Reloading assembly with toolholder lock

Abstract

The present invention relates to reload assemblies with knife lockout and specifically provides a surgical stapling device including a reload assembly that includes a dual pawl system to maintain the knife of the reload assembly in a retracted position after firing of the stapling device. The dual pawl system includes a secondary and primary pawl to improve the retention of the knife to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent re-advancement of the knife and annular knife.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 948,400, filed December 16, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a circular fastening device, and more specifically, to a reloading assembly for a circular fastening device, having a structure for holding the tool holder of the reloading assembly in a retracted position after the fastening device is fired. Background Technology

[0004] A typical circular stapler assembly comprises an elongated body and a housing or reloading assembly supported on a distal portion of the elongated body. The reloading assembly includes the housing, a staple cartridge with multiple staples supported on the housing, a pusher assembly, a blade defining a cylindrical cavity, and a blade holder supporting the blade. The pusher assembly includes a ring pusher and a staple pushing member, which engages with the ring pusher and is movable to move the staple pushing member to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The blade holder is movable to advance the blade through the staple cartridge to core or cut tissue.

[0005] After the stapling device has been operated to staple and cut the tissue, the scalpel holder and blade are retracted to withdraw the blade into the housing. This serves two purposes. The first is to move the blade to a position that allows for the removal of a tissue ring from the cavity defined by the blade. The second is to position the blade in a recessed position within the housing to prevent injury to the clinician during manipulation and placement of the reloading assembly.

[0006] In some cases, the tissue ring is compressed to such an extent within the cavity defined by the blade that it becomes difficult to remove from the cavity. In such situations, removing the tissue ring tends to pull the blade out of the housing. There has been a need in the art for a reloading assembly with an improved structure for holding the blade / blade holder in the retracted position. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a surgical stapler assembly including an adapter assembly and a reloading assembly. The adapter assembly has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The reloading assembly is supported on the distal end portion of the adapter assembly and includes a housing, an auxiliary pawl, a staple cartridge, a staple pusher, a blade holder, and a blade. The housing includes an outer housing portion defining an annular cavity and an inner housing portion. The auxiliary pawl is supported within the housing. The staple cartridge is fastened to the housing and supports a plurality of staples. The staple pusher defines a through-hole, is supported within the annular cavity of the housing, and is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The blade holder is supported within the through-hole of the staple pusher, defines a central hole receiving the inner housing portion of the housing, and is movable about the inner housing portion between a retracted position and an advanced position. The blade holder defines a recess that, when the blade holder is in the retracted position, receives the auxiliary pawl to prevent the blade holder from moving from the retracted position toward the advanced position. An annular blade is supported on the blade holder.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a reloading assembly including a housing, an auxiliary pawl, a staple cartridge, a staple pusher, a tool holder, and an annular cutter. The housing includes an outer housing portion and an inner housing portion defining an annular cavity. The auxiliary pawl is supported within the housing. The staple cartridge is secured to the housing and supports a plurality of staples. The staple pusher defines a through-hole, is supported within the annular cavity, and is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The tool holder is supported within the through-hole of the staple pusher, defines a central hole receiving the inner housing portion of the housing, and is movable about the inner housing portion of the housing between a retracted position and an advanced position. The tool holder defines a recess that, when the tool holder is in the retracted position, receives the auxiliary pawl to prevent the tool holder from moving from the retracted position toward the advanced position. The cutter is supported on the tool holder.

[0009] In this disclosure, the fastening device includes a handle assembly having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the adapter assembly is supported on the handle assembly.

[0010] In some aspects of this disclosure, the auxiliary pawl is longitudinally fixed to the housing.

[0011] In some aspects of this disclosure, the auxiliary pawl is resilient.

[0012] In other aspects of this disclosure, the auxiliary pawl is rigid.

[0013] In this disclosure, the tool holder includes an inner surface defining a central bore and supporting at least one main pawl, and an inner housing portion of the housing includes an outer surface defining at least one longitudinal groove. The at least one longitudinal groove receives at least one main pawl. The at least one main pawl has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an abutting surface that separates the proximal portion of the at least one groove from the distal portion of the at least one groove. As the tool holder moves from its retracted position toward its forward position, the at least one main pawl moves to an interference fit with the abutting surface.

