridge half-section (202), as described below.

A distal jaw portion (274) of the anvil half-section (204) supports an anvil surface (282) having a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown) configured to deform the legs of staples ejected from the staple cartridge (230) when the stapler (200) is fired. In some versions, anvil surface (282) may be integrally formed with or otherwise rigidly connected to distal jaw portion (274). In other versions, the anvil surface (282) may be adjusted relative to the distal jaw portion (274) in a manner similar to the anvil plate (60) of the stapler (10) described above. The distal jaw portion (274) of the anvil half-section (204) additionally supports a tapered distal tip member (284).

Similar to linear surgical stapler (10), linear surgical stapler (200) includes a plurality of covers (254,300) that cover selected portions of stapler (200) and promote efficient grasping and manipulation of stapler (200) by an operator during use. In particular, the clamp lever cover (254) is attached to and covers an outwardly facing side of the clamp lever (240) such that the clamp lever cover (254) is configured to pivot with the clamp lever (240) relative to the cartridge channel (206). Additionally, an anvil cover (300) is attached to and covers an outwardly facing side of the anvil channel (270). An exemplary method of securing the anvil cover (300) to the anvil channel (270) is described below.

During assembly of the stapler halves (202,204), a proximal anvil pin (280) of the anvil half (204) is guided into a proximal tapered recess (216) of the cartridge channel (206). At the same time, the clamp lever (240) is held in an open position by a resilient member (252) such that the open distal end of the curved jaw slot (248) is aligned with the open upper end of the cartridge channel distal slot (214). The anvil half-section (204) is then pivoted about the proximal anvil pin (280) to guide the distal anvil pin (278) into the vertical distal slot (214) of the cartridge channel (206) and the curved jaw slot (248) of the clamping lever (240). The clamp lever (240) is then pivoted from the open position to the closed position, which causes the upper and lower cam surfaces of the curved jaw slot (248) to engage the distal anvil pin (278) and pull the distal anvil pin toward the closed proximal end of the curved jaw slot (248). This action draws the distal jaw portion (274) of the anvil channel (270) closer to the distal jaw portion (210) of the cartridge channel (206), thereby clamping any tissue positioned between the anvil surface (282) and the staple cartridge (230). When the clamp lever (240) reaches the fully closed position, the clamp lever latch member (250) engages the proximal end of the cartridge channel (206) to retain the clamp lever (240) in the closed position. Similar to the firing assembly (34), the stapler (200) may then be fired by distally actuating the firing assembly (224). After the stapler (200) is fired, the firing assembly (224) returns to its proximal home position and the clamping lever latch member (250) disengages from the cartridge channel (206) to enable opening of the clamping lever (240) and subsequent separation of the stapler halves (202, 204).

B. Exemplary Assembly of anvil half-parts

Fig. 8-10C show additional details of the components of the anvil half-section (204) and the corresponding steps of assembling such components. As shown in fig. 8, the anvil channel side flange (276) includes a pair of distal openings (286) configured to receive the distal anvil pin (278) laterally therethrough and a pair of proximal openings (288) configured to receive the proximal anvil pin (280) laterally therethrough. The base wall of the proximal frame portion (272) includes an elongated distal slot (290) disposed in general alignment with the distal opening (286), and a proximal slot (292) disposed longitudinally between the distal opening (286) and the proximal opening (288). Distal and proximal slots (290,292) are positioned along a longitudinal centerline of the anvil channel (270).

The anvil cover (300), shown in partial cross-section in fig. 8, includes an inner flange (302) that extends longitudinally within the interior of the anvil cover (300), parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the anvil channel (270), and projects laterally in a direction toward the anvil channel (270). The inner flange (302) includes a foot-shaped distal tab (304) extending transversely toward the anvil channel (270) and having a distal nose (306) extending distally beyond a distal end (308) of a base portion of the inner flange (302). The distal tab (304) includes a keyhole slot (310) having a circular entrance portion (312) and an elongated retention portion (314) extending proximally from the circular entrance portion (312). In the present example, the keyhole slot (310) is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil channel (270). The inner flange (302) also includes a rectangular proximal tab (316) extending transversely toward the anvil channel (270). A distal slot (290) of the anvil channel (270) is configured to receive a distal tab (304) of the anvil cover (300), and a proximal slot (292) is configured to receive a proximal tab (316). The anvil channel slots (290,292) are suitably sized such that the respective tabs (304,316) may slide longitudinally therein, as described below. The anvil cover (300) also includes a pair of proximal openings (318) extending laterally through a proximal end of the anvil cover (300) and configured to receive a proximal anvil pin (280) therethrough, as described below.

As shown in fig. 9, a distal anvil pin (278) of the present version is in the form of a stepped pin having a pair of cylindrical shoulders (320) and a cylindrical neck (322) centrally disposed therebetween. The pin neck (322) is formed to have a smaller outer diameter than the pin shoulder (320) such that the pin shoulder (320) defines a maximum outer diameter of the distal anvil pin (278) and the pin neck (322) defines a minimum outer diameter of the distal anvil pin (278). As shown in fig. 8, the proximal pin (280) of the present example is cylindrical, not having a non-stepped configuration.

Fig. 10A shows the components of the anvil half-section (204) during an initial stage of assembly, showing the anvil cover (300) having been lowered onto the anvil channel (270) such that the distal tab (304) of the anvil cover (300) is received through the distal slot (290) of the anvil channel (270) and the proximal tab (316) is received through the proximal slot (292). As shown in fig. 10B, the anvil cover tabs (304,316) are positioned proximally within the slots (290,292) such that the circular inlet portions (312) of the keyhole slots (310) are longitudinally aligned with the distal openings (286) of the anvil channel (270). The stepped distal anvil pin (278) is then laterally inserted through the distal opening (286) and the circular inlet portion (312) such that the narrowed neck portion (322) of the distal anvil pin (278) resides within the keyhole slot (310). As shown in fig. 10C, the anvil cover (300) is then translated distally relative to the anvil channel (270) such that the anvil cover tabs (304,316) slide distally within their respective anvil channel slots (290,292) and such that the proximal cover opening (318) is aligned with the proximal anvil channel opening (288). A proximal anvil pin (280) is then laterally inserted through the aligned proximal openings (288,318) to longitudinally secure the anvil cover (300) relative to the anvil channel (270) and to laterally secure the proximal end of the anvil cover (300) relative to the anvil channel (270). The proximal cover opening (318) may be sized to receive the proximal anvil pin (280) with an interference fit to laterally secure the proximal pin (280) relative to the anvil cover (300) and anvil channel (270) upon insertion of the proximal pin.

