Reloading Assembly for a Circular Stapling Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reload assembly for a circular stapling device. A reload assembly includes a housing shell, a knife carrier, a locking member, and a hook member. The locking member is supported on an inner wall of the knife carrier and has a body formed of an elastic material defining a window. The hook member is supported on an inner housing portion of the housing shell and includes a body having a hook that is received within the window of the locking member when the knife carrier is in its retracted position after the reload assembly is fired to prevent the knife carrier from advancing again.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 874,534, filed on Jul. 16, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to circular stapling devices, and more particularly, to a reload assembly for a circular stapling device having a structure for holding a knife carrier in a retracted position after firing the stapling device. Background art

[0004] Conventional circular stapling devices include an elongate body and a housing or reload assembly supported on a distal portion of the elongate body. The reload assembly includes a housing shell, a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples supported on the housing shell, a pusher assembly, a knife defining a cylindrical cavity, and a knife carrier supporting the knife. The pusher assembly includes an annular pusher and a staple pushing member that engages and is movable with the annular pusher to move the staple pushing member to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The knife carrier is movable to advance the knife through the staple cartridge to remove a core of tissue or cut tissue.

[0005] After operating the stapling device to staple and cut tissue, the knife carrier and the knife are retracted to retract the knife into the housing shell. This serves two purposes. The first purpose is to move the knife to a position to allow removal of the tissue ring from within the cavity defined by the knife. The second purpose is to position the knife in a recessed position within the housing shell to avoid injury to the clinician during manipulation and disposal of the reload assembly.

[0006] In some cases, the tissue ring is compressed within the cavity defined by the knife to such an extent that it is difficult to remove the tissue ring from within the cavity defined by the knife. There is a continuing need in the art for reload assemblies that include an improved structure for holding the knife / knife carrier in a retracted position. Summary of the invention

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reload assembly that includes a housing shell, a staple cartridge, a pusher, a knife holder, a locking member, and a hook member. The housing shell includes an inner housing portion and an outer housing portion that are spaced apart to define an annular cavity between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion. The staple cartridge is supported on a distal portion of the housing shell and defines a plurality of staple recesses for receiving staples. The pusher is supported within the annular cavity of the housing shell and is movable between a retracted position and a forward position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The knife holder includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis and supports a knife. The body of the knife holder includes an inner wall that defines a central hole. The inner housing portion of the housing shell is positioned within the central hole of the knife holder such that the knife holder is movable about the inner housing portion of the housing shell between a forward position and a retracted position. The locking member is supported on the inner wall of the knife holder, has a body formed of an elastic material, and defines a window. The hook member is supported on the inner housing portion of the housing shell and includes a body having a hook that is received within the window of the locking member when the knife holder is in its retracted position after the reload assembly has been fired to prevent the knife holder from advancing again.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a circular stapling device that includes an elongated body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a reload assembly. The reload assembly includes a housing shell, a staple cartridge, a pusher, a knife holder, a locking member, and a hook member. The housing shell includes an inner housing portion and an outer housing portion that are spaced apart to define an annular cavity between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion. The staple cartridge is supported on a distal portion of the housing shell and defines a plurality of staple recesses for receiving staples. The pusher is supported within the annular cavity of the housing shell and is movable between a retracted position and a forward position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The knife holder includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis and supports a knife. The body of the knife holder includes an inner wall that defines a central hole. The inner housing portion of the housing shell is positioned within the central hole of the knife holder such that the knife holder is movable about the inner housing portion of the housing shell between a forward position and a retracted position. The locking member is supported on the inner wall of the knife holder, has a body formed of an elastic material, and defines a window. The hook member is supported on the inner housing portion of the housing shell and includes a body having a hook that is received within the window of the locking member when the knife holder is in its retracted position after the reload assembly has been fired to prevent the knife holder from advancing again.

[0009] In an embodiment, the locking member includes an elastic body having a locking member positioned proximal to the window, wherein before firing of the reload assembly, when the knife holder is in the retracted position, the elastic body is positioned between the hook member and the knife holder.

[0010] In some embodiments, the hook slopes downwardly toward the inner housing portion of the housing shell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the hook member includes a proximal mounting portion that is secured to the inner housing portion such that the hook member is supported in a cantilevered manner to the inner housing portion of the outer housing.