[0014] In some aspects of this disclosure, the nail actuator is supported in an annular cavity in an adjoining relationship with the nail pusher and is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the nail pusher from its retracted position to its advanced position.

[0015] In this disclosure, the auxiliary pawl is in the form of a spring clip.

[0016] In some aspects of this disclosure, the tool holder includes a plurality of resilient longitudinal body portions defining a central bore, wherein each of the longitudinal body portions is spaced apart from an adjacent longitudinal body portion to define a longitudinal slot.

[0017] In some aspects of this disclosure, a recess is defined in an adjacent longitudinal body portion of the tool holder and communicates with a corresponding one of the longitudinal slots, such that an auxiliary pawl is aligned with the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots, wherein the auxiliary pawl can move into the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots as the tool holder moves from its retracted position toward its forward position.

[0018] In other aspects of this disclosure, the adapter assembly includes a tool driver adapted to be releasably coupled to a tool holder.

[0019] In this aspect of the disclosure, the width of the auxiliary pawl is greater than the width of the corresponding one in the longitudinal slot, such that the movement of the auxiliary pawl through the corresponding one in the longitudinal slot causes the adjacent longitudinal body portion to deform outward, thereby promoting a more secure engagement between the tool driver and the tool holder.

[0020] In some aspects of this disclosure, the bushing is fastened to the inner housing portion of the outer housing, and an auxiliary pawl is supported on the bushing.

[0021] Other features of this disclosure will be understood from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The following describes various aspects of the reloading assembly for surgical staplers disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1A side perspective view of a surgical stapler including an exemplary aspect of the disclosed reloading component, wherein the tool assembly of the stapler is in a clamped position;

[0024] Figure 2 In order to be in Figure 1 The exploded perspective view of the reloaded component is shown in the image;

[0025] Figure 3 For from in Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the distal end of the housing of the reloading component and the stud cartridge.

[0026] Figure 4 In order to be in Figure 1 The side perspective view of the reloaded assembly is shown in the figure, with the housing shown in dashed lines;

[0027] Figure 5 In order to be in Figure 2 The enlarged view showing the detailed area is shown in the image;

[0028] Figure 6 In order to be in Figure 2 The enlarged view showing the detailed area is shown in the image;

[0029] Figure 7 For along Figure 3 The sectional view taken by section line 7-7;

[0030] Figure 7A For from in Figure 2 A perspective view of the distal end of the tool holder of the reloading assembly shown in the image;

[0031] Figure 7B For from in Figure 2 The image shows a perspective view of the distal end of the housing of the reloading component.

[0032] Figure 8 For along Figure 1 The sectional view taken by section line 8-8;

[0033] Figure 9 For along Figure 8 The sectional view taken by section line 9-9;

[0034] Figure 10 In order to be in Figure 1 The image shows a side sectional view of the tool assembly of the surgical stapler, with the tool assembly in the clamped pre-firing position;

[0035] Figure 11 In order to be in Figure 1 The image shows a side sectional view of the tool assembly of the surgical stapler, with the tool assembly in the clamped and firing position and the tool holder in the forward position;

[0036] Figure 12 For along Figure 11 A sectional view taken from section line 12-12;

[0037] Figure 13 In order to be in Figure 1 The image shows a side sectional view of the tool assembly of the surgical stapler, with the tool assembly in the clamped and firing position and the tool holder in the retracted position.

[0038] Figure 14 In order to be in Figure 1 The side perspective view of the reloaded assembly shown in the figure, wherein the housing is shown in dashed lines, includes alternative aspects of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 15 In order to be in Figure 14 The side perspective assembly view of the reloading assembly bushing, EPROM chip holder, and stationary spring clip shown in the figure.

[0040] Figure 16 In order to be in Figure 14 The exploded side perspective view of the reloading assembly bushing, EPROM chip holder, and stationary spring clip shown in the figure.

