Staple retainer for surgical stapler cartridge

Abstract

The present invention discloses a nail holder for a surgical nail magazine unit, the nail holder comprising a body, the body having a first body side and a second body side, the first body side and the second body side being configured to be positioned in an orifice between an anvil and a platform defined in the magazine unit, so that the first body side faces the anvil and the second body side faces the platform. The second body side is configured to be able to hold the nail in an opening in the platform. The first protrusion at the first body side is configured to be able to contact the anvil at a first position, and the second protrusion at the first body side is configured to be able to contact the anvil at a second position. The protrusion is configured to be able to elastically deflect toward the second body side in response to the nail holder being positioned in the orifice, and is further configured to be able to cooperate with the second body side to maintain a predetermined distance between the anvil and the platform.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Some surgical staplers are operable to clamp on one or more layers of patient tissue, shape the staples through the tissue layers to substantially seal the tissue layers together near the formed staples, and cut through the layers of the clamped tissue for shaping the cut ends of the operatively sealed tissue. An exemplary suturing instrument includes a pair of cooperating elongated jaw members, wherein each jaw member is adapted to be inserted into the patient and positioned relative to the tissue to be sutured. One of the jaw members supports a staple cartridge containing at least two laterally spaced rows of staples, and the other jaw member supports an anvil having a staple forming recess configured to align with the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. Generally speaking, the suturing instrument also includes one or more push rods, which can be actuated relative to the jaw members to drive the staples from the staple cartridge through the tissue clamped between the jaw members, and against the anvil for shaping, and also drive the knife member through the clamped tissue, and thereby cut the tissue while or after suturing. Like this, suturing instrument can be operated to form a plurality of laterally spaced deformed nail rows in clamped tissue, wherein such rows may include linear rows and / or arcuate rows.Blade can cut tissue along linear path or arcuate path, and this linear path or arcuate path extends between adjacent nail rows formed in clamped tissue.

[0002] Exemplary surgical staplers are disclosed in the following documents: U.S. Patent 5,605,272, entitled “Trigger Mechanism for Surgical Instruments”, published on February 25, 1997; U.S. Patent 5,697,543, entitled “Linear Stapler with Improved Firing Stroke”, published on December 16, 1997; U.S. Patent 6,988,650, entitled “Retaining Pin Lever Advancement Mechanism for a Curved Cutter Stapler”, published on January 24, 2006; U.S. Patent 7,134,587, entitled “Knife Retraction Arm for a Curved Cutter Stapler”, published on November 14, 2006; U.S. Patent 7,134,587, entitled “Closure Plate Lockout for a Curved Cutter Stapler”, published on December 12, 2006; and U.S. Patent No. 10,045,780, entitled “Method of Applying Staples in Lower Anterior Bowel Resection”, published on August 14, 2018; the disclosures of each of the above-referenced U.S. patents and U.S. patent publications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] While various surgical stapling instruments and associated components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0005] Figure 1A A perspective view of an exemplary surgical stapler having a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector is shown, showing a tissue retaining pin actuation system in a retracted position and the end effector in an open state;

[0006] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A perspective view of a surgical stapler of , showing a tissue retaining pin actuation system in an extended position when the end effector is held in an open state;

[0007] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A A perspective view of a surgical stapler showing the end effector in a closed state via actuation of a closure system while the tissue retaining pin actuation system is maintained in an extended position;

[0008] Figure 1D Shows Figure 1A A perspective view of a surgical stapler showing an end effector in a fired state via actuation of a firing system to achieve stapling and cutting of tissue captured by the end effector while a tissue retaining pin actuation system is maintained in an extended position;

[0009] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1A A partially disassembled perspective view of a surgical stapler;

[0010] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1A A disassembled perspective view of the actuatable components of the shaft assembly of the surgical stapler, including a closing rod of the closing system, a nail rod of the firing system, and a knife rod of the firing system;

[0011] Figure 4A Shows Figure 1A A side elevation view of a handle assembly of a surgical stapler of , with various components omitted for clarity, showing a tissue retaining pin actuation system in an extended position to retain tissue when the closure system and the firing system are in an unactuated state;

[0012] Figure 4B Shows Figure 1A A side elevation view of a handle assembly of a surgical stapler of , with various components omitted for clarity, illustrating actuation of a closure system via a closure trigger to close the end effector and thereby clamp tissue;

[0013] Figure 4C Shows Figure 1AA side elevation view of a handle assembly of a surgical stapler of , with various components omitted for clarity, illustrating actuation of a firing system via a firing trigger to fire the end effector and thereby staple and cut tissue while the end effector is held in a closed state;

[0014] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1A A perspective view of a surgical stapler showing a staple cartridge unit of an end effector separated from a distal support structure of the end effector;

[0015] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1A A distal left perspective view of a staple cartridge unit of a surgical stapler;

[0016] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1A A proximal right side perspective view of a staple cartridge unit of a surgical stapler;

[0017] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1A A disassembled perspective view of a staple cartridge unit of a surgical stapler;

[0018] Fig.9A Shows Figure 1A A side elevation view of an end effector of a surgical stapler, showing a locking member of the end effector in a locked position when a staple cartridge unit is not present in the distal support structure;

[0019] Fig. 9B Shows Figure 1A A side elevation view of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing a lockout member in a bypass position when an unused staple cartridge unit is disposed within the distal support structure;

[0020] Fig.10 The nail magazine unit is shown after being inserted into the distal support structure. Figure 1A A side elevation view of a distal portion of an end effector of a surgical stapler;

[0021] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a distal portion of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing the interaction between a tissue cutting washer of a staple cartridge unit and a distal support structure;

[0022] Fig. 12A Shows Figure 1A A side cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing a tissue retaining pin in a retracted position when the end effector is in an open state;

[0023] Fig. 12B Shows Figure 1AA side cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing a tissue retaining pin in an extended position to retain tissue when the end effector is held in an open state;

[0024] Fig. 12C Shows Figure 1A A side cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing the end effector being actuated to a closed state to clamp tissue while the tissue retaining pin is maintained in an extended position;