[0012] In an embodiment, after the reload assembly is fired to position the hook of the hook member within the window of the locking member, when the knife carrier returns from its advanced position to its retracted position, the locking member is positioned to pass between the hook member and the inner housing portion of the outer housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the locking member includes a distal mounting portion that is secured to the inner wall of the knife carrier to secure the locking member to the knife carrier in a cantilevered manner.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the hook of the hook member has a proximal portion connected to the body and a tip that engages the inner housing portion of the outer housing assembly, wherein the tip is positioned proximal to the proximal portion of the hook.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reload assembly that includes an outer housing, a staple cartridge, a knife carrier, a first locking member, and a second locking member. The outer housing includes an inner housing portion, an outer housing portion, and at least one guiding portion positioned between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion. The inner housing portion is spaced apart from the outer housing portion to define an annular cavity between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion. The staple cartridge is supported on the distal portion of the outer housing and defines a plurality of staple recesses for receiving staples. The knife carrier includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis and supports a knife. The body of the knife carrier includes a plurality of longitudinally extending body portions that are spaced apart from each other to define a longitudinal slot that receives at least one guiding portion of the outer housing. The longitudinally extending portion includes an inner wall that defines a central hole. The inner housing portion of the outer housing is positioned within the central hole of the knife carrier such that the knife carrier is movable about the inner housing portion of the outer housing between an advanced position and a retracted position. The first locking member is supported on at least one guiding portion of the outer housing and includes an elastic body having a first hook that extends radially outward from the at least one guiding portion. The second locking member is supported on the inner wall of the knife carrier and includes a body formed of an elastic material that has a second hook that extends radially inward into the central hole of the knife carrier. When the knife carrier is in the pre-firing retracted position, the second locking member is positioned between the first locking member and at least one guiding portion of the outer housing such that the first hook and the second hook are misaligned, and when the knife carrier is in the post-firing retracted position, the second hook member is positioned radially outward from the first hook member such that the first hook and the second hook are aligned to impede re-advancement of the knife carrier.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first locking member and the second locking member are formed of leaf springs.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first hook of the first locking member includes a distal portion having a distally facing tapered surface, and the second hook of the second locking member includes a proximal portion having a proximally facing tapered surface, wherein when the tool carrier moves from its advanced position to its retracted position to allow the second locking member to pass over the first locking member, the distally facing tapered surface engages the proximally facing tapered surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The various embodiments of the disclosed reload assembly are described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a circular stapling device including an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed reload assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a side perspective view of the reload assembly of;

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an exploded side perspective view of the reload assembly of;

[0022] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of the indicated detail area shown in;

[0023] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the tool carrier of the reload assembly shown in;

[0024] Figure 6 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of the indicated detail area shown in;

[0025] Figure 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the reload assembly shown in taken along the longitudinal axis of the reload assembly, wherein the reload assembly is in a pre-firing state; Figure 3 wherein the reload assembly is in a pre-firing state;

[0026] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the reload assembly shown in taken along the longitudinal axis of the reload assembly, Figure 3 wherein the reload assembly is in a pre-firing state;

[0027] Figure 9 is Figure 8 an enlarged view of the indicated detail area shown in;

[0028] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 10-10 of Figure 9 ;

[0029] Figure 11 Is Figure 3 A side perspective view of the locking part of the reload assembly shown;

[0030] Figure 12 Is taken along the longitudinal axis of the reload assembly Figure 3 A sectional view of the reload assembly shown, wherein the reload assembly is in the fired state and the tool holder is in the forward position;

[0031] Figure 13 Is Figure 12 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area shown;

[0032] Figure 14 Is taken along the longitudinal axis of the reload assembly Figure 3 A sectional view of the reload assembly shown, wherein the reload assembly is in the fired state and the tool holder is in the retracted position;

[0033] Figure 15 Is Figure 14 An enlarged view of the indicated detail area shown;

[0034] Figure 16 Is Figure 14 A side perspective view of the interaction between the locking part and the hook part of the reload assembly shown, wherein the locking part and the hook part are in the locked position;

[0035] Figure 17 Is Figure 3 A side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed locking part and hook part of the reload assembly shown;

