Knife locking wedge

Abstract

The present invention relates to a knife locking wedge. A surgical suturing device includes an adapter assembly and a reload assembly supported on a distal portion of the adapter assembly. The reload assembly includes a housing shell, a staple cartridge that supports staples, a staple pusher, a staple actuator, a knife carrier, and a locking member. The staple pusher is movable from a retracted position to a forward position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The staple actuator is movable from a retracted position to a forward position to move the staple pusher from its retracted position to its forward position. The knife carrier is movable between a retracted position and a forward position. The locking member is supported on the knife carrier. The locking member is configured to engage the staple actuator in its forward position while engaging the knife carrier in its retracted position, such that the locking member prevents the knife carrier from advancing again.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 879,072, filed Jul. 26, 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 structure for holding a knife carrier of the reload assembly in a retracted position after firing the circular 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 pusher member that engages and is movable relative to the annular pusher to move the staple pusher member to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The knife carrier is movable to push the knife through the staple cartridge to remove or cut tissue.

[0005] After operating the circular stapling device to staple and cut tissue, the knife carrier and 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 that allows removal of the tissue loop 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 protect the clinician from injury during manipulation and placement of the reload assembly.

[0006] There has been a continuing need in the art for a reload assembly that includes improved structure for holding the knife / knife carrier in a retracted position. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling device includes: an adapter assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and a reload assembly supported on the distal portion of the adapter assembly. The reload assembly includes a housing shell, a staple cartridge supporting a plurality of staples, a staple pusher, a staple actuator, a knife holder, and a locking member. The housing shell includes an outer housing portion and an inner housing portion. The inner housing portion and the outer housing portion define an annular cavity. The staple pusher is supported within the annular cavity and is movable from a retracted position to a forward position to eject the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge. The staple actuator is supported within the annular cavity and is movable from a retracted position to a forward position to move the staple pusher from its retracted position to its forward position. The knife holder is supported within a through-hole and is movable between a retracted position and a forward position. The knife holder supports a knife. The locking member is slidably supported on the knife holder. The locking member is configured to engage the staple actuator in its forward position while engaging the knife holder in its retracted position, such that the locking member prevents the knife holder from advancing again.

[0008] In an embodiment, the knife holder may have a proximal portion defining a circumferential groove configured to anchor the locking member tightly against the circumferential groove when the locking member engages the staple actuator in its forward position.

[0009] In another embodiment, the locking member may have an annular profile.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the locking member may have a break for its radial bending.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the locking member may include a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion may have an engaging surface extending radially inward and a proximal surface at an acute angle to the engaging surface.

[0012] In an embodiment, the distal portion of the locking member may include a hook portion.

[0013] In another embodiment, the knife holder may include a plurality of longitudinally extending body portions. Adjacent longitudinally extending body portions may define a slot.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the locking member may include an axial guide configured to be slidably received within the slot of the knife holder.

[0015] In an embodiment, each longitudinally extending body portion may include a proximal portion defining a groove and a tapered portion proximal to the groove.

[0016] In another embodiment, the tapered portion of the longitudinally extending body portion may be configured to slidably engage the engagement surface of the locking member.

[0017] In another embodiment, the groove of the tool carrier may include a distal wall and a proximal wall. The hook portion of the locking member may include an engagement surface configured to slide on the distal wall of the groove.

[0018] In another embodiment, the proximal surface of the locking member may be configured to engage the proximal wall of the groove when the locking member engages the staple actuator in its advanced position.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling device includes a reload assembly that includes a housing shell defining an annular cavity, a staple cartridge supporting a plurality of staples, a staple pusher, a staple actuator, a tool carrier, and a locking member. The staple pusher is supported within the annular cavity and is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge. The staple actuator is supported within the annular cavity and engages the staple pusher. The staple actuator is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the staple pusher from its retracted position to its advanced position. The staple actuator and the staple pusher define a through hole. The tool carrier is supported within the through hole and is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The tool carrier includes a proximal portion defining a notch. The tool carrier supports a blade. The locking member is slidably supported on the tool carrier. The locking member includes an annular body having a proximal end configured to anchor against the notch of the tool carrier and a distal end configured to engage the staple actuator such that when the staple actuator is in its advanced position and the tool carrier is in its retracted position, the locking member prevents the tool carrier from advancing again.

