Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080237298 | Surgical stapling and cutting instrument with manually retractable firing member - A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A traction biased firing mechanism avoids binding in driving this straightened linked rack. The instrument further has a manually actuatable retraction system that does not require the use of additional springs or other mechanisms to generate retraction forces which must be overcome when generating the forces necessary to fire the device. In various embodiments, the retraction system provides a visual indication to the surgeon as to how far firing has progressed. | 10-02-2008 |
20080265001 | Surgical Stapling Apparatus - An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus. | 10-30-2008 |
20080283576 | Surgical fastening device with cutter - Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical fastening device includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical fasteners by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image. | 11-20-2008 |
20080296346 | Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with electrical control and recording mechanisms - A surgical instrument includes an end effector. A moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned in the end effector is disposed within the end effector. A pneumatically-actuated drive member is coupled to the end effector. An electrically controlled variable flow rate pneumatic valve is coupled to the pneumatically-actuated drive member. An electronic control module is coupled to an electrically controlled variable flow rate pneumatic valve to control the flow rate therethrough. | 12-04-2008 |
20080296347 | Surgical instrument having a directional switching mechanism - A surgical instrument including a switching mechanism which allows a surgeon to selectively advance or retract a staple driver and/or cutting member within a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can include a handle, a trigger operatively coupled to the handle, a firing drive, and an end effector. The firing drive can include a first ratchet assembly configured to advance a cutting member in the end effector and a second ratchet assembly configured to retract the cutting member. The trigger can include first and second pawls pivotably mounted thereon which are configured to be selectively engaged with the first and second ratchet assemblies, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the trigger can be configured to slide between a first position in which the first pawl is engaged with the first ratchet assembly and a second position in which the second pawl is engaged with the second ratchet assembly. | 12-04-2008 |
20080314961 | End effector closure system for a surgical stapling instrument - A surgical instrument including a closure system configured to move an anvil of an end effector between an open position, a partially closed position, and a closed position. The surgical instrument can further include a lock member configured to selectively engage and lock the closure system when the anvil is positioned in at least one of its partially closed and closed positions. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument can include a trigger configured to pivot the anvil, the lock member can include a follower portion, and the closure drive can include a lock spring configured to bias the follower portion against a cam surface of the trigger such that the follower portion can engage a notch in the cam surface when the anvil is pivoted into its partially closed position, or closed position, and prevent the anvil from being pivoted into its open position. | 12-25-2008 |
20080314962 | Surgical stapling instrument with an anti-back up mechanism - A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to advance a cutting member and/or staple driver within an end effector, and a brake configured to prevent, or at least partially inhibit, the relative movement of the cutting member and/or staple driver. The surgical instrument can further include a firing member operably engaged with the cutting member, for example, a band connected to the firing member, and a reel, where the band can be configured to be wound around the reel. In various embodiments, the brake can be selectively engageable with the reel and/or band to prevent, or limit, the movement of the band. The brake can include a brake surface where relative movement between the band and the brake surface can generate a friction force therebetween which can hold the firing member in position until a sufficient force is applied to the firing member to overcome the friction force. | 12-25-2008 |
20090001130 | Surgical procedure using a cutting and stapling instrument having releasable staple-forming pockets - A surgical procedure including the steps of performing a plurality of cutting strokes to cut a patient's stomach into a first part and a second part. For one cutting stroke an endocutter is used that is loaded with a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples to staple the first and second parts of the stomach. One or more staples in the staple cartridge have an integrated crown and staple driver. | 01-01-2009 |
20090008425 | Angled surgical fastener apparatus - A surgical fastening apparatus includes a handle, an elongated member extending distally from the handle and a fastener applier and anvil head disposed at the distal end of the elongated member. The elongated member defines a distal offset end portion upon which the fastener applier and the anvil head are mounted. The offset end portion is angularly oriented with respect to the axis of the instrument at a predetermined fixed angle (e.g., either 45°, 60° and 75° relative to the axis of the instrument) thereby positioning the fastener applier and the anvil head at the fixed angle This feature facilitates positioning of the tissue with respect to the instrument and enhances visual access to the tissue when appropriately disposed within the fastener applier and the anvil head. Various mechanisms for effectuating the clamping of the tissue between the fastener holder and anvil, and the firing of the instrument are disclosed. | 01-08-2009 |
20090026245 | Surgical Stapling Instruments including a Cartridge Having Multiple Staples Sizes - A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge. | 01-29-2009 |
20090065552 | Endocutter With Staple Feed - A surgical endocutter may include an end effector, at least one feeder belt that extends at least partially into the end effector; and two or more staples, where each staple has a first end frangibly connected to a corresponding feeder belt and a second, free end, and where the staples form at least one row. The endocutter may be used to treat a patient by inserting the end effector into the body of a patient through an opening such as a trocar port, engaging tissue with the end effector, stapling tissue along two staple lines with the end effector; cutting tissue between the staple lines with the end effector, releasing the tissue from the end effector, and repeating the holding, stapling and engaging on tissue at a different location within the body of the patient without removing the end effector from within the body of the patient. | 03-12-2009 |
20090078739 | Materials Delivery System for Stapling Device - There is disclosed a materials delivery system for use with a surgical stapling instrument having at least one jaw including a knife slot. The materials delivery system includes a series of treatment material receiving pockets positioned adjacent the knife slot such that a portion of each pocket is open to the knife slot. A source of treatment material is positioned within the pockets such that passage of the knife blade adjacent to the pockets repeatedly coats the knife blade with the treatment material. | 03-26-2009 |
20090120994 | Surgical Fastening Device With Initiator Impregnation of a Matrix or Buttress to Improve Adhesive Application - A material comprising a matrix or a buttress is impregnated with an adhesive initiator and is used with a surgical stapling device and an adhesive. The tissue and material are stapled together, and a knife in the surgical stapling device cuts the tissue and the material. The adhesive is applied across the cut and sets up or polymerizes to seals the cut when the adhesive contacts the adhesive initiator. The surgical stapling device can place the staples in a linear, arcuate, or circular array, and can anastomose luminal tissue. The methods of use can include stapling luminal tissue end to end, stapling two portions of material onto ether side of tissue, and stapling two portions of tissue onto a portion of material. Additionally, a portion of adhesive filed material can be stapled onto one side of portion of tissue and the adhesive initiator impregnated material can be stapled onto the other. Cutting the material and tissue provides a path for the adhesive across the cut, and catalyzes the adhesive from contact with the adhesive initiator. | 05-14-2009 |
20090134200 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface and a longitudinally extending elongate slot; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface and a longitudinally extending elongate slot; a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor; a central knife blade slidably disposable in the longitudinal extending elongate slot of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly; and a knife blade supported in a distal end portion of at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly, wherein the distal knife blade is actuatable by the central knife blade upon an actuation of the central knife blade. | 05-28-2009 |
20090236399 | Surigical stapling instrument - A surgical stapling instrument ( | 09-24-2009 |
20090236400 | ENDOSCOPIC STAPLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Described herein are endoscopic staplers used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach. | 09-24-2009 |
20090236401 | ENDOSCOPIC STAPLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Described herein are endoscopic staplers used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach. | 09-24-2009 |
20090242610 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING SAME - A disposable loading unit. The disposable loading unit includes a housing assembly, a knife assembly connected to the housing assembly, and an agent cartridge connected to the housing assembly. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The disposable loading unit is configured to deliver the medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the knife assembly. | 10-01-2009 |
20090242611 | Surgical Stapling Instrument - An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of fasteners, an anvil assembly operatively connected to the cartridge assembly, and a transducer operably connected to at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly. The anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are movable between open and closed positions. The transducer is adapted to effect vibrations along at least one of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly. The vibrations reduce the friction on the end effector, thereby reducing the force necessary to fire the end effector. | 10-01-2009 |
20090242612 | Method and Device for Full Thickness Resectioning of an Organ - Described is a full-thickness resection system which includes a control unit coupled to a proximal end of a flexible endoscope. The control unit remains outside of a body when the stapling head is in an operative position within a body lumen. The control unit includes (i) an anvil actuator coupled to an anvil in the stapling head, actuation of the anvil actuator moves the anvil axially relative to a stapling mechanism in the stapling head to compress a folded full-thickness portion of lumenal tissue between the anvil and the stapling mechanism. In addition, the control unit includes (ii) a stapler actuator coupled to the stapling mechanism in the stapling head, actuation of the stapler actuator causing the stapling mechanism to drive staples through the folded lumenal tissue against the anvil. Also, the control unit includes (iii) a tissue cutter actuator coupled to a tissue cutter in the stapling head, actuation of the tissue cutter actuator causing the tissue cutter to resect portions of the folded lumenal tissue. | 10-01-2009 |
20090255978 | VARIABLE COMPRESSION SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE - A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation. | 10-15-2009 |
20090261145 | Electrosurgical Stapling Apparatus - An electrosurgical stapling apparatus is provided which uses thermogenic energy as well as surgical fasteners or staples for strengthening tissue, providing hemostasis, tissue joining or welding. The thermogenic energy also strengthens tissue in proximity to a staple line and knife cut line and provides hemostasis along the staple and cut lines formed by the staples and a knife blade during surgical stapling. The use of thermogenic energy provides short-term hemostasis and sealing, and reduces or prevents staple line and cut line bleeding, while the stapling features provide short and long-term tissue strength and hemostasis. The stapling apparatus further substantially reduces or prevents knife cut line bleeding by energizing a knife blade for cauterizing tissue while it is being cut. In one embodiment, energy is applied to the anvil to energize the staples as they make contact with the anvil. | 10-22-2009 |
20090266868 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been actuated. | 10-29-2009 |
20090272787 | Surgical Instrument Having a Plastic Surface - A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. | 11-05-2009 |
20090289096 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AUTOMATICALLY RECONFIGURABLE ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument, such as a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, with an automatically articulatable end effector. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector, a shaft, and an articulatable joint assembly connected between the end effector and the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one motor for articulating the end effector relative to the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one articulation sensor for sensing articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The instrument further comprises a control unit in communication with the articulation sensor and the motor. The control unit comprises at least one memory unit for storing articulation data from the at least one articulation sensor. When activated, the control unit sends control signals to the motor of the joint assembly to articulate automatically the end effector to a desired position based on the articulation data from the articulation sensor that is stored in the memory unit of the control unit. | 11-26-2009 |
20090302090 | Knife Lockout Mechanisms For Surgical Instrument - A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel, a cover, a staple cartridge and a knife. The channel includes a protrusion thereon. The cover is configured for mechanical engagement with the channel and includes a blocking member and a surface defining a plane. At least a portion of the blocking member is configured to move away from the plane upon contact with the protrusion. The staple cartridge is configured for mechanical engagement with the cover. The blocking member is configured to substantially prevent distal translation of the knife after the knife has been translated proximally past a predetermined position. | 12-10-2009 |
