Surgical cartridge for supporting a surgical buttress material

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to surgical staple cartridges for supporting surgical buttress material. An end effector for use with a surgical stapler includes a cartridge assembly movable relative to an anvil assembly. The cartridge assembly defines a plurality of retention slots and a cavity. The cartridge assembly includes a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, an actuation sled, surgical buttress material, a suture, and an anchoring button. The actuation sled is configured to move along a length of the cartridge assembly to sequentially engage the plurality of pushers so as to eject the plurality of staples through a corresponding plurality of retention slots. The anchoring button is configured to be received in the cavity of the cartridge assembly such that a portion of the suture is supported in the cavity so as to be severed by a knife blade of the actuation sled as the actuation sled is advanced distally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to surgical staplers, and more specifically, to surgical staple cartridges configured to detachably support surgical support material. Background Technology

[0002] Surgical surgeons use surgical staplers to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, such as staples or two-piece fasteners, to body tissue to join fragments of body tissue together and / or create anastomosis. Linear surgical staplers typically comprise a pair of jaws or finger structures between which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the linear surgical stapler is actuated or “fired,” a longitudinally moving firing lever contacts a staple drive member in one of the jaws. The staple drive member pushes the surgical staple through the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposing jaw forming the staple. If it is necessary to remove or separate the body tissue, a blade can be positioned in one of the jaws of the device to cut the body tissue between the staple lines.

[0003] Surgical supports, such as mesh or support materials, can be used in conjunction with surgical sutures to overcome, repair, and / or reinforce tissue defects in a patient's body, such as those occurring in the abdominal wall, chest wall, diaphragm, or musculoaponeurotic regions of the body. Surgical supports reinforce suture lines and cover tissue junctions to reduce leakage before healing. Surgical supports can help promote proper suture formation while reducing distortion / deformation caused by any misregistration of tissue and / or abnormal or uneven tissue. Surgical supports can also provide support for weakened tissue or help address differences in tissue thickness.

[0004] Therefore, new systems and methods that can easily and effectively attach and remove surgical support materials that travel between surgical suture devices are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical suture device includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly being movable relative to the anvil assembly between an approach position and a spaced-out position. The cartridge assembly defines a plurality of retaining slots and cavities. The cartridge assembly includes a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, an actuation slide, surgical support material, sutures, and anchoring buttons. The plurality of staples are disposed in corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The plurality of pushers are configured to eject the plurality of staples through the corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The actuation slide is configured to move along the length of the cartridge assembly to sequentially engage the plurality of pushers to eject the plurality of staples through the corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The actuation slide includes a first blade. The surgical support material is configured to support the cartridge assembly on a tissue-facing surface. The sutures include opposing ends firmly attached to opposing sides of the cartridge assembly. The anchoring button is configured to be housed in the cavity of the staple cartridge assembly such that a portion of the suture is supported in the cavity so that, as the actuation slide moves distally, the portion of the suture is cut by the first blade of the actuation slide.

[0006] In one embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may further define opposing lateral recesses configured to securely receive corresponding opposing ends of the suture.

[0007] In another embodiment, the anchoring button may define a relative circumferential groove that aligns with a corresponding relative lateral groove of the staple cartridge assembly.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the anchoring button may define a recess configured to receive the first blade of the actuating slide passing through it.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the portion of the suture may be positioned orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis defined by the staple cartridge assembly.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the anchoring button may include an engagement portion defining a lateral groove configured to support the portion of the suture within the cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may include opposing lateral guides configured to house the surgical support material therein.

[0012] In another embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may further define a central longitudinal groove communicating with the cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the central longitudinal groove may extend through the cavity.

[0014] In another embodiment, the actuation slide may further include a second blade configured to extend through the central longitudinal groove to cut the surgical support material and tissue that overlaps with the tissue-facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the surgical support material may have a distal portion comprising an incision registered with the distal portion of the central longitudinal groove.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the cavity of the staple cartridge assembly may be defined at the distal portion of the staple cartridge assembly.