In addition, the anvil cover (300) is operated to translate distally relative to the anvil channel (270) shown in fig. 10C to distally position the distal nose (306) of the distal cover tab (304) at the distal end of the distal anvil channel slot (290) to laterally secure the distal end of the anvil cover (300) relative to the anvil channel (270). Additionally, the narrowed neck portion (322) of the distal anvil pin (278) is received within the elongated retention portion (314) of the keyhole slot (310) of the anvil cover (300). Each pin shoulder (320) is formed to have an outer diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the elongated retention portion (314) such that the distal anvil pin (278) is laterally constrained with respect to the anvil cover (300) and the anvil channel (270). Further, the distal opening (286) of the anvil channel (270) is sized slightly larger than the pin shoulder (320) and the elongated retention portion (314) of the keyhole slot (310) is sized slightly larger than the pin neck (322) such that the distal anvil pin (278) is configured to rotate relative to the anvil channel (270) and the anvil cover (300) in a snug fit engagement even if laterally constrained.

As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, the anvil half-section (204) is mounted to the cartridge half-section (202) in the manner generally described above such that the proximal anvil pin (280) is received within the proximal tapered recess (216) (see fig. 7) of the cartridge channel (206). An intermediate portion of the proximal anvil pin (280) is captured by an anvil latch member (262) (see fig. 12) of the proximal retention assembly (260) of the cartridge half (202), pivotably coupling the proximal end of the anvil half (204) with the proximal end of the cartridge half (202). The anvil half-section (204) is then pivoted about the proximal anvil pin (280) to guide the pin shoulder (320) of the distal anvil pin (278) into the distal vertical slot (214) (see fig. 7) of the cartridge channel (206) and the curved slot (248) of the clamping lever jaw (246). The clamp lever (240) is then pivoted from the open position to the closed position such that the upper and lower cam surfaces of the jaw slot (248) engage the distal pin shoulder (320). In response to being engaged by the cam surface of the jaw slot (248), the distal anvil pin (278) rotates relative to the anvil channel (270) and the anvil cover (300), thereby rolling along the cam surface of the jaw slot (248). Specifically, in the left side view shown in fig. 11B, the distal anvil pin (278) rotates in a counterclockwise direction when the clamp lever (240) is closed, and rotates in a clockwise direction when the clamp lever (240) is open. Advantageously, such rotation of the distal anvil pin (278) helps to minimize friction between the clamping lever jaw (246) and the distal anvil pin (278) as the clamping lever (240) is closed and opened, and thus minimizes the force that an operator must apply to the clamping lever (240) to transition the stapler (200) between an undamped state and a clamped state.

C. Proximal hinge stop for linear surgical stapler

Fig. 12 and 13 show details of an exemplary pair of hinge stops (330) rigidly coupled with the proximal end of the cartridge channel (206). In versions of the invention, the hinge stop (330) is in the form of a tab integrally formed with the upper proximal end of the cartridge channel side flange (212) and having a free end that wraps inwardly to define the proximal-most end of the cartridge channel (206). In use, the hinge stop (330) is configured to abut a proximal face (273) of a proximal frame portion (272) of the anvil channel (270) to limit the extent to which the anvil half-section (204) can be pivotally opened relative to the cartridge half-section (202). The hinge stops (330) may be suitably configured to allow any desired degree of pivoting of the anvil half-section (204) relative to the cartridge half-section (202) so as to allow a corresponding maximum aperture distance between the distal ends of the anvil half-section (204) and the distal end of the cartridge half-section (202).

D. Clamping lever latch mechanism for linear surgical staplerPiece

Figures 14-16D illustrate additional details and functionality of the clamping lever latch member (250) of the linear surgical stapler (200). As described above, the clamp lever latch member (250) is configured to releasably couple the free proximal end (245) of the clamp lever (240) to the proximal frame portion (208) of the cartridge channel (206) to releasably retain the clamp lever (240) in the closed position. As shown in fig. 14 and 15, the clamping lever latch member (250) includes an upwardly extending finger (340) having a distally facing cam surface (342), a downwardly extending release button (344), and a pair of distally extending stop arms (346). The clamp lever latch member (250) is pivotably coupled to the proximal end (245) of the clamp lever (240) with a laterally extending pin (348) such that the upper finger (340) extends laterally toward the cartridge channel (206) and the lower release button (344) extends laterally away from the cartridge channel (206). A proximal end of the clamp lever cover (254) surrounds the clamp lever latch member (250) and includes an opening (256) that exposes a lower release button (344) for operator use.

The clamping lever latch member (250) is configured to rotate relative to the lever arm (244) about a pivot pin (348). A resilient member, shown in the form of a torsion spring (350), rotationally biases the latch member (250) such that the distal stop arm (346) abuts an interior base surface of the lever arm (244). As shown in fig. 16A, the latch member (250) is configured to rotate against the bias of the torsion spring (350) when the distal cam surface (342) contacts the proximal ledge (207) of the cartridge channel (206) during closure of the clamp lever (240). As shown in fig. 16B, when the clamp lever (240) reaches the fully closed position, the upper finger (340) of the clamp lever latch member (250) hooks over the proximal ledge (207), thereby holding the clamp lever (240) in the closed position.

As shown in fig. 16C, when the firing assembly (224) of the stapler (200) is translated distally during a firing stroke, the sled (226) disengages the stop member (264) of the proximal retention assembly (260). This disengagement enables the stop member (264) to rotate clockwise (in the left side view shown in fig. 16C) under a rotational bias such that the proximal hook (268) of the stop member (264) latches over the tip of the upper finger (340) of the clamp lever latch member (250). This engagement of the stop member (264) with the clamping lever latch member (250) prevents rotation of the latch member (250) via the release button (344) to disengage the latch member (250) from the cartridge channel (206). Thus, the clamp lever (240) is locked in the closed position while the firing assembly (224) translates distally from its proximal home position during the firing stroke. As shown in fig. 16D, the return of the sled (226) of the firing assembly (224) to its proximal home position rotates the stop member (264) and its hook (268) away from the clamp lever latch member (250). Thus, the operator can depress the lower release button (344) to disengage the clamp lever latch member (250) from the cartridge channel (206) and then open the clamp lever (240).

Exemplary clamp lever latch mechanism with distal release feature

As described above in connection with the linear surgical stapler (200), the clamping lever latch member (250) is configured such that both its latch feature (340) and its release feature (344) are disposed at the proximal end of the clamping lever (240). However, in some cases, it may be desirable to employ a clamp lever latch mechanism that provides a release feature at the distal end of the clamp lever (240) while maintaining a latch feature at the proximal end of the clamp lever (240). Such a configuration may enable an operator to more easily release the latch mechanism and open the clamp lever (240) with a single hand.

Fig. 17 and 18 show an exemplary cartridge half (360) of a linear surgical stapler including a clamping lever latch mechanism (380) having a configuration of the type described above. The cartridge half (360) and/or one or more components thereof are adapted for use with a complementary portion of the linear surgical stapler (200) described above. The cartridge half (360) is similar to the cartridge half (202) of the stapler (200), except as described otherwise below. Similar to the cartridge half (202), the cartridge half (360) includes an elongate cartridge channel (362), a clamp lever (364) pivotably coupled with the cartridge channel (362) and having a lever arm (366) and a pair of lever jaws (368), and a clamp lever cover (370) coupled to the lever arm (366) and having a distal shoulder (372).