[0036] Figure 18 Is Figure 1 A perspective sectional view of the housing of another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed reload assembly of the stapling device, wherein the locking part is fixed to the inner housing part of the housing;

[0037] Figure 19 Is a perspective sectional view of the tool holder of another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed reload assembly, wherein the locking part is fixed to the body of the tool holder;

[0038] Figure 20 Is a sectional view of a reload assembly including the locking part and the hook part shown respectively in Figure 18 And Figure 19 Wherein the reload assembly is in the pre-fired state;

[0039] Figure 21 Is Figure 20 A sectional view of the reload assembly shown, wherein the reload assembly is in the fired state and the tool holder is in the forward position; and

[0040] Figure 22 is Figure 20 a cross-sectional view of the reload assembly shown, where the reload assembly is in a fired state and the toolholder is in a retracted position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The disclosed reload assembly will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, where in each of several views, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely embodiments of the present disclosure and may be implemented in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriate detailed structure. Additionally, directional terms such as "proximal", "distal", "superior", "inferior", "top", "bottom", "distal", "proximal" and like terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0042] In this specification, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the part of the device that is closer to the clinician, while the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the part of the device that is farther from the clinician. Additionally, the term "endoscope" is generally used to refer to an endoscope, laparoscope, arthroscope, and / or any other procedure performed through a small diameter incision or trocar. Further, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

[0043] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrates a circular stapling device 10 that includes an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed reload assembly, which is generally shown as reload assembly 100. The stapling device 10 includes a handle assembly 12, an elongate body or adapter assembly 14, a reload assembly 100, and an anvil assembly 18, the anvil assembly 18 being supported for movement relative to the reload assembly 100 between spaced and approximated positions as known in the art. The reload assembly 100 includes a proximal portion 102 that is releasably coupled to a distal portion 14a of the elongate body 14. The handle assembly 12 includes a fixed handle 22 that supports actuation buttons 24 for controlling the operation of various functions of the stapling device 10, the operations including the approximation of the reload assembly 100 and the anvil assembly 18, the firing of staples from the reload assembly 100, and the cutting of tissue or removal of a core of tissue.

[0044] The stapling device 10 is shown as an electric stapling device that includes an electric handle assembly 12 that can support one or more batteries (not shown). The elongate body 14 is in the form of an adapter assembly that transfers power from the handle assembly 12 to a reload assembly 100 and an anvil assembly 18, respectively. Examples of electric stapling devices can be found in U.S. Patent No. 9,055,943 (‘943 patent), No. 9,023,014 (‘014 patent), and U.S. Publications No. 2018 / 0125495 and No. 2017 / 0340351, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, it is contemplated that the present disclosure can also be incorporated into a manual stapling device as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,303,106 (‘106 patent), or into a stapling device configured to be used with a robotic system that does not include a handle assembly as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,962,159 (‘159 patent). The entire contents of the ‘106 and ‘159 patents are also incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] Referring Figure 2 to 3 and

[0046] ,the reload assembly 100 includes a housing shell 110, a staple actuator 112, a pusher member 112a, a knife holder 114, an annular knife 116 supported on the knife holder 114, a staple cartridge 118, and a plurality of staples 120 supported within the staple cartridge 118. The staple cartridge 118 is annular and defines an annular row of staple recesses 124. Each staple recess 124 supports one of the plurality of staples 120. The staple actuator 112 and the pusher member 112a together define a longitudinal through hole 132. The staple actuator 112 has a distal portion that abuts a proximal portion of the pusher member 112a such that a distal movement of the staple actuator 112 within the housing shell 110 causes a distal movement of the pusher member 112a. The pusher member 112a of the reload 100 has a plurality of fingers 134. Each of the plurality of fingers 134 is received within a respective one of the staple recesses 124 of the staple cartridge 118 and is movable through the respective staple recess 124 to eject a staple 120 from the staple recess 124 when the pusher member 130 moves from a retracted position to a forward position within the housing shell 110.

