Surgical stapler end effector with tapered distal end

Abstract

An end effector for a surgical stapler. Various embodiments include a channel configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein. A first tip portion is attached to or formed on a distal end of one of the channel and staple cartridge wherein the first tip portion may have a first upwardly extending curved outer surface. An anvil is movably coupled to the channel and is selectively movable between open and closed positions relative to the staple cartridge in response to opening and closing motions applied to the anvil. A second tip portion is attached to or formed on a distal end thereof. The second tip portion may have a second downwardly extending curved surface such that when the anvil is in the closed position, the second tip portion cooperates with the first tip portion to define a blunt end effector nose. In various embodiments, the end effector nose has a substantially paraboloid outer surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The subject application is related to six co-pending and commonly-owned applications filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of each is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, these six applications being respectively entitled:[0002](1) Surgical Stapling Device With a Curved Cutting Member to Frederick E. Shelton, IV, and Jerome R. Morgan (K&LNG Docket No. 060333 / END5918USNP);[0003](2) Surgical Stapling Device Having Supports for a Flexible Drive Mechanism to Frederick E. Shelton, IV, and Jerome R. Morgan (K&LNG Docket No. 060334 / END5919USNP);[0004](3) Surgical Stapling Device With a Curved End Effector to Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, and Stephen J. Balek (K&LNG Docket No. 060349 / END5929USNP);[0005](4) Apparatus for Closing a Curved Anvil of a Surgical Stapling Device to Frederick E. Shelton, IV, and Jerome R. Morgan (K&LNG Docket No. 060336 / END5921USNP);[0006](5) Improved Curved End Effector for a Surgical ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, in some circumstances, end-effectors having such a linear configuration are somewhat difficult to use.

More particularly, for example, when the end-effector must be placed adjacent to or against a cavity wall, such as the thoracic cavity wall, for example, it is often difficult for the surgeon to position a jaw of the end effector behind delicate or fragile tissue which is proximal to and / or attached to the cavity wall.

Furthermore, even if the surgeon is successful in positioning a jaw behind the tissue, owing to the linear configuration of the end-effector, the surgeon may not be able to see the distal end of the end-effector.

However, owing to the amount of force that is typically transmitted through the flexible drive member, the drive member may buckle or otherwise deform in an unsuitable manner.

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