As best shown in fig. 18, the cartridge half (360) also includes a clamp lever latch mechanism (380) that is received within the clamp lever housing (370) and surrounds the exterior of the clamp lever (364). The latch mechanism (380) of the present example includes a translating structure (382) having a central body (384), a latch finger (386) rigidly coupled to and extending proximally from the central body (384), and a pair of actuator arms (388) rigidly coupled to and extending distally from the central body (384). Each actuator arm (388) includes a distal actuator knob (390). The clamp lever latch mechanism (380) also includes a resilient member shown in the form of a compression spring (392). The spring (392) is constrained at a proximal end by an anchoring element (374) rigidly coupled with the base surface of the clamping lever cage (370) and at a distal end by a spring cage (394) of the central body (384). As described below, the translating structure (382) is configured to translate relative to the clamp lever (364) and the clamp lever cover (370) between a proximal position and a distal position, and the compression spring (392) is configured to bias the translating structure (382) distally.

The clamp lever (364), clamp lever shroud (370), and clamp lever latch mechanism (380) are configured to be assembled such that the latch mechanism (380) is slidably received within an interior of the shroud (370). The actuator arm (388) is configured to flex laterally relative to the central body (384) to facilitate assembly. Each actuator knob (390) is exposed through a distal opening (376) formed in a respective side of the shroud shoulder (372), and the proximal latch fingers (386) are exposed through a proximal opening (378) formed in a proximal end of the shroud (370). The latch mechanism (380) and the shroud (370) are then mounted to the clamp lever arm (366) such that the shroud (370) is fixed relative to the lever arm (366) while maintaining the translating structure (382) of the latch mechanism (380) longitudinally translatable relative to the clamp lever (364) and the shroud (370).

As shown in fig. 19A and 19B, the translating structure (382) of the clamping lever latch mechanism (380) is configured to translate between a distal, home position (fig. 19A) and a proximally extended position (fig. 19B). A compression spring (392) biases the translating structure (382) toward the distal home position. During closure of the clamp lever (364), a proximal cam surface (387) of the latch finger (386) engages a proximal end of the base wall (363) of the cartridge channel (362) and drives the translating structure (382) proximally through a proximal opening (378) of the shroud (370). When the clamping lever (364) reaches the fully closed position, the translating structure (382) automatically returns to its distal home position via a compression spring (392) such that the proximal latch finger (386) hooks over and captures the proximal end of the cartridge channel base wall (363), releasably securing the clamping lever (364) in the closed position. To release the latch fingers 386 from the cartridge channel (362) and allow the clamp lever (364) to open, the operator actuates the knob (390) proximally, which in turn drives the latch fingers (386) proximally via the actuator arm (388) and the central body (384).

Example anvil latch member with anvil pin ejection feature

As described above in connection with the linear surgical stapler (200), the anvil latch member (262) of the proximal retention assembly (260) of the cartridge half (202) is configured to releasably capture the proximal anvil pin (280) of the anvil half (204) to couple the proximal ends of the stapler halves (202,204) together, even when the clamping lever (240) is held in the fully open position. A release button (266) of the retention assembly (260) can then be actuated by the operator to disengage the anvil latch member (262) from the proximal anvil pin (280) and allow the operator to manually separate the stapler halves (202, 204). In some instances, it may be desirable to configure the anvil latch member of a linear surgical stapler such that the release feature not only effects separation of the proximal ends of the stapler halves, but also drives automatic separation of the proximal ends. An exemplary alternative anvil latch member (408) described below incorporates features that provide such functionality.

Fig. 20 shows the proximal end of an exemplary cartridge half (400) that is similar to the cartridge half (202) described above, except as described otherwise below. Among other components not shown, the cartridge half (400) includes an elongated cartridge channel (402) having a proximal frame portion that includes a pair of upstanding side flanges (404). A pair of tapered notches (406) are formed in the proximal end of the upstanding side flanges (404) and are configured to receive proximal pins (422) of an anvil half-section (not shown), which may be similar to the anvil half-section (204) described above (see fig. 21A-21D). The cartridge half (400) further comprises an anvil latch member (408) movably coupled to the proximal end of the cartridge channel (402). Similar to the anvil latch member (262) of the stapler (200), the anvil latch member (408) is configured to releasably couple the proximal end of the cartridge half-section (400) with the proximal end of the anvil half-section (not shown).

An anvil latch member (408) of the present example includes a tab-shaped latch body (410), a laterally-oriented release button (412) disposed at a proximal end of the latch body (410), and a proximally-facing latch finger (414) disposed at a distal end of the latch body (410). The top surface of the distal latch finger (414) defines a proximally ramped loading cam surface (416) and the distal surface of the latch body (410) defines a distally ramped unloading cam surface (418) such that the cam surfaces (416,418) are ramped toward one another. The latch body (410) is configured to longitudinally translate through a slot (420) formed in a proximal end of the cartridge channel (402), and a resilient member (not shown) is configured to bias the anvil latch member (408) proximally. The slot (420) can be sized slightly larger in the vertical direction than the latch body (410) to enable the anvil latch member (408) to translate and pivot relative to the cartridge channel (402), as shown in fig. 21A-21C.

Fig. 21A-21C illustrate exemplary coupling and decoupling of the proximal end of an anvil half-section (not shown) having a proximal pin (422) to the proximal end of a cartridge half-section (400). As shown in fig. 21A, the proximal end of the anvil half-section is aligned with the proximal end of the cartridge half-section (400) so as to guide the proximal anvil pin (422) into the channel notch (406) and into engagement with the loading cam surface (416) of the latch finger (414). As shown in fig. 21B, this engagement drives the anvil latch member (408) distally against the bias of its resilient member (not shown) until the anvil pin (422) is captured by the latch finger (414), as shown in fig. 21C. At this point, the proximal ends of the cartridge half (400) and the anvil half are coupled together such that the anvil half can pivot relative to the cartridge half (400) about the proximal anvil pin (422). To separate the proximal ends of the stapler halves from each other, the operator depresses the release button (412) of the anvil latch member (408) distally, as shown in fig. 21D. This actuation simultaneously translates and pivots the anvil latch member (408) distally such that the unloading cam surface (418) drives the anvil pin (422) upward and ejects the pin (422) from the proximal recess (406) of the cartridge channel (402). In this way, upon actuation of the release button (412), the proximal end of the anvil half-section is automatically separated from the proximal end of the cartridge half-section (400) without requiring the operator to manually pull the stapler half-section apart to release the anvil pin (422) from the cartridge channel (402).