[0046] The outer housing 110 includes an outer housing portion 140 and an inner housing portion 142 that are spaced apart from each other to define an annular cavity 144 between the inner housing portion 142 and the outer housing portion 140. A staple actuator 112, a staple pushing member 112a, a knife carrier 114, and an annular knife 116 are movable within the annular cavity 144 of the outer housing 110 between a retracted position and a forward position. The staple actuator 112 and the staple pushing member 112a are movable independently of the knife carrier 114 and the annular knife 116 from their retracted positions to their forward positions to eject staples 120 from a staple cartridge 118. The annular knife 116 defines a cylindrical cavity 117, is supported around an outer surface of the knife carrier 114, and includes a distal cutting edge 117a. The knife carrier 114 and the annular knife 116 are movable within a through-hole 132 of the staple actuator 112. After the staple actuator 112 and the staple pushing member 112a move from their retracted positions to their forward positions, the knife carrier 114 is movable from its retracted position to its forward position to cut tissue radially inwardly positioned from the staple cartridge 118.

[0047] The inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 defines a through-hole 150( Figure 3 ) that receives an anvil shaft (not shown) of an anvil assembly 18. For a more detailed description of an exemplary anvil assembly 18, see, for example, the '106 patent. The through-hole 150 has a proximal portion that receives a sleeve 152 that defines a through-hole 150a that is coaxial and forms an extension of the through-hole 150 of the inner housing portion 142. In an embodiment, the sleeve 152 is formed of a high-strength material (e.g., metal) to provide increased strength to the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 and includes an annular flange 151.

[0048] The outer housing 110 includes a proximal portion 158( Figure 2 ) that supports a proximal portion of a support coupling mechanism 160( Figure 3 ) that can be used to releasably couple a reload assembly 100 to an adapter assembly 14( Figure 1 ) of a stapling device 10 to facilitate replacement of the reload assembly 100 and reuse of the stapling device 10. The coupling mechanism 160 includes a retaining member 162 and a coupling member 164. The coupling member 164 is received around the proximal portion 158( Figure 3 ) of the outer housing 110 and is configured to engage a distal portion 14a( Figure 1 ) of the adapter assembly 14 to couple the reload assembly 100 to the adapter assembly 14. It is contemplated that other coupling mechanisms can be used to secure the reload assembly 100 to the adapter assembly 14.

[0049] The reload assembly 100 may include an e-prom holder 170(Figure 3 )。As is known in the art, the e-prom can be connected to the adapter component 14 to provide information related to the characteristics of the reload component 10 to the adapter component 14 and the handle component 12.

[0050] Reference Figure 3-5 , the tool carrier 114 is movably positioned within the through hole 132 of the staple actuator 112 and the pusher member 112a ( Figure 6 ) between its retracted position and its advanced position and defines a stepped central hole 172. The stepped central hole 172 includes a small diameter proximal portion 172a ( Figure 5 ) and a larger diameter distal portion 172b. The proximal portion 172a of the central hole 172 of the tool carrier 114 receives the inner housing portion 142 of the housing shell 110 ( Figure 8 ), such that the tool carrier 114 slides around the inner housing portion 142.

[0051] The tool carrier 114 defines an annular shoulder 176 ( Figure 5 ), which is positioned between the proximal portion 172a and the distal portion 172b of the central hole 172. The proximal portion 172a of the central hole 172 is defined by a longitudinally extending body portion 173 ( Figure 5 ), which are separated from each other by longitudinal slots 178. The longitudinal slots 178 receive the guiding portion 179 of the housing shell 110 ( Figure 7 ) to restrict the tool carrier 114 to move longitudinally within the annular cavity 144 of the housing shell 110 when the tool carrier 114 moves between its advanced position and its retracted position. The proximal portion 172a of the tool carrier 114 includes an inner wall surface 115 ( Figure 4 ) that supports the locking member 180 ( Figure 5 ).

[0052] In an embodiment, the locking member 180 includes an elastic body 182 having a distal mounting portion 182a and a proximal locking portion 182b ( Figure 4 ). The distal mounting portion 182a of the elastic body 182 is fixed to the inner wall 115 of the tool carrier 114 in a cantilever manner. In an embodiment, the distal mounting portion 182a defines two openings 184 that receive screws or rivets 186 ( Figure 5) to fix the distal mounting portion 182a of the locking member 180 to the inner wall surface 115 of the tool carrier 114. Alternatively, various known attachment techniques can be used to fix the locking member 180 to the tool carrier 114. The proximal locking portion 182b of the locking member 180 includes a locking member 188 located proximally and defines a window or opening 190 positioned between the locking member 188 and the distal mounting portion 182a. In an embodiment, the locking member 188 inclines inwardly into the central hole 172 of the tool carrier 114 and defines an apex or tip 191.