[0041] Figure 17 In order to be in Figure 14 The side sectional view of the reloading assembly shown in the figure shows the tool holder in the retracted position; and

[0042] Figure 18 In order to be in Figure 14 The image shows a side sectional view of the reloading assembly, with the tool holder in the forward position. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The disclosed reloading assembly for a surgical stapler will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it should be understood that aspects of the disclosed reloading assembly are merely illustrative forms of this disclosure and can be implemented in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as the basis of the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt this disclosure differently in virtually any suitable detailed construction. Furthermore, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal, and similar terms are used to aid understanding of the description and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0044] In this description, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the part of the device closer to the clinician, while the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the part of the device farther from the clinician. Furthermore, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

[0045] Figure 1 and 2 The description includes a circular staple engagement device 10, generally shown as an exemplary aspect of the disclosed reloading assembly 100. The staple engagement device 10 includes a handle assembly 12, an elongated body or adapter assembly 14, a reloading assembly 100, and an anvil assembly 18 supported for movement relative to the reloading assembly 100 between spaced-out and clamped positions, as known in the art. The reloading assembly 100 includes a proximal portion 102 releasably coupled to a distal portion 14a of the elongated body 14. In some aspects of this disclosure, the handle assembly 12 includes a stationary handle 22 supporting an actuation button 24 for operation of various functions of the staple engagement device 10, including the approach of the reloading assembly 100 and the anvil assembly 18 for firing staples from the reloading assembly 100 and cutting or coring tissue, respectively.

[0046] The fastening device 10 is described as an electrically powered fastening device, comprising an electrically powered handle assembly 12 capable of supporting one or more batteries (not shown). An elongated body 14 takes the form of an adapter assembly that transmits power from the handle assembly 12 to the reloading assembly 100 and the anvil assembly 18, respectively. Examples of electrically powered fastening devices can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,055,943, 9,023,014, and U.S. Publications 2018 / 0125495 and 2017 / 0340351. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the reloading assembly may also be incorporated into a manually powered fastening device as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,303,106 ('106 patent), or a fastening device configured for use with a robotic system and excluding the handle assembly, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,962,159.

[0047] Figure 2-4 The reloading assembly 100 includes a housing 110, a nail actuator 112, a nail pushing member 112a, a blade holder 114, an annular blade 116 supported on the blade holder 114, a nail magazine 118, and a plurality of nails 120 supported within the nail magazine 118. The nail magazine 118 is annular and defines an annular row of nail recesses 124. Each of the nail recesses 124 supports one of the plurality of nails 120. The nail actuator 112 and the nail pushing member 112a together define a longitudinal through-hole 132. Figure 7The nail actuator 112 has a distal portion adjacent to the proximal portion of the nail pusher 112a, such that distal movement of the nail actuator 112 within the housing 110 causes distal movement of the nail pusher 112a within the housing 110. The nail pusher 112a of the reloading assembly 100 has a plurality of fingers 134. Each of the plurality of fingers 134 is received within a corresponding nail recess 124 of the nail cartridge 118 and is movable through the corresponding nail recess 124 to eject one of the nails 120 from the nail recess 124 when the nail pusher 112a moves from a retracted position to an advanced position within the housing 110.

[0048] The housing 110 includes an outer housing portion 140 and an inner housing portion 142. Figure 3 The nail actuator 112 and the nail pushing member 112a are spaced apart from each other to define an annular cavity 144 between the outer housing portion 140 and the inner housing portion 142. The nail actuator 112 and the nail pushing member 112a can move from a retracted position to an advanced position within the annular cavity 144 of the outer housing 110 to eject the nail 120 from the nail cartridge 118.

[0049] The ring cutter 116 is supported around the outer surface of the cutter holder 114, has a distal cutting edge 117a, and defines a cylindrical cavity 117. In this aspect of the disclosure, the ring cutter 116 includes an inwardly extending shank 117b. Figure 2 The ring cutter 116 is housed within a recess 114a defined in the outer surface of the tool holder 114 to secure the ring cutter 116 to the tool holder 114. The tool holder 114 and the ring cutter 116 are positioned within the through-hole 132 of the nail actuator 112. Figure 7 It can move from the retracted position to the forward position to cut tissue positioned radially inward from the staple cartridge 118. It is envisioned that the annular cutter 116 can be secured to the cutter holder 114 using various different fastening techniques. It is also envisioned that the annular cutter 116 can be secured to the inner surface of the cutter holder 114 rather than to the outer surface of the cutter holder 114.