[0020] In an embodiment, the distal end of the locking member may be configured to slide over the notch of the tool carrier. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views, and:

[0022] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a circular stapling device including an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed reload assembly, wherein the circular stapling device is in a clamped position;

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1Side perspective view of the reload assembly of the circular stapling device shown;

[0024] Figure 3 is Figure 2 Perspective exploded view of the reload assembly shown;

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Side view of the reload assembly of the circular stapling device shown;

[0026] Figure 5 Perspective view of the proximal end of the reload assembly;

[0027] Figure 6 is Figure 3 Enlarged view of the designated area of the detail shown;

[0028] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Perspective view of the locking member of the reload assembly shown;

[0029] Figure 8 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8, where the reload assembly is in the pre-firing state;

[0030] Figure 9 is Figure 8 Enlarged view of the designated area of the detail shown;

[0031] Figure 10 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8, where the reload assembly is in the firing state and the staple actuator driver is in the retracted position;

[0032] Figure 11 and 12 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8, where the reload assembly is in the firing state and the knife carrier driver moves to its advanced position;

[0033] Figure 13 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8, where the reload assembly is in the firing state and the knife carrier driver moves to the advanced position, such that the knife carrier driver engages the knife carrier;

[0034] Figure 14 is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8, where the reload assembly is in the firing state and the knife carrier is in the advanced position;

[0035] Figure 15 is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane line 8-8, where the reload assembly is in the fired state and the tool holder is in the locked position by the locking member;

[0036] Figure 16 is Figure 15 An enlarged view of the specified area of the detail shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The disclosed reload assembly for a circular stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and may be implemented in various forms. To avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary details, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail herein. Accordingly, the details of the specific constructions and functions disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but should be understood only as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to use the present disclosure in virtually any appropriate detailed structure in a different manner. Additionally, directional terms such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "distal", "proximal" and like terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0038] In this description, 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 "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a circular stapling device 10 incorporating an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed reload assembly, which is generally designated as reload assembly 100. As is known in the art, the circular 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 being supported for movement relative to the reload assembly 100 between a spaced-apart position and a closed position. In an embodiment, the reload assembly 100 includes a proximal portion 102 that is releasably coupled to the distal portion 14a of the adapter assembly 14. The handle assembly 12 includes a fixed handle 22 that supports an actuation button 24 for controlling the operation of various functions of the circular stapling device 10, including: closing the reload assembly 100 and the anvil assembly 18, respectively, firing staples from the reload assembly 100, and cutting or removing tissue, as described in further detail below.

[0040] The circular 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 adapter assembly 14 is in the form of an adapter assembly that converts the power from the handle assembly 12 to the reload assembly 100 and the anvil assembly 18, respectively. The adapter assembly 14 also includes a cartridge drive 115 ( Figure 8 ) and a staple actuator drive 195 ( Figure 8 ), the cartridge drive interacts with a cartridge 114 ( Figure 3 ) to move the cartridge 114 within the outer housing 110 ( Figure 3 ), and the staple actuator drive 195 interacts with a staple actuator 112 ( Figure 3 ) to move the staple actuator 112 within the outer housing 110. Examples of electric stapling devices can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,055,943, 9,023,014, and U.S. Publication Nos. 2018 / 0125495 and 2017 / 0340351. Alternatively, 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 without a handle assembly configured to be used with a robotic system as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,962,159. The disclosures of each of these patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The reload assembly 100 is shown and includes an outer housing 110, a staple actuator 112, a staple pusher member 112a, a cartridge 114, an annular knife 116 supported on the cartridge 114, a staple cartridge 118, and a plurality of staples 120 supported within the staple cartridge 118. The staple actuator 112 includes a body 113 that also houses around the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 and is movable within the outer housing 110 from a retracted position to a forward position. The staple cartridge 118 is annular and defines annular multi-row staple recesses 124. Each staple recess 124 supports one of the plurality of staples 120. The staple actuator 112 and the staple pusher member 112a together define a longitudinal through-hole 132 ( Figure 8)。The distal portion of the staple actuator 112 abuts the proximal portion of the staple advancement member 112a such that distal movement of the staple actuator 112 within the outer housing 110 causes distal movement of the staple advancement member 112a within the outer housing 110. The staple advancement member 112a of the reload assembly 100 has a plurality of fingers 134. Each of the plurality of fingers 134 is received within a respective one of the staple pockets 124 in the staple cartridge 118 and is movable through the respective staple pocket 124 to eject a staple 120 from the staple pocket 124 as the staple advancement member 112a moves from a retracted position to a forward position within the outer housing 110.