[0053] Reference Figure 6-8 , the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 supports a hook member 200, which includes a proximal mounting portion 202 and a body 204, and the body 204 includes a hook 206 having a tip or apex 208. In an embodiment, the mounting portion 202 is an annular member and is received around the sleeve 152 between the flange 151 of the sleeve 152 and the proximal end 210 of the inner housing portion 142 such that the body 204 including the hook 206 is positioned distally of the mounting portion 202, wherein the tip 208 of the hook 206 extends in a proximal direction from the body 204. In an embodiment, the hook member 200 is supported by the mounting portion 202 in a cantilever manner, and the hook 206 is biased to engage with the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110.

[0054] Reference Figure 8-11 , when the reload assembly 100 is assembled and the tool carrier 114 is in the retracted position within the outer housing 110, the locking member 180 fixed to the inner wall surface 115 of the tool carrier 114 is in a retracted position radially outward from and engaged with the hook member 200 such that the locking member 180 is biased outwardly from the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110. In this position, the hook 206 of the hook member 200 is positioned below the window 190 of the locking member 180 and engages with the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110.

[0055] Reference Figure 12 and 13 , after the staple actuator 112 and the staple pushing member 112a advance in the direction indicated by arrow “A” to drive the staple 120 from the staple cartridge 118 into the anvil assembly 18, the tool carrier 114 advances the knife 116 in the direction indicated by arrow “C” in the direction indicated by arrow “B” to cut tissue. When the tool carrier 114 advances in the direction “B”, the locking member 180 fixed to the tool carrier 114 longitudinally moves in the direction indicated by arrow “D” relative to the hook member 200 ( Figure 13 ). When the locking member 188 of the locking member 180 moves to the distal position of the hook member 200, as the body 204 of the hook member 200 moves along Figure 13In the direction indicated by arrow "E" in, the hook 206 of the hook member 200 returns to the unbiased state as it moves radially outward from the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110. Additionally, when the locking member 188 of the locking member 180 moves distally with respect to the hook member 200, the resilient body 182 moves out of engagement with the hook member 200 and moves inward in the direction indicated by arrow "F" in towards its unbiased state, such that the locking member 188 of the locking member 180 engages the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 and is radially inwardly positioned from the distal end of the body 204 of the hook member 200. Figure 13 After firing the reload assembly 100 in the direction indicated by arrow "F" in, when the tool carrier 114 moves back to its retracted position, the locking member 188 of the locking member moves beneath the body 204 of the hook member 200 and engages the hook 206 of the hook member 200. When the locking member 188 engages the hook 206, the body 204 of the hook member 200 is radially outwardly biased from the inner housing portion 142 in the direction indicated by arrow "H", such that the locking member 188 passes beneath the hook 206 and the hook 206 moves through the window 190 of the locking member 180, such that the tip 191 of the locking member 188 moves into engagement with the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110. In this position, the engagement between the hook 206 and the proximal portion of the body 182 of the locking member 180 (which defines the window 190) impedes the re-advancement of the hook member 200, and thus impedes the re-advancement of the tool carrier 114 and the blade 116.