[0050] The inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 defines a through hole 150. Figure 3 The anvil assembly 18 houses the anvil shaft (not shown). For a more detailed description of the exemplary anvil assembly 18, see, for example, patent '106. The through-hole 150 has a proximal portion for housing the bushing 152. Figure 5The bushing 152 is best illustrated below. The bushing 152 includes a longitudinally fixed rigid auxiliary pawl 153 extending radially outward from the bushing 152 and a flange 152a extending at least partially around the bushing 152. The flange 152a engages a proximal end of the inner housing portion 142 of the housing 110 to secure the bushing to the inner housing portion 142. The auxiliary pawl 153 is described in further detail below. The bushing 152 defines a through-hole 150a coaxial with and forming an extension of the through-hole 150 of the inner housing portion 142. The bushing 152 is formed of a high-strength material, such as metal, to provide additional strength to the inner housing portion 142 of the housing 110 and includes an annular flange 152a. In some aspects of this disclosure, the bushing 152 includes a distal end 154 comprising one or more retaining rings 154a. The retaining ring 154a is housed within the through-hole 150 of the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 and is shaped to inhibit the removal of the bushing 152.

[0051] The housing 110 includes a support connection mechanism 160. Figure 2 The proximal portion 158 ( Figure 2 The coupling mechanism 160 can be operated to releasably couple the reloading assembly 100 to the fastening device 10. Figure 1 The adapter assembly 14. The coupling mechanism 160 allows for the removal and replacement of the reloading assembly 100 on the elongated body 14 to facilitate the reuse of the fastening device 10, and includes a retaining member 162 and a coupling member 164. The coupling member 164 is received around the proximal portion 158 of the housing 110 and is configured to engage with the distal portion 14a of the adapter assembly 14. Figure 1 The reloading assembly 100 is engaged to attach the reloading assembly 100 to the adapter assembly 14. The retaining member 162 holds the connecting member 164 in position around the proximal portion 158 of the housing 110. Alternatively, other coupling mechanisms are contemplated for securing the reloading assembly 100 to the adapter assembly 14. Alternatively, the reloading assembly 100 may be non-removably secured to the adapter assembly 14.

[0052] In some aspects of this disclosure, the reload component 100 includes an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip holder 170. Figure 3 The EPROM chip holder 170 is supported on the housing 110 and configured to support the EPROM chip. As known in the art, the EPROM chip communicates with the adapter assembly 14 to provide information about the characteristics of the reloading assembly 10 to both the adapter assembly 14 and the handle assembly 12. In some aspects of this disclosure, the EPROM chip holder 170 includes a cylindrical collar 170a. Figure 2The distal portion of the bushing 152 is housed within the housing 110. A cylindrical collar 170a can be clamped between the proximal end of the inner housing portion 142 of the housing 110 and the flange 152a of the bushing 152 to secure the EPROM chip holder within the housing 110.

[0053] Knife holder 114 ( Figure 2 It includes spaced-apart, elastic longitudinal body portions 173, which are spaced apart from each other and together define a central hole 172. Figure 7A The center hole 172 of the tool holder 114 can be rotated around the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110. Figure 3 The tool holder 114 can slide around the inner housing portion 142 in the retracted position. Figure 10 ) and forward position ( Figure 11 The tool holder 114 moves between the longitudinal body portions 173. Each of the longitudinal body portions 173 is formed of an elastic material and is spaced apart from the adjacent body portions 173 to define a slot 176 between the adjacent body portions 173. The slot 176 receives the guide portion 175 of the outer casing 110. Figure 7B The tool holder 114 is confined to longitudinal movement within the housing 110. A guide portion 175 extends between the inner housing portion 142 and the outer housing portion 140 of the housing 110. At least one of the longitudinal body portions 173 defines a recess 178 communicating with one of the slots 176. In some aspects of this disclosure, two defining recesses 178 in the longitudinal body portions 173 are positioned longitudinally aligned with each other on opposite sides of the respective slots 176 to define recesses 178. When the tool holder 114 is in its retracted position, the recess 178 receives the auxiliary pawl 153 of the bushing 152.