[0025] Fig.12D Shows Figure 1A A side cross-sectional view of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing the end effector being further actuated to a fired state to staple and cut tissue while remaining in a closed state;

[0026] Fig.13 shows a structured Figure 1A A front perspective view of an exemplary staple holder for use with a staple cartridge unit of a surgical stapler;

[0027] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 A rear perspective view of a nail retainer;

[0028] Fig.15 Shows Fig.13 A disassembled front perspective view of a staple holder of , showing a latch member separated from the main body of the staple holder;

[0029] Fig.16A Shows Fig.13 A top cross-sectional view of a staple retainer of , showing a latch member in an exemplary latched position relative to a retainer body;

[0030] Fig. 16B Shows Fig.13 Another top cross-sectional view of the staple retainer of , showing the latch member in an exemplary released position relative to the retainer body;

[0031] Fig.17A The embodiment of the present invention is shown installed in the aperture of the first exemplary staple cartridge unit. Fig.13 A schematic front view of a nail retainer;

[0032] Fig. 17B A second exemplary staple cartridge unit is shown installed in an aperture Fig.13 A schematic front view of a nail retainer;

[0033] Fig.18 Shows Fig.13 An enlarged perspective view of an end portion of a staple retainer of , showing the retaining legs of the staple retainer engaged with the slots of an exemplary cartridge housing;

[0034] Fig.19 Shows Fig.13 The nail retainer and Fig.18 a top cross-sectional view of a mating end portion of a bin housing showing a pivot point defined by contact between a retaining leg and an end wall of a slot;

[0035] Fig. 20A Shows Figure 1A An enlarged side elevation view of an end effector of a surgical stapler of , showing a staple holder in an installed position, wherein the staple holder holds the staples within the staple cartridge unit and the latch member captures a guide pin of the staple cartridge unit;

[0036] Fig. 20B Shows Figure 1A Another enlarged side elevation view of the end effector of the surgical stapler of , showing a user-applied force being applied to a feature of the staple holder to pivot an end of the staple holder away from the staple cartridge unit, thereby disengaging the latch member from the guide pin;

[0037] Fig. 20C Shows Figure 1A A perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing an end of a staple holder disengaging and pivoting away from a staple cartridge unit in response to a force applied by a user; and

[0038] Fig.20D Shows Figure 1A Another perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapler showing the staple retainer completely removed from the staple cartridge unit.

[0039] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be performed in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention; however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following description of some examples of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. According to the following description shown by way of example, other examples, features, aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and a best mode is contemplated for implementing the present invention. As will be appreciated, the present invention can have other different and obvious aspects, all of which do not depart from the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered as illustrative and non-restrictive in nature.

[0041] For clarity of disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a surgeon or other operator holding a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" refers to a position where an element is disposed closer to the surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to a position where an element is disposed closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from the surgeon. In addition, to the extent that spatial terms such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "left side", "right side", etc. are used herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that such terms are used only for exemplary descriptive purposes and are not intended to be restrictive or absolute. In this regard, it should be understood that surgical instruments such as those disclosed herein can be used in a variety of orientations and positions that are not limited to those shown and described herein.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "about" and "approximately" in connection with any numerical values ​​or ranges are intended to encompass the exact value recited and a suitable dimensional tolerance such that the recited feature or combination of features can be used for the intended purpose described herein.

[0043] I. Overview of Exemplary Right-Angled Surgical Staplers

[0044] Figure 1A An exemplary right-angle linear surgical stapler (10) configured to be capable of suturing and cutting tissue in various non-endoscopic ("open") surgical procedures, including, for example, colorectal, thoracic, and bariatric surgeries, is shown. The right-angle linear surgical stapler (10) (also referred to as a "right-angle linear cutter") generally includes a handle assembly (12), a shaft assembly (14) extending distally from the handle assembly (12), and an end effector (16) located at the distal end of the shaft assembly (14). As described below, the end effector (16) is provided with a "right-angle" configuration such that the end effector (16) clamps, suturing, and cutting tissue in a plane extending transversely at right angles to the longitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly (14).

[0045] As described in more detail below, the surgical stapler (10) includes several actuation systems for operating the end effector (16) via the handle assembly (12) during a surgical procedure on a patient. Specifically, the surgical stapler (10) includes a tissue retaining pin actuation system (20) operable to initially retain tissue within the end effector (16); a closing system (22) operable to clamp tissue with the end effector (16); and a firing system (24) operable to subsequently staple and cut tissue with the end effector (16).

[0046] Although the teachings herein are shown and described in the context of a "linear" surgical stapler (10) configured to apply linear rows of staples and linear cut lines in tissue, it should be understood that any one or more of the teachings herein may be applicable to surgical staplers configured to apply rows of staples and tissue cut lines having non-linear (e.g., curved) configurations, such as surgical staplers of the type disclosed in any one or more of the references incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] A. Handle Assembly and Shaft Assembly of Surgical Stapler