[0056] Reference Figure 14-17 , after firing the reload assembly 100 in the direction indicated by arrow "G" in and, when the tool carrier 114 moves back to its retracted position, the locking member 188 of the locking member moves beneath the body 204 of the hook member 200 and engages the hook 206 of the hook member 200. When the locking member 188 engages the hook 206, the body 204 of the hook member 200 is radially outwardly biased from the inner housing portion 142 in the direction indicated by arrow "H", such that the locking member 188 passes beneath the hook 206 and the hook 206 moves through the window 190 of the locking member 180, such that the tip 191 of the locking member 188 moves into engagement with the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110. In this position, the engagement between the hook 206 and the proximal portion of the body 182 of the locking member 180 (which defines the window 190) impedes the re-advancement of the hook member 200, and thus impedes the re-advancement of the tool carrier 114 and the blade 116. Figure 14 and 15 In the direction indicated by arrow "G" in and, after firing the reload assembly 100, when the tool carrier 114 moves back to its retracted position, the locking member 188 of the locking member moves beneath the body 204 of the hook member 200 and engages the hook 206 of the hook member 200. When the locking member 188 engages the hook 206, the body 204 of the hook member 200 is radially outwardly biased from the inner housing portion 142 in the direction indicated by arrow "H", such that the locking member 188 passes beneath the hook 206 and the hook 206 moves through the window 190 of the locking member 180, such that the tip 191 of the locking member 188 moves into engagement with the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110. In this position, the engagement between the hook 206 and the proximal portion of the body 182 of the locking member 180 (which defines the window 190) impedes the re-advancement of the hook member 200, and thus impedes the re-advancement of the tool carrier 114 and the blade 116.

[0057] The above-described construction impedes the re-advancement of the tool carrier 114 and the blade 116 to securely hold the blade 116 within the outer housing 110 of the reload assembly 100. This minimizes the risk of injury to a clinician during the operation and handling of the reload assembly 200.

[0058] Although the disclosed reload is described in the context of a powered hand-held instrument, it should be understood that the disclosed reload may be adapted for use with robotically controlled systems as well as manual instruments. For example, the reload may be used with an adapter 14 that is configured to be coupled to a robotically controlled surgical system.

[0059] Reference Figure 17 , in an alternative embodiment, the locking member 200' may be formed with a hook 206', and the hook member 200' may be formed with a body 204' that defines a window 190'. The distal end of the locking member 180' is positioned to be in the stapling device 10 ( Figure 1 ) is fired and the tool carrier 114 ( Figure 12)After being retracted, it passes over the locking member 188' of the component 200' and reaches the main body 204 of the component 200', so that the hook 206' is received within the window 190'. As discussed above with respect to the reload 100( Figure 3 )The hook 206' being received within the window 190' impedes the re-advancement of the tool carrier 114( Figure 12 )to minimize the risk of injury to the clinician during operation and handling of the reload assembly 200.

[0060] Figure 18-22 An alternative embodiment of the disclosed reload assembly generally designated 300 is shown. The reload assembly 300 is substantially similar to the reload assembly 100, except that the locking and hook components have been changed. Only these components are described in more detail herein.

[0061] Figure 18 The housing 310 of the reload assembly 300( Figure 20 )is shown, which includes an outer housing portion 340, an inner housing portion 342, and a guide portion 379. The guide portion 379 is positioned between the outer housing portion 340 and the inner and outer housing portions 342. At least one of the guide portions 379 supports a first locking member 402. The first locking member 402 includes an elastic body 404 having a hook 406 that extends radially outward from the corresponding guide portion 379.

[0062] Figure 18 and 19 The housing 310 of the reload assembly 300 and the tool carrier 314 are shown. The tool carrier 314 includes a longitudinally extending body portion 373 that defines a central bore 372. The longitudinally extending body portions 373 are separated from each other by longitudinal slots 378 that receive the guide portions 379( Figure 18 )of the housing 310 to restrict the tool carrier 314 to longitudinal movement within the housing 310 as the tool carrier 314 moves between the advanced and retracted positions.

[0063] The proximal portion of the tool carrier 314 includes an inner wall surface 315 that supports a second locking member 380( Figure 19 ). The second locking member 380 is formed of an elastic material and includes a proximal end having a second hook 382 that extends radially inwardly into the central bore 372 of the tool carrier 314. In an embodiment, the first locking member 402 and the second locking member 380 are each formed of a leaf spring.

[0064] When the reload assembly 300 is in the pre-firing position and the tool carrier 314 is in its retracted position, as Figure 20As shown, the side of the first locking member 402 opposite the hook 406 engages with the side of the second locking member 380 opposite the hook 382. In this position, the first locking member 402 is aligned and engaged with the second locking member 380, where the hooks 406 and 382 of the first locking member 402 and the second locking member 380 face away from each other to allow the tool carrier 314 and the tool 316 to advance relative to the inner housing portion 342 of the outer housing 310.