[0017] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical suture device includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly, the staple cartridge assembly being movable relative to the anvil assembly between an approach position and a spaced-out position. The cartridge assembly defines a plurality of retaining slots and lateral slots. The cartridge assembly includes a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, an actuating slide plate, surgical support material, sutures, and a slider cam. The plurality of staples are disposed in corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The plurality of pushers are configured to eject the plurality of staples through the corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The actuating slide plate is configured to move along the length of the staple cartridge assembly to engage the plurality of pushers so as to eject the plurality of staples through the corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The surgical support material is configured to support a tissue-facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly. The sutures include opposing ends firmly attached to opposing sides of the staple cartridge assembly. The slider cam is configured to slidably receive in the lateral slots. The slider cam includes an engagement portion configured to engage the actuation slide plate such that axial displacement of the actuation slide plate causes lateral movement of the slider cam, which in turn releases one end of the opposite ends of the suture from the corresponding lateral groove in the staple cartridge assembly.

[0018] In one embodiment, the joining portion may have an arcuate or conical profile.

[0019] In another embodiment, the slider cam may further include a lateral portion having a flat surface, the lateral portion being configured to engage one of the opposite ends of the suture.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the slider cam may include a body portion and fingers, the body portion including the lateral portion, and the fingers extending flexibly distally from the body portion.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the lateral groove may include a first stop configured to engage a portion of the finger to limit lateral displacement of the slider cam.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the finger may include a hook portion configured to engage the first stop of the lateral groove.

[0023] In one embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may define a central longitudinal groove extending along its length.

[0024] In another embodiment, the lateral slot of the staple cartridge assembly may further include a second stop configured to restrict lateral displacement of the slider cam toward the central longitudinal slot.

[0025] In one embodiment, the slider cam may be laterally positioned inside the opposite ends of the suture.

[0026] In another embodiment, the surgical support material may define a relative notch configured to align with a corresponding relative lateral groove of the staple cartridge assembly.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may include opposing lateral guides configured to house the surgical support material therein.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the surgical support material may include stepped portions configured to engage corresponding opposing lateral guides.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may further include hook members extending from the surface facing the tissue.

[0030] In one embodiment, the surgical support material may define the incision.

[0031] In another embodiment, the hook member may be configured to be received through the incision in the surgical support material to secure the surgical support material to the staple cartridge assembly.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the actuation slide may include a blade configured to extend through the central longitudinal groove to cut the surgical support material and tissue that overlaps with the tissue-facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the opposite ends of the suture may be frictionally secured within the corresponding opposite lateral grooves of the staple cartridge assembly.

[0034] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical suture device includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly movable relative to the anvil assembly between an approach position and a spaced-out position. The cartridge assembly defines a plurality of retaining slots and lifting slots. The cartridge assembly includes a plurality of staples, a plurality of pushers, an actuating slide, surgical support material, sutures, and lifting members. The plurality of staples are disposed within corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The plurality of pushers are configured to eject the plurality of staples through the corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The actuating slide is configured to move along the length of the cartridge assembly to engage the plurality of pushers so as to eject the plurality of staples through the corresponding plurality of retaining slots. The surgical support material is configured to support the cartridge assembly on a tissue-facing surface. The sutures include opposing ends that are securely attached to opposing sides of the cartridge assembly to detachably secure the surgical support material to the tissue-facing surface. The lifting member is configured to extend through the lifting groove to move the suture away from the surgical support material to release the surgical support material from the staple cartridge assembly.

[0035] In one embodiment, the lifting member may be connected to one of the plurality of actuators.

[0036] In another embodiment, the lifting member may be connected to the farthest of the plurality of actuators.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may define opposing lateral grooves configured to secure corresponding opposing ends of the suture.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, one of the grooves in the opposing lateral grooves may be adjacent to the lifting groove, such that a portion of the suture extends over the lifting groove.

[0039] In one embodiment, the suture may be flexible.

[0040] In another embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may include opposing lateral guides configured to house the surgical support material therein.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the surgical support material may define the incision.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly may include hook members extending from its tissue-facing surface. The hook members may be configured to be received through the incision in the surgical support material to secure the surgical support material to the staple cartridge assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a surgical suture device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a surgical support material is mounted thereon;

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the end effector of a surgical suture device;

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the tool section of an end effector with separate components;

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly of the end effector, showing the surgical support material that can be detachably attached to it;

[0048] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of the detailed area indicated;

[0049] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the indicated detailed area, which shows Figure 4 The actuation slide of the pin cartridge assembly;

[0050] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of the indicated detailed area, which shows Figure 4 The anchoring button of the staple cartridge assembly;

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The edge of the staple cartridge assembly Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 8-8;

[0052] Figure 9 and 10 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of the indicated detailed area, showing the anchor button and... Figure 8 Placement of the staple cartridge assembly;