[0048] like Figure 1A As shown, the handle assembly (12) includes a housing (30) defining a pistol grip (32), a saddle-shaped slide (34) slidably disposed on an upper portion of the handle housing (30), a pivotable closing trigger (36), and a pivotable firing trigger (38). The closing trigger (36) and the firing trigger (38) are operatively coupled to the end effector (16) via the shaft assembly (14), such that the end effector (16) is configured to close and thereby clamp tissue in response to actuation of the closing trigger (36), and subsequently staple and cut tissue (i.e., "fire") in response to actuation of the firing trigger (38). Figure 1A The slide (34) and closure trigger (36) are shown in an unactuated configuration such that the end effector (16) is configured to receive (or "reload") tissue laterally within a gap (G) (or "aperture") defined between a cartridge housing (162) and anvil (210) of a replaceable cartridge unit (160) mounted within the end effector (16). Figure 1B As shown, translating the slider (34) distally toward the end effector (16) causes the tissue retaining pins (176) of the staple cartridge unit (160) to extend distally for capturing tissue between the anvil (210) and the cartridge housing (162). Figure 1C As shown, actuation of the closure trigger (36) toward the pistol grip (32) then drives the cartridge housing (162) distally toward the anvil (210), thereby clamping tissue between the anvil and the cartridge housing. Figure 1D As shown, the firing trigger (38) is then actuated toward the pistol grip (32) to drive the staple distally into the clamped tissue and also with the knife member (194) (see Figure 8 ) cutting the tissue between the formed staple lines, as described in more detail below.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, the surgical stapler (10) includes a pair of longitudinally extending side plates (40) that cooperate to define a frame structure of the stapler (10), which supports a tissue retention pin actuation system (20), a closure system (22), and a firing system (24). Each side plate (40) includes: a proximal frame portion (42) that is housed in a handle housing (30); an intermediate shaft portion (44) that defines a corresponding outer side of the shaft assembly (14); and a distal jaw portion (46) that has an upwardly extending distal hook (47). The distal jaw portion (46) cooperates with the distal end of the closure rod (50), as described below, to define a U-shaped distal support structure (48) of the end effector (16) that removably receives a staple cartridge unit (160). As used herein, the term "U-shaped" refers to the shape assumed by end effector (16) in any of the side elevation views depicted herein.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, slidably disposed between and supported by the side plates (40) is an elongated actuatable component of an actuation system (20, 22, 24) that operatively couples the handle assembly (12) to the cartridge unit (160); the elongated actuatable component includes a closing rod (50), a nail rod (60), and a knife rod (70). The closing rod (50) includes a cartridge receiving distal portion (52) configured to receive and support the cartridge unit (160). The closing rod (50) and the nail rod (60) are each configured as a double-sided structure having a first side and a second side spaced apart from each other, and an internal channel extending longitudinally between the first side and the second side. This configuration enables the shaft assembly (14) to be arranged such that the knife rod (70) is nested and slidably disposed within the longitudinal internal channel of the nail rod (60), and wherein the nail rod (60) is in turn nested and slidably disposed within the longitudinal internal channel of the closing rod (50). In addition, the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70) are capable of longitudinally translating independently of the closing rod (50) within a longitudinal range of motion that enables independent closing and firing of the end actuator (16). As described in more detail below, the closing rod (50) is operable to longitudinally actuate the cartridge housing (162) relative to the anvil (210) in response to actuation of the closing trigger (36) to clamp tissue. The nail rod (60) is operable to longitudinally actuate the nail driver member (186) relative to the cartridge housing (162) (see Figure 8 ) for suturing the clamped tissue. The knife bar (70) is operable to actuate the knife member (194) longitudinally relative to the cartridge housing (162) and the staple driver member (186) (see Figure 8 ) for cutting the clamped tissue.

[0051] The tissue retaining pin actuation system (20) of the surgical stapler (10) includes a slide (34) of a handle assembly (12), a tissue retaining pin (176) of a staple cartridge unit (160), an elongated push rod (80) extending longitudinally along the upper side of the shaft assembly (14), and a push rod driver (82) slidably disposed within the handle assembly (12). The distal end of the push rod (80) is configured to be releasably coupled to the tissue retaining pin (176) when the staple cartridge unit (160) is inserted into the distal support structure (48) of the end effector (16). The proximal end of the push rod (80) is coupled to the push rod driver (82), which in turn is coupled to the slide (34). Thus, the longitudinal translation of the slide (34) between the proximal position and the distal position drives the longitudinal translation of the tissue retaining pin (176) between the retracted position and the extended position relative to the cartridge housing (162). Figure 1A As shown, the tissue retaining pin (176) is configured to occupy a retracted position when the slide (34) is in the proximal position, wherein the retaining pin (176) is housed within the cartridge housing (162). Figure 1B As shown, the tissue retaining pin (176) is configured to occupy an extended position when the slide (34) is advanced to the distal position, wherein the distal end of the retaining pin (176) engages the anvil (210), thereby retaining tissue positioned within the gap (G) of the staple cartridge unit (160).

[0052] The closure system (22) of the surgical stapler (10) includes a closure trigger (36) and a closure rod (50) of the handle assembly 12. Figure 2 and Figures 4A-4C As shown, the closing trigger (36) is pivotally coupled to the handle housing (30) around a pair of laterally extending posts (90). The upper arm (92) of the closing trigger (36) having a vertically slotted distal portion is operatively coupled to the proximal end of the closing rod (50) through a pair of closing links (96). The proximal end of each closing link (96) is pivotally coupled to the laterally extending post (93) of the closing trigger upper arm (92). The distal end of each closing link (96) is pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the closing rod (50) around the laterally extending post (54) of the closing rod (50).

[0053] like Figure 4A-4B As shown, pivoting of the closing trigger (36) toward the pistol grip (32) causes the closing trigger upper arm (92) to advance distally and downwardly, thereby driving the closing rod (50) distally via the closing link (96). In turn, the cartridge receiving distal portion (52) of the closing rod (50) drives the cartridge housing (162) distally toward the anvil (210). In this way, the end effector (16) is moved from the open state ( Figure 1A-1B ) actuated to the closed state ( Figure 1C ), in the open state, tissue can be positioned within the end effector (16), and in the closed state, tissue is clamped between the cartridge housing (162) and the anvil (210). A closing return spring (98) housed within the pistol grip (32) of the handle assembly (12) resiliently biases the closing trigger (36) toward the unactuated state, and thereby resiliently biases the end effector (16) toward the open state.

[0054] In this version, the closure rod (50) is further configured to cooperate with the tissue retaining pin actuation system (20) to automatically actuate the retaining pin (176) distally to its extended position when the operator squeezes the closure trigger (36). Figure 4A-4B As best shown, the handle assembly (12) further includes a pair of cam yokes (100) rotatably disposed along the outer side of the closing link (96). Each cam yoke (100) includes an angled slot (102) that slidably receives a corresponding proximal post (54) of the closing rod (50). When the closing trigger (36) is actuated toward the pistol grip (32), the proximal post (54) rotatably drives the cam yoke (100) distally so that the cam lobe (104) of the yoke (100) engages the corresponding side post (84) of the push rod driver (82), thereby actuating the push rod (80) distally and thereby actuating the tissue retaining pin (176) distally. This automatic extension of the tissue retaining pin (176) during the closing of the end effector (16) may be useful in the case where the operator does not manually actuate the retaining pin (176) distally via the slide (34) before actuating the closing trigger (36).