[0065] When the tool carrier 314 advances around the inner housing portion 342 of the outer housing 310 in the direction indicated by the arrow "J" in Figure 21 to advance the second locking member 380 to a position distal to the first locking member 402, the first locking member 402 and the second locking member 380 move out of engagement with each other. When this occurs, the first locking member 402 returns to its unbiased state in the direction indicated by the arrow "L", in which the side of the first locking member 402 opposite the first hook 406 is positioned against the guide 379. Similarly, the second locking member 380 returns to its unbiased state in the direction indicated by the arrow "M", in which the side of the second locking member 380 opposite the hook 382 is positioned against the inner wall surface 315 of the tool carrier 314. When the first locking member 402 and the second locking member 380 return to their unbiased states, the tapered surfaces 406a and 382a of the hooks 406 and 382 are spaced apart and aligned with each other.

[0066] After the stapling device 10 ( Figure 1 ) has been fired and the tool has advanced to cut the tissue disposed between the anvil assembly 18 and the staple cartridge 118, when the tool carrier 314 moves back from its advanced position to its retracted position in the direction indicated by the arrow "N" ( Figure 22 ), the second locking member 380 moves relative to the first locking member 402 such that the tapered surfaces 406a and 382a of the hooks 406 and 382 engage, deform, and pass through each other. When the tool carrier 114 is in its retracted position, the hooks 406 and 380 are aligned with each other to prevent the tool carrier 314 and the tool 316 from moving back to their advanced positions.

[0067] The above structure prevents the re-advancement of the tool carrier 314 and the tool 316 to securely hold the tool 316 within the outer housing 310 of the reload assembly 300. This minimizes the risk of injury to the clinician during the operation and disposal of the reload assembly 300.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, elements and features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with elements and features of another embodiment. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand additional features and advantages of the present disclosure based on the foregoing embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reload assembly, comprising: A housing shell, the housing shell comprising an inner housing portion and an outer housing portion, the inner housing portion being spaced apart from the outer housing portion to define an annular cavity between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion; A staple cartridge, the staple cartridge being supported on a distal portion of the housing shell, the staple cartridge having a plurality of staple recesses, each of the staple recesses receiving a staple; A pusher, the pusher being supported within the annular cavity, the pusher being movable between a retracted position and a forward position to eject the staple from the staple cartridge; A knife holder, the knife holder comprising a body defining a longitudinal axis and supporting a knife, the body of the knife holder comprising an inner wall defining a central hole, the inner housing portion of the housing shell being positioned within the central hole of the knife holder such that the knife holder is movable between a forward position and a retracted position about the inner housing portion of the housing shell; A locking member, the locking member being supported on the inner wall of the knife holder, the locking member having a body formed of an elastic material and defining a window; and A hook member, the hook member being supported on the inner housing portion of the housing shell and comprising a body having a hook, the hook being received within the window of the locking member when the knife holder is in its retracted position after the reload assembly has been fired to prevent the knife holder from moving back to its forward position; 2. The reload assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking member includes an elastic body having a locking member positioned proximal to the window, and before firing of the reload assembly, when the tool carrier is in the retracted position, the elastic body is positioned between the hook member and the tool carrier.

3. The reload assembly according to claim 2, wherein the hook slopes downwardly towards the inner housing portion of the outer housing.

4. The reload assembly according to claim 3, wherein the hook member includes a proximal mounting portion fixed to the inner housing portion such that the hook member is supported in a cantilever manner to the inner housing portion of the outer housing.

5. The reload assembly according to claim 4, wherein after the reload assembly is fired to position the hook of the hook member within the window of the locking member, when the tool carrier returns from its advanced position to its retracted position, the locking member is positioned to pass between the hook member and the inner housing portion of the outer housing.

6. The reload assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking member includes a distal mounting portion fixed to the inner wall of the tool carrier to fix the locking member to the tool carrier in a cantilever manner.

7. The reload assembly according to claim 6, wherein the hook of the hook member has a proximal portion connected to the body of the hook member and a tip engaging the inner housing portion of the outer housing, the tip being positioned proximal to the proximal portion of the hook.

