Flexible annular stapler for closed surgery of hollow organs

Abstract

A improved flexible annular stapler for joining annular organs (163, 164) is disclosed. The novel stapler features greater accuracy of operation and better control by the operator, as well as additional functions, such as internal illumination (76) and viewing facility (82), and accommodation of a large number of accessories, such as fibroscopes (90) and catheters. The novel stapler features easy attachability of both stapling jaws (18, 25) and easy detachability of the head (11). The novel features of the flexible stapler, and associated methods performed thereby, are particularly useful for closed surgery.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to excision of a section of a hollow or tubular soft organ, such as the digestive tube, and rejoining the remaining ends and, more particularly, to methods for performing these operations under conditions of closed surgery, using a flexible annular stapling and cutting instrument. The invention also relates to an improved construction of such an instrument.

[0002] Various ailments of the digestive tube, particularly of the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestines and the colon, such as tumors, chronic inflammation or other disorders, often require excision of a portion of the tube, followed by rejoining of the remaining end segments, through anastomosis to reestablish continuity of the tube. In some cases it is necessary to thus join one organ to another; for example, the cut end of the small intestines may be joined to the colon, or the cut end of the duodenum may be joined to the stomach. In some other cases, two organs or two portions of t...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0067] The present invention is of methods and apparatus for performing anastomosis of the digestive tube under closed surgery conditions. Specifically, the present invention includes an improved flexible annular stapler and can be used to conveniently and quickly perform such anastomosis at any location and in conjunction with any of a large variety of surgical procedures, which may include end-to-end, end-to-side and side-to-side joints.

[0068] The principles and operation of an improved annular stapler, as well as new surgical methods utilizing it, according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0069] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates the end portion of a flexible stapler similar to that of the French patent, but with an improved head-to-anvil alignment control. Flexible cable 21 is slidingly disposed inside flexible hose-like body 26 along its entire length. A segment 83 of the cable, a...

[0001] The present invention relates to excision of a section of a hollow or tubular soft organ, such as the digestive tube, and rejoining the remaining ends and, more particularly, to methods for performing these operations under conditions of closed surgery, using a flexible annular stapling and cutting instrument. The invention also relates to an improved construction of such an instrument.

[0002] Various ailments of the digestive tube, particularly of the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestines and the colon, such as tumors, chronic inflammation or other disorders, often require excision of a portion of the tube, followed by rejoining of the remaining end segments, through anastomosis to reestablish continuity of the tube. In some cases it is necessary to thus join one organ to another; for example, the cut end of the small intestines may be joined to the colon, or the cut end of the duodenum may be joined to the stomach. In some other cases, two organs or two portions of t...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0067] The present invention is of methods and apparatus for performing anastomosis of the digestive tube under closed surgery conditions. Specifically, the present invention includes an improved flexible annular stapler and can be used to conveniently and quickly perform such anastomosis at any location and in conjunction with any of a large variety of surgical procedures, which may include end-to-end, end-to-side and side-to-side joints.

[0068] The principles and operation of an improved annular stapler, as well as new surgical methods utilizing it, according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0069] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates the end portion of a flexible stapler similar to that of the French patent, but with an improved head-to-anvil alignment control. Flexible cable 21 is slidingly disposed inside flexible hose-like body 26 along its entire length. A segment 83 of the cable, a...

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