[0054] Figure 7A and 7B The illustration shows a perspective view taken from the distal end of the tool holder 114 and the housing 110. As illustrated, the longitudinal body portion 173 of the tool holder 114 includes an inner surface 196 that defines a central bore 172 of the tool holder 114 and supports one or more main pawls 196a. The main pawls 196a (four of which are shown) are supported around the periphery of the inner surface 196 of the tool holder 114. In some aspects of this disclosure, the main pawls 196a are fastened to the inner surface 196 of the tool holder 114, but it is contemplated that the main pawls may be integrally formed with the tool holder 114.

[0055] The outer surface of the inner housing portion 142 includes one or more elongated longitudinal grooves 197. Each groove 197 (four shown) receives a corresponding one of the main pawls 196a. Each groove 197 includes a proximal portion 197a and a distal portion 197b separated by an abutment surface 198. When the tool holder 114 is in its retracted position, the main pawl 196a is received in the proximal portion 197a of the groove 197, which is formed in the inner housing portion 142 of the tool holder 110 at a position adjacent to the abutment surface 198. As the tool holder 114 advances from its retracted position toward its forward position, the main pawl 196a is forced past the abutment surface 198 and into the distal portion 197b of the groove 197. As the pawl 196a passes the abutment surface 198, the pawl 196a is in an interference fit with the abutment surface 198.

[0056] Figure 6 The proximal portion of the tool holder 114 is described, defining an outwardly facing annular groove or channel 180 extending around each of the longitudinal body portions 173. The channel 180 is defined at its proximal end by a tapering abutment 181 and is configured to releasably receive an inwardly extending engagement portion 182a of the tool belt or driver 182. Figure 10 This allows the tool driver 114 to move between its retracted and forward positions. The longitudinal body portion 173 of the tool holder 114 is formed of a resilient material to allow the longitudinal body portion 173 to bend inward and outward to engage and disengage with the tool driver 182. This configuration facilitates the removal and replacement of the reloading assembly 100 relative to the elongated body 114 of the engagement device 10.

[0057] Figure 7-10 This describes the reloading assembly in the clamped, pre-firing position. In this position, the nail actuator 112 ( Figure 8 The nail pusher 112a, the tool holder 114, and the ring cutter 116 are in their retracted positions. When the tool holder 114 is in its retracted position, the ring cutter 116 is recessed within the nail magazine 118, and the auxiliary pawl 153 of the bushing 152 is received within a recess 178 in the longitudinal body portion 172 of the tool holder 114. In this position, the auxiliary pawl 153 is aligned with a corresponding one of the slots 176 defined between adjacent body portions 173 of the tool holder 114. Furthermore, as described above, when the tool holder 114 is in its retracted position, the main pawl 196a is received in the proximal portion 197a of a groove 197 in the inner housing portion 142 of the outer housing 110 adjacent to the abutment surface 198.

[0058] When the nail actuator 112 is in its retracted position, the nail pusher 112a is also in its retracted position, wherein the fingers 134 of the nail pusher 112a are aligned with and positioned proximally to the nail 120 supported within the nail recess 124. Although not described in detail herein, the adapter assembly 14 includes a nail driver 184 and a blade driver 182. As described above, the blade driver 182 is coupled to the blade holder 114 and is longitudinally movable, moving the blade holder 114 between its forward and retracted positions. Similarly, the nail driver 184 is coupled to the nail actuator 112 and is longitudinally movable, moving the nail actuator 112 between its retracted and forward positions.