V. exemplary alternative anvil half-section with rotating distal anvil pin

As described above in connection with the linear surgical stapler (200), the anvil cover (300) includes features that facilitate assembly of the components of the anvil half-section (204) and allow the distal anvil pin (278) to freely rotate during clamping of the stapler half-sections (202, 204). As described below, fig. 22A-26F illustrate additional exemplary anvil halves (430,500,530) suitable for use with the cartridge half (202) and having exemplary alternative features configured to allow the distal anvil pin to rotate during clamping of the stapler half.

A. Example anvil halves with anvil channel with longitudinal keyhole slot

Fig. 22A-24B illustrate an exemplary anvil half-section (430) similar to the anvil half-section (204) described above, except as otherwise described below. The anvil half-section (430) includes, among other things, an elongate anvil channel (432) having a proximal frame portion (434) and a distal jaw portion (436). The proximal frame portion (434) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (438) configured to be received between side flanges of a cartridge half, such as the cartridge half (202) described above, when the anvil half (430) is coupled with the cartridge half. The anvil half-section (430) also includes a distal coupling member in the form of a laterally extending distal pin (440) and a proximal coupling member in the form of a laterally extending proximal pin (442) (see fig. 24A). In addition to being configured to facilitate coupling of the anvil half-section (430) with the cartridge half-section in the manner described above in connection with the stapler (200), the anvil pins (440,442) are also configured to secure the anvil cover (456) to the anvil channel (432), as described below.

As shown in fig. 22A, the anvil channel (432) further includes a pair of keyhole slots (444) longitudinally oriented on the distal end of the side flanges (438) and configured to receive a distal anvil pin (440) laterally therethrough in a sliding fit. Each keyhole slot (444) includes a proximally-oriented circular inlet portion (446) and a distally-oriented elongated retention portion (448) such that the keyhole slot (444) extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the anvil channel (432). The anvil channel (432) further includes a pair of proximal openings (450) (see fig. 24A) disposed at the proximal end of the side flanges (438) and configured to receive proximal anvil pins (442) laterally therethrough.

As shown in fig. 22A and 23, the anvil cover (456) includes a distal inner tab (458) and a proximal inner tab (460) extending transversely along a longitudinal centerline of the anvil cover (456) toward the anvil channel (432) (see fig. 23). The distal inner tab (458) includes a circular opening (462) configured to receive a distal anvil pin (440) laterally therethrough in a sliding fit. The proximal inner tab (460) is generally foot-shaped and has a distally extending tip (464). The tabs (458,460) of the anvil cover (456) are configured to be received through and longitudinally translate within respective elongated slots (452,454) formed in the base wall of the anvil channel (432) (see fig. 23). As shown in fig. 24A, the anvil cover (456) also includes a pair of proximal protrusions (466) extending inwardly from proximal ends of the opposing inner walls of the anvil cover (456).

As shown in fig. 22A, distal anvil pin (440) is in the form of a stepped pin having an intermediate shoulder (470) and a pair of cylindrical shafts (472) extending outwardly from either end of shoulder (470). The pin shoulders (470) are formed to have a larger outer diameter than the pin shafts (472) such that the pin shoulders (470) define a maximum outer diameter of the distal anvil pin (440) and the pin shafts (472) each define a minimum outer diameter of the distal anvil pin (440). As shown in fig. 24A, the proximal anvil pin (442) of the present example is cylindrical, not having a non-stepped configuration.

Fig. 22A and 22B show the components of the anvil half-section (430) during an initial stage of assembly, with the anvil cover (456) lowered onto the anvil channel (432) such that the distal inner tab (458) of the anvil cover (456) is received through the distal anvil channel slot (452) and the proximal inner tab (460) is received through the proximal anvil channel slot (454). The anvil cover (456) is positioned proximally relative to the anvil channel (432) such that the circular inlet portion (446) of the keyhole slot (444) on the anvil channel (432) is aligned with the circular opening (462) on the distal inner tab (458) of the anvil cover (456). The distal anvil pin (440) is then inserted laterally through the circular inlet portion (446) and the circular opening (462) such that the pin shoulder (470) resides within the circular opening (462). The insertion of the distal anvil pin (440) is operated to laterally secure the distal end of the anvil cover (456) relative to the anvil channel (432). Although not shown, prior to mounting the anvil cover (456) to the anvil channel (432), the proximal anvil pin (442) is inserted laterally through the proximal opening (450) of the anvil channel (432).

As shown in fig. 22C, the anvil cover (456) and distal anvil pin (440) are then translated distally relative to the anvil channel (432) such that the pin shaft (472) is received within the elongated retention portion (448) of the keyhole slot (444) on the anvil channel (432). The pin shoulder (470) is sized larger than the elongated retention portion (448) such that the distal anvil pin (440) is laterally constrained relative to the anvil channel (432) and anvil cover (456) due to distal translation of the anvil cover (456) and distal anvil pin (440), as shown in fig. 22D. As shown in fig. 23 and 24A-24B, the anvil cover (456) is operated to translate distally to advance additional features of the anvil cover (456) relative to the anvil channel (432). Specifically, as shown in fig. 23, the distal tip (464) of the proximal inner tab (460) is advanced distally beyond the distal end of the proximal anvil channel slot (454), thereby laterally securing the proximal end of the anvil cover (456) relative to the anvil channel (432). In addition, as shown in fig. 24A and 24B, a proximal internal protrusion (466) of the anvil cover (456) advances distally over and beyond a lateral end of the proximal anvil pin (442), thereby longitudinally securing the anvil cover (456) relative to the anvil channel (432).

Thus, following the steps illustrated in fig. 22A-24B, the components of anvil half-section (430) are fully assembled such that distal anvil pin (440) is laterally constrained while still being allowed to rotate relative to anvil channel (432) and anvil cover (456). As described above in connection with anvil half-section (204), such rotatability of distal anvil pin (440) provides the advantage of reduced friction when anvil half-section (430) is clamped against a corresponding cartridge half-section of a linear surgical stapler.

B. Exemplary anvil half-anvil having an anvil channel with a transverse keyhole slot and an anvil cover with a transverse detent slot Part (A)

Fig. 25A-25C illustrate another exemplary anvil half-section (500) similar to anvil half-section (204,430) described above, except as otherwise described below. The anvil half-section (500) includes, among other things, an elongate anvil channel (502) having a proximal frame portion (504) and a distal jaw portion (506). The proximal frame portion (504) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (508) configured to be received between side flanges of a cartridge half, such as the cartridge half (202) described above, when the anvil half (500) is coupled with the cartridge half. The anvil half-section (500) further comprises a distal coupling member in the form of a stepped distal anvil pin (440), as described above. Although not shown, the anvil half-section (500) also includes a proximal coupling member in the form of a laterally extending proximal pin, which may be similar to the proximal anvil pin (280,442) described above. In addition to being configured to facilitate coupling of the anvil half-section (500) with the cartridge half-section in the manner described above in connection with the stapler (200), the distal anvil pin (440) and the proximal anvil pin are also configured to secure the anvil cover (516) to the anvil channel (502).