[0053] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 The edge of the staple cartridge assembly Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 11-11;

[0054] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The edge of the staple cartridge assembly Figure 11 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 12-12 shows the cutting of the suture line;

[0055] Figure 13 yes Figure 8 A partial perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly, showing the cutting of the suture line;

[0056] Figure 14 It is by Figure 1 A perspective view of tissues sutured and cut using a surgical stapler;

[0057] Figure 15 It is according to another embodiment of this disclosure for use with Figure 1 A perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly used in conjunction with a surgical stapler;

[0058] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of the detailed area indicated;

[0059] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A perspective view of the staple cartridge assembly separated from the surgical support material;

[0060] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A magnified view of the indicated detailed area, which shows Figure 15 The slider cam of the staple cartridge assembly;

[0061] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 The edge of the staple cartridge assembly Figure 15 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 19-19;

[0062] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A magnified view of the detailed area indicated;

[0063] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 The surgical compartment assembly along Figure 20 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 21-21;

[0064] Figure 22 yes Figure 19A partial cross-sectional view of the surgical chamber assembly, showing the slider cam in a laterally displaced position;

[0065] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The surgical compartment assembly along Figure 22 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 23-23;

[0066] Figure 24 yes Figure 15 A partial perspective view of the surgical compartment assembly, showing the cutting of the sutures;

[0067] Figure 25 It is according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure for use with Figure 1 A perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly used in conjunction with a surgical stapler;

[0068] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A magnified view of the detailed area indicated;

[0069] Figure 27 yes Figure 25 A perspective view of the staple pusher and staples of the staple cartridge assembly;

[0070] Figure 28 yes Figure 25 A partial top view of the staple cartridge assembly, which shows Figure 27 The pin pusher is shown in dashed lines;

[0071] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 The edge of the staple cartridge assembly Figure 28 Cross-sectional view taken by section line 29-29;

[0072] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge assembly, showing the actuation of the lifting component; and

[0073] Figure 31 yes Figure 25 A partial perspective view of the stud cartridge assembly, showing the actuation of the lifting component. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar or identical elements. Throughout this specification, the term "proximal" refers to a portion of the structure or its components closer to the user, and the term "distal" refers to a portion of the structure or its components farther from the user. Directional reference terms such as "top," "bottom," "side," etc., are used to simplify the description of embodiments and are not intended to have any limiting effect on the final orientation of the structure or any part thereof. In the following description, well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.

[0075] Now refer to Figure 1-3 An exemplary surgical suture 1 in the form of a linear surgical suture is shown, the exemplary surgical suture being used to suture tissue and apply surgical support material 100 to the tissue. The surgical suture 1 generally includes a handle assembly 10, an elongated tubular body portion 20 extending distally from the handle assembly 10, and an end effector 30 extending distally from the elongated tubular body portion 20. The end effector 30 includes an anvil assembly 40 and a staple cartridge assembly 50. The end effector 30 may be permanently fixed or detachably coupled to the elongated tubular body portion 20 and can therefore be replaced with a new end effector 30. The anvil assembly 40 and / or the staple cartridge assembly 50 may pivot relative to each other such that the anvil and / or staple cartridge assemblies 40, 50 are movable between an open position and an approach position, in which the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies 40, 50 are spaced apart relative to each other, and in the approach position, the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies 40, 50 are substantially adjacent to each other. The handle assembly 10 includes: an actuation button 12 configured to actuate, for example, a motor (not shown) operably associated with an actuation slide 66, to eject staples 58 from the staple cartridge assembly 50; and open and close buttons 14, 16 configured to actuate, for example, a motor (not shown) operably associated with an anvil and / or staple cartridge assemblies 40, 50, to switch the anvil and / or staple cartridge assemblies 40, 50 between an open position and an approach position.

[0076] For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary surgical sutures, reference may be made to U.S. Patents 8,256,656, 7,819,896, and 7,128,253, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that the principles of this disclosure are equally applicable to surgical sutures with other configurations, such as those described in U.S. Patents 7,334,717, 5,964,394, and 5,915,616, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, it should be understood that a variety of surgical sutures can be utilized.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 The anvil assembly 40 includes an anvil plate (not shown) and a cover plate 44, the anvil plate having a central longitudinal groove formed therein, and the cover plate being fixed above the anvil plate such that the cover plate 44 defines a top or outward surface 46 of the anvil assembly 40. The anvil plate may include a plurality of pin-forming recesses / cavities (not shown) defining its inward or tissue-facing surface (not shown).