[0042] Specific reference Figure 3 , the outer housing 110 includes spaced-apart outer housing portions 140 and inner housing portions 142 to define an annular cavity 144 therebetween ( Figure 3 ). The staple actuator 112 and the staple advancement member 112a are movable within the annular cavity 144 of the outer housing 110 from a retracted position to a forward position to eject a staple 120 from the staple cartridge 118, as described in further detail below.

[0043] The annular knife 116 is supported around the outer surface of the knife carrier 114. The annular knife 116 defines a cylindrical cavity 117 and includes a distal cutting edge 117a. In an embodiment, the annular knife 116 includes inwardly extending shanks 117b that are received within recesses 114a defined in the outer surface of the knife carrier 114 to secure the annular knife 116 to the knife carrier 114. The knife carrier 114 and the annular knife 116 are located within the longitudinal through-hole 132 ( Figure 8 ) of the staple actuator 112 and are movable from a retracted position to a forward position to cut tissue located radially inward of the staple cartridge 118, as described in further detail below.

[0044] Continuing reference Figure 3 , the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 defines a through-hole 150 that receives an anvil shaft (not shown) of the 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 bushing 152, and the bushing 152 defines a through-hole 150a that is coaxial with and forms an extension of the through-hole 150 of the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110. In an embodiment, the bushing 152 is formed of a high-strength material (e.g., metal) to increase the strength of the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 and includes an annular flange 152a.

[0045] The outer housing 110 includes a proximal portion 158 that supports the coupling mechanism 160 ( Figure 3), the coupling mechanism is operable to releasably couple the reload assembly 100 to the adapter assembly 14 of the circular stapling device 10( Figure 1 ) to permit removal and replacement of the reload assembly 100 to facilitate reuse of the circular 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 the 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 may be used to secure the reload assembly 100 to the adapter assembly 14. Alternatively, the reload assembly 100 may be secured to the adapter assembly 14 in a non-removable manner.

[0046] The reload assembly 100 may include an e-prom holder 170( Figure 3 ) that is supported on the outer housing 110 and is configured to support an e-prom (not shown). As is known in the art, the e-prom may communicate with the adapter assembly 14 to provide information related to the characteristics of the reload assembly 10. In some embodiments, the e-prom holder 170 may be received around the distal portion of the bushing 152.

[0047] Figure 3-5 A tool carrier 114 is shown that includes a plurality of spaced-apart longitudinally extending body portions 173 that define a central aperture 172. The central aperture 172 of the tool carrier 114 receives the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 such that the tool carrier 114 is movable about the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 between a retracted position( Figure 8 ) and a forward position( Figure 14 ). The longitudinally extending body portions 173 of the tool carrier 114 define slots 176 that receive guide portions (not shown) of the outer housing 110 to restrict the tool carrier 114 to longitudinal movement. The tool carrier 114 includes a hook member 178( Figure 6 ) that is positioned to engage a tool carrier driver 115 to move the tool carrier 114 from its retracted position to its forward position, as described in further detail below. Each hook member 178 includes an engagement surface 177a( Figure 9 ) and supports a locking member 180. In an embodiment, the locking member 180 is initially positioned adjacent to or engaged with the hook member 178. In an embodiment, the locking member 180 is formed of an elastic material that may be radially deformed to removably support on the tool carrier 114 but is also rigid enough to prevent the tool carrier 114 from advancing again, as described below.

[0048] Figure 6 andFigure 7 Illustrated is a locking member 180 of the reload assembly 100, which includes a body 182 having an annular profile. The locking member 180 is received around a proximal portion of the toolholder 114. Specifically, the locking member 180 includes at least one axial guide 184 configured to be slidably received in a slot 176 of the toolholder 114( Figure 3 ) to prevent rotation of the locking member 180 relative to the toolholder 114 so as to restrict the toolholder 114 to axially move within the housing 110. In an embodiment, the body 182 of the locking member 180 may define a break 198 to allow radial bending of the body 182 to facilitate placement of the locking member 180 around the toolholder 114 in a friction fit manner.