As shown in fig. 25A, the anvil channel (502) further includes a pair of keyhole slots (510) transversely oriented on the distal ends of the side flanges (508) and configured to receive distal anvil pins (440) laterally therethrough in a sliding fit. Each keyhole slot (510) includes a circular inlet portion (512) oriented toward the base wall of the anvil channel (502), and an elongated retention portion (514) oriented toward the free edge of the respective side flange (508). The anvil channel (502) further includes a pair of proximal openings (not shown) similar to the proximal openings (288,450), disposed at the proximal end of the side flanges (508) and configured to receive proximal anvil pins (not shown) laterally therethrough.

As shown in fig. 25A, the anvil cover (516) includes a distal inner tab (518) extending transversely toward the anvil channel (502) and having a stop slot (520). The stop slot (520) includes a generally circular inlet portion (522) and a generally circular retaining portion (524) separated from one another by a pair of stop lugs (526). The inlet portion (522) and the retaining portion (524) are each similar in size and are configured to receive a distal anvil pin (440) in sliding fit therethrough. The inlet portion (522) and the retention portion (524) cooperate to define a centerline of the detent slot (520) that is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anvil half-section (500). Thus, the detent slot (520) and the keyhole slot (510) of the present example are oriented parallel to each other and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anvil half-section (500).

Fig. 25A shows the components of the anvil half-section (500) in an initial stage of assembly, where the anvil cover (516) is lowered onto the anvil channel (502) such that the inlet portion (522) of the detent slot (520) is aligned with the inlet portion (512) of the keyhole slot (510). The distal anvil pin (440) is then inserted laterally through the entry portion (512,522), as shown in fig. 25A, and then the anvil cover (516) is lowered further relative to the anvil channel (502) to seat the pin shaft (472) within the retention portion (514) of the keyhole slot (510). Thus, at this point the distal anvil pin (440) is laterally constrained relative to the anvil channel (502) and anvil cover (516), and the anvil cover (516) is longitudinally fixed relative to the anvil channel (502).

To secure the distal end of the anvil cover (516) laterally relative to the anvil channel (502), the anvil cover (516) is further pressed laterally toward the anvil channel (502). The distal anvil pin (440) resists further movement in this direction by being seated within the retention portion (514) of the keyhole slot (510). Accordingly, anvil cover (516) is advanced laterally relative to distal anvil pin (440) such that pin shoulder (470) passes over stop lug (526) from entrance portion (522) of stop slot (520) and into retention portion (524) of stop slot (520), as shown in fig. 25C. Thus, the stop lug (526) laterally secures the proximal end of the anvil cover (516) relative to the anvil channel (502), while still allowing the distal anvil pin (440) to freely rotate relative to the anvil cover (516) and the anvil channel (502). The proximal end of the anvil cover (516) may be secured to the anvil channel (502) with a proximal anvil pin (not shown) in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the anvil half-section (204).

Thus, following the steps illustrated in fig. 25A-25C, the components of anvil half-section (500) are fully assembled such that distal anvil pin (440) is laterally constrained while still being allowed to rotate relative to anvil channel (502) and anvil cover (516). As described above in connection with anvil half-sections (204), such rotatability of distal anvil pin (440) provides the advantage of reduced friction when anvil half-section (500) is clamped against a corresponding cartridge half-section of a linear surgical stapler.

C. Exemplary anvil half-sections having an anvil channel with transverse keyhole slots and an anvil cover with longitudinal slots

Fig. 26A-26F illustrate another exemplary anvil half-section (530) that is similar to anvil half-section (204,430,500) described above, except as otherwise described below. The anvil half-section (530) includes, among other components, an elongate anvil channel (532) having a proximal frame portion (534) and a distal jaw portion (536). The proximal frame portion (534) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (538) configured to be received between side flanges of a cartridge half, such as the cartridge half (202) described above, when the anvil half (530) is coupled with the cartridge half. The anvil half-section (530) further comprises a distal coupling member in the form of the aforementioned stepped distal anvil pin (440), and a proximal coupling member in the form of the aforementioned cylindrical proximal anvil pin (442). In addition to being configured to facilitate coupling of the anvil half-section (530) with the cartridge half-section in the manner described above in connection with the stapler (200), the anvil pin (440,442) is also configured to secure the anvil cover (550) to the anvil channel (432).

As shown in fig. 26A, the anvil channel (532) further includes a pair of keyhole slots (540) oriented transversely on the distal end of the side flanges (538) and configured to receive the distal anvil pins (440) laterally therethrough in a sliding fit. Each keyhole slot (540) includes a circular inlet portion (542) oriented toward the base wall of the anvil channel (532), and an elongated retention portion (544) oriented toward the free edge of the respective side flange (538). The anvil channel (532) also includes a pair of proximal openings (not shown) similar to the proximal openings (288,450), which are disposed at the proximal end of the side flanges (538) and configured to receive the proximal anvil pins (442) laterally therethrough. The base wall of the anvil channel (532) includes a distal slot (not shown) similar to the distal slot (290) configured to slidably receive the distal inner tab (552) of the anvil cover (550) therethrough and a proximal slot (546) (see fig. 26E) configured to slidably receive the proximal inner tab (556) of the anvil cover (550) therethrough.

As shown in fig. 26A, a distal inner tab (552) of the anvil cover (550) extends transversely toward the anvil channel (532) and has a longitudinal slot (554) configured to receive a distal anvil pin (440) laterally therethrough in a sliding fit. As shown in fig. 26E, the proximal inner tab (556) of the anvil cover (550) extends laterally toward the anvil channel (532) and has a circular opening (558). As shown in fig. 26F, the anvil cover (550) also includes a pair of proximal openings (560) that extend laterally through opposing sidewalls of the anvil cover (550). In the present example, the proximal opening (560) is formed to have a hexagonal shape. The circular opening (558) of the proximal inner tab (556) and the proximal opening (560) of the cage sidewall are aligned with one another and are configured to receive a proximal anvil pin (442) laterally therethrough in an interference fit.

Fig. 26A and 26B show the components of the anvil half-section (530) in an initial stage of assembly, wherein the anvil cover (550) is lowered onto the anvil channel (532) such that the distal inner tab (552) is received through the distal slot (not shown) of the anvil channel (532). The anvil cover (550) is initially positioned such that the longitudinal slot (554) of the distal inner tab (552) is aligned with the circular entrance portion (542) of the keyhole slot (540) of the anvil channel (532). The distal anvil pin (440) is then inserted laterally through the circular entry portion (542) and the longitudinal slot (554), as shown in fig. 26B. As shown in fig. 26C, the anvil cover (550) is further lowered to seat the pin shaft (472) within the lower retention portion (544) of the keyhole slot (540), thereby laterally constraining the distal anvil pin (440) relative to the anvil channel (532) and the anvil cover (550). As shown in fig. 26D-26F, the anvil cover (550) is then translated proximally relative to the anvil channel (532) to align the opening (558) of the proximal inner tab (556) and the proximal opening (560) of the side wall of the cover (550) with the proximal opening (not shown) of the anvil channel (532). As shown in fig. 26F, the proximal anvil pin (442) is then inserted laterally through the anvil and cover openings (558,560), thereby securing the anvil cover (550) longitudinally and transversely relative to the anvil channel (532).