[0078] Reference Figure 3 The staple cartridge assembly 50 includes a cartridge frame 52 defining an elongated support channel 51, which is configured and sized to selectively house the staple cartridge 54 therein. The cartridge frame 52 also defines a bottom or outward surface 53 of the staple cartridge assembly 50. The staple cartridge 54 can be removed and replaced within the cartridge frame 52. The staple cartridge 54 includes a body portion 54a and a cover 54b. The body portion 54a defines a staple recess or retaining groove 55 for housing a plurality of fasteners or staples 58 and staple pushers 60. The staples 58 are of a conventional type and include a rear span having a pair of legs extending from the rear span. The legs terminate at tissue penetration tips. The staple pushers 60 are located within corresponding staple recesses 55 and positioned between the path of the staple 58 and the actuation slide plate 66. A central longitudinal groove 57 is defined along the length of the staple cartridge 54 to pass through a first blade 61 of the actuation slide plate 66.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 and 5 , cavity 65 ( Figure 3 The cavity 65 is defined as the distal portion adjacent to the central longitudinal groove 57. The cavity 65 is configured to receive the anchoring button 70 to support the suture 17 that secures the surgical support material 100 to the staple cartridge 54, as will be discussed below. The proximal portion 55a and distal portion 55b of the main body portion 54a of the staple cartridge 54 are configured to secure the respective suture 17 thereto, so as to removably secure the surgical support material 100 to the tissue-facing surface 56 of the main body portion 54a. Figure 3 For this purpose, the proximal portion 55a of the body portion 54a defines a lateral groove 69, which is configured to securely receive a corresponding end portion of the suture 17 therein. For example, the end portion of the suture 17 can be fixed to the lateral groove 69 by friction engagement or by using an adhesive. Alternatively, the suture 17 can be ultrasonically welded to the lateral groove 69. Additionally, the proximal portion 55a of the body portion 54a includes a surface 56 facing the tissue (… Figure 3 A pair of lateral guides 59 extend from the main body 54a. The surgical support material 100 is housed between the lateral guides 59. In this manner, the suture 17, in conjunction with the pair of lateral guides 59, secures the surgical support material 100 to the proximal portion 55a of the main body 54a.

[0080] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and 5 The surgical support material 100 is also secured to the staple cartridge 54 by another suture 17 in the distal portion 55b of the main body portion 54b. Although this disclosure discloses two sutures 17 for securing the respective proximal and distal portions 102a, 102b of the surgical support material 100 to the main body portion 54b, it is contemplated that any number of sutures 17 can be used to secure the surgical support material 100 to the staple cartridge 54. The distal portion 55b of the main body portion 54b of the staple cartridge 54 defines opposing lateral grooves 69 (only one shown), which are configured to securely receive the respective end portions of the sutures 17. The sutures 17 secured to the opposing lateral grooves 69 are used to secure the distal end 102b of the surgical support material 100 to the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge 54.

[0081] Now refer to Figure 6-10 To enhance the fixation and removability of the surgical support material 100 to and from the staple cartridge 54, an anchoring button 70 is placed in a cavity 65 of the main body portion 54a of the staple cartridge 54. The cavity 65 is defined in the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge 54. Specifically, a central longitudinal groove 57 extends through the cavity 65. The anchoring button 70 includes a first finger 72 and a second finger 74 configured to flex relative to each other. The anchoring button 70 includes an engagement portion 75 disposed between the first finger 72 and the second finger 74 to support a portion thereon of a suture 17. The anchoring button 70 defines opposing circumferential recesses 76a, 76b configured to receive the suture 17 therein. Further, the anchoring button 70 defines a notch 73 extending through the first finger 72 and the second finger 74. The notch 73 is configured to receive a second blade 62 of an actuation slide 66 passing through it. In this configuration, as the actuating slide 66 moves forward, the second blade 62 of the actuating slide 66 extends through the notch 73 and cuts off a portion of the suture 17 extending across the notch 73. At least one of the first finger 72 and the second finger 74 of the anchoring button 70 further defines a cut 77, which is configured to engage a stop 67 extending inwardly into the cavity 65 of the staple cartridge 54. Figure 9 In this configuration, when the anchoring button 70 is pushed into the cavity 65 in the direction of arrow "L" ( Figure 9 The stop 67 engages the notch 77, and the stop 67 inhibits the anchor button 70 from being pulled back in the direction opposite to the arrow "L", so that once the anchor button 70 is placed in the cavity 65, the anchor button remains in the cavity.