[0059] Figure 11-12 The reloading assembly 100 is shown in the clamped position, wherein the tool holder 114 and the nail actuator 112 move toward their fully advanced firing position. When the nail engaging device 10 ( Figure 1 By pressing on the handle assembly 12 ( Figure 1 When the actuation button 24 on the device is actuated, the knife driver 182 and the nail driver 184 advance within the elongated body 14, causing the knife holder 114 and the nail actuator 112 to advance within the housing 110. The nail driver 184 and the knife driver 182 advance within the housing 110. Figure 11 When the arrow "A" in the diagram moves forward, the nail actuator 112 and the tool holder 114 (which are respectively connected to the nail driver 184 and the tool driver 182) move from their retracted positions. Figure 10 ) toward its forward position ( Figure 11 The staple actuator 184 is envisioned to advance before or simultaneously with the blade actuator 182 to ensure that tissue is sutured or stapled before being cut. As described above, the staple actuator 112 is in abutment to the staple pusher member 112a. Thus, as the staple actuator 112 advances, the staple pusher member 112a advances to move the finger-shaped member 134 of the staple pusher member 112a through the staple recess 124 in the cartridge 118 to eject the staple 120 from the cartridge 118. As the blade actuator 182 advances, the blade holder 114 advances to cause the annular blade 116 to be positioned by the... Figure 11 The cutting ring assembly 190 moves forward in the direction indicated by the middle arrow "B" and intersects with the anvil assembly 18. Figure 11 The anvil assembly 18 and the chamber 118 are joined together to cut the tissue clamped between them.

[0060] As the tool holder 114 advances from its retracted position toward its forward position, it forces the main pawl 196a across the abutment surface 198 and into the distal portion 197b of the recess 197. As the pawl 196a crosses the abutment surface 198, it is in an interference fit with the abutment surface 198. The interaction between the main pawl 196a and the recess 197 increases the tool holder holding force within the reloading assembly 100, as described in further detail below.

[0061] Bushing 152 and auxiliary pawl 153 are fixedly supported within housing 110. As tool holder 114 advances within housing 110 from its retracted position toward its forward position, longitudinal body portion 173 moves relative to auxiliary pawl 153 to remove auxiliary pawl 153 from its position within recess 178 of longitudinal body portion 173 to a position within one of slots 176. The width (or diameter) of auxiliary pawl 153 is greater than the width of slot 176. Thus, when auxiliary pawl 153 is positioned within one of the slots 176 defined by longitudinal body portion 173 of tool holder 114, as tool holder 114 moves within housing 110 from its retracted position to its forward position, adjacent longitudinal body portions 173 defining slots 176 are... Figure 11 The arrow "C" in the figure indicates outward bias. As shown, when the longitudinal main body portion 173 is biased outward, the tapering adjacent member 181 of the tool driver 114 and the engagement portion 182a of the tool driver 182 promote a tight engagement to prevent the tool driver 182 and the tool holder 114 from separating.

[0062] Figure 13 The reloading assembly 100 is shown in the firing and clamping position, wherein the tool holder 114 and the nail actuator 112 return to their retracted position in the direction indicated by arrow "D". When the nail engaging device 10 ( Figure 1 Upon firing, as the tool holder 114 returns to its retracted position, the auxiliary pawl 153 moves through the longitudinal slot 176 and returns to its position within the recess 178. The engagement between the auxiliary pawl 153 and the longitudinal body portion 173 of the tool holder 114 is maintained as the engagement between the tool actuator 182 and the tool holder 114 until the auxiliary pawl returns to the recess 178. As the auxiliary pawl 153 is retracted into the recess 178, the longitudinal body portion 173 moves inward in the direction of arrow "E" to reduce the engagement force between the tapered abutment 181 of the tool holder 114 and the engagement portion 182a of the tool actuator 182. During the retraction of the tool holder 114, the annular blade 116 retracts to its position recessed within the staple cartridge 118 to isolate the cutting edge 117a of the annular blade 116 from the clinician. The auxiliary pawl 153 impedes further advance of the tool holder 114. More specifically, the auxiliary pawl 153 is positioned to engage the inner wall 192 of the defining recess 178 to prevent the tool holder 114 from advancing further, and thereby prevent the ring cutter 116 from advancing further from its isolated position within the nail magazine 118.