[0055] The closure system (22) of the present example is further configured to releasably lock the closure trigger (36) in an actuated position to provide effective clamping of tissue using the end effector (16) without having to continuously squeeze the closure trigger (36). Figure 4A-4B As best shown, the release button (110) is pivotally disposed at the proximal end of the handle assembly (12). The locking pawl (112) extends distally from the upper end of the release button (110) and includes a pawl lug (114) that is resiliently biased into contact with the upper end of the closure trigger upper arm (92) via a release button spring (116). Thus, the pawl lug (114) is configured to slide along the upper surface of the closure trigger upper arm (92) when the closure trigger (36) is squeezed toward the pistol grip (32). Figure 4BAs shown, when the closure trigger (36) reaches the fully actuated position, the pawl lug (114) falls into the proximal upper notch (94) of the closure trigger upper arm (92), thereby locking the closure trigger (36) in the fully actuated position. If the operator wishes to subsequently reopen the end effector (16), for example to reposition tissue within the end effector (16) or otherwise release tissue once firing is complete, the operator can press the release button (110) to disengage the pawl lug (114) from the closure trigger (36). Via the resilient bias provided by the closure return spring (98), the closure trigger (36) then returns to the unactuated state, and the end effector (16) returns to the open state, as shown. Figure 1A and Figure 4A shown.

[0056] The firing system (24) of the surgical stapler (10) includes a firing trigger (38) of the handle assembly (12), a staple rod (60), a knife rod (70), and a staple driver component (186) and a knife component (194) of the staple cartridge unit (160). Figure 8 The features of knife bar (70) and staple driver assembly (186) are described in greater detail. Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, the firing trigger (38) of the present example is constructed as an assembly having: a lower guard (120) extending downward from the handle housing (30) and capable of being engaged by an operator; a pair of plates having an arcuate upper arm (122) extending upward distally from the lower guard (120) and positioned together with the handle housing (30); a rotatable cam pin (124) extending laterally between the free distal upper ends of the arcuate upper arm (122); and a firing lockout protrusion (126) extending distally from the lower end of the arcuate upper arm (122) within the handle housing (30). The cam pin (124) and other features of the firing trigger (38) may be constructed and operated according to at least some of the teachings of the following patent: U.S. patent application entitled "Cartridge Based Lockout Mechanism for Right Angle Surgical Stapler" [Agent Reference Number END9088USNP1], the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] The firing trigger (38) is pivotally coupled to the handle housing (30) via a laterally extending pivot pin (128). In addition, the firing trigger (38) is positioned distally of the closing trigger (36) such that when the closing trigger (36) is actuated toward the pistol grip (32), the arcuate upper arm (122) of the firing trigger (38) is received in the slotted distal portion of the closing trigger upper arm (92). Figure 4A-4B As shown, when the operator fully squeezes the closure trigger (36) toward the pistol grip (32), the distally facing flange (95) disposed within the distal slotted portion of the closure trigger upper arm (92) engages the cam pin (124) of the firing trigger (38) and drives the cam pin (124) distally an initial amount. This causes the lower end of the firing trigger (38) to partially pivot toward the pistol grip (32) simultaneously with the closure trigger (36), as shown in FIG. Figure 4B shown.

[0058] like Figure 4C As shown, once the end effector (16) has reached the fully closed state, further actuation of the firing trigger (38) toward the pistol grip (32) operates to "fire" the end effector (16). Specifically, the outer portion of the cam pin (124) engages the proximal edge (62) of the nail rod (60), thereby driving the nail rod (60) distally relative to the closing rod (50). As described below in conjunction with Figures 12A-12D Described in more detail, the distal edge (64) of the nail rod (60) engages the proximal end of the nail driver member (186) within the nail magazine housing (162), thereby driving the nail driver member (186) distally through the nail magazine housing (162) to drive the nail into the tissue clamped by the end actuator (16). Actuation of the firing trigger (38) toward its fully actuated state also causes the intermediate portion of the cam pin (124) disposed between the arcuate upper arms (122) of the firing trigger (38) to engage the rounded proximal edge (72) of the knife rod (70), thereby driving the knife rod (70) distally relative to the closing rod (50). As described below in conjunction with Figures 12A-12D Described in more detail, the distal edge (74) of the knife bar (70) engages the proximal end of the knife member (194) within the staple cartridge housing (162), thereby driving the knife member (194) distally through the staple driver member (186) to cut tissue clamped by the end effector (16).

[0059] The firing system (24) of the present example is suitably configured such that when the firing trigger (38) is actuated through the primary range of motion toward the pistol grip (32), the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70) translate together distally; and such that when the firing trigger (38) is further actuated through the final range of motion toward the pistol grip (32), the knife rod (70) continues to translate distally relative to the nail rod (60). Advantageously, such a configuration ensures that the tissue clamped by the end effector (16) is completely stapled and that proper hemostasis is achieved along the intended tissue cutting line before the tissue is cut by the knife member (194).

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the firing system (24) further includes a knife return spring (130) housed within the handle assembly (12). The knife return spring (130) is anchored at its distal end to the distal end of the knife rod (70) and at its proximal end to the distal end of the closing rod (50). Therefore, the knife return spring (130) is operable to elastically bias the knife rod (70) proximally relative to the closing rod (50) and the nail rod (60) when the firing trigger (38) is released. Figure 3 and Figures 12A-12D As shown, the knife bar (70) includes a distal hook (76) captured by the knife member (194), thereby axially fixing the knife member (194) to the knife bar (70). Therefore, when the operator releases the firing trigger (38) after completing the firing stroke, the knife bar (70) and the knife member (194) automatically retract proximally to safely contain the distal cutting edge (200) of the knife member (194) within the staple cartridge housing (162).