[0082] Reference Figure 11The opposite ends of the suture 17 are fixed to the corresponding lateral groove 69 of the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge 54. Figure 5 The suture 17 is supported by the anchoring button 70 within the cavity 65 of the staple cartridge 54. In this configuration, a portion of the suture 17 lies between the first finger 72 and the second finger 74 and across the notch 73. Figure 6 The extension is cut off by the second blade 62 of the actuated slide plate 66 that is propelled through the notch 73.

[0083] Briefly return to reference Figure 6 The actuated slide plate 66 includes: a cam wedge 68, the cam wedge being configured to sequentially engage the pin pusher 60 ( Figure 3 The first blade 61 is configured to be received through a central longitudinal groove 57 to cut tissue and surgical support material 100; and the second blade 62 is configured to pass through a notch 73 of the anchoring button 70. Figure 7 Storage. During operation of the surgical stapler 1, the actuating slide 66 translates through the staple cartridge 54 to advance the cam wedge 68 to sequentially contact the staple pusher 60, causing the staple pusher 60 to move vertically within the staple recess 55 and eject the staples 58 from the staple recess 55 toward the tissue-facing surface of the anvil plate (not shown) of the anvil assembly 40. Further, the second blade 62 is configured to cut the suture 17 positioned against the anchoring button 70, as will be discussed below.

[0084] refer to Figure 11 Initially, the staple cartridge 54 was loaded in the rack 52. Figure 3 The surgical support material 100 can be removably secured to the staple cartridge 54 at any time before or after loading the staple cartridge 54 into the cartridge holder 52. The surgical support material 100 is made of a biocompatible material, which is bioabsorbable or non-absorbable, natural or synthetic. It should be understood that any combination of natural, synthetic, bioabsorbable and / or non-bioabsorbable materials can be used to form the surgical support material 100. The surgical support material 100 can be biodegradable (e.g., formed from bioabsorbable and bioresorbable materials), such that the surgical support material 100 decomposes or breaks down (physical or chemically) under intrinsic physiological conditions of the body, and the degradation products can be excreted or absorbed by the body. Components or portions of the surgical support material 100 can be formed from the same or different materials. The entire surgical support material 100 may be formed from a single piece of material (e.g., cut), or it may be formed from multiple pieces of material made of the same or different materials, and attached to each other using adhesives, sutures, etc., for example, by welding.

[0085] In embodiments, at least a portion of the surgical support material 100 is made of biodegradable materials selected from the group consisting of: natural gum raw materials, cat intestines, and synthetic resins, including those derived from hydrocarbon esters, trimethylene carbonate, tetramethylene carbonate, caprolactone, valproic acid, dioxane, polyanhydride, polyester, polyacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethane, glycolic acid, lactic acid, glycolide, lactide, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyorthoester, polyhydroxyalkanoates, homopolymers thereof, and copolymers thereof. In embodiments, at least a portion of the surgical support material 100 is made of non-biodegradable materials selected from the group consisting of: polyolefins, polyethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene, copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, blends of polyethylene and polypropylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether esters, polybutylene ester, polytetramethylene ether glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and polyurethane.

[0086] Surgical support material 100 may be porous, non-porous, or a combination thereof. Suitable porous structures include, for example, fibrous structures (e.g., woven, braided, and nonwoven structures) and / or foams (e.g., open-cell or closed-cell foams). Suitable non-porous structures include, for example, films. Surgical support material 100 or a portion thereof may be a nonwoven structure, mesh material, woven material, and / or molded or extruded sheet formed by meltblowing or meltspinning methods. Surgical support material 100 or a portion thereof may be a single porous or non-porous layer, or may comprise multiple layers comprising any combination of porous and / or non-porous layers.

[0087] In use, the loaded surgical stapler 1 is introduced to the surgical site via, for example, a cannula or other access device. By pressing the closing button 16 of the handle assembly 10, the tissue between the anvil assembly 40 and the staple cartridge assembly 50 can be grasped. Once the anvil assembly 40 and the staple cartridge assembly 50 are clamped onto the tissue, the clinician can press the actuation button 12 to begin the suturing process, thereby advancing the actuation slide 66. As the actuation slide 66 advances distally and causes the staple pusher 60 to press upward against the rear cross section of the staple 58, the staple 58 is ejected from the staple recess 55 and passes through the surgical support material 100 and the captured tissue, thereby suturing the surgical support material 100 to the tissue. The tissue-penetrating tip of the staple 58 bends within the staple-tightening recess of the anvil assembly 40, thereby abutting against the surgical support material 100 mounted on the tissue-facing surface 56.

