Surgical Apparatus Including Surgical Buttress

Abstract

A surgical buttress includes a body portion and a band disposed on each of the distal and proximal ends thereof. The surgical buttress is configured to attach to an end effector of a surgical stapling apparatus. The body portion, having perforations disposed thereon, overlies the working surface of one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. A resilient portion extends transversely beyond the side edges of the first or second jaws. Each band remains attached to the end effector following the firing thereof. The proximal band is removably attachable to a hook feature disposed on one of the first or second jaws of the end effector. The surgical buttress can be made from suitable degradable or non-degradable materials. One embodiment contemplates a detachable and disposable single use loading unit. A method of attaching the surgical buttress to a surgical apparatus is also envisioned.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This application relates to a surgical apparatus, and more particularly, to a surgical buttress for use with a surgical stapling apparatus during operation of the stapling apparatus to apply a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue.[0003]2. Background of Related Art[0004]As medical and hospital costs continue to increase, surgeons are constantly striving to develop advanced surgical techniques. Advances in the surgical field are often related to the development of operative techniques which involve less invasive surgical procedures and reduce overall patient trauma. In this manner, the length of hospital stays can be significantly reduced, and, therefore, the hospital and medical costs can be reduced as well.[0005]Although the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to use with endoscopic surgery, endoscopic surgery is one of the truly great advances in recent years to reduce the invasiveness of surgical procedures. Generally, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a surgical buttress for use with a surgical stapling apparatus. The surgical buttress is designed to be attached to the end effector of the stapling apparatus and is used to reinforce the stapling process. The surgical buttress includes a body portion that overlies the fastener slots and pockets of the stapling apparatus, and a band that encircles the end effector. The body portion has perforations and can be made from natural collagenous materials, cat gut, or synthetic resins. The surgical buttress helps to improve the stability and reliability of the surgical stapling process.

Problems solved by technology

It is especially challenging during endoscopic surgery because of the small openings through which the stapling of tissues must be accomplished.

The importance of maintaining good alignment between the relatively movable staple holding assembly and anvil assembly may contribute to the complexity of the instrument and to the cost of manufacturing and maintaining it.

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