20090302091 | Knife/firing rod connection for surgical instrument - A surgical instrument including a frame, an elongate portion, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the frame and defines a longitudinal axis. The firing rod is disposed at least partially with the elongate portion and is proximally and distally translatable with respect to the elongate portion. The end effector includes a knife and is disposed at a distal portion of the elongate portion. Distal movement of the firing rod causes a distal end of the firing rod to link with the knife. Proximal movement of the firing rod moves the linked knife proximally to a first predetermined position. The knife is unlinked from the firing rod when the firing rod has been translated proximally to a second predetermined position. | 12-10-2009 |
20090302092 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT SEQUENTIAL FIRING - An end effector for a surgical fastener applying instrument including a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes first and second cartridges each containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, wherein each of the first and second cartridges is configured to move independently with respect to the first jaw member between a proximal position and a distal | 12-10-2009 |
20090302093 | ATTACHABLE CLAMP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER - A surgical fastener applying instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, a pair of jaw members and a removable clamp. One of the jaw members contains a plurality of fasteners arranged in at least one row substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The removable clamp has an elongated member and a tissue clamping surface extending substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue and is releasably mountable to the elongated portion of the instrument. | 12-10-2009 |
20090308909 | PARTIALLY REUSABLE SURGICAL STAPLER - In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for performing a surgical stapling procedure by providing a stapler comprising a handle and a staple cartridge with an opposing anvil. The staple cartridge contains a plurality of surgical staples. The stapler also has an actuator module for deploying staples, wherein the actator has a longitudinally movable member for sequentially ejecting staples towards the anvil. The method involves operating the actuator module so as to eject the plurality of staples, and removing the actuator module from the body and discarding the actuator module. The method also involves sterilizing the body. | 12-17-2009 |
20090314821 | Tool Assembly For A Surgical Stapling Device - A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions. | 12-24-2009 |
20090321496 | Surgical Stapling Instruments Including A Cartridge Having Multiple Staple Sizes - A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge. | 12-31-2009 |
20100012704 | Surgical Stapling Apparatus - A surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit is provided including a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly. | 01-21-2010 |
20100025452 | EXPANDING PARALLEL JAW DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ELECTROMECHANICAL DRIVER DEVICE - A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples. | 02-04-2010 |
20100038403 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND ACTUATING MOVEMENT TRANSMITTING DEVICE THEREFORE - A surgical instrument, such as a surgical stapling instrument ( | 02-18-2010 |
20100044411 | TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - The present disclosure describes a surgical device with a body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of staples, a dynamic clamping member movable relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples, and an articulation and firing actuator extending at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly. The tool assembly is pivotally attached to the body portion for movement from a position aligned with the longitudinal axis to a position oriented at an angle thereto. The articulation and firing actuator extends at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly, is operably associated with the dynamic clamping member and the tool assembly, and is movable in relation thereto to selectively pivot the tool assembly relative to the body portion and move the dynamic clamping member relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples. | 02-25-2010 |
20100065609 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH DEVICE FOR INDICATING WHEN THE INSTRUMENT HAS CUT THROUGH TISSUE - Circular stapling instruments for cutting and applying one or more surgical staples to tissue are disclosed. The instruments include various forms of feedback systems designed to provide at least one mode of feedback to the surgeon when the knife has cut through tissue clamped between a staple cartridge and an anvil portion. | 03-18-2010 |
20100072256 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MEMBER ARRANGEMENT - A surgical stapling instrument including a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a cutting member. In at least one form of the invention, the surgical stapling instrument can further include a housing which can at least partially extend over and/or around the cutting member. In various embodiments, the housing can at least partially cover the cutting member when the first and second jaw members are detached from one another, yet permit the cutting member to be moved relative to the first and second jaw members during use. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072257 | Tissue Stop for Surgical Instrument - A surgical including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position capturing the tissue between the first jaw member and second jaw member. | 03-25-2010 |
20100072258 | Surgical Instrument And Loading Unit For Use Therewith - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, a drive assembly, an endoscopic portion, a pair of jaw members, a dynamic clamping member, and a tissue stop. The drive assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a movable handle of the handle assembly. The endoscopic portion defines a first longitudinal axis. The jaw members are each longitudinally curved with respect to the longitudinal axis. The dynamic clamping member is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the drive assembly and includes an upper beam, a lower beam, and a vertical beam having a cutting edge on a distal portion thereof. At least a portion of the dynamic clamping member is longitudinally curved with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tissue stop is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and configured to impede tissue from distally escaping the jaw members. | 03-25-2010 |
20100089973 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PIVOTABLE JAW MEMBER - A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first jaw member is pivotable about the first axis. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. | 04-15-2010 |
20100089974 | POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH FLEXIBLE DRIVE MEMBER - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument may include a handle assembly that has an elongate shaft attached thereto. An end effector that is configured to support a staple cartridge may be pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft. The handle assembly may support a generator of rotary motion that interfaces with a rotary drive system that may include a flexible drive shaft. The flexible drive shaft may be configured to impart a driving motion to a knife supporting assembly supported within the end effector. Such arrangement enables the end effector to be fired while being articulated relative to the elongate shaft. | 04-15-2010 |
20100116868 | INTERLOCKING BUTTRESS MATERIAL RETENTION SYSTEM - A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post. | 05-13-2010 |
20100181363 | HOLLOW TISSUE INOSCULATION APPARATUS - A hollow tissue inosculation apparatus is to inosculate two hollow tissues to each other with a staple having a plurality of elastically deformable bent staple pins. The hollow tissue inosculation apparatus includes a staple holder to hold the staple, a curvature control mechanism to control curvature of the staple pins of the staple held in the staple holder, and a gap control mechanism to control gaps of the hollow tissues with respect to the staple holder. The curvature control mechanism substantially straightens the staple pins. The gap control mechanism reduces the gaps to cause the substantially straightened staple pins to penetrate the hollow tissues. The curvature control mechanism and the gap control mechanism are independent from each other. | 07-22-2010 |
20100181364 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A MEDICAL SUBSTANCE DISPENSER - In various embodiments, an assembly of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing, a cutting member relatively movable with respect to the housing, and an agent cartridge connected to the housing. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The assembly is configured to deliver the medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the cutting member. | 07-22-2010 |
20100187286 | Surgical Stapling Head Assembly with a Rotary Cutter - http://www.wipo/int/pctdb/images/PCT-IMAGES/31122008/CN2008001226_31122008_gz_en.×4-b.jpg | 07-29-2010 |
20100200641 | Surgical Stapling Instruments including a Cartridge Having Multiple Staples Sizes - A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge. | 08-12-2010 |
20100213239 | STAPLER FOR MUCOSECTOMY - The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body ( | 08-26-2010 |
20100213240 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CURVED CARTRIDGE AND ANVIL ASSEMBLIES - A surgical instrument is designed for clamping, cutting, and/or joining tissue. This surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an elongate portion extending distally from the handle portion, first and second jaw members disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion, a shaft movable upon actuation of the handle portion, and a knife bar operatively coupled to the shaft. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The knife bar has a curved profile and moves along at least one of the jaw members upon movement of the shaft. | 08-26-2010 |
20100213241 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE - A surgical stapling instrument and, in addition, a staple cartridge comprising a cutting member positioned therein. The staple cartridge can comprise alignment features configured to align the cutting member of the staple cartridge with a distal end of a drive bar when the staple cartridge is assembled to the surgical stapling instrument. | 08-26-2010 |
20100230468 | Surgical Stapling Apparatus Having a Wound Closure Material Applicator Assembly - A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple anvil and a staple cartridge having a working surface, one or more rows of individual staple slots formed in the working surface, a knife track formed along a length of the working surface, and a plurality of surgical staples individually disposed within the individual staple slots. The apparatus further includes an actuation sled having a knife and being configured and adapted to movably position the knife axially within the knife track. The apparatus also includes a wound closure material applicator assembly having a needle secured to the knife to dispense a quantity of wound closure material along a length of the knife track as the actuation sled and knife are moved therealong. | 09-16-2010 |
20100237132 | CIRCULAR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH ANVIL LOCKING SYSTEM - Circular stapling instruments for cutting and applying one or more surgical staples to tissue are disclosed. The instruments include various forms of anvil locking systems designed to selectively prevent the anvil from moving axially relative to the stapling head of the stapling instrument. One embodiment employs an elongated gear rack that is selectively engagable with locking gears to prevent axial motion of the elongated gear rack and an adjustment shaft used to axially position the anvil. Other embodiments employ a gear assembly that cooperates with the elongated gear rack. A locking member is movably supported by a handle assembly that houses the gear assembly and elongated gear rack. The locking member is configured for selective meshing engagement with the gear assembly to ultimately prevent axial movement of the gear rack and adjustment shaft. | 09-23-2010 |
20100252611 | Surgical Device and Method - A surgical device for cutting a portion of a body comprising a knife capable of moving from a first position to a second position which is spaced apart from the first position; a smart memory material (SMM) capable of going from one physical state to another physical state; and an activating apparatus which is in communication with the smart memory material and which can cause the change in the physical state of the smart memory material, which change in state causes the movement of the knife thereby facilitating cutting of the desired body portion. | 10-07-2010 |
20100252612 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS HAVING A WOUND CLOSURE MATERIAL APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY - This disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatus for enhancing one or more properties of body tissue that is or is to be repaired or joined. The apparatus includes a staple anvil, a staple cartridge, a driving member for driving the surgical staples from individual staple slots in the staple cartridge and against the staple anvil, and a wound closure material applicator assembly. The applicator assembly includes at least one conduit extending along at least a length of the driving member, anvil and/or cartridge and at least one reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one conduit, the reservoir containing a wound closure material therein. The staples can be coated with a wound to closure material. | 10-07-2010 |
20100264194 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled. | 10-21-2010 |
20100270356 | Surgical Stapling Instruments including a Cartridge Having Multiple Staples Sizes - A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge. | 10-28-2010 |
20100276471 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DRIVER AND REMOTE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ATTACHMENT HAVING COMPUTER ASSISTED CONTROL CAPABILITIES - A medical tool comprising an electromechanical driver and a surgical instrument attachment for use in invasive surgery, including a handle coupled to a flexible sheath which is in turn coupled to a surgical attachment. The handle of the driver includes the electromechanical driver and at least one processor element which controls the actions of the electromechanical driver, and therefore the application elements of the surgical attachment, based on information relayed between the processor element and remotely activateable sensor assemblies in the surgical instrument attachment. | 11-04-2010 |
20100282818 | PIN LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis and extending distally from the handle portion, and first and second jaw members dimensioned to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member has at least one row of fasteners arranged in a row substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where the engagement section is spaced from the second jaw member and a second position where the engagement section engages the second jaw member. The pin has a non-circular cross-section. | 11-11-2010 |
20100282819 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes. The handle portion includes a spindle and barrel assembly drive mechanism for advancing and retracting a drive member positioned in the tool assembly. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly. | 11-11-2010 |
20100308101 | Surgical Stapling Instrument - A surgical stapling instrument ( | 12-09-2010 |