[0088] When the surgical stapler 1 is actuated, the first blade 61, associated with the surgical stapler 1 and carried by the actuation slide 66, enters the notch 104 of the surgical support material 100 and cuts the tissue between the now-tightened staples and the surgical support material 100 on the tissue. The resulting tissue is separated and sutured with staples 58.

[0089] Reference Figure 12-14 As the actuation slide plate 66 advances further, the first blade 61 cuts through the suture 17 securing the surgical support material 100 to the proximal portion 55a of the staple cartridge 54. When the actuation slide plate 66 reaches the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge 54, the second blade 62 of the actuation slide plate 66 extends through the notch 73 of the anchoring button 70 and cuts a portion of the suture 17 extending therein, thus severing the suture 17 securing the surgical support material 100 to the distal portion 55b of the staple cartridge 54. In this manner, the surgical support material 100 can be detached from the staple cartridge 54 and divided into a first portion 132 and a second portion 134. At this point, the clinician can move the end effector 30 and / or the actuation slide plate 66 proximally to detach the surgical support material 100 sutured to the tissue from the end effector 30. In this way, the surgical support material 100 can be sutured to the tissue, thereby sealing and reinforcing the suture sutures created by the staples.

[0090] The discarded staple cartridge 54 is then removed, and a new staple cartridge 54 and new surgical support material 100 can be loaded onto the staple holder 52. Reloading of removable and replaceable staple cartridges is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,016,539, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Reference Figure 15-17 Used with surgical suture devices ( Figure 1 Another embodiment of the staple cartridge used in conjunction with staple cartridge 54 is shown as staple cartridge 154. The relationship between staple cartridge 154 and staple cartridge 54 will not be described here. Figure 3 The components are substantially similar to those of the original components to avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary details. The staple cartridge 154 can be detachably secured to the cartridge rack 52 by, for example, a snap-fit ​​or interference fit. Figure 1The staple cartridge 154 is configured to detachably attach the surgical support material 200 thereto. Specifically, the proximal portion 154a of the staple cartridge 154 includes opposing lateral guides 159 and hook portions 190, the opposing lateral guides being configured to receive the surgical support material 200 therein, and the hook portions being configured to anchor the proximal portion 202 of the surgical support material 200, as will be discussed below. Further, the distal portion 154b of the staple cartridge 154 defines opposing lateral grooves 169 and slots 163, the opposing lateral grooves being used to secure corresponding end portions of the suture 17 therein, and the slots being configured to receive a slider cam 170 therein for removing the surgical support material 200 from the staple cartridge 154, as will be described below.

[0092] The surgical support material 200 includes a proximal portion 202 and defines a cavity 209. The proximal portion includes a stepped portion 206 configured to engage a lateral guide 159 of a staple cartridge 154. The cavity is configured to engage and receive a hook portion 190 of the staple cartridge 154. The hook portion 190 may include a tapered portion 192 configured to enhance the fixation of the surgical support material 200 to the staple cartridge 154. The distal portion 204 of the surgical support material 200 defines an opposing lateral notch 205 configured to facilitate engagement with the suture 17. The distal portion 154b of the staple cartridge 154 defines a lateral groove 169 configured to secure a corresponding end portion of the suture 17. Furthermore, the distal portion 154b of the staple cartridge 154 further defines a slot 163 sized to receive a slider cam 170 slidably housed therein.

[0093] about Figure 19 and 20 The slider cam 170 can slide laterally within the slot 163. (See also...) Figure 18 The slider cam 170 includes a body 171 having an engagement surface 172 configured to engage a portion of a suture 17 fixed to a corresponding lateral groove 169, such that the suture 17 disengages from the corresponding lateral groove 169. The slider cam 170 further includes an inner portion 177 extending inwardly from the body 171 and a finger 174 extending distally from the body 171. The inner portion 177 has an arcuate or conical surface 178 configured to engage a portion of an actuating slide plate 166. The finger 174 is spaced apart from the body 171 such that the finger 174 is configured to bend toward and away from the body 171. In one embodiment, the finger 174 is biased away from the body 171 such that when the slider cam 170 moves laterally outward, the hook portion 174a of the finger 174 engages the support member 151 of the staple cartridge 154. Figure 20An outer stop 157a is provided to limit the lateral displacement of the slider cam 170. In this way, the slider cam 170 can move laterally outward by a predetermined amount. For example, the slider cam 170 can be laterally outward by a predetermined amount to displace the suture 17 away from the corresponding lateral groove 169 of the staple cartridge 154.