[0061] like Figure 2As shown, the surgical stapler (10) of this example also includes a proximal firing lockout mechanism in the form of a pivotable lever (140), which is operable to inhibit actuation of the firing trigger (38) until the end effector (16) has been fully closed by the closing trigger (36). The firing lockout lever (140) is housed in the handle assembly (12) and is pivotally mounted to the outside of the proximal frame portion (42) of the left side plate (40). The firing lockout lever (140) is elastically biased by a spring (146) toward a position in which the lower tab (142) of the proximal locking lever (140) prevents the firing lockout protrusion (126) of the firing trigger (38) from moving downward, thereby inhibiting actuation of the firing trigger (38) when the closing trigger (36) has not been fully actuated to close the end effector (16). When the closure trigger (36) reaches the fully actuated state, the upper arm (144) of the firing lockout lever (140) is driven downward by the detent lug (114) of the release button (110), thereby rotating the lower tab (142) away from the firing lockout protrusion (126) and allowing actuation of the firing trigger (38). The firing lockout lever (140) and other locking features of the surgical stapler (10) can be further constructed and operated according to at least some of the teachings of the following patents: U.S. patent application entitled "Clamping Based Lockout Mechanism for Right Angle Surgical Stapler" filed on the same date as this application [Attorney Reference No. END9087USNP1], the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] Although not shown, the shaft assembly (14) of the surgical stapler (10) may include various additional components, such as an articulation joint, or may include a rearrangement of various components such that the shaft assembly (14) may be modular relative to the handle assembly (12).

[0063] B. End Effector of Surgical Stapler

[0064] The end effector (16) of the surgical stapler (10) includes a distal support structure (48) defined by a distal portion of a side plate (40), a cartridge receiving distal portion (52) of a closing rod (50), distal portions of a staple rod (60) and a knife rod (70), and a replaceable staple cartridge unit (160). Figure 5-8As best shown, the staple cartridge unit (160) of the present version includes a cartridge housing (162) and anvil (210) spaced apart from each other so as to define an axial gap (G) between the cartridge housing and the anvil for receiving patient tissue to be stapled and cut. The cartridge housing (162) includes a distally facing platform (164) configured to clamp tissue against the anvil (210) and extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (14) together with the anvil (210), thereby providing a "right angle" configuration for the end effector (16).

[0065] The cartridge platform (164) includes: an elongated linear knife slot (166) configured to slidably receive a knife (198) therethrough; and a plurality of staple openings (168) arranged in linear rows along either side of the elongated linear knife slot (166) and configured to accommodate a plurality of unformed staples (170) therein. The platform (164) of this example further includes a plurality of support features (172) interposed with the staple openings (168) and configured to optimize gripping and compression of patient tissue when the tissue is clamped between the platform (164) and the anvil (210). The platform (164) may be further constructed according to at least some of the teachings of the following patent: U.S. patent application 16 / 234,740, entitled "Surgical Stapler with Sloped Staple Deck for Varying Tissue Compression," filed on January 14, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] The elongated upper body portion (174) of the cartridge housing (162) slidably accommodates a tissue retaining pin (176) and a coupling (180) secured to the proximal end of the tissue retaining pin (176). The coupling (180) is configured to releasably couple the tissue retaining pin (176) to the distal end of a push rod (80) of a tissue retaining pin actuation system (20) when the cartridge unit (160) is positioned within the distal support structure (48) of the end effector (16). The end cap member (182) secured to the proximal end of the upper body portion (174) is configured to proximally constrain the tissue retaining pin (176) and the coupling (180) within the cartridge housing (162) while allowing the tissue retaining pin (176) to be in its proximal retracted position (see Figure 1A and Fig. 12A ) and its distal extension (see Figure 1B and Fig. 12B). Tissue retaining pin (176) includes a tapered distal tip (178) configured to pierce tissue as retaining pin (176) is extended toward anvil (210).

[0067] The lower body portion (184) of the cartridge housing (162) slidably receives the staple driver member (186) and the knife member (194) therein. Figure 8 As best shown, the staple driver assembly (186) of the present version includes a base portion (188), a plurality of staple driver elements (190) projecting distally from the base portion (188), and an internal passage (192) extending axially through the staple driver assembly (186) and configured to slidably receive a knife member (194). Each staple driver element (190) is configured to be slidably received within a corresponding staple opening (168) of the cartridge housing (162) and to drive a corresponding staple (170) from the opening (168) in response to actuation of the closure trigger (36). While the staple driver elements (190) of the present version are securely attached to the base portion (188), it should be understood that in other versions, the base portion (188) and staple driver elements (190) may be provided separately.

[0068] The knife member (194) includes a base portion (196) and a knife (198) fixed to the base portion (196) and extending distally from the base portion and having a distal cutting edge (200). The knife (198) is formed to have a flat plate-like shape that enables the knife (198) to perform linear cuts on patient tissue. The knife member (194) is slidably received within the internal channel (192) of the staple driver member (186) so that the knife (198) is configured to be able to longitudinally translate through the staple driver member (186) and the elongated linear knife slot (166) of the cartridge housing (162) to cut tissue clamped by the end effector (16) in response to full actuation of the firing trigger (38).

[0069] like Figure 8 As best shown, the anvil (210) of the staple cartridge unit (160) includes a distal plate portion (212) and a coupling arm (214) extending proximally from the lower end of the distal plate portion (212). The distal plate portion (212) is configured to cooperate with the cartridge platform (164) to clamp tissue to be sutured and cut. The distal plate portion (212) includes an elongated linear slot (216) and a plurality of staple forming recesses (218) arranged in a linear row along each side of the slot (216). The recesses (218) are configured to receive and deform the legs of the staples (170) ejected from the cartridge housing (162) so that the staples (170) are formed in the tissue clamped between the distal plate portion (212) and the cartridge platform (164).