20110024481 | Annular Adhesive Structure - An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a circular surgical stapler having an anvil assembly with an anvil shaft and an anvil, the circular surgical stapler further having a tubular body portion with an annular knife and a body portion shaft selectively attachable to the anvil shaft; and a seal structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue including a hub configured to engage attachment structure on at least one of the anvil shaft and the body portion shaft. The attachment structure is positioned so that the seal structure is located between the intestinal sections of tissue when the circular surgical stapler is disposed within the intestinal sections of tissue. | 02-03-2011 |
20110042443 | SURGICAL STAPLER - A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The shell assembly includes a pusher movable distally to advance staples from the shell assembly into contact with the anvil assembly. First and second alignment pins operatively associated with the pusher have distal ends positioned distally of the pusher, the alignment pins movable between a first non-engaged position spaced from the anvil assembly and a second position in engagement with the anvil assembly. | 02-24-2011 |
20110068147 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SEQUENTIAL CLAMPING AND CUTTING - A surgical fastening instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, an end effector and a clamp is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector includes a pair of jaws having a tissue contacting surface disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion, and at least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The clamp has a clamping surface extending substantially transversely from an elongated member and has a height exceeding a height of the elongated member to extend adjacent a side surface of the jaw containing the plurality of fasteners. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068148 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH INTERLOCKABLE FIRING SYSTEM - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle. | 03-24-2011 |
20110079628 | TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions. | 04-07-2011 |
20110089221 | Apparatus and Method For Preserving A Tissue Margin - A cartridge for a surgical apparatus includes a housing having a slot configured to accommodate a blade. A plurality of fasteners is configured to be deployed by the housing. A first row of the plurality of fasteners is positioned on a first side of the slot and a second row of the plurality of fasteners is positioned on a second side of the slot. The first row of the plurality of fasteners is the nearest row of fasteners to the slot on the first side of the slot that are deployed by the housing, and the first row of the plurality of fasteners is spaced apart from the slot such that an undamaged tissue margin is formed on a section of tissue during operation of the surgical apparatus. | 04-21-2011 |
20110095068 | SURGICAL FASTENING APPARATUS - A surgical fastening apparatus having a fastener retaining frame including a first annular portion having a plurality of retainers circumferentially disposed thereon and a second annular portion having a plurality of circumferentially arranged perforations. The fastener retaining frame is detachably secured to a supporting structure. After the plurality of surgical fasteners have been mated with the plurality of retainers, an annular blade severs the perforations. | 04-28-2011 |
20110095069 | SURGICAL FASTENING APPARATUS - A surgical fastening apparatus including a fastener receiving frame including a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein and a fastener supporting member containing a plurality of surgical fasteners extending therefrom. The surgical fasteners are engagable with the plurality of openings to mate with the fastener receiving frame to fasten tissue therebetween. The fasteners are engageable with the openings in a plurality of positions dependent on a tissue thickness between the fastener receiving frame and the fastener supporting member. | 04-28-2011 |
20110108605 | Locking Mechanism For Use With Loading Units - A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument having a firing rod is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a proximal body portion, a tool assembly, and a knife assembly. The tool assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion. The knife assembly is movably disposed at least partially within the proximal body portion and includes a proximal end positioned to engage the firing rod, and includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is biased towards the longitudinal axis via a biasing force. The biasing force is selected to allow the first arm to deflect when the firing rod is advanced. The first arm and the second arm of the knife assembly are configured to engage a firing rod of a surgical instrument as the surgical instrument is being actuated. | 05-12-2011 |
20110108606 | EXPANDING PARALLEL JAW DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ELECTROMECHANICAL DRIVER DEVICE - A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples. | 05-12-2011 |
20110114701 | Pouch Used To Deliver Medication When Ruptured - An anvil assembly for a circular stapling device includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon, a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a rod member of the circular stapling device, an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, wherein the anvil plate includes an inner diametral edge, and wherein the anvil plate defines a plurality of staple forming pockets therein at a location radially outward of the inner diametral edge, a recess formed in the anvil head, wherein the recess is defined by the inner diametral edge of the anvil plate and a rear surface of the anvil head, and a wound treatment material disposed substantially within the recess. | 05-19-2011 |
20110114702 | Tissue Stop for Surgical Instrument - A surgical including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position capturing the tissue between the first jaw member and second jaw member. | 05-19-2011 |
20110121052 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium. | 05-26-2011 |
20110132965 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 06-09-2011 |
20110147435 | STRUCTURE FOR APPLYING SPRAYABLE WOUND TREATMENT MATERIAL - The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, structures and methods for enhancing the properties of tissue to be repaired or joined. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a wound treatment material dispersion system for delivering wound treatment material to a target surgical site. The dispersion system includes an aperture formed in the anvil assembly oriented to dispense wound treatment material in an outward direction; and a source of wound treatment material in fluid communication with the aperture of the anvil assembly. | 06-23-2011 |
20110155785 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY - A motor-driven surgical instrument having a control assembly for controlling a switch of the instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise a motor control circuit, a drive member, and a slider. The drive member comprises a first shoulder at a first position and a second shoulder at a second position. A first portion of the slider interfaces the drive member such that the slider is moveable in a direction of movement of the drive member when either the first shoulder or the second shoulder of the drive member engages the first portion of the slider. A second portion of the slider actuates a switch of the motor control circuit when the drive member moves the slider to a first position relative to the first switch. In various embodiments, the switches of the control circuit are not embodied as a part of an IC. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155786 | Surgical Instrument Having A Multiple Rate Directional Switching Mechanism - A surgical instrument having a remotely controllable user interface, and a firing drive configured to generate a rotary firing motion upon a first actuation of the remotely controllable user interface and a rotary refraction motion upon an other actuation of remotely controllable user interface. The instrument includes a first drive member, wherein remotely controllable user interface is selectively engageable with the first drive member, and a second drive member, wherein the remotely controllable user interface is selectively engageable with the second drive member. The instrument also includes an elongate shaft assembly operably engaged with the first drive member and the second drive member. The instrument further includes an end effector coupled to the elongate shaft assembly. The end effector includes an elongate channel configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein, and an anvil movably coupled to the elongate channel. The end effector also includes a cutting member operably supported within the elongate channel, wherein the cutting member is operably engaged with the elongate shaft assembly. The instrument is such that when the remotely controllable user interface operates the first drive member, the first actuation advances the cutting member a first distance, wherein, when the remotely controllable user interface operates the second drive member, the other actuation retracts the cutting member a second distance, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155787 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE - A surgical stapling instrument can include a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a plurality of staples, a cutting member stored therein, and means for covering, enclosing, encasing, and/or protecting the cutting member. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge body can include a housing which can extend around and/or over the cutting member when the cutting member is in an unfired position. In various circumstances, the housing can protect a clinician as they assemble the staple cartridge to the surgical stapling instrument. | 06-30-2011 |
20110168759 | Interlocking Buttress Material Retention System - A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post. | 07-14-2011 |
20110168760 | VARIABLE COMPRESSION SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE - A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation. | 07-14-2011 |
20110174864 | ENDOSCOPIC STAPLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Described herein are endoscopic staplers and methods used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn into a tissue chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention, After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach. | 07-21-2011 |
20110180586 | KNIFE LOCKOUT MECHANISMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel, a cover, a staple cartridge and a knife. The channel includes a protrusion thereon. The cover is configured for mechanical engagement with the channel and includes a blocking member and a surface defining a plane. At least a portion of the blocking member is configured to move away from the plane upon contact with the protrusion. The staple cartridge is configured for mechanical engagement with the cover. The blocking member is configured to substantially prevent distal translation of the knife after the knife has been translated proximally past a predetermined position. | 07-28-2011 |
20110198385 | SURGICAL DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE DRIVERS - A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw. | 08-18-2011 |
20110204120 | Laproscopic Stapler - A surgical stapling and cutting method comprises: inserting tissue between jaws of a stapler/cutter end effector; closing the jaws; progressively ejecting staples from a first jaw, the progression being from an open distal end of the end effector toward a proximal end of the end effector; and drawing a blade through the tissue in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. Apparatus may be provided for performing the method. | 08-25-2011 |
20110215133 | STRUCTURE FOR ATTACHMENT OF BUTTRESS MATERIAL TO ANVILS AND CARTRIDGES OF SURGICAL STAPLER - A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasably secured to at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The buttress material includes a means to releasably and frictionally engage the at least one of the staple cartridge and the anvil. | 09-08-2011 |
20110240714 | SURGICAL DEVICE HAVING A ROTATABLE JAW PORTION - A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion, having a first jaw in opposed correspondence with a second jaw, the second jaw including a surgical member. The surgical device may include a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion and at least one motor configured to rotate the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, to move the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, move the first jaw relative to the second jaw and move the surgical member within the second jaw. The surgical member may be prevented from moving within the second jaw unless the first jaw is in a closed position relative to the second jaw. Advantageously, the surgical member may be, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within one of the jaws. | 10-06-2011 |
20110278346 | Methods and Apparatus for Delivering Tissue Treatment Compositions to Stapled Tissue - A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a reservoir configured to hold a tissue treatment composition. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. The reservoir may be provided in a handle portion of the surgical stapler, and a fluid conduit may be used to communicate the tissue treatment composition from the reservoir. An end effector lumen may selectively communicate with the fluid conduit. The lumen may also be in communication with openings to further communicate the tissue treatment composition to tissue or to a scaffold material positioned adjacent to tissue. A reservoir may alternatively be provided in one of the clamping members. A knife member may pierce a housing defining the reservoir, and a resilient member may then urge a tissue treatment composition from the housing. | 11-17-2011 |
20110290855 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a robotic system configured to generate control systems therefor. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the robotic system to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 12-01-2011 |
20110290856 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FORCE-FEEDBACK CAPABILITIES - A surgical instrument. Various embodiments of the surgical instrument include an end effector that has a moveable cutting implement. A main drive shaft assembly operably interfaces with the end effector for transmitting an actuation motion to the movable cutting implement therein. A gear drive train is connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The gear drive train is actuated by a motor that is configured to receive control signals from a robotic system. Various embodiments include a sensor arrangement that operably interfaces the end effector to communicate forces experienced by the end effector to the robotic system. | 12-01-2011 |
20110290857 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted. | 12-01-2011 |
20110290858 | SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICE - The present invention, in accordance with various embodiments thereof, relates to a surgical device for at least one of cutting and stapling a section of tissue. The surgical device includes a housing including at least two drivers. The surgical device also includes an anvil mechanically attachable to the housing and moveable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The first driver operates to move the anvil relative to the housing to an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. The second driver operates to move at least a portion of the housing relative to the anvil between the intermediate position and the closed position. | 12-01-2011 |