Thus, following the steps illustrated in fig. 26A-26F, the components of anvil half-section (530) are fully assembled such that distal anvil pin (440) is laterally constrained while still being allowed to rotate relative to anvil channel (532) and anvil cover (550). As described above in connection with anvil half-sections (204), such rotatability of distal anvil pin (440) provides the advantage of reduced friction when anvil half-section (530) is clamped against a corresponding cartridge half-section of a linear surgical stapler.

Exemplary linear surgical stapler with clamping lever lockout member coupled to cartridge channel

As described above in connection with the linear surgical stapler (200), the clamping lever latch member (250) and the proximal hook (268) of the retention assembly (260) are configured to releasably lock the clamping lever (240) in the closed position. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a stapler (200) with an alternative feature operable to releasably lock the clamping lever (240) in the fully open position until the stapler halves (202,204) are properly aligned with one another. The exemplary linear surgical stapler (600) described below in connection with fig. 27-29C includes such a clamp lever lockout member (640) that is operable to prevent the clamp lever (618) from closing until the stapler halves (602,604) are properly aligned to ensure that the distal anvil pin (636) is effectively captured by the clamp lever jaw (622).

The linear surgical stapler (600) is generally similar to the linear surgical stapler (200) described above, except as otherwise described below. Further, any one or more features of stapler (600), such as latching member (640), may be implemented with stapler (200) or any other exemplary stapler half disclosed herein. Similar to the stapler (200), the stapler (600) includes a cartridge half-section (602) and an anvil half-section (604) configured to be releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween. The cartridge half-section (602) includes an elongate cartridge channel (606) having a proximal frame portion (608) configured to slidably receive a firing assembly (not shown, which may be similar to firing assembly (224)), and a distal jaw portion (610) configured to receive a staple cartridge (not shown, which may be similar to staple cartridge (230)). The proximal frame portion (608) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (612), a pair of vertical slots (614) disposed in distal ends of the side flanges (612), and a pair of tapered notches (616) disposed in proximal ends of the side flanges (612). The cartridge half (602) further includes a clamp lever (618) pivotably coupled to the proximal frame portion (608). The clamping lever (618) includes an elongated lever arm (620) and a pair of laterally opposed jaws (622) extending distally from a distal end of the elongated lever arm (620). Each jaw (622) includes a curved jaw slot (624) defining an upper cam surface and a lower cam surface.

An anvil half-section (604) of a linear surgical stapler (600) includes an elongate anvil channel (630) having a proximal frame portion (632) and a distal jaw portion (634) that supports an anvil surface (not shown) configured to deform staples ejected from a staple cartridge (not shown). The anvil half-section (604) further comprises a distal coupling member in the form of a laterally extending distal pin (636) and a proximal coupling member in the form of a laterally extending proximal pin (638). Although not shown, the stapler (600) may also include a plurality of covers, such as a clamping lever cover and an anvil cover similar to the clamping lever cover (254) and the anvil cover (300) described above.

The cartridge half (602) of the stapler (600) further includes a clamp lever lockout member (640) pivotably coupled to a distal end of the cartridge channel side flange (612) via an outwardly protruding support tab (642) disposed proximally of the vertical slot (614). The clamp lever lockout member (640) is configured to pivot about a horizontal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge channel (606) to prevent the clamp lever (618) from closing until the stapler halves (602,604) are properly aligned with each other, as described in more detail below.

As best shown in fig. 29A and 29B, the clamp lever latch member (640) includes an outer arm (644) extending along the exterior of the cartridge channel side flange (612), and an inner arm (646) angled with respect to the outer arm (644) and extending into the interior of the cartridge channel (606). As shown in fig. 27 and 29A, the outer arm (644) is configured to engage the jaw shoulder (626) of the clamp lever (618) and hold the clamp lever (618) in the fully open position such that the open distal end of the jaw slot (624) remains aligned with the vertical slot (614) of the cartridge channel (606). An inner arm (646) of the lockout member (640) is configured to be engaged by a proximal frame portion (632) of the anvil channel (630) when the anvil half-section (604) is initially received by the cartridge half-section (602). Specifically, as shown in fig. 29A and 29B, engagement of the anvil proximal frame portion (632) with the inner arm (646) causes the latch members (640) to pivot outward such that the outer arm (644) disengages the jaw shoulder (626) and allows the clamping lever (618) to close, as shown in fig. 29C. In this way, the clamping lever lockout member (640) ensures that the clamping lever (618) can only be closed when the distal anvil pin (636) of the anvil half-section (604) has been received by the vertical slot (614) of the cartridge channel (606) and the jaw slot (624) of the clamping lever (618), thereby preventing premature closing of the clamping lever (618). Upon return of the clamping lever (618) to the fully open position, the latching member (640) automatically returns to its latched position to re-engage the jaw shoulder (626) in the manner described above.

With spring-assisted partsLinear surgical stapler with off-feature

A. Exemplary configurations with resilient members received within distal anvil shoulders

Fig. 30-32 illustrate another exemplary linear surgical stapler (700) having a cartridge half (702) and an anvil half (704) that are substantially similar to the stapler halves (202,204) described above as illustrated in fig. 30-32 by using similar reference numerals, except as otherwise described below. In particular, the stapler halves (702,704) are resiliently biased away from each other to provide assisted separation of the halves (702,704) and enhance one-handed usability of the stapler (700), as described in more detail below.

The anvil half-section (704) of the linear surgical stapler (700) includes a resilient member, shown in the form of a compression spring (706) housed within the interior of the distal shoulder (324) of the anvil cover (300). In this version, the interior of the shoulder (324) includes a post (708) that projects inwardly toward the proximal frame portion (272) of the anvil channel (270). An outer end (710) of the spring (706) encircles the post (708) and is thereby constrained relative to the anvil cover (300), and a free inner end (712) of the spring (706) extends laterally toward the proximal frame portion (272) of the anvil channel (270). As shown in fig. 31B, when spring (706) is in a relaxed state, inner spring end (712) is configured to face an outer surface of the base wall of anvil channel (270). The post (708) may be integrally formed with the anvil cover (300) or otherwise rigidly connected to the cover (300). In some versions, post (708) may be omitted and outer spring end (710) may be secured directly to anvil cover (300). In other versions, the compression spring (706) may be replaced with various alternative types of resilient members, such as a leaf spring or a wave spring, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

As shown in fig. 31A and 31B, the inner end (712) of the compression spring (706) defines a spring width that is greater than the width of the proximal frame portion (272) of the anvil channel (270) and greater than or equal to the width of the proximal frame portion (208) of the cartridge channel (206). In versions of the invention, the inner spring end (712) is flared outwardly relative to the outer spring end (710), but in other versions the spring (706) may be formed to have a constant outer diameter. Thus, when the anvil half-section (704) is clamped against the cartridge half-section (702) by closing the clamping lever (240) in the manner described above in connection with the stapler (200), the inner spring end (712) is configured to directly contact the upper surface of the cartridge channel side flange (212). Thus, as shown in FIG. 31A, when the stapler halves (702,704) are fully clamped together by the clamping lever (240), the cartridge channel side flange (212) compresses the inner spring end (712) toward the outer spring end (710).