[0049] Continuing to refer Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the body 182 of the locking member 180 includes a proximal portion 182a and a distal portion 182b. The proximal portion 182a includes an engaging surface 183a extending radially inwardly to facilitate slidable engagement with a tapered surface 179 of a hook member 178 of the toolholder 114( Figure 6 ). The proximal portion 182a also includes a distal surface 183b that is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis "L-L" defined by the locking member 180( Figure 6 ). The distal surface 183b is configured to engage an engaging surface 177a of a circumferential groove 177 of the toolholder 114( Figure 9 ). The engaging surface 177a may also be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis "L-L". The distal portion 182b of the locking member 180 includes a hook portion 185 configured to be received in the circumferential groove 177 of the toolholder 114. Additionally, the hook portion 185 also includes a distal surface 185a that defines an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis "L-L"( Figure 9 ) such that the hook portion 185 can slide over a distal wall 177b of the circumferential groove 177( Figure 9 ) when the locking member 180 is displaced distally, as will be described below.

[0050] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Illustrated is a staple actuator 112 that includes a body 113 received around an inner housing portion 142( Figure 3 ) of the housing 110 and movable from a retracted position( Figure 8 ) to a forward position( Figure 10 ) in response to movement of a staple actuator driver 195 from its retracted position to its forward position. The body 113 defines a plurality of guide slots 113a( Figure 3)。The guide groove 113a of the staple actuator 112 houses a guide member (not shown) of the housing 110 to restrict the staple actuator 112 to move longitudinally within the housing 110.

[0051] Figure 8 and Figure 9 shows the reload assembly 100 in a pre-firing condition, where the knife carrier 114 and the staple actuator 112 of the reload assembly 100 ( Figure 3 ) are in the retracted position, and the locking member 180 is in the unlocked position proximal to the distal wall 177b of the circumferential groove 177 of the knife carrier 114. When the knife carrier 114 and the staple actuator 112 are in the pre-firing retracted position, the hook portion 185 of the locking member 180 is located in the circumferential groove 177 of the knife carrier 114, such that the engaging surface 177a of the circumferential groove 177 is proximal to the hook portion 185 of the locking member 180. At this time, the engaging surface 183a of the locking member 180 ( Figure 7 ) abuts against the tapered surface 179 of the hook member 178 of the knife carrier 114 ( Figure 6 ).

[0052] Figure 10 shows the reload assembly 100 when the staple actuator 112 moves to the advanced position. When the staple actuator 112 moves distally to the advanced position within the housing 110 by the staple actuator driver 119, the staple pushing member 112a moves distally in the direction indicated by the arrow "A" to push the plurality of fingers 134 of the staple pushing member 112a through the staple pockets 124 of the staple cartridge 118 ( Figure 3 ), thereby ejecting the staples 120 ( Figure 3 ) into the anvil assembly 18 (shown in dashed lines). As shown, the annular knife 116 fixed to the knife carrier 114 remains stationary at this time. After the staple actuator 112 moves to the advanced position, the staple actuator driver 119 moves from its advanced position to its retracted position along the direction of the arrow "B", while the staple actuator 112 remains in the advanced position. At this time, the engaging surface 183a of the locking member 180 ( Figure 7 ) remains in abutment with the tapered surface 179 of the hook member 178 of the knife carrier 114 ( Figure 6 ), and the hook portion 185 of the locking member 180 remains within the circumferential groove 177 of the knife carrier 114.

[0053] Figure 11 and Figure 12 shows the reload assembly 100, where the knife carrier driver 115 moves distally to push the locking member 180, such that the engaging surface 183a of the locking member 180 ( Figure 7) Slide along the direction of arrow "F" closely against the conical surface 179 of the hook-shaped member 178 of the tool holder 114( Figure 6 ) and the hook-shaped portion 185 of the locking member 180 slides above the distal side wall 177b of the tool holder 114. As discussed above, the distal surface 185a of the hook-shaped portion 185 is inclined so that when the distal surface 185a is advanced closely against the distal side wall 177b of the tool holder 114, the hook-shaped portion 185 slides above the distal side wall 177b. When the hook-shaped portion 185 is advanced above the circumferential groove 177 of the tool holder 114, the proximal portion 182a of the locking member 180 is placed in the circumferential groove 177.