20120024934 | TRANSWALL VISUALIZATION ARRANGEMENTS AND METHODS FOR SURGICAL CIRCULAR STAPLERS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. Various embodiments include an elongated shaft that defines a central axis and has a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. At least one detection member may be operably supported within the elongated shaft. Each detection member may have a distal portion that is radially deployable away from the central axis upon application of a deployment motion thereto. The distal end portions may have a bumper or light mounted thereto. | 02-02-2012 |
20120024935 | TISSUE ACQUISITION ARRANGEMENTS AND METHODS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES - A surgical instrument that includes an elongated shaft that defines defining a central axis. The elongated shaft may have a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be axially movable within the elongated shaft such that a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft may be distally advanced beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that at least one tissue acquisition member is selectively pivotable about a corresponding acquisition axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. Various embodiments include an annular cutting member that is supported by the distal end of the elongated shaft for selective axial travel relative thereto. | 02-02-2012 |
20120024936 | LINEAR CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICE WITH SELECTIVELY DISENGAGEABLE CUTTING MEMBER - A surgical stapling instrument including a selectively actuatable cutting member. The stapling instrument may be used as a surgical stapler without cutting tissue or, if desired, the surgeon may selectively actuate the cutting member to cut tissue as the staples are being deployed and formed. A stapling instrument can include an actuator knob that has at least one pusher bar attached thereto. Advancement of the actuator knob in a distal direction causes the pusher bars to apply a firing motion to the staples contained within a staple cartridge supported within the stapling instrument. A knife bar may be selectively coupleable to the actuator knob by a selector switch that is movable from an actuated position wherein movement of the actuator knob in the distal direction advances the knife bar which has a cutting blade portion to advance between rows of staples in the staple cartridge to an unactuated position wherein movement of the actuator knob advances the pusher bars without advancing the knife bar. | 02-02-2012 |
20120074200 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SELECTIVELY ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector. The instrument includes an articulation system that has a rotatable actuator member that interfaces with an articulation transmission. Rotation of the actuator member in a first rotary direction about an actuation axis causes at least one articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector in a first articulation direction and rotation of the actuator member in a second rotary direction causes at least one articulation member to articulate the surgical end effector in a second articulation direction. | 03-29-2012 |
20120074201 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH TRIGGER ASSEMBLY FOR GENERATING MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTIONS - A surgical instrument that has an actuation system that is configured to generate at least two separate actuation motions. A clutch assembly is movable between an engaged position wherein the clutch assembly is in operable engagement with the actuation system and an unengaged position. In various forms, the surgical instrument includes a manually actuatable trigger assembly that interfaces with the clutch assembly and the actuation system such that a first stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate a first one of the actuation motions and moves the clutch assembly from the unengaged position to the engaged position whereupon a second stroke of the trigger assembly causes the actuation system to generate another one of the actuation motions. | 03-29-2012 |
20120074202 | Surgical Stapler with Angled Feeder Belts - An exemplary surgical staple may include a staple holder including an upper surface with two substantially-planar angled surfaces positioned lateral to and angled relative to each other; staple channels within the staple holder, each opening to a corresponding angled surface; at least one feeder belt extending into the staple holder; and staples frangibly affixed to at least one feeder belt, wherein at least one staple is held within a corresponding staple channel. | 03-29-2012 |
20120080501 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH INTERCHANGEABLE STAPLE CARTRIDGE ARRANGEMENTS - A surgical stapling instrument that is configured to be used in connection with different sizes of interchangeable end effectors. The end effectors are removably couplable to an elongated shaft assembly that protrudes from a handle assembly. The end effectors are configured to support different sizes of implantable staple cartridges therein. The staples within the staple cartridge are formed as an anvil portion of the end effector is compressed into the staple cartridge. The surgical stapling instrument further includes removable adapters that facilitate attachment of different sizes of end effectors to the elongated shaft assembly. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080502 | SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FASTENER DEPLOYMENT AND TISSUE CUTTING SYSTEMS - A surgical instrument capable for use with an end effector supporting a staple cartridge therein. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument includes a firing system for applying firing motions to the end effector to form the unformed the staples supported in the staple cartridge. The surgical instrument further includes a tissue cutting system that may be optionally actuated after the staples have been formed. | 04-05-2012 |
20120085808 | Surgical Fastener Applying Apparatus - The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section. | 04-12-2012 |
20120145767 | Surgical Apparatus Including Surgical Buttress - A surgical buttress for use with a surgical stapling apparatus having a first jaw in the form of an anvil assembly and a second jaw configured to selectively receive a staple cartridge assembly. The surgical buttress includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion substantially overlies a portion of a plurality of fastener slots of the staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly is removably operably couplable to the second jaw of the surgical stapling apparatus. The second body portion extends from the first body portion and is configured and dimensioned to be removably positioned to substantially overlie a portion of a plurality of fastener pockets of the anvil assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus when the staple cartridge assembly is operably coupled to the second jaw of the surgical stapling apparatus. | 06-14-2012 |
20120205422 | EXPANDING PARALLEL JAW DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ELECTROMECHANICAL DRIVER DEVICE - A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples. | 08-16-2012 |
20120217284 | Locking Mechanism For Use With Loading Units - A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument having a firing rod is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a proximal body portion, a tool assembly, and a knife assembly. The tool assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion. The knife assembly is movably disposed at least partially within the proximal body portion and includes a proximal end positioned to engage the firing rod, and includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is biased towards the longitudinal axis via a biasing force. The biasing force is selected to allow the first arm to deflect when the firing rod is advanced. The first arm and the second arm of the knife assembly are configured to engage a firing rod of a surgical instrument as the surgical instrument is being actuated. | 08-30-2012 |
20120228360 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT BUTTRESS ATTACHMENT - A surgical stapler instrument has surgical stapler jaws, at least one staple line reinforcement material, and a fastener including a hook and a loop. The hook can be disposed on one of the surgical stapler jaws and the loop can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material. Alternatively, the hook can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material and the look on one of the surgical stapler jaws. | 09-13-2012 |
20120234899 | SURGICAL FASTENER INSTRUMENTS - Surgical instruments and cartridges for cutting and fastening tissues and organs such as vessels are disclosed. In various non-limiting forms, the surgical instrument includes a first jaw that operably supports a substantially flexible elongated tissue closure assembly therein. A second jaw is movably supported relative to the first jaw and is selectively movable between open and closed positions in response to opening and closing motions applied thereto. A closure retraction assembly is configured to selectively apply cinching motions to the substantially flexible elongated tissue closure assembly. | 09-20-2012 |
20120234900 | SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH TISSUE TETHERS FOR MANIPULATING DIVIDED TISSUE AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Surgical staple cartridges and methods for manipulating the severed ends of divided tissue. In various forms, the staple cartridge has at least one base material temporarily supported thereon that is oriented to be stapled to a corresponding end of the divided tissue. At least one elongated tether is non-removably affixed to each piece of base material. Once the base material is stapled to the corresponding piece of divided tissue, the clinician may manipulate that pieced of divided tissue by applying manipulation motions to the tether. Corresponding grooves or pockets may be provided on the cartridge body for temporarily supporting the tethers therein. | 09-20-2012 |
20120248172 | SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING ATTACHED DRIVERS ANS STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING TEH SAME - A surgical stapling system including a driver and a staple where the driver is connected to the staple. In previous surgical stapling systems, the driver and the staple were not connected. A surgical stapling system in accordance with the present invention may have fewer components, less assembly and manufacturing time, and may accommodate larger staples which are at least partially embedded in the driver. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling system comprises a staple, the staple including a deformable member, and a stapler, the stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge for removably storing the staple, and a cam movable between a first position and a second position. In these embodiments, the surgical stapling system further comprises a driver attached to the staple, the driver being operatively engaged with the cam to move the staple toward the anvil when the cam is moved between the first position and the second position. | 10-04-2012 |
20120273551 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A MEDICAL SUBSTANCE DISPENSER - In various embodiments, an assembly of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing, a cutting member relatively movable with respect to the housing, and an agent cartridge connected to the housing. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The assembly is configured to deliver the medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the cutting member. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273552 | Center Cinch And Release Of Buttress Material - A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures. | 11-01-2012 |
20120298723 | VARIABLE COMPRESSION SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE - A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation. | 11-29-2012 |
20130015232 | Electrical Surgical Instrument with Optimized Power Supply and Drive - A hand-held, electrically powered and controlled surgical stapler/cutter includes a handle shaped to fit in one hand of a user and a surgical end effector connected to the handle. The handle contains therein a selectively actuated, self-contained electric power supply having at least one battery cell, at least part of an anvil control assembly, and at least part of an electrically-powered stapler/cutter control assembly electrically connected to the power supply. The surgical end effector is operatively connected to each of the anvil control assembly and the stapler/cutter control assembly. The stapler/cutter control assembly staples and cuts tissue disposed at the surgical end effector when powered by the power supply. | 01-17-2013 |
20130015233 | Tool Assembly for Surgical Stapling Device - The present disclosure describes a surgical device with a body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of staples, a dynamic clamping member movable relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples, and an articulation and firing actuator extending at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly. The tool assembly is pivotally attached to the body portion for movement from a position aligned with the longitudinal axis to a position oriented at an angle thereto. The articulation and firing actuator extends at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly, is operably associated with the dynamic clamping member and the tool assembly, and is movable in relation thereto to selectively pivot the tool assembly relative to the body portion and move the dynamic clamping member relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples. | 01-17-2013 |
20130026209 | Surgical Fastener Applying Apparatus - A surgical stapler is provided. The surgical stapler includes a tubular body portion. A cartridge assembly (cartridge) is disposed at a distal end of the tubular body portion and defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The cartridge includes a distal face having a stepped configuration defined by outer and inner steps arranged in descending order from the outer step to the inner step. An anvil member is disposed at the distal end of the tubular body portion and is positioned opposite the cartridge. The anvil member includes a proximal face having a stepped configuration defined by outer and inner steps arranged in descending order from the outer step to the inner step. The steps defined in the proximal face of the anvil member having a respective annular array of staple forming buckets disposed thereon to clinch the staples in tissue upon expulsion of the staples from the cartridge. | 01-31-2013 |
20130037600 | Interlocking Buttress Material Retention System - A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post. | 02-14-2013 |
20130068820 | FIBRIN PAD MATRIX WITH SUSPENDED HEAT ACTIVATED BEADS OF ADHESIVE - A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a cartridge when in an open position. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The cartridge further receives a matrix including glue beads suspended in the matrix. The staples are driven through the matrix to secure the matrix to tissue. The glue beads are activated when the matrix is secured to the tissue, such that the activated adhesive further secures the staple line in the tissue. | 03-21-2013 |
20130068821 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH STAPLE REINFORCEMENT CLIP - An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument having a cutter and a stapler. The cutter is operable to sever a portion of tissue. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of staples where the stapler is operable to introduce the plurality of staples into tissue to form a staple line. The apparatus further comprises a reinforcement clip. The reinforcement clip is operable to be in selective communication with the staple line. The reinforcement clip comprises a crown, a leg portion, and a teeth portion. In some versions, the leg portion has a width operable to cover the area defined by the staple line. In some versions, the teeth portion is configured to anchor into tissue. | 03-21-2013 |