[0094] Now for reference Figure 20-22 The slider cam 170 is positioned in the corresponding lateral groove 169 of the staple cartridge 154, which is fixed to the suture 17. Figure 16 The inner side of the end portion within the slider cam 170. Initially, the inner portion 177 of the slider cam 170... Figure 18 ) is arranged to be aligned with the central longitudinal groove 157 ( Figure 20 The finger 174 extends upward from the plane defined by the body 171 and the inner portion 177, such that the finger 174 engages the inner stop 157b to limit displacement toward the central longitudinal groove 157. In this configuration, the slider cam 170 can slide between a first position and a second position, in which the inner portion 177 is substantially aligned with the central longitudinal groove 157. Figure 20 In the second position, the mating surface 172 of the body 171 ( Figure 18 ) is substantially flush with the side surface of the staple cartridge 154. Figure 22 ).

[0095] Now refer to Figure 20-24 Initially, the slider cam 170 is positioned on the distal portion 204 of the surgical support material 200 of the suture 17. Figure 17 The suture 17 is fixed to the inner side of the end portion of the staple cartridge 154, thereby securely placing the end portion of the suture 17 in the corresponding lateral groove 169 of the staple cartridge 154. Figure 16 Inside. When the actuating slide 166 moves distally, the elongated engaging portion 179 of the actuating slide 166 engages the inner portion 177 of the slider cam 170. Figure 16 The arc-shaped or conical surface 178 of the finger 174 causes the slider cam 170 to move laterally outward in the direction of arrow "O" until the hook portion 174a of the finger 174 engages the outer stop 157a. The lateral outward displacement of the slider cam 170 causes the corresponding end portion of the suture 17 to leave the corresponding lateral groove 169. In this way, one end of the suture 17 is released from the staple cartridge 154, thereby allowing the surgical support material 200 to be removed from the staple cartridge 154. The method and use of the staple cartridge 154 are substantially similar to those of the staple cartridge 54 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0096] Now refer to Figure 25-31 Used with surgical suture devices ( Figure 1Another embodiment of the staple cartridge used in conjunction with staple cartridge 54 is shown as staple cartridge 254. The relationship between staple cartridge 254 and staple cartridge 54 will not be described here. Figure 3 ), 154 Figure 15 The components are substantially similar to those of the original components to avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary details. The staple cartridge 254 can be detachably secured to the cartridge rack 52 by, for example, a snap-fit ​​or interference fit. Figure 1 The staple cartridge 254 is designed for storing multiple fasteners or rivets 58. Figure 3 ) and 60 pin pusher Figure 3 ) The 255mm pin retainer is housed within it. Figure 31 ). Central longitudinal groove 257 ( Figure 3 The first blade 61 of the actuation slide 66 is defined along the basic length of the pin magazine 254 to facilitate the passage of the actuation slide 66 through it. Figure 6 The delivery of the surgical support material 300 is described. Specifically, the proximal portion 255a and distal portion 255b of the staple cartridge 254 are configured to detachably secure the surgical support material 300 to the staple cartridge 254. The proximal portion 255a of the staple cartridge 254 includes a pair of lateral guides 259 extending from a tissue-facing surface 256. The surgical support material 300 is received between the lateral guides 259. Additionally, the proximal portion 255a of the staple cartridge 254 includes a hook portion 290 having a tapered surface 292, the hook portion being configured to engage a cavity 304 defined in the proximal portion 300a of the surgical support material 300.

[0097] The distal portion 255b of the staple cartridge 254 defines opposing lateral grooves 269, which are configured to receive corresponding end portions of the suture 17 to secure the surgical support material 300 to the staple cartridge 254. Additionally, the distal portion 255b further defines a pair of opposing slots 271, which are configured to receive corresponding lifting members 263. Figure 27 In this configuration, a portion of the surgical support material 300 is inserted between opposing slots 271. A lifting member 263 can be mounted on the corresponding distal actuator 260. In one embodiment, the lifting member 263 and the distal actuator 260 can be formed as a single configuration.