[0054] Figure 13 The reload assembly 100 is shown, and the tool holder driver 115 also moves distally along the direction of arrow "C", so that the tool holder driver 115 advances the entire locking member 180 above the circumferential groove 177 of the tool holder 114 to place the locking member 180 on the side surface 114c of the tool holder 114. At this time, the hook-shaped portion 115a of the tool holder driver 115 is received in the circumferential groove 177 of the tool holder 114. In this configuration, the tool holder 114 moves distally like the tool holder driver 115, and both are axially displaced simultaneously.

[0055] Figure 14 The reload assembly 100 is shown, and the tool holder driver 115 moves to its forward position. When the tool holder driver 115 moves to the forward position, the tool holder 114 is axially displaced like the tool holder driver 115, and then the annular knife 116 is pushed out of the housing 110 and pushed to engage with the anvil 18 (shown in dashed lines) to cut tissue. At this time, the hook-shaped portion 115a of the tool holder driver 115 disposed in the circumferential groove 177 of the tool holder 114 is disposed on the distal side of the locking member 180.

[0056] Figure 15 and Figure 16Illustrated is a reload assembly 100 which, when fired, moves the knife carrier 114 from its advanced position to its retracted position. As the knife carrier 114 moves proximally to its retracted position in the direction indicated by arrow “E”, the annular knife 116 also moves proximally to a position within the outer housing 110. In this position, the clinician is protected from unintentional injury by the cutting edge 117a of the annular knife 116. As the knife carrier 114 moves proximally relative to the staple actuator 112, the hooked portion 115a of the knife carrier driver 115 disposed in the circumferential groove 177 of the knife carrier 114 also moves proximally until the hooked portion 115a aligns with the hooked portion 185 of the locking member 180. At this time, the hooked portion 185 of the locking member 180 applies an inward pressure to the hooked portion 115a of the knife carrier driver 115 to release the hooked portion 115a from the circumferential groove 177 of the knife carrier 114. Specifically, when the hooked portion 185 of the locking member 180 applies an inward pressure to the hooked portion 115a of the knife carrier driver 115, the proximal portion of the hooked portion 115a bends radially outward so that the hooked portion 115a can slide over the engagement surface 177a of the circumferential groove 177, which causes the knife carrier driver 115 to separate from the knife carrier 114 as the knife carrier driver 115 moves proximally. In this way, the knife carrier 114 is in the retracted position and the knife carrier driver 115 is displaced away from the knife carrier 114. At this time, the locking member 180 is anchored against the circumferential groove 177 of the knife carrier 114 and the staple actuator 112 to prevent the annular knife 116 from being exposed outside the outer housing 110 by unintentional actuation of the knife carrier 114. In this configuration, the locking member 180 engages the staple actuator 112 in the advanced position so that even when the knife carrier driver 115 is unintentionally actuated, the locking member 180 prevents the knife carrier 114 from moving to the advanced position. Specifically, the hooked portion 115a of the knife carrier driver 115 is prohibited from being received in the circumferential groove 177 of the knife carrier 114, thereby preventing axial displacement of the knife carrier 114 by the knife carrier driver 115. Similarly, this impedes the advancement of the knife carrier 114 and thus prevents the annular knife 116 from advancing again from within the outer housing 110.

[0057] As a handle assembly 12 configured for manual grasping and manipulation during use( Figure 1) As an alternative, the circular stapling device 10 can alternatively be configured to be used with a robotic surgical system, wherein the reload assembly 100 is configured to engage the robotic arm of the robotic surgical system in a manner similar to that detailed above with respect to the engagement of the reload assembly 100 with the adapter assembly 14. The robotic surgical system can employ various mechanical elements to assist the surgeon and allow for remote operation (or partial remote operation). More specifically, for this purpose, various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric motors, and mechanical motors, etc. can be employed and can be designed into the robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the operation or procedure. The robotic surgical system can include a remotely manipulable system, an automated flexible surgical system, a remotely flexible surgical system, a remotely articulated surgical system, a wireless surgical system, a modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical system, etc.

[0058] The robotic surgical system can be used with one or more consoles located beside the operating room or at a remote location. In this case, a team of surgeons or nurses can prepare the patient for surgery and configure the surgical device disclosed herein for the robotic surgical system, while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely controls the surgical device via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon can perform multiple procedures at multiple locations without leaving his / her remote console, which is economically advantageous and beneficial to the patient or a series of patients.