As shown in fig. 31B and 31C, when the clamp lever (240) moves toward the open position such that the clamp lever jaw (246) begins to release the distal anvil pin (278), the compression spring (706) decompresses and drives against the cartridge channel side flange (212) to push the cartridge channel (206) away from the anvil channel (270). In this way, the spring (706) forces the stapler halves (702,704) to pivot open about the proximal anvil pin (280) such that a distal aperture (714) is formed between distal portions of the stapler halves (702, 704). Because the stapler halves (702,704) remain coupled together at their proximal ends via the anvil latch member (262) (see fig. 16A-16D), the user can easily remove tissue from the stapler halves (702,704) while holding the stapler (700) with a single hand.

Fig. 32 illustrates an exemplary alternative cartridge half-section (720) suitable for use with the anvil half-section (704) of the linear surgical stapler (700). The cartridge half (720) is similar to the cartridge half (202,702) described above, except as otherwise described below. Similar to the cartridge half (202,702), the cartridge half (720) includes an elongated cartridge channel (722) having a proximal frame portion with an upstanding side flange (724) and a clamp lever 730 pivotably coupled with the cartridge channel (722). The cartridge half (720) also includes a pair of projections, shown in the form of raised tabs (726) extending upwardly from a distal portion of the cartridge channel side flange (724). The tabs (726) may be integrally formed with the side flanges (724) or otherwise rigidly coupled to the side flanges (724). The upper end of each tab (726) is configured to engage a respective side of the inner end (712) of the compression spring (706) of the anvil half-section (704) in a manner similar to the side flange (212) of the cartridge channel (206). Each tab (726) is formed to have a lateral height (H) above an upper edge of the respective cartridge channel side flange (724). When the anvil half-section (704) is clamped against the cartridge half-section (720), the tab height (H) may be selected to compress the spring (706) a predetermined amount, thereby tuning the resulting spring force exerted by the compression spring (706) against the cartridge channel (722). It will be appreciated that the selected tab height (H) will also determine the size of the resulting aperture defined between the distal ends of the stapler halves (704,720) when the clamping lever (730) is open, as shown, for example, in fig. 31C.

As described above in connection with the stapler (200), each jaw (246) of the clamping lever (240) includes a curved slot (248) defining first and second cam structures disposed on opposite sides of the curved slot (248). The first (or proximal) cam structure defines a first cam surface configured to draw the distal anvil pin (278) into the jaw slot (248) and the corresponding cartridge channel distal slot (214) when the clamp lever (240) is closed. The second (or distal) cam structure defines a second cam surface configured to eject the distal anvil pin (278) from the jaw slot (248) and the corresponding cartridge channel distal slot (214) when the clamp lever (240) is opened.

The clamping lever (730) of the cartridge half (720) differs from the clamping lever (240) in that the clamping lever (720) includes a pair of jaws (732) each having a single camming structure. The single cam structure defines a curved distal cam surface (734) configured to pull the distal anvil pin (278) for clamping the anvil half-section (204,704) against the cartridge half-section (720). This configuration of jaws (732), in which the second cam structure is omitted, reduces the risk of a "friction lock" scenario, i.e., the clamping lever (730) being stuck in the closed position, especially when clamping tissue of greater thickness. Furthermore, omitting the second cam structure on the jaws (732) enables the clamp lever (730) to be more easily moved toward the open position via the resilient bias of the compression spring (706) when the proximal end of the clamp lever (730) is disengaged from the cartridge channel (722), for example via a clamp lever latch member similar to the latch member (250) described above. Thus, jaws (732) are configured to enhance spring-assisted separation of stapler halves (704,720) provided by compression spring (706).

B. Exemplary configurations with a resilient member received within a proximal anvil shoulder

In some instances, it may be desirable to provide an anvil cover for a linear surgical stapler having proximal features configured to provide an operator with enhanced grip of the stapler during use. Fig. 33 illustrates an exemplary alternative anvil half-section (740) configured in the manner described below and which is suitable for use with any of the exemplary cartridge halves (202,702,720) described above. The anvil half-section (740) is similar to the anvil half-section (204,704) in that the anvil half-section (740) includes an elongate anvil channel (742) and an anvil cover (744) secured to a proximal frame portion of the anvil channel (742) with a distal anvil pin (746) and a proximal anvil pin (748).

The anvil cover (744) is similar to the anvil cover (300) described above, except as otherwise described below. Similar to the anvil cover (300), the anvil cover (744) includes a distal shoulder (750) disposed at a distal end of the cover (744). However, the anvil cover (744) also includes a proximal gripping feature, shown in the form of a second shoulder (752) disposed at the proximal end of the cover (744). The proximal shoulder (752) of the present example projects outwardly relative to the intermediate portion (754) of the anvil cover (744) and has a hollow interior similar to the distal shoulder (750). In use, the intermediate shroud portion (754) is configured to be grasped by an operator such that the proximal shoulder (752) constrains the operator's hand proximally, e.g., during distal firing of the firing assembly (224), and the distal shoulder (750) constrains the operator's hand distally, e.g., during proximal retraction of the firing assembly (224).

Anvil half-section (740) further comprises a resilient member, schematically shown in the form of a compression spring (760), which is similar in structure and function to compression spring (706) of anvil half-section (704) described above. In versions of the invention, compression spring (760) is housed within the open interior of proximal shoulder (752) of anvil cover (744), at a location just distal of proximal anvil pin (748). The compression spring (760) includes an outer end (762) fixed relative to the anvil cover (744), and a free inner end (764) extending toward and facing the proximal end of the anvil channel (742). The inner spring end (764) is configured to directly contact the spring (760) and provide resilient compression of the spring against the upper surface of the proximal end of the cartridge channel side flange (212,724) when the anvil half-section (740) is clamped against the cartridge half-section (202,702,720). Thus, similar to the compression spring (706) described above, the compression spring (760) is configured to provide spring-assisted opening of the anvil half-section (740) relative to the cartridge half-section (202,702,720) when the clamping lever (240,730) is opened.