[0070] Guide pin (230) extends longitudinally between anvil plate portion (212) and cartridge housing (162) and is configured to guide cartridge housing (162) in a proximal open position (see Figure 1A and Fig. 12A ) and distal closed position (see Figure 1C and Fig. 12C The proximal end of the guide pin (230) is constrained by the proximal tab (220) of the anvil coupling arm (214), such as Figure 8 As shown, the distal end of the guide pin (230) is constrained in the lower opening (222) formed in the anvil plate portion (212). The upper opening (224) formed in the anvil plate portion (212) is configured to receive the tapered distal end (178) of the tissue retaining pin (176) and constrain it in an extended position so that the tissue retaining pin (176) can cooperate with the guide pin (230) to guide the longitudinal translation of the cartridge housing (162) relative to the anvil (210). Figure 6-8 As shown, the inner side of the guide pin (230) may include a longitudinal groove (232) configured to mate with a similar groove (234) (see Figures 12A-12D ) cooperate to slidably guide the knife (198) between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the cartridge housing (162).

[0071] The staple cartridge unit (160) further includes a tissue cutting washer (240) fixed to the anvil (210) and configured to cooperate with the knife (198) to cut tissue clamped by the end effector (16). Figure 8 and Figure 10-11 As best shown, the tissue cutting gasket (240) includes an elongated plate-like body (242) extending distally of the anvil plate portion (212). The gasket body (242) includes an elongated cutting element (244) that protrudes proximally through the elongated slot (216) of the anvil plate portion (212). The cutting element (244) serves as a cutting plate by providing a flat surface for the knife cutting edge (200) to abut against which the cutting edge (200) cuts tissue. At least the cutting element (244) of the tissue cutting gasket (240) may include a polymer material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In this regard, when cutting tissue, the knife (198) may axially cut into the cutting element (244) along its longitudinal centerline. Although the cutting element (244) of the present version provides a generally flat cutting surface, it should be understood that the cutting element (244) may be alternatively constructed in other versions.

[0072] The tissue cutting gasket (240) further includes a rounded tip (246) at the upper end of the gasket body (242), and a coupling arm (248) extending proximally from the lower end of the gasket body (242). The gasket tip (246) captures and thereby constrains the upper end of the anvil plate portion (212), and its rounded configuration promotes atraumatic interaction with patient tissue. The crimping pin (250) is configured to be inserted through an opening formed in the proximal coupling arm (214, 248) of the anvil (210) and the tissue cutting gasket (240), thereby securely coupling the anvil (210) and the cutting gasket (240) together.

[0073] The tissue cutting washer (240) also includes a pair of side flanges (252) extending along the entire length of the anvil plate portion (212). Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, each side flange (252) extends proximally to cover a corresponding side edge of the anvil plate portion (212), and extends distally to cover at least a portion of the distal hook (47) of the corresponding side plate (40) defining the distal support structure (48). Therefore, and advantageously, the side flange (252) is used to cover the axial gap (254) that may be formed between the anvil plate portion (212) and the distal hook (47), thereby preventing tissue from entering the axial gap (254) and being squeezed within the circumferential gap, which may otherwise cause undesirable trauma to the tissue. Fig.11 As shown, the outer surface of the side flange (252) may be rounded to further enhance the atraumatic nature of the outer periphery of the tissue cutting washer (240). The tissue cutting washer (240) may be further constructed and operated in accordance with any of the teachings of the following patents: U.S. Patent Application [Attorney Reference No. END9086USNP1], entitled "Tissue Cutting Washer for Right Angle Surgical Stapler," filed on the same date as the present application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] C. Exemplary Loading of a Cartridge Unit into the Distal Support Structure of an End Effector

[0075] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The staple cartridge unit (160) is shown loaded into the distal support structure (48) of the end effector (16) in its unused (or "virgin") state. Fig.9AAs shown, and as briefly described above, the distal support structure (48) is constructed to have a U-shaped side profile having a distal side defined by the distal hook (47), a proximal side defined by the proximal portion of the distal jaw portion (46) and the distal end of the magazine receiving distal portion (52) of the closing rod (50), and an upwardly opening axial gap arranged between the distal and proximal sides.

[0076] Figures 9A-9B The illustrated staple cartridge unit (160) is provided with a staple retainer (260) that is removably positioned between the platform (164) and the anvil plate portion (212) to retain the staples (170) within the staple openings (168) and to ensure proper axial spacing between the platform (164) and the anvil plate portion (212) when the staple cartridge unit (160) is inserted into the distal support structure (48). When the staple retainer (260) is removed, the staple cartridge unit (160) presents a U-shaped side profile similar to the distal support structure (48), the U-shaped side profile having a distal side defined by the anvil plate portion (212) and the tissue cutting gasket (240), a proximal side defined by the cartridge platform (164), and an upwardly open axial gap (G) disposed between the proximal and distal sides. Exemplary features of the staple retainer (260) are described below in conjunction with Figure 13-18 Describe in more detail.

[0077] like Fig.9A As shown, the user first aligns the proximal guide rail (202) formed on the lower body portion (184) of the cartridge housing (162) with the internal channel (56) formed in the cartridge receiving distal portion (52) of the closure rod (50) (see Figure 3 ).like Fig. 9B As shown, the user then presses the staple cartridge unit (160) downward into the distal support structure (48) of the end effector (16), causing the proximal guide rail (202) of the cartridge housing (162) to slide downward into the internal channel (56) of the closure rod (50), and causing the distal hook (47) of the side plate (40) to slide into the groove formed in the distal side of the tissue cutting washer body (242) (see Fig.11 When the cartridge unit (160) is fully seated within the distal support structure (48), a stopper protrusion (204) formed on the lower body portion (184) of the cartridge housing (162) is received within a corresponding opening (58) formed in the cartridge receiving distal portion (52) of the closure rod (50), thereby removably securing the cartridge unit (160) within the distal support structure (48). The engagement of the cartridge stopper protrusion (204) with the opening (58) may provide tactile and / or audible feedback to the user to confirm that the cartridge unit (160) has been fully seated within the distal support structure (48).