[0063] As the tool holder 114 returns to its retracted position, the main pawl 196a moves from the distal portion 197b of the recess 197 to the proximal portion, across the adjacent surface 198, and back into the proximal portion 197a of the recess 197. When the pawl 196a is retracted into the proximal portion 197a of the recess 197, the engagement between the pawl 196a and the adjacent surface 198 increases the holding force on the tool holder 114 to minimize any possibility of further advance of the tool holder 114.

[0064] Figure 14-18 The description generally illustrates a reload assembly including reload assembly 200, which incorporates additional aspects of this disclosure. Reload assembly 200 is substantially similar to reload assembly 100, except for the auxiliary pawl 153 of bushing 252. Figure 2 The longitudinally fixed resilient auxiliary pawl (e.g., spring clip 253) has been replaced. In some aspects of this disclosure, the resilient auxiliary pawl 253 is fastened to a support ring 254 housed around the bushing 252. In some aspects of this disclosure, the support ring 254 is fastened to the bushing 252 and compressed within the cylindrical collar 270a of the EPROM holder 270 and the flange 252a of the bushing 252. Figure 16 Between. Flange 252a may include a plane 252b supporting the spring clip 253. It is envisioned that the resilient auxiliary pawl 253 can be fastened to the bushing 252 in various ways using various techniques.

[0065] When the tool holder 214 is in the retracted position ( Figure 14 When the tool holder 214 is retracted, the resilient auxiliary pawl 253 is housed within the recess 278 of the tool holder 214. In some aspects of this disclosure, the resilient auxiliary pawl 253 includes a tapering, distally facing engagement surface 294 aligned with an inner wall 292 defined in the recess 278 within the longitudinally extending body portion 273 of the tool holder 214. Figure 17 As the tool holder 214 moves toward its forward position, the elastic auxiliary pawl 253 deforms inward through the inner wall 292 of the tool holder 214 as it travels on the elastic auxiliary pawl 253. In its deformed state... Figure 18 Under these conditions, the elastic auxiliary pawl 253 applies an outward force to the longitudinally extending main body portion 273 of the tool holder 214, thereby causing the tool holder 214 to engage with the tool driver 182. Figure 11 A more secure engagement. Upon reloading, component 200 fires and tool holder 214 returns to its retracted position. Figure 17 After that, the elastic auxiliary pawl 253 returns to its position within the recess 278 to prevent the tool holder 214 from advancing further.

[0066] The resilient auxiliary pawl 253 of the reloading assembly 200 and the fixed auxiliary pawl 153 of the reloading assembly 100, combined with the main pawl 196a on the blade holders 114 and 214 and the groove 197 on the housings 110 and 210, provide the disclosed reloading assembly with additional retaining structures to minimize the possibility of the blade holder and the circumferential blade re-advancing, thereby improving clinician safety.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with elements and features of another exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of this disclosure based on the foregoing embodiments. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical stapler comprising: an adapter assembly having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; and A reloading component, supported on the distal end portion of the adapter assembly, the reloading component comprising: A housing, comprising an outer housing portion and an inner housing portion, the inner and outer housing portions defining an annular cavity; An auxiliary pawl, which is supported within the outer casing; A staple cartridge, which is fastened to the outer housing and supports a plurality of staples; A pin pusher with a defined through-hole, the pin pusher being supported within the annular cavity and capable of moving from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject the plurality of pins from the pin magazine; A tool holder, supported within the through-hole of the nail pusher and defining a central hole, the central hole receiving the inner housing portion of the outer casing, the tool holder being movable about the inner housing portion between a retracted position and an advanced position, the tool holder defining a recess that, when the tool holder is in the retracted position, receives the auxiliary pawl to prevent movement of the tool holder from the retracted position toward the advanced position; and A ring-shaped cutter, which is supported on the cutter holder.

2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a handle assembly, wherein the proximal end portion of the adapter assembly is supported on the handle assembly.

3. The surgical stapler according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary pawl is longitudinally fixed to the outer housing.