20130075451 | Surgical Stapling Device with Adjunct Material Application Feature - A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The cartridge further includes an agent. The firing bar is operable to assist with releasing the agent onto a severed line of tissue when the firing bar is advanced. | 03-28-2013 |
20130098969 | Surgical Apparatus and Method for Endoscopic Surgery - The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical instrument and methods for performing a diverticulum treatment. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a jaw assembly. The elongated member is operably coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly, while the jaw assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the elongated member. The jaw assembly includes a knife slot that is defined therewithin and is adapted to receive a knife blade to thereby cut tissue that is disposed between the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly is configured to approximate an esophageal tract and a diverticulum. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098970 | Surgical Apparatus and Method for Endoluminal Surgery - The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical instrument and methods for performing a diverticulum treatment. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a jaw assembly. The elongated member is operably coupled to the distal end of the handle assembly, while the jaw assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the elongated member. The jaw assembly includes a knife slot that is defined therewithin and is adapted to receive a knife blade to thereby cut tissue that is disposed between the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly is configured to approximate an esophageal tract and a diverticulum. | 04-25-2013 |
20130105552 | Cartridge Status and Presence Detection | 05-02-2013 |
20130105553 | Surgical Stapling Apparatus | 05-02-2013 |
20130105554 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PIVOTABLE JAW MEMBER | 05-02-2013 |
20130140343 | TRUE MULTI-FIRE LINEAR CUTTER - One exemplary surgical apparatus may include an anvil assembly to which a staple holder assembly detachably connected; feeder belts positioned at least partially within the staple holder assembly; staples separably attached to each feeder belt; a wedge assembly slidable within and along the staple holder assembly, the wedge assembly including an engagement feature; and a deployment handle, where, upon closure of the anvil assembly and staple holder assembly relative to one another, the deployment handle engages the engagement feature; where the deployment handle is movable along the anvil assembly to drive the wedge assembly relative to the staple holder assembly, feeder belts and staples in order to deform at least one staple to a closed state and separate at least one closed staple from the corresponding feeder belt. One exemplary surgical method may include providing a surgical stapler having an anvil and a staple holder separably connected to the anvil, where the staple holder holds feeder belts and staples separably connected to each feeder belt; deploying, at least twice, a plurality of staples from the staple holder; and then removing the staple holder from the anvil. | 06-06-2013 |
20130146643 | ADHESIVE FILM LAMINATE - A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described. | 06-13-2013 |
20130153639 | Buttress Assembly for Use with Surgical Stapling Device - An apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections includes a staple cartridge component, an anvil component, a knife member, a buttress mount and a buttress member. The staple cartridge component includes a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The anvil component is movable relative to the staple cartridge component between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp tissue. The knife member is movable relative to the staple cartridge component. The buttress mount is concentrically disposed at least partially within the lumen of the knife member. The buttress mount includes a plurality of spokes radially extending outward and a plurality of legs detachably secured with an inner wall of the knife member. The buttress member is secured with the plurality of spokes of the buttress mount. The buttress member is concentrically aligned with the plurality of surgical staples. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153640 | Buttress Attachment to Degradable Polymer Zones - An end effector assembly for use with a surgical stapler, the end effector comprises a staple cartridge assembly having a tissue contacting surface and an anvil assembly having a tissue contacting surface. A surgical buttress configured and dimensioned to substantially overlie at least a portion of the tissue contacting surface of at least one of the staple cartridge assembly and anvil assembly. A plurality of attachment pads secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the at least one staple cartridge assembly and anvil assembly configured to retain the respective buttress material thereto, wherein the surgical buttress is ultrasonically welded to each of the plurality of attachment pads. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153641 | RELEASABLE LAYER OF MATERIAL AND SURGICAL END EFFECTOR HAVING THE SAME - An end effector assembly for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector assembly can include a fastener cartridge, a plurality of fasteners, a first connector, a second connector, and a layer of material releasably secured to the fastener cartridge by the first connector and by the second connector. The layer of material can have a mount that extends into a slot or notch in the fastener cartridge between the first connector and the second connector when the layer of material is secured to the fastener cartridge. The layer of material can be a buttress material and/or a tissue thickness compensator. Further, the layer of material can have a reinforcement feature and/or a scalloped edge around at least a portion of the perimeter thereof. | 06-20-2013 |
20130175321 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DRIVERS FOR DEPLOYING A PLURALITY OF STAPLES - A surgical stapling system including a driver and a staple where the driver is connected to the staple. In previous surgical stapling systems, the driver and the staple were not connected. A surgical stapling system in accordance with the present invention may have fewer components, less assembly and manufacturing time, and may accommodate larger staples which are at least partially embedded in the driver. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling system comprises a staple, the staple including a deformable member, and a stapler, the stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge for removably storing the staple, and a cam movable between a first position and a second position. In these embodiments, the surgical stapling system further comprises a driver attached to the staple, the driver being operatively engaged with the cam to move the staple toward the anvil when the cam is moved between the first position and the second position. | 07-11-2013 |
20130175322 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor. | 07-11-2013 |
20130181035 | Circular Stapling Instruments - A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher assembly. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181036 | Sliding Sleeve for Circular Stapling Instrument Reloads - A surgical stapling device and method for joining tissue portions are provided including a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body, and an anvil assembly at a distal end of the surgical stapling device. The anvil assembly includes a shaft for removably coupling the anvil assembly to the cartridge assembly and a head pivotally mounted to a distal end of the shaft. A sleeve member is slidably disposed about the shaft of the anvil assembly and is transitionable between a first position, where the sleeve member engages the head of the anvil assembly to secure the head in an un-tilted condition, and a second position, where the sleeve member is disengaged from the head of the anvil assembly to allow the head to tilt. | 07-18-2013 |
20130200131 | Circular Stapling Instrument - A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher. | 08-08-2013 |
20130200132 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 08-08-2013 |
20130228610 | Apparatus and Method for Resectioning Gastro-Esophageal Tissue - A system for stapling tissue comprises a flexible endoscope and an operative head including a pair of opposed, curved tissue clamping jaws sized to pass through an esophagus, the jaws being moveable with respect to one another between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closed tissue clamping configuration, a first one of the curved jaws including a stapling mechanism and a second one of the jaws including a staple forming anvil surface, the stapling mechanism including staple slots through which staples are fired arranged in a row extending from a proximal end of the first jaw to a distal end thereof in combination with a control handle which, when the operative head is in an operative position within one of a patient's stomach and esophagus, remains outside the patient, the control handle including a first actuator for moving the jaws relative to one another and a second actuator for operating the stapling mechanism. | 09-05-2013 |
20130233909 | Variable Compression Surgical Fastener Cartridge - A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation. | 09-12-2013 |
20130240604 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH CARTRIDGE-ADJUSTABLE CLAMP GAP - An exemplary surgical apparatus for treating tissue may include an anvil; a jaw pivotally connected to the anvil; and a first cartridge detachably connected to the anvil, holding staples of a first size; where a first clamp gap between the anvil and first cartridge is set by the connection between the first cartridge and jaw. An exemplary cartridge for a surgical stapler may include a cartridge housing; a plurality of staples held within the cartridge housing; and a sled slidable within, and retained by, the cartridge housing, including a central platform, at least one wedge connected to the central platform, and a knife rotatable relative to the central platform. | 09-19-2013 |
20130248581 | Electrical Surgical Instrument with Knife Return - Electrically operated surgical instrument, comprising a handle having a power supply; a drive assembly having an electrical motor, a controller electrically connected to the power supply and motor, and a drive part selectively moved by the motor between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position; and a control assembly operably connected to the motor to control a rotation of the motor; an end effector having a tissue-cutting assembly comprising: a blade connected to the drive part to move between opposing compression surfaces over the course of a blade stroke to cut tissue compressed between the compression surfaces, the blade stroke being comprised of the drive part advancing the blade towards the tissue to an extended position and retreating proximally to a retracted position, the control assembly being operable to selectively cause the motor to automatically retreat the drive part to place the blade in the retracted position. | 09-26-2013 |
20130248582 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A MULTI-LAYERED DRIVE BEAM - A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. The movable handle is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a plurality of layers and at least one layer has a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. At least one of the layers of the drive beam is affixed to an adjacent layer of the drive beam via at least one spot weld. | 09-26-2013 |
20130256382 | MOVABLE MEMBER FOR USE WITH A TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR - A cutting blade for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed therein. The cutting blade can include one or more features to direct or displace substances released from within the tissue thickness compensators used with the surgical instrument. The cutting blade may include a textured surface that can cause substances from the tissue thickness compensator to spread across the blade surface. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256383 | ANVIL LAYER ATTACHED TO A PROXIMAL END OF AN END EFFECTOR - An anvil-attachable layer for use with a surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, wherein a proximal end portion of the layer is attached to a staple cartridge assembly, for example. The layer may be attached to the staple cartridge assembly by an adhesive, weld, or a staple-cartridge-based clamp, wherein the attachment is weak enough to allow the layer to pull away from the staple cartridge assembly with stapled tissue. Alternatively, the layer can include two or more lateral slits that define a connector region that can be cut by a knife of a surgical stapler to release the layer. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256384 | SURGICAL STAPLER - A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples. | 10-03-2013 |
20130292452 | EXPANDING PARALLEL JAW DEVICE FOR USE WITH AN ELECTROMECHANICAL DRIVER DEVICE - A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples. | 11-07-2013 |
20130299557 | ANVIL-MOUNTED DISSECTING TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an endoscopic portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a first longitudinal axis. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is supported adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and includes a dissecting tip extending therefrom. The cartridge assembly is pivotably mounted adjacent the distal end of the endoscopic portion. The cartridge assembly is mounted for pivotal movement in relation to the anvil assembly between open and approximated positions. | 11-14-2013 |
20130313305 | Surgical Fastener Applying Apparatus Including Replaceable Cartridge Assembly - A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a cartridge-receiving assembly and a cartridge assembly releasably engagable therewith. The cartridge assembly includes a housing and a knife assembly having a knife translatable from an initial position to a deployed position and a knife guard pivotable between a storage position, wherein the knife guard substantially encloses the knife member, and a use position, wherein the knife member is exposed for translation through the housing. The knife guard engages to the knife member such that translation of the knife member rotates the guard to the use position. | 11-28-2013 |
20130313306 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A MEDICAL SUBSTANCE DISPENSER - An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a plurality of staples, an agent reservoir comprising a medical agent, a dispensing passage configured to convey the medical agent from the agent reservoir to tissue, and a firing system which includes a cutting member, a movable member, and a firing member, wherein the firing system is configured to cooperatively move the movable member and the firing member to simultaneously fire the plurality of staples and dispense at least a portion of the medical agent near the cutting member owing to the advancement of the firing member. | 11-28-2013 |
20130327810 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FIXED ANVIL AND A STAPLE DRIVER ARRANGEMENT - A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height. | 12-12-2013 |
