Circular stapler introducer with multi-lumen sheath

Abstract

Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a sheath that defines a first lumen that has a closed end and an open end. The first lumen may be sized to receive at least a distal end portion of the stapling head of the stapler within the closed end. The sheath may have a weakened area therein such that upon an application of a release motion thereto, the weakened area ruptures to permit the hollow sheath to be removed from the stapler.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to surgical staplers, and more particularly, to devices and methods for introducing a circular stapling device into the colon of a patient.BACKGROUND[0002]In certain types of surgical procedures, the use of surgical staples has become the preferred method of joining tissue and, as such, specially configured surgical staplers have been developed for these applications. For example, intra-luminal or circular staplers have been developed for use in surgical procedures involving the lower colon wherein sections of the lower colon are joined together after a diseased portion has been excised. Circular staplers useful for performing such procedures are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,104,025; 5,205,459; 5,285,945; and 5,309,927 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties.[0003]In general, a conventional circular stapler typically consists of an elongated shaft that has a prox...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In connection with various embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an introducer for introducing a surgical circular stapler that has a handle portion, an elongated shaft that protrudes from the handle portion, and a stapling head that is coupled to the elongated shaft into a patient. In connection with various embodiments, the introducer comprises a sheath that defines a first lumen that has a closed end and an open end. The first lumen may be sized to at least receive at least a distal end portion of the stapling head within the closed end. The hollow sheath may have a weakened area therein such that upon an application of a release motion thereto, the weakened area ruptures to permit the hollow sheath to be removed from the surgical circular stapler.

Problems solved by technology

During such lower colon procedures, it may be difficult to insert the surgical stapler thru the anus and past the transverse folds in the rectal wall that protrude into the colon which are commonly referred to as the “Valves of Houston” and subsequently manipulated to the desired area.

This problem is exacerbated when the stapler must be inserted without the anvil in position.

Such blunt / abrupt shape makes it difficult to advance the forward end of the stapler past the Valves of Houston and other tissue.

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