[0098] A portion of the surgical support material 300 is inserted between the slots 271 such that when the corresponding end portion of the suture 17 is secured to the lateral groove 269, the suture 17 extends over the opposing slots 271. In this configuration, the suture 17 secures the surgical support material 300 to the distal portion 255b of the staple cartridge 254.

[0099] about Figure 30 and 31When the lifting member 263 extends out of the corresponding groove 271, the lifting member 263, for example, causes the suture 17 away from the surgical support material 300 toward the anvil assembly 40, so that the surgical support material 300 can be released from the staple cartridge 254. In one embodiment, the suture 17 may be flexible.

[0100] During operation of the surgical stapler 1, the actuating slide 66 translates through the staple cartridge 254, causing the cam wedge 68 of the actuating slide 66 to advance to sequential contact with the staple pusher 260. This causes the staple pusher 60 to move vertically within the staple recess 255 and to push the staple 58 from the staple recess 255 toward the anvil assembly 40. Additionally, the lifting member 263 extends a corresponding groove 271 (…). Figure 26 The surgical support material 300 is released from the staple cartridge 254. The method and use of the staple cartridge 254 are substantially similar to those of the staple cartridges 54 and 154 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0101] While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown in the accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto, as its scope is intended to be as broad as the field would allow, and the specification is read in the same manner. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, elements and features shown and described in connection with certain embodiments may be combined with elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and such modifications and changes are also included within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing description should not be construed as limiting, but rather as illustrative of preferred embodiments only. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

Claims

1. An end effector for use with a surgical suture device, the end effector comprising: Anvil assembly; as well as A staple cartridge assembly movable relative to the anvil assembly between an approach position and a spaced-out position, the cartridge assembly defining a plurality of retaining slots and lateral slots, the cartridge assembly comprising: Multiple sew pins, wherein the multiple sew pins are disposed in corresponding multiple retaining grooves; Multiple actuators configured to cause the multiple stitches to be ejected through the corresponding multiple retaining slots; An actuating slide plate is configured to move along the length of the staple cartridge assembly to engage the plurality of pushers so that the plurality of staples are ejected through the respective plurality of retaining slots; Surgical support material, the surgical support material being configured to support the tissue-facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly; The suture includes opposite ends that are securely attached to opposite sides of the staple cartridge assembly; as well as A slider cam, configured to be slidably received in the lateral slot, includes an engagement portion configured to engage the actuation slide plate such that axial displacement of the actuation slide plate causes lateral movement of the slider cam, which in turn releases one end of the opposite ends of the suture from the corresponding lateral groove of the staple cartridge assembly.

2. The end effector according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion has an arcuate or conical profile.

3. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the slider cam further comprises a lateral portion having a flat surface, the lateral portion being configured to engage one end of the opposing ends of the suture.

4. The end effector of claim 3, wherein the slider cam includes a body portion and fingers, the body portion including the lateral portion, and the fingers extending flexibly distally from the body portion.

5. The end effector of claim 4, wherein the lateral groove includes a first stop configured to engage a portion of the finger to limit lateral displacement of the slider cam.

6. The end effector of claim 5, wherein the finger includes a hook portion configured to engage the first stop of the lateral groove.

7. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge assembly defines a central longitudinal slot extending along its length.

8. The end effector of claim 7, wherein the lateral slot of the staple cartridge assembly further includes a second stop configured to restrict lateral displacement of the slider cam toward the central longitudinal slot.

9. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the slider cam is laterally disposed inside the opposite ends of the suture.

10. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the surgical support material defines a relative notch configured to align with a corresponding relative lateral groove of the staple cartridge assembly.

11. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge assembly includes opposing lateral guides configured to receive the surgical support material therein.

12. The end effector of claim 11, wherein the surgical support material comprises a stepped portion configured to engage corresponding opposing lateral guides.

13. The end effector of claim 11, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a hook member extending from the surface facing the tissue.

14. The end effector of claim 13, wherein the surgical support material defines the incision.

15. The end effector of claim 14, wherein the hook member is configured to receive through the incision in the surgical support material to secure the surgical support material to the staple cartridge assembly.

16. The end effector of claim 7, wherein the actuation slide comprises a blade configured to extend through the central longitudinal slot to cut the surgical support material and tissue in a superimposed relationship with the tissue-facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly.

17. The end effector of claim 10, wherein the opposite ends of the suture are frictionally secured within the respective opposite lateral grooves of the staple cartridge assembly.

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