4. The surgical stapler according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary pawl is elastic.

5. The surgical stapler according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary pawl is rigid.

6. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the blade holder includes an internal surface defining the central hole of the blade holder, the internal surface of the blade holder supporting at least one main pawl, the internal housing portion of the outer housing including an external surface defining at least one longitudinal groove receiving the at least one main pawl, the at least one main pawl having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an abutment surface separating the proximal portion of the at least one longitudinal groove from the distal portion of the at least one longitudinal groove, wherein as the blade holder moves from its retracted position toward its forward position, the at least one main pawl moves to an interference fit with the abutment surface.

7. The surgical stapler according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary pawl is in the form of a spring clip.

8. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the scalpel holder includes a plurality of resilient longitudinal body portions defining the central hole, each of the longitudinal body portions being spaced apart from adjacent longitudinal body portions to define a longitudinal slot.

9. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein the recess is defined in an adjacent longitudinal body portion of the scalpel and communicates with a corresponding one of the longitudinal slots such that the auxiliary pawl is aligned with the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots, and the auxiliary pawl is movable into the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots as the scalpel moves from its retracted position toward its forward position.

10. The surgical stapler of claim 9, wherein the adapter assembly includes a blade driver adapted to be releasably coupled to the blade holder.

11. The surgical stapler of claim 10, wherein the width of the auxiliary pawl is greater than the width of the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots, such that the movement of the auxiliary pawl by at least one of the longitudinal slots causes deformation of the adjacent longitudinal body portion to facilitate a more secure engagement of the blade driver and the blade holder.

12. The surgical stapler of claim 1, further comprising a bushing fastened to the inner housing portion of the outer housing, wherein the auxiliary pawl is supported on the bushing.

13. A reloading component comprising: A housing, comprising an outer housing portion and an inner housing portion, the inner and outer housing portions defining an annular cavity; An auxiliary pawl, which is supported within the outer casing; A staple cartridge, which is fastened to the outer housing and supports a plurality of staples; A pin pusher with a defined through-hole, the pin pusher being supported within the annular cavity and capable of moving from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject the plurality of pins from the pin magazine; A tool holder, supported within the through-hole of the nail pusher and defining a central hole, the central hole receiving the inner housing portion of the outer housing, the tool holder being movable about the inner housing portion between a retracted position and an advanced position, the tool holder defining a recess that, when the tool holder is in the retracted position, receives the auxiliary pawl to prevent the tool holder from moving from the retracted position toward the advanced position; and The knife is supported on the knife holder.

14. The reloading assembly of claim 13, wherein the tool holder includes an internal surface defining the central bore of the tool holder, the internal surface of the tool holder supporting at least one main pawl, the internal housing portion of the housing housing including an external surface defining at least one longitudinal groove receiving the at least one main pawl, the at least one main pawl having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an abutment surface separating the proximal portion of the at least one longitudinal groove from the distal portion of the at least one longitudinal groove, wherein as the tool holder moves from its retracted position toward its forward position, the at least one main pawl moves to an interference fit with the abutment surface.

15. The reloading assembly of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary pawl is longitudinally fixed to the housing.

16. The reloading assembly of claim 15, wherein the auxiliary pawl is resilient and includes a spring clip.

17. The reloading assembly of claim 15, wherein the auxiliary pawl is rigid.

18. The reloading assembly of claim 13, wherein the tool holder includes a plurality of resilient longitudinal body portions defining the central bore, each of the longitudinal body portions being spaced apart from an adjacent longitudinal body portion to define a longitudinal slot.

19. The reload assembly of claim 18, wherein the pocket is defined in an adjacent longitudinal body portion of the cartridge and is in communication with a corresponding one of the longitudinal slots such that the auxiliary pawl is aligned with the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots and is movable into the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots as the cartridge is moved from its retracted position toward its advanced position.

20. The reload assembly of claim 19, wherein a width of the auxiliary pawl is greater than a width of the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots such that movement of the auxiliary pawl through the corresponding one of the longitudinal slots causes the adjacent longitudinal body portion to deform outwardly.

21. The reload assembly of claim 13, further comprising a bushing secured to the inner housing portion of the housing shell, wherein the auxiliary pawl is supported on the bushing.

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