[0078] like Fig.9A As shown, the distal locking lever (270) is pivotally connected to the distal end of the nail rod (60). The distal locking lever (270) extends distally toward the distal edge (64) of the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70), and is configured to releasably engage a fixed distal pin (280) extending laterally through the distal portion of the side plate (40), the closing rod (50), the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70). The distal locking lever (270) is moved toward Fig.9A The raised position shown is resiliently biased and is capable of being moved toward the distal support structure (48) in response to engagement of the proximal end of the staple driver member (186) when an unused staple cartridge unit (160) is inserted into the distal support structure (48). Fig. 9B The distal locking lever (270) is pivoted to the lowered position shown. In the raised position, the distal locking lever (270) lockingly engages the fixed distal pin (280) and thereby inhibits distal actuation of the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70), and thereby inhibits the firing of the nail cartridge unit (160). In the lowered position, the distal locking lever (270) disengages the fixed distal pin (280) and thereby allows distal actuation of the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70) to fire the nail cartridge unit (160). The distal locking lever (270) and other locking features of the surgical stapler (10) may be further constructed and operated according to any of the teachings of the following patents: U.S. Patent Application entitled "Cartridge Based Lockout Mechanism for Right Angle Surgical Stapler" [Attorney Reference No. END9088USNP1], the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] D. Exemplary Actuation of a Surgical Stapler

[0080] Having described above various structural features of the surgical stapler (10), including the staple cartridge unit (160), an exemplary actuation of the surgical stapler (10) during a surgical procedure will now be described below. After loading an unused staple cartridge unit (160) into the distal support structure (48) in the manner described above, the end effector (16) is then appropriately manipulated within the patient's body cavity to position the patient's tissue within the staple cartridge gap (G) between the anvil plate portion (212) and the cartridge platform (164). Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown, the push rod (80) is then actuated distally via the slide (34) to drive the push rod (80) distally, thereby extending the tissue retaining pin (176) from the cartridge housing (162) so that its distal tip (178) pierces any tissue covering the upper end of the cartridge platform (164) and is seated within the upper end of the anvil plate portion (212). In this way, the patient's tissue is securely held within the cartridge gap (G) prior to closure.

[0081] like Fig. 12C As shown, the closing rod (50) is then actuated distally via the closing trigger (36), thereby driving the cartridge housing (162) distally along the guide pin (230) and the tissue retaining pin (176) to clamp the tissue between the cartridge platform (164) and the anvil plate portion (212). As shown in this example, the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70) are actuated distally together with the closing rod (50) and the cartridge housing (162), so that the nail driver member (186) and the knife member (194) are appropriately positioned to fire when the end actuator (16) is fully closed. As described above, the end actuator (16) is releasably held in a fully closed state by the locking pawl (112) of the release button (110) of the handle assembly (12).

[0082] like Fig.12D As shown, the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70) are then actuated distally via the firing trigger (38), thereby driving the nail driver member (186) and the knife rod (70) distally through the cartridge housing (162). The nail driver element (190) of the nail driver member (186) is advanced distally through the nail opening (168), thereby driving the nail (170) received in the nail opening distally through the clamped tissue and into the nail forming recess (218) of the anvil plate portion (212), so that the nail (170) is formed in the tissue. The knife member (194) drives the knife (198) distally through the elongated knife slot (166) of the cartridge platform (164), through the clamped tissue, and against the cutting element (244) of the tissue cutting washer (240), thereby severing the clamped tissue along the linear cutting line between the innermost row of formed nails (170). Upon completely cutting through the clamped tissue, the knife cutting edge (200) may penetrate distally into the cutting element (244) of the tissue cutting washer (240). Optionally, in response to such penetration, the tissue cutting washer body (242) may break along the knife cutting edge (200), thereby providing the surgeon with an audible indication (e.g., via a "snap" sound) that the firing stroke is complete and the clamped tissue has been completely stapled and severed.

[0083] As mentioned above, and as Fig.12D As shown, when firing trigger (38) is actuated through a primary range of motion resulting in tissue stapling, staple driver member (186) and knife member (194) can translate distally together through staple cartridge housing (162). Fig.12D As shown, when the firing trigger (38) is further actuated through the final range of motion resulting in the cutting of the stapled tissue with the knife (198), the knife member (194) can then continue to translate distally relative to the fixed staple driver member (186). In this way, the tissue clamped by the end effector (16) is completely stapled before being severed.

[0084] like Figure 7 As best shown, a first side of the lower body portion (184) of the cartridge housing (162) includes a stop arm (185) having a plurality of axially spaced grooves. Additionally, a first side of the base portion (188) of the staple driver member (186) includes a laterally extending stop post (189) configured to axially stop along the stop arm (206) when the staple driver member (186) is driven distally through the cartridge housing (162) during suturing of the clamped tissue. Figure 8 As best shown, the second side of the base portion (188) of the staple driver member (186) includes a stop arm (191) having a plurality of axially spaced grooves. Additionally, the second side of the base portion (196) of the knife member (194) includes a laterally extending stop post (197) that is configured to axially stop along the stop arm (191) when the knife member (194) is driven distally through the staple driver member (186) while cutting the clamped tissue. Such a stop feature can provide tactile feedback to the surgeon when the staple driver member (186) has been fully extended to staple tissue, and subsequently when the knife member (194) has been fully extended to cut the stapled tissue.

[0085] Once the surgical stapler (10) has been fully fired, the surgeon releases the firing trigger (38), which enables the knife bar (70) and the knife member (194) to automatically retract proximally relative to the closing rod (50) via the resilient bias of the knife return spring (130). In this version, the knife bar (70) is operatively coupled to the nail rod (60) so that the proximal retraction of the knife bar (70) relative to the closing rod (50) also drives the proximal retraction of the nail rod (60) relative to the closing rod (50); for example, by engaging the lower tab (78) formed on the distal portion of the knife bar (70) with the lower slot (66) formed in the lower side of the distal portion of the nail rod (60). At the same time, the above-mentioned suturing stopper features (185, 189) operate to maintain the staple driver member (186) in its fully extended position within the cartridge housing (162), disengaging the distal lockout lever (270) from engaging the staple driver member (186). This allows the distal lockout lever (270) to return to the raised locked position and prevents re-actuation of the firing trigger (38) in the event that the staple cartridge unit (160) has been used. In this way, the distal lockout lever (270) prevents the surgeon from accidentally re-firing a used staple cartridge unit (160) into tissue in a manner that would sever the tissue with the knife (198) without applying staples.