20130334283 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FIXED ANVIL - A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334284 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FIXED ANVIL AND DIFFERENT STAPLE HEIGHTS - A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334285 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MOVABLE CARTRIDGE AND A STAPLE DRIVER ARRANGEMENT - A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334286 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A DRIVER ROW ARRANGEMENT - A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334287 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CAM AND DRIVER ARRANGEMENT - A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334288 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A DRIVER AND STAPLE CAVITY ARRANGEMENT - A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied without the need to use different sizes of staples. | 12-19-2013 |
20130341374 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH A CURVED CUTTING MEMBER - The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a curved end-effector which is configured to deploy staples in at least one curved staple line. The surgical stapler can include a staple cartridge configured to removably store staples therein, an anvil configured to deform the staples, and a cutting member having a cutting surface. The staple cartridge and/or anvil can include a curved slot configured for receiving and guiding the cutting member wherein at least a portion of the cutting member can be defined by a curvature that substantially matches the curvature of the slot. In these embodiments, the curved cutting member can be easily moved within the curved slot thereby reducing the possibility that the cutting member will become stuck within the slot. | 12-26-2013 |
20140001240 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH A CURVED CUTTING MEMBER | 01-02-2014 |
20140008414 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH A CURVED END EFFECTOR - The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a cutting member having a cutting surface, wherein the cutting member is relatively movable with respect to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can define a path having linear and/or curved portions. In various embodiments, the path can include a curved portion having a first portion that extends away from the shaft axis and a second portion that extends toward the axis. In one embodiment, the path can include a curved portion defined by an arc corresponding to an angle greater than 90 degrees. | 01-09-2014 |
20140021242 | SURGICAL APPARATUS INCLUDING SURGICAL BUTTRESS - An end effector for a surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes an anvil assembly and a surgical buttress. The anvil assembly includes an anvil body and an anvil plate. The anvil plate includes a bottom surface that defines a plurality of staple forming pockets. The anvil body and the anvil plate are selectively connectable. The surgical buttress includes a buttress body and a plurality of arms extending from the body. The arms are disposable between a top surface of the anvil plate and a bottom surface of the anvil body to support the buttress body against the bottom surface of the anvil plate when the anvil plate and the anvil body are connected to one another. | 01-23-2014 |
20140084042 | INTERLOCKING BUTTRESS MATERIAL RETENTION SYSTEM - A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post. | 03-27-2014 |
20140097227 | FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER FOR RELEASING A TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR - A staple cartridge, or fastener cartridge, for a surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, wherein the staple cartridge includes a distally-located cutting blade arranged to cut a distal end portion of a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator and/or a buttress material, for example, attached to the staple cartridge. The distally-located cutting blade can extend out of a distal cavity of the staple cartridge. The distally-located cutting blade can move in a direction that is perpendicular to a staple deck of the staple cartridge. The distally-located cutting blade can also move in any suitable direction relative to the staple deck. | 04-10-2014 |
20140103093 | SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting instrument includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member movably supported relative to the first jaw member for selective movement between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween upon application of a closing motion thereto, and a cutting member comprising a tissue cutting edge to cut the tissue clamped between the first jaw member and the second jaw member upon application of a retraction motion to the cutting member. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103094 | LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER WITH ROTATABLE OPERATION BUTTON - A linear surgical stapler includes upper and lower jaws, an anvil and a cartridge respectively mounted on opposite far ends of the upper and lower jaws, a handle portion, a slider, and a button base relatively fixed to the slider. The lower jaw therein includes a staple drive bar and a cutter pusher. The slider is mounted with the button base. Each lateral side of the button base is pivotally associated with an operation button which is rotatable between a first status where an operating surface of the operation button is perpendicular to an axis of the linear surgical stapler, and a second status where the operating surface of the operation button is parallel to the axis of the linear surgical stapler. Since the operation buttons can be simultaneously collapsed adjacent to the jaws, the profile of the whole instrument and the packaging costs can be reduced. | 04-17-2014 |
20140158748 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CURVED CARTRIDGE AND ANVIL ASSEMBLIES - A surgical instrument is designed for clamping, cutting, and/or joining tissue. This surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an elongate portion extending distally from the handle portion, first and second jaw members disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion, a shaft movable upon actuation of the handle portion, and a knife bar operatively coupled to the shaft. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The knife bar has a curved profile and moves along at least one of the jaw members upon movement of the shaft. | 06-12-2014 |
20140166729 | Materials Delivery System for Stapling Device - There is disclosed a materials delivery system for use with a surgical stapling instrument having at least one jaw including a knife slot. The materials delivery system includes a series of treatment material receiving pockets positioned adjacent the knife slot such that a portion of each pocket is open to the knife slot. A source of treatment material is positioned within the pockets such that passage of the knife blade adjacent to the pockets repeatedly coats the knife blade with the treatment material. | 06-19-2014 |
20140175155 | Surgical instrument comprising a firing system including a compliant portion - A surgical instrument can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing system configured to be advanced relative to the first jaw and the second jaw. The firing system can comprise a firing member including a first portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second portion configured to engage the second jaw in order to position the first jaw and the second jaw relative to one another. | 06-26-2014 |
20140175156 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A RELEASABLE BUTTRESS MATERIAL - An end effector includes an anvil and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a first deck surface, a second deck surface, a plurality of first staple cavities arranged in a first row extending along the first deck surface, a plurality of second staple cavities arranged in a second row extending along the second deck surface, a plurality of third staple cavities arranged in a third row, a driven element, and a plurality of staples engaged with the driven element and simultaneously deployed into the tissue. The plurality of staples include a first staple removably stored in the first row, a second staple removably stored in the second row, and a third staple removably stored in the third row, the third staple at least partially distal to the second staple and the second staple at least partially distal to the first staple. | 06-26-2014 |
20140183244 | SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ENHANCED KNIFE CLEARANCE - A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple. | 07-03-2014 |
20140239046 | CIRCULAR STAPLING DEVICE WITH BUTTRESS - The cartridge assembly includes a housing, a pusher member, a fastener cartridge body, a circular cartridge buttress member, and a retaining ring member. The pusher member is supported within the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The fastener cartridge body is supported on the housing and has a tissue engaging surface that extends to an annular edge. One or both of the housing and the fastener cartridge body define an annular containment groove. The circular cartridge buttress member has a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion is supported on the tissue engaging surface of the fastener cartridge body. The extension portion extends from the body portion and over the annular edge of the tissue engaging surface. The retaining ring member is secured within the containment groove to releasably secure the extension portion of the circular cartridge buttress member to the cartridge assembly. | 08-28-2014 |
20140239047 | ADHERENCE CONCEPTS FOR NON-WOVEN ABSORBABLE FELT BUTTRESSES - A loading unit for use with a surgical stapling apparatus including a tool assembly and a surgical buttress. The tool assembly includes: a cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge having a tissue facing surface, staple retaining pockets having a plurality of surgical fasteners therein, and a knife slot; and an anvil assembly including an anvil plate having a tissue facing surface defining staple forming pockets and a knife slot. The surgical buttress is attached to the tissue facing surface of at least one of the cartridge assembly or the anvil assembly, and conforms to the tissue facing surface such that the surgical buttress is deformed locally into the staple retaining pockets and the knife slot of the cartridge assembly or the staple forming pockets and the knife slot of the anvil assembly to which the surgical buttress is attached. | 08-28-2014 |
20140239048 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SEQUENTIAL CLAMPING AND CUTTING - A surgical fastening instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, an end effector and a clamp is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector includes a pair of jaws having a tissue contacting surface disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion, and at least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The clamp has a clamping surface extending substantially transversely from an elongated member and has a height exceeding a height of the elongated member to extend adjacent a side surface of the jaw containing the plurality of fasteners. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue. | 08-28-2014 |
20140246477 | JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A joy stick control assembly for operating a motor driven surgical instrument. In at least one form, the joystick control assembly comprises a first switch assembly that is movably supported by a housing. The first switch assembly may include a joystick that is movably mounted thereto such that pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one motor communicating therewith. The joystick control assembly may further include a second switch assembly that comprises a first sensor and a second sensor that is movable with the first switch assembly such that movement of the second sensor relative to the first sensor causes at least one other control signal to be sent to another one of the surgical instrument motors. | 09-04-2014 |
20140246478 | MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In various forms, the modular motor control system may comprise one or more motor controllers each having an associated motor. The one or more motor controllers may be in communication with a master controller. The master controller is configured to provide control signals to the motor controllers to control the associated motors. In some forms, the one or more motor controllers and the associated motors may be located within a surgical module. The surgical module may provide a communications interface between the master controller and the one or more motor controllers. | 09-04-2014 |
20140246479 | SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR - In various forms, a sensor-straightened end effector is disclosed. The sensor-straightened end effector may comprise an end effector coupled to a shaft at an articulation point. The end effector may be articulable at an angle with respect to the shaft. A sensor may be disposed on the sensor-straightened end effector, such as on the shaft or on the end effector. The sensor is configured to detect a gross proximal movement. When detecting a gross proximal movement, the sensor may generate a signal to control a motor to begin a straightening process to straighten the end effector with respect to the shaft. | 09-04-2014 |
20140252069 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252070 | Surgical Instrument for Joining Tissue - A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes an actuator member. An end effector is operatively disposed adjacent a distal portion of an elongated shaft of the surgical instrument. The end effector includes a first jaw member pivotably disposed with respect to a second jaw member. The end effector is movable between a first position where the jaw members are spaced from one another, and a second position where the jaw members are in an approximated position. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a respective longitudinal track. An actuation assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, wherein actuation of the actuation member causes the actuation assembly to translate from a distal portion of the end effector towards a proximal portion of the end effector through the tracks in the first and second jaw members. | 09-11-2014 |
20140252071 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 09-11-2014 |