[0059] The robotic arm of the robotic surgical system is typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The surgeon can move the handles to cause a corresponding movement of the working end of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., an end effector, a gripper, a knife, scissors, a camera, a fluid delivery device, etc.), which can complement the use of the tissue resection device described herein. The movement of the master handles can be scaled such that the corresponding movement of the working end is different from, less than, or greater than the movement performed by the operating hand of the surgeon. The scaling factor or gear ratio can be adjustable such that the operator can control the resolution of the working end of one or more surgical instruments.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described and illustrated herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the elements and features described or illustrated in connection with one exemplary embodiment can be combined with the elements and features of another embodiment. Similarly, those skilled in the art will also understand other features and advantages of the present disclosure based on the above embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described other than as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling device, comprising: An adapter assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion; And A reload assembly supported on the distal portion of the adapter assembly, the reload assembly comprising: A housing shell including a housing body portion and an inner housing portion, the inner housing portion and the housing body portion defining an annular cavity; A staple cartridge supporting a plurality of staples; A staple pusher supported within the annular cavity and movable from a retracted position to a forward position to eject the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge; A staple actuator supported within the annular cavity and movable from a retracted position to a forward position to move the staple pusher from its retracted position to its forward position; A knife holder supported within a through-hole and movable between a retracted position and a forward position, the knife holder supporting a knife; And A locking member slidably supported on the knife holder, the locking member configured to engage the staple actuator in its forward position while engaging the knife holder in its retracted position, such that the locking member prevents the knife holder from advancing again.

2. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the knife holder has a proximal portion defining a circumferential groove configured to anchor the locking member tightly against the circumferential groove when the locking member engages the staple actuator in its forward position.

3. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the locking member has an annular profile.

4. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the locking member has a break for its radial bending.

5. The surgical stapling device according to claim 1, wherein the locking member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion having an engaging surface extending radially inward and a proximal surface angled with respect to the engaging surface.

6. The surgical stapling device according to claim 5, wherein the distal portion of the locking member includes a hook portion.

7. The surgical stapling device according to claim 6, wherein the knife holder includes a plurality of longitudinally extending body portions, wherein adjacent longitudinally extending body portions define slots.

8. The surgical stapling device according to claim 7, wherein the locking member includes an axial guide configured to be slidably received within the slots of the knife holder.

9. The surgical stapling device according to claim 7, wherein each longitudinally extending body portion includes a proximal portion defining a groove and a tapered portion proximal to the groove.

10. The surgical stapling device according to claim 9, wherein the tapered portion of the longitudinally extending body portion is configured to slidably engage the engaging surface of the locking member.

11. The surgical stapling device according to claim 9, wherein the groove of the knife carrier includes a distal wall and a proximal wall, and the hook portion of the locking member includes an engaging surface configured to slide on the distal wall of the groove.

12. The surgical stapling device according to claim 11, wherein the proximal surface of the locking member is configured to engage the proximal wall of the groove when the locking member engages the staple actuator in its advanced position.

13. A surgical stapling device, comprising: A reload assembly, the reload assembly including: A housing shell that defines an annular cavity; A staple cartridge that provides a plurality of staples; A staple pusher supported within the annular cavity and movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge; A staple actuator supported within the annular cavity and engaged with the staple pusher, the staple actuator being movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the staple pusher from its retracted position to its advanced position, the staple actuator and the staple pusher defining a through hole; A knife carrier supported within the through hole and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position, the knife carrier including a proximal portion defining a notch, the knife carrier supporting a knife; And A locking member slidably supported on the knife carrier, the locking member including an annular body having a proximal end configured to be anchored against the notch of the knife carrier and a distal end configured to engage the staple actuator such that when the staple actuator is in its advanced position and the knife carrier is in its retracted position, the locking member prevents the knife carrier from advancing again.

14. The surgical stapling device according to claim 13, wherein the locking member defines a break for its radial bending.

15. The surgical stapling device according to claim 13, wherein the distal end of the locking member is configured to slide over the notch of the knife carrier.

16. The surgical stapling device according to claim 15, wherein the locking member includes an axial guide configured to limit the locking member to axial movement relative to the knife carrier.

17. The surgical stapling device according to claim 15, wherein the proximal end of the locking member includes an inwardly radially extending engaging surface configured to slidably engage a tapered portion of the proximal portion of the knife carrier.

18. The surgical stapling device according to claim 13, wherein the distal end of the locking member includes a hook portion.

19. The surgical stapling device according to claim 18, wherein the distal end of the hook portion is tapered.

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