Although not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, the raised tabs (726) of the cartridge half (720) may be proximally located to interact with the compression springs (760) of the anvil half (740). Additionally, in some versions, a compression spring (760) may be housed within a distal shoulder (750) of the anvil cover (744), similar to compression spring (760). In other versions, a resilient member, such as a compression spring (706,760), may be housed within both the distal shoulder (750) and the proximal shoulder (752).

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 scope of coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this patent application or in subsequent filing of this patent 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 patent application or in a subsequent filing document related to this patent application includes additional features beyond those mentioned below, then 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 supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a pin rotatably coupled with the first elongate member; and (d) a clamping member movably coupled with the second elongate member, wherein the clamping member is operable to releasably capture the pin to clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member, wherein the pin is configured to rotate relative to the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamping member.

Example 2

The surgical stapler of embodiment 1, wherein the pin comprises a stepped pin.

Example 3

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the pin comprises a first cylindrical end portion, a second cylindrical end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first cylindrical end portion and the second cylindrical end portion, wherein the intermediate portion has a different outer diameter than the first cylindrical end portion and the second cylindrical end portion.

Example 4

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a cover configured to cover at least a portion of the first elongate member, wherein the pin couples the cover with the first elongate member.

Example 5

The surgical stapler of embodiment 4, wherein the pin is configured to rotate relative to the cover and the first elongate member in response to being captured by the clamping member.

Example 6

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 4-5, wherein the pin is disposed at a distal end of the cover.

Example 7

The surgical stapler of embodiments 4-6, further comprising a keyhole slot disposed on one of the cover or the first elongate member, wherein the pin extends through the keyhole slot.

Example 8

The surgical stapler of embodiment 7, wherein the keyhole slot is configured to laterally constrain the pin relative to the cover and the first elongate member.

Example 9

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 7-8, wherein the keyhole slot is configured to allow longitudinal movement of the cover relative to the first elongate member during assembly thereof when the pin is positioned within the keyhole slot.

Example 10

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 7-9, wherein the keyhole slot is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first elongate member.

Example 11

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 7-9, wherein the keyhole slot is configured to allow lateral movement of the cover relative to the first elongate member during assembly thereof when the pin is positioned within the keyhole slot.

Example 12

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 7-9 or 11, wherein the keyhole slot is oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first elongate member.

Example 13

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, wherein the clamping member is movable from an undamped position to a clamped position to clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member, wherein the clamping member comprises a latching feature configured to releasably retain the clamping member in the clamped position.

Example 14

The surgical stapler of embodiment 13, wherein the clamping member comprises a lever, wherein the latching feature comprises a latching member pivotably coupled to a free end of the lever.

Example 15

The surgical stapler of any preceding embodiment, further comprising a latch member movably coupled to a proximal end of the second elongate member, wherein the latch member is operable to releasably couple the proximal end of the second elongate member with a proximal end of the first elongate member.

Example 16

A surgical stapler, comprising: a surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a first stapler half comprising: (i) an elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets, (ii) a cover, (iii) a keyhole slot disposed in one of the elongate member or the cover, and (iv) a coupling member, wherein the coupling member extends through the keyhole slot and couples the cover with the elongate member; and (b) a second stapler half comprising: (i) a distal portion configured to support a staple cartridge, and (ii) a clamping member operable to releasably capture the coupling member to clamp the first stapler half-section against the second stapler half-section.

Example 17

The surgical stapler of embodiment 16, wherein the coupling member is configured to rotate relative to the elongate member and the cover in response to being captured by the clamping member.

Example 18

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 16-17, wherein said coupling member comprises a pin, wherein said keyhole slot is configured to laterally constrain said pin relative to said elongate member and said cover.

Example 19

A surgical stapler, comprising: a surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping lever operable to pivot from a first position to a second position to clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member; and (d) a latch member coupled to the clamp lever, wherein the latch member is operable to releasably couple a free end of the clamp lever with the second elongate member when the clamp lever is in the second position.

Example 20

The surgical stapler of embodiment 19, wherein said latch member is configured to pivot relative to said free end of said clamping lever to releasably engage said second elongated member.

Example 21

A surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface comprises a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is movable from a first position to a second position to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member; and (d) a resilient member, wherein the resilient member is configured to force the distal portion of the first elongate member away from the distal portion of the second elongate member when the clamping member is in the first position.

Example 22

The surgical stapler of embodiment 21, further comprising a cover covering at least a portion of the first elongate member, wherein the resilient member is at least partially housed within the cover.

Example 23

The surgical stapler of embodiment 22, wherein the cover comprises a shoulder protruding away from the first elongate member, wherein the resilient member is at least partially received within an interior of the shoulder.

Example 24

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 22-23, wherein an end of the elastic member is fixed relative to the cover.

Example 25

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 22-24, wherein an interior of the cover comprises a post, wherein the resilient member is coupled to the post.

Example 26

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 21-25, wherein the resilient member comprises a compression spring.

Example 27

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 21-26, wherein said resilient member is supported by said first elongate member, wherein said resilient member is configured to resiliently contact said second elongate member, thereby forcing said distal portion of said first elongate member away from said distal portion of said second elongate member.

Example 28

The surgical stapler of embodiment 27, wherein the second elongate member comprises at least one protrusion extending toward the first elongate member, wherein the resilient member is configured to resiliently contact the at least one protrusion.

Example 29

The surgical stapler of embodiment 28, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of tabs.

Example 30

The surgical stapler of any one of embodiments 21-29, wherein a proximal end of the first elongate member is configured to releasably couple with a proximal end of the second elongate member, wherein the resilient member is configured to force the distal portion of the first elongate member away from the distal portion of the second elongate member while the proximal ends of the first and second elongate members remain coupled together.

IX. miscellaneous items

It is to be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may 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 patent application 15/889363 entitled "Release Mechanism for Linear predictive Stapler" filed on 6.2.2018; U.S. patent application No. 15/889370 entitled "Lockout Assembly for Linear Surgical specimen" filed on 6.2.2018; us patent application 15/889374 entitled "featurs to Align and Close Linear surgery staple" filed on 6.2.2018; U.S. patent application 15/889376 entitled "releaseable Coupling Features for procedural porting of Linear Surgical Stapler" filed on 6.2.2018; us patent application 15/889388 entitled "fire Lever Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler" filed on 6.2.2018; and/or us patent application 15/889390 entitled "Clamping Mechanism for Linear surgery tandem specimen" filed on 6.2.2018. 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 the Senneville, CalifDAVINCI of internal scientific, inc. of (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: U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135 entitled "Integrated Surgical Instrument For Performance minimum aware With Enhanced specificity and Sensitivity", published 11/8/1998, 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; name published in 9/2/2014U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,605 to "Roboticaly-Controlled Surgical Instruments," 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; U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,461 entitled "scientific sampling Instruments with Cam-drive batch delivery Instruments" published on 11/5/2013, 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.