20140263564 | INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An interchangeable shaft assembly for use with a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may include a frame that operably supports a plurality of drive systems and defines an actuation axis. The shaft assembly may comprise a first shaft that is configured to apply first actuation motions to a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto. A proximal end of the first shaft is configured to be operably releasably coupled to a first one of the drive systems supported by the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263565 | DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include at least one drive system that is configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof. At least one drive system defines an actuation axis. The surgical instrument may further include at least one interchangeable shaft assembly that is configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A lockout assembly may interface with the at least one drive system for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263566 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263567 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263568 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263569 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263570 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH PARTIAL POCKETS - A surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly at a distal end connected to a handle assembly that is configured to control the stapler and actuate the deployment of staples. The surgical stapler successfully eliminates intermediate caming portions commonly known as pushers that are located between the staples and a translating slider. The staples are located in pockets at an angle such that the base of the staple is parallel to an angled caming surface of the slider. The translating slider comes into direct contact with staples during deployment as the slider moves through each staple pocket where staples are partially supported by recesses along the slider pathway. The staples are deployed at an angle against the anvil surface. Because there are no pushers, a great deal of space is saved resulting in a much smaller diameter surgical stapler that is particularly suitable for laparoscopic stapling applications. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263571 | END EFFECTOR FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL FASTENING INSTRUMENT - A surgical staple including a crown and a deformable member extending from the crown, the deformable member having a notch configured to cause the deformable member to bend at the notch when the staple is deformed from a first shape into a second shape. The crown of the surgical staple, in various embodiments, further includes a forming surface, or anvil, which is configured to deform the deformable member and/or guide a distal end of the deformable member when the distal end contacts the crown. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263572 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE HAVING SUPPORTS FOR A FLEXIBLE DRIVE MECHANISM - The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, a cutting member having a cutting surface, and a driver operably engaged with the cutting member to move the cutting member relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can also be configured to receive a portion of the driver operably engaged with cutting member and support the driver when it moves the cutting member. In at least one embodiment, the slot is defined by at least one radius of curvature. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263573 | VACUUM ASSISTED SURGICAL STAPLER - A surgical stapling apparatus having a vacuum device associated therewith is disclosed. The vacuum device may be removable, fixedly secured thereto, or incorporated into the surgical stapling apparatus. The vacuum device may include a resilient band and vacuum tube secured to the shell assembly or body portion of the surgical stapling apparatus. Alternately, a vacuum chamber may be secured about the shell assembly and/or body portion of the stapling apparatus. In addition, one or more vacuum tubes may be positioned in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum tubes, preferably, extend into the shell assembly and are movable between nondeployed and deployed positions such that a distal end of each tube can be selectively positioned at multiple positions | 09-18-2014 |
20140299648 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SYSTEM - A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom. | 10-09-2014 |
20140299649 | ACCESSING DATA STORED IN A MEMORY OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device. | 10-09-2014 |
20140305994 | MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS - Coupling systems for removably coupling dual rotary drive shafts of a surgical instrument to corresponding driven shafts of a surgical end effector. The surgical instrument may include a first rotary drive shaft that includes a first drive shaft axis and a second rotary drive shaft that includes a second drive shaft axis. The second drive shaft axis may be offset from and parallel with the first drive shaft axis. The coupling systems may facilitate simultaneous operable attachment of the first and second drive shafts of the surgical instrument with corresponding first and second driven shafts of a surgical end effector such that rotation of the first drive shaft rotates the first driven shaft and rotation of the second drive shaft rotates the second driven shaft. | 10-16-2014 |
20140305995 | ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH REMOVABLE MOTOR HOUSING - A robotic system. A housing is removably attachable to a tool interface portion of the robotic system and includes a drive system. In various arrangements, the drive system includes at least one onboard motor that is configured to generate a rotary control motion for application to a surgical end effector. A first drive assembly operably interfaces with portions of the tool interface portion to generate another rotary control motion for application to the surgical end effector. | 10-16-2014 |
20140332582 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A PLASTIC SURFACE - A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. | 11-13-2014 |
20140353359 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH INTERLOCKABLE FIRING SYSTEM - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle. | 12-04-2014 |
20150008248 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND SENSOR TRANSPONDERS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a control unit and a staple cartridge including a transponder. The control unit is configured to transmit a first wireless signal to the transponder and to receive a second wireless signal from the transponder to determine one of a first electronic state and a second electronic state of the transponder based on the second wireless signal. | 01-08-2015 |
20150014392 | SURGICAL DEVICE, SURGICAL ADAPTERS FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL LOADING UNITS, AND METHODS OF USE - A surgical device comprising a handle housing, an adapter, an elongated portion, an end effector, a first drive element, and a second drive element is disclosed. The adapter includes a first drive assembly configured to mechanically engage a portion of a first actuation mechanism of the handle housing. The elongated portion is configured to extend distally from the adapter. The first drive element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first drive assembly. The second drive element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first drive assembly. Rotation of the first drive assembly in a first direction about the longitudinal axis causes distal translation of the first drive element. Rotation of the first drive assembly in a second direction about the longitudinal axis causes distal translation of the second drive element. The first direction is opposite from the second direction. | 01-15-2015 |
20150014393 | Methods and Devices for Performing a Surgical Anastomosis - A circular stapler is disclosed. The circular stapler comprises a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a cartridge assembly. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The knife assembly is selectively movable relative to the pusher assembly to distally translate a knife. A knife carrier of the knife assembly includes at least one latch thereon. The at least one latch is configured to contact an engagement surface of the pusher assembly in response to movement between the knife carrier and the pusher assembly. The at least one latch is prevented from distally translating beyond the engagement surface. | 01-15-2015 |
20150034697 | Surgical Stapler - A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples. | 02-05-2015 |
20150048142 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLIPS HAVING TRANSECTING BLADES - A transecting fastener is operable to cut and secure tissue. The transecting fastener comprises a plurality of legs configured to grip tissue. The transecting fastener further comprises a crown portion and at least one blade. The crown portion joins the plurality of legs and is malleable. The at least one blade is positioned on each of the plurality of legs. The at least one blade is operable to cut tissue. A fastener deploying instrument may be used to deploy the transecting fastener. The fastener deploying instrument may deploy the fasteners in parallel pairs, in an end to end manner. | 02-19-2015 |
20150048143 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH ROLLING ANVIL - An apparatus comprises a shaft and an end effector. The end effector is positioned at the distal end of the shaft and is operable to form a fastener assembly to secure tissue. The end effector includes first and second fastener assembly forming features. The first fastener assembly forming feature is rotatable relative to the shaft. The fastener assembly is formed by first and second fastener assembly members. The first fastener assembly member comprises a buttress strip received by the first fastener assembly forming feature. The second fastener assembly member comprises either a wire with protruding portions or a fastener strip with integral protruding fasteners. The buttress strip receives the protruding portions or protruding fasteners to secure tissue between the buttress strip and the wire or fastener strip. The end effector may transect layers of tissue and fasten the layers of tissue together on each side of the transection. | 02-19-2015 |
20150048144 | FLEXIBLE SHAFT EXTENDER AND METHOD OF USING SAME - An extender for use in an electro-mechanical surgical system includes a surgical attachment that may be detachably coupled to an electro-mechanical driver device via a flexible shaft. The extender is a substantially rigid extender that includes a proximal end that may be detachably coupled to a distal end of the flexible shaft. The extender also includes a distal end that may be detachably coupled to the surgical attachment. The extender also includes at least one rotatable drive shaft configured to engage and be secured with a respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft such that rotation of the respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft by the electro-mechanical driver device causes the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the extender to rotate, thereby rotating a complementary connector of the surgical attachment so as to operate the surgical attachment. | 02-19-2015 |
20150053748 | SECONDARY BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A power system, for powering a surgical instrument including an end effector and a motor configured to generate at least one motion to effectuate the end effector, includes a primary power source configured to supply a first power to operate the surgical instrument, wherein the primary power source is detachable from the surgical instrument, a secondary power source configured to supply a second power to operate the surgical instrument when the primary power source is detached from the surgical instrument, wherein the secondary power source is rechargeable, and wherein the primary power source is configured to charge the secondary power system, and a power management circuit configured to selectively transmit the first power from the primary power source and the secondary power from the secondary power source to operate the surgical instrument. | 02-26-2015 |
20150060525 | ANASTOMOTIC DEVICE - Illustrated and described is an anastomotic device for forming anastomoses, in particular of intestine anastomoses, with an introducer sheath for insertion into a body lumen, wherein a thrust bearing part is provided for the head section and within the head section an extendable and retractable knife and a retaining pin are arranged. According to the invention at least the actuating part and the head section of inter-connected fluid supply channel and at the head section at least one fluid outlet connected with the fluid supply channel are provided for producing a fluidic connection between the actuating part and the head section while inserting the head section into the body lumen and/or when pushing the introducer sheath into the body lumen, in which the fluidic connection is configured for discharging an inflation liquid into the body lumen. | 03-05-2015 |
20150076211 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROLS WITH ILLUMINATED FEEDBACK - An electromechanical powered surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a control assembly. The handle assembly is configured to engage an end effector to manipulate a tool assembly thereof. The control assembly is positioned on the candle assembly and includes a plurality of buttons. Each of the plurality of buttons is associated with a function of the end effector. Each of the plurality of buttons is also associated with a light source. The light source is configured to selectively backlight the associated button. | 03-19-2015 |
20150076212 | SURGICAL END EFFECTOR HAVING BUTTRESS RETENTION FEATURES - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 03-19-2015 |
20150083783 | END EFFECTORS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS - Articulation joints for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint include at least one flexible driven member to articulate the surgical implement relative to the handle assembly of the instrument. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083784 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CURVED CARTRIDGE AND ANVIL ASSEMBLIES - A surgical instrument is designed for clamping, cutting, and/or joining tissue. This surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an elongate portion extending distally from the handle portion, first and second jaw members disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion, a shaft movable upon actuation of the handle portion, and a knife bar operatively coupled to the shaft. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The knife bar has a curved profile and moves along at least one of the jaw members upon movement of the shaft. | 03-26-2015 |
20150136835 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH FLOATING ANVIL - A surgical instrument can include an anvil and, in addition, a staple cartridge support configured to support a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the jaw can be moved toward the staple cartridge to deform staples contained within the staple cartridge. The anvil can be configured to be translated and/or rotated as the anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the anvil can be configured to float and adjust such that the anvil is moved downwardly in a level manner. | 05-21-2015 |
20150144679 | SURGICAL FASTENER APPLYING APPARATUS INCLUDING REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY - A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a cartridge-receiving assembly and a cartridge assembly releasably engagable therewith. The cartridge assembly includes a housing and a knife assembly having a knife translatable from an initial position to a deployed position and a knife guard pivotable between a storage position, wherein the knife guard substantially encloses the knife member, and a use position, wherein the knife member is exposed for translation through the housing. The knife guard engages to the knife member such that translation of the knife member rotates the guard to the use position. | 05-28-2015 |
20150297224 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES OPERABLE WITH ONE HAND - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. | 10-22-2015 |
20150297226 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES OPERABLE WITH ONE HAND - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. | 10-22-2015 |
20150305744 | DETACHABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement. | 10-29-2015 |
20150320421 | TISSUE STOP FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove. | 11-12-2015 |