8. A circular stapling device, comprising: An elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and A reload assembly, the reload assembly being supported on the distal portion of the elongate body, the reload assembly comprising: A housing shell, the housing shell comprising an inner housing portion and an outer housing portion, the inner housing portion being spaced apart from the outer housing portion to define an annular cavity between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion; A staple cartridge, the staple cartridge being supported on a distal portion of the housing shell, the staple cartridge having a plurality of staple recesses, each of the staple recesses receiving a staple; A pusher, the pusher being supported within the annular cavity, the pusher being movable between a retracted position and a forward position to eject the staple from the staple cartridge; A knife holder, the knife holder comprising a body defining a longitudinal axis and supporting a knife, the body of the knife holder comprising an inner wall defining a central hole, the knife holder being movable between a forward position and a retracted position about the inner housing portion of the housing shell; A locking member, the locking member being supported on the inner wall of the knife holder, the locking member having a body formed of an elastic material and defining a window; and A hook member, the hook member being supported on the inner housing portion of the housing shell and comprising a body having a hook, the hook being received within the window of the locking member when the knife holder is in its retracted position after the reload assembly has been fired to prevent the knife holder from moving back to its forward position; 9. The circular stapling device according to claim 8, wherein the locking member includes an elastic body having a locking member positioned proximal to the window, and the elastic body is positioned between the hook member and the tool carrier when the tool carrier is in the retracted position before the reload assembly is fired.

10. The circular stapling device according to claim 9, wherein the hook is inclined downwardly toward the inner housing portion of the outer housing.

11. The circular stapling device according to claim 10, wherein the hook member includes a proximal mounting portion that is fixed to the inner housing portion such that the hook member is supported in a cantilever manner to the inner housing portion of the outer housing.

12. The circular stapling device according to claim 11, wherein after the reload assembly is fired to position the hook of the hook member within the window of the locking member, the locking member is positioned to pass between the hook member and the inner housing portion of the outer housing when the tool carrier returns from its advanced position to its retracted position.

13. The circular stapling device according to claim 12, wherein the locking member includes a distal mounting portion that is fixed to the inner wall of the tool carrier to fix the locking member to the tool carrier in a cantilever manner.

14. The circular stapling device according to claim 13, wherein the hook of the hook member has a proximal portion connected to the body of the hook member and a tip that engages the inner housing portion of the outer housing, and the tip is positioned proximal to the proximal portion of the hook.

15. A reload assembly, comprising: A housing shell, the housing shell comprising an inner housing portion, an outer housing portion, and at least one guiding portion positioned between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion, the inner housing portion being spaced apart from the outer housing portion to define an annular cavity between the inner housing portion and the outer housing portion; A staple cartridge, the staple cartridge being supported on a distal portion of the housing shell, the staple cartridge defining a plurality of staple recesses, each of the staple recesses receiving a staple; A knife holder, the knife holder comprising a body defining a longitudinal axis and supporting a knife, the body of the knife holder comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending body portions, the plurality of longitudinally extending body portions being spaced apart from each other to define a longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot receiving the at least one guiding portion of the housing shell, an inner wall of the longitudinally extending body portions defining a central hole, the inner housing portion of the housing shell being positioned within the central hole of the knife holder such that the knife holder is movable about the inner housing portion of the housing shell between a forward position and a retracted position; A first locking member, the first locking member being supported on the at least one guiding portion of the housing shell, the first locking member comprising an elastic body having a first hook, the first hook extending radially outward from the at least one guiding portion; and A second locking member, the second locking member being supported on the inner wall of the knife holder, the second locking member comprising a body formed of an elastic material, the body of the second locking member having a second hook, the second hook extending radially inward into the central hole of the knife holder; wherein when the knife holder is in a pre-firing retracted position, the second locking member is positioned between the first locking member and the at least one guiding portion of the housing shell such that the first hook and the second hook are misaligned, and when the knife holder is in a post-firing retracted position, the second hook is positioned radially outward from the first hook such that the first hook and the second hook are aligned to impede re-advancement of the knife holder.

16. The reload assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first and second locking members are formed of leaf springs.

17. The reload assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first hook of the first locking member includes a distal portion having a distally facing tapered surface, and the second hook of the second locking member includes a proximal portion having a proximally facing tapered surface, and when the toolholder moves from the advanced position to the retracted position to allow the second locking member to pass over the first locking member, the distally facing tapered surface engages the proximally facing tapered surface.

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