20150327864 | BUTTRESS ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE - An apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections includes a staple cartridge component, an anvil component, a knife member, a buttress mount and a buttress member. The staple cartridge component includes a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The anvil component is movable relative to the staple cartridge component between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp tissue. The knife member is movable relative to the staple cartridge component. The buttress mount is concentrically disposed at least partially within the lumen of the knife member. The buttress mount includes a plurality of spokes radially extending outward and a plurality of legs detachably secured with an inner wall of the knife member. The buttress member is secured with the plurality of spokes of the buttress mount. The buttress member is concentrically aligned with the plurality of surgical staples. | 11-19-2015 |
20150342630 | PIN LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis and extending distally from the handle portion, and first and second jaw members dimensioned to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member has at least one row of fasteners arranged in a row substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where the engagement section is spaced from the second jaw member and a second position where the engagement section engages the second jaw member. The pin has a non-circular cross-section. | 12-03-2015 |
20150374372 | HAND HELD SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY, SURGICAL ADAPTERS FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, AND METHODS OF USE - Adapter assemblies are provided for selectively interconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector, wherein the end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member, and wherein the surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374378 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND REMOTE SENSOR - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals. | 12-31-2015 |
20160000428 | LOADING UNIT INCLUDING SHIPPING ASSEMBLY - A loading unit including a shipping assembly is provided. The shipping assembly is operably received adjacent the cartridge assembly to retain staples with the cartridge assembly. The shipping assembly includes a shipping member selectively secured to loading unit and a locking member slidably disposed within the shipping member. The locking member is movable between a proximal position wherein the shipping member is secured to the housing and a distal position wherein the shipping member is removable from the housing | 01-07-2016 |
20160000436 | Composite Drive Beam for Surgical Stapling - An end effector includes a mounting portion that mounts to a surgical stapling apparatus, first and second jaw members extending distally from the mounting portion, a drive beam engagable with the first and second jaw members, and a threaded drive screw. The first jaw member includes a first tissue engaging surface and the second jaw member supports a fastener cartridge. The fastener cartridge includes a second tissue engaging surface that defines fastener retaining slots that support fasteners. The drive beam includes a retention foot formed of a first material. The retention foot defines a threaded bore that supports a threaded insert formed of a second material. The threaded drive screw is threadably engaged with the threaded insert and is rotatable to distally advance the drive beam along the threaded drive screw to fire and form the fasteners. | 01-07-2016 |
20160000439 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 01-07-2016 |
20160007992 | SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES | 01-14-2016 |
20160008023 | SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES | 01-14-2016 |
20160015390 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SHAFT BASED ROTARY DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion. | 01-21-2016 |
20160058443 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED MOTORIZED SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprises an end effector that has a shaft coupled thereto that is coupled to a robotic system. A tool mounting portion includes an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. A power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor is provided. | 03-03-2016 |
20160066910 | MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other one of the first jaw and the second jaw between an open configuration and an approximated configuration. In addition the surgical instrument includes a cutting member movable during a firing stroke to cut tissue captured between the first jaw and the second jaw, the cutting member comprising a cutting surface at a distal portion thereof. In addition, the surgical instrument further includes a sensing module operable to measure a characteristic of the cutting surface. | 03-10-2016 |
20160066914 | ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION - A surgical stapling system including a shaft assembly transmits actuation motions from an actuator and an end effector compresses and staples tissue. The end effector comprises an elongated channel; an anvil having a staple forming surface is moveable relative to the elongated channel between an open position and a closed position; and a staple cartridge removably positioned within the elongated channel. The staple cartridge comprises a body having a tissue contacting surface in a confronting relationship with the staple forming surface; a plurality of staple drivers within the cartridge body each supporting a staple; and a tissue thickness compensator positionable between the anvil and the cartridge, the tissue thickness compensator is captured by the staples and assumes different compressed heights within the different staples. The tissue compensator comprises first conductive elements. The system determines properties of tissue compressed between the anvil and the cartridge. | 03-10-2016 |
20160081690 | SURGICAL STAPLER WITH PLURALITY OF CUTTING ELEMENTS - An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a cartridge, and a staple driver actuator. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue. The end effector comprises a lower jaw, a pivotable anvil, and a translating cutter. The translating cutter is operable to translate relative to the lower jaw and the anvil when the anvil is pivoted toward the lower jaw to manipulate tissue. The cartridge is insertable into the lower jaw and includes a plurality of staples. The staple driver actuator is disposed within the cartridge. The staple driver actuator comprises a secondary cutting element. The translating cutter of the end effector is operable to drive the staple driver actuator distally to staple and cut tissue substantially simultaneously. | 03-24-2016 |
20160100837 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE - A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed which comprises a tissue stop configured to inhibit tissue from flowing out of the distal end of the stapling instrument as the tissue is being stapled and/or incised. Also disclosed is a surgical stapling apparatus comprising one or more interruptions, or absent staple cavities, in the rows of staple cavities defined therein. Also disclosed is a surgical stapling apparatus comprising a channel configured to receive tissue and/or another surgical instrument therein. In at least one instance, such a stapling apparatus could comprise staple cavities on one side of a longitudinal knife slot and no staple cavities on the other side of the knife slot. Further disclosed are methods for using the surgical stapling devices disclosed herein. | 04-14-2016 |
20160106427 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A TISSUE THICKNESS COMPENSATOR - A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge can comprise a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface opposite the deck. The staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. Additionally, a plurality of wells can be defined into the staple cartridge from the deck to a lowermost surface of the well. A plurality of staples can be removably positioned in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge can comprise a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body, wherein the tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions extending from the compensator body into the wells, wherein at least one extension is compressed within one of the wells. Each well can surround at least one staple cavity and/or can extend between at least two staple cavities. | 04-21-2016 |
20160106429 | End Effector With Redundant Closing Mechanisms - End effectors with redundant closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a tool body disposed at the distal end of the shaft, a jaw movable relative to the tool body between a clamped configuration and an open configuration, a first actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw and operable to vary the position of the jaw relative to the tool body between the clamped configuration and the open configuration, and a second actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw. The second actuation mechanism has a first configuration where the jaw is held in the clamped configuration and a second configuration where the position of the jaw relative to the tool body is unconstrained by the second actuation mechanism. | 04-21-2016 |
20160113648 | ADAPTER ASSEMBLIES FOR INTERCONNECTING SURGICAL LOADING UNITS AND HANDLE ASSEMBLIES - A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, a surgical loading unit, and an adapter assembly coupled therebetween. The adapter assembly includes a housing, an elongated body, a switch assembly, and a switch actuator. The elongated body extends distally from the housing and is configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The switch assembly is disposed within the housing and configured to communicate that the surgical loading unit is coupled to the elongated body. The switch assembly includes a substrate, a switch mounted on the substrate, and at least one wire coupled to the substrate. The switch actuator is movably disposed within the housing and configured to actuate the switch upon engagement of the surgical loading unit with the elongated body. | 04-28-2016 |
20160128695 | Methods for Applying Surgical Staples to Internal Walls of Hollow Tissue Organs - A method of performing a surgical anastomosis is disclosed. The method includes providing an anastomotic device including a fluid supply channel extending between a handle assembly and a head assembly. The method also includes positioning the head assembly of the anastomotic device adjacent a hollow tissue organ, inserting the head assembly of the anastomotic device into the hollow tissue organ, and discharging an inflation fluid through at least one fluid outlet and into the hollow tissue organ to insufflate at least a portion of the hollow tissue organ. | 05-12-2016 |
20160157855 | ANVIL ASSEMBLY DELIVERY SYSTEM - An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery is provided. The anvil assembly includes a housing configured to receive a guide suture that is severed during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly including the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly is also provided. | 06-09-2016 |
20160174969 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS | 06-23-2016 |
20160174970 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM | 06-23-2016 |
20160174972 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE | 06-23-2016 |
20160174977 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER | 06-23-2016 |
20160183939 | ACCESSING DATA STORED IN A MEMORY OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device. | 06-30-2016 |
20160183944 | SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT THAT ANALYZES TISSUE THICKNESS - A surgical instrument with a tissue-clamping end effector, where actuation of the instrument is locked out when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within a specified thickness range. The end effector may comprise a tissue thickness module that senses the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a control circuit in communication with the tissue thickness module. The control circuit prevents actuation of a working portion of the end effector when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within the specified thickness range. | 06-30-2016 |
20160183945 | MANUALLY DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that includes an elongate channel that is attached to a handle assembly by an elongate shaft assembly. The elongate channel is configured to receive a cartridge and has a pivotally translatable anvil attached thereto and a knife bar supported therein. The anvil may be selectively opened and closed by manipulating a closure trigger supported by the handle assembly. The knife bar may be distally advanced through the elongate channel by actuating a firing trigger that cooperates with a reversible rotary drive supported by the handle assembly. The knife bar may also be retracted to its starting position by actuating the firing trigger after the reversible rotary drive has been shifted to a retraction orientation. | 06-30-2016 |
20160183949 | PIN LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument comprising a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis and extending distally from the handle portion, and first and second jaw members dimensioned to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member has at least one row of fasteners arranged in a row substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where the engagement section is spaced from the second jaw member and a second position where the engagement section engages the second jaw member. The pin has a non-circular cross-section. | 06-30-2016 |
20160199061 | MANUALLY DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT | 07-14-2016 |
20160199088 | SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE HAVING SUPPORTS FOR A FLEXIBLE DRIVE MECHANISM | 07-14-2016 |
20160199089 | SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING ATTACHED DRIVERS AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING THE SAME | 07-14-2016 |
20160249911 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED SHAFT BASED ROTARY DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS | 09-01-2016 |
20160249920 | SURGICAL FASTENER APPLYING APPARATUS | 09-01-2016 |
20160249923 | BUTTRESS RELEASE FROM SURGICAL STAPLER BY KNIFE PUSHING | 09-01-2016 |
20160374680 | Variable Compression Surgical Fastener Cartridge - A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation. | 12-29-2016 |
20170231626 | MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS | 08-17-2017 |
20170231627 | MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS | 08-17-2017 |
20170231628 | MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS | 08-17-2017 |
20220133304 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw is disclosed. One or both of the first jaw and the second jaw comprise an arrangement for maintaining the alignment between the first jaw and the second jaw. The alignment arrangement can also provide tactile feedback to the operator of the surgical instrument that the surgical instrument is reaching a fully-closed position during a closure stroke. | 05-05-2022 |
20220133308 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING AN ADAPTER ASSEMBLY AND AN ARTICULATING SURGICAL LOADING UNIT - An adapter assembly includes an articulation nut, an articulation link, and a drive belt operably coupled to a distal portion of the articulation link. The articulation link has a proximal end portion operably coupled to the articulation nut, such that rotation of the articulation nut results in translation of the articulation link. The drive belt has a distal end portion configured to be operably coupled to a proximal end portion of a surgical loading unit, such that movement of the drive belt articulates the surgical loading unit relative to the adapter assembly. | 05-05-2022 |