[0086] After releasing the firing trigger (38), the surgeon then depresses the release button (110) on the handle assembly (12) to allow the closing trigger (36) and the closing rod (50) to return to their unactuated state via the resilient bias of the above-mentioned closing return spring (98). Such proximal retraction of the closing rod (50) pulls the cartridge housing (162) proximally away from the anvil (210) so that the stapled and cut tissue can be released from the end effector (16). The proximal retraction of the closing rod (50) also pulls the nail rod (60) and the knife rod (70) further proximally to their proximal original positions so that the spent nail cartridge unit (160) can be removed from the distal support structure (48) and replaced with a new nail cartridge unit (160).

[0087] E. Exemplary Staple Retainer with Resilient Contact Members

[0088] In various circumstances, it may be desirable to ensure that the staples (170) are securely retained within the staple openings (168) of the cartridge platform (164) before the staple cartridge unit (160) is positioned within the end effector (16) and before the operator is ready to deploy the end effector (16) within the patient's body to staple and cut tissue. As described above, the cartridge housing (162) is capable of sliding along the pins (176, 230) relative to the anvil (210) and the tissue cutting washer (240) between an open state and a closed state, in which an axial gap (G) (or "aperture") is defined between the cartridge housing and the anvil for receiving tissue (see Figure 1A ), which is used to clamp tissue in the closed state. Therefore, in order to facilitate the proper loading of the staple cartridge unit (160) into the distal support structure (48) of the surgical stapler (10), it is also desirable to maintain the aperture along the entire length of the anvil plate portion (212) and the cartridge platform (164) so ​​that these components remain generally parallel to each other during loading.

[0089] As above combined Figures 9A-9B Briefly described, the nail retainer (260) is configured to be removably positioned between the platform (164) and the anvil plate portion (212) of the nail magazine unit (160) and can be removed by the operator when the operator is ready to deploy the end effector (16) during a surgical procedure. The nail retainer (260) is operable to securely retain the nail (170) within the nail opening (168) and ensure proper axial spacing between the platform (164) and the anvil plate portion (212) when the nail magazine unit (160) is loaded into the distal support structure (48). Exemplary features of the nail retainer (260) are described below in conjunction with Figure 13-20D Advantageously, such features enable staple holder (260) to be used as a universal component in conjunction with a variety of staple cartridge units configured for stapling tissues of varying thicknesses.

[0090] like Figure 13-15 As shown, the staple retainer (260) includes a body (300) and a latch member (340) coupled to the body (300). The retainer body (300) of this version is formed to have a generally rectangular shape having a first elongated body side (302), an opposite second elongated body side (304), a first body end (306), an opposite second body end (308), a front body side (310), and an opposite rear body side (312. Although the retainer body (300) is Figure 13-15 oriented so that the first elongated body side (302) faces upward and the second elongated body side (304) faces downward, but in use, the first elongated body side (302) can be oriented distally relative to the surgical stapler (10) and the second elongated body side (304) can be oriented proximally so that the front and rear body sides (310, 312) face laterally relative to the surgical stapler (10); for example, as described above Figures 9A-9B and as follows Figures 17A-20D shown.

[0091] like Fig.13 and Fig.15 As best shown, the first elongated body side (302) of the retainer body (300) includes an elongated opening (314) in which a resilient contact member in the form of a resiliently deflectable beam (316) having a pair of rounded contact protrusions (318, 320) is disposed. The resilient beam (316) extends longitudinally through the elongated opening (314) and is secured to an adjacent portion of the retainer body (300) at its opposite ends. The contact protrusions (318, 320) are disposed on the resilient beam (316) and protrude outwardly from the resilient beam. In this example, each contact protrusion (318, 320) is configured to have a double-walled construction along the length of the resilient beam (316). Although two contact protrusions (318, 320) are provided in this version, it should be understood that more contact protrusions (318, 320) may be provided in other versions.

[0092] The first and second contact protrusions (318, 320) are spaced apart along the length of the spring beam (316) and are thus configured to directly contact the anvil plate portion (212) of the staple cartridge unit (160) at respective first and second positions spaced apart along the length of the anvil plate portion (212). Figures 17A-17BDescribed in more detail, the contact protrusions (318, 320) are thus configured to cooperate to maintain the anvil plate portion (212) in a parallel relationship with the second elongated body side (304) and the magazine platform (164). In addition, the resilient beam (316) having the contact protrusions (318, 320) is configured to be resiliently deflected toward the second elongated body side (304) when the nail retainer (260) is connected to the nail magazine unit (160). Advantageously, this enables the nail retainer (260) to be effectively used with a variety of different types of nail magazine units (160), so that the nail retainer (260) can be implemented as a universal component within a given line of nail magazine units (160), wherein each nail magazine unit has a gap (G) (or "aperture") of a unique size defined between the magazine platform (164) and the anvil plate portion (212).

[0093] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the retainer body (300) further includes an end flange (322) extending outward from the first end of the rear body side (312). In addition, the first rear plate (324) extends outward from the upper end of the rear body side (312) in a first direction (e.g., upward), and the second rear plate (326) extends outward from the lower end of the rear body side (312) in a second direction (e.g., downward) opposite to the first direction of the first rear plate (324). The end flange (322) and the rear plates (324, 326) are configured to abut against corresponding portions of the staple cartridge unit (160) so as to cooperate to constrain the staple retainer (260) in a lateral direction relative to the end effector (16) of the surgical stapler (10).

[0094] Likewise Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the retainer body (300) further includes a retaining leg (330) depending downwardly from the second body end (308). The lower end of the retaining leg (330) includes a claw (332) that is configured to engage the narrow groove of the nail magazine housing (162) to securely retain the second body end (308) in engagement with the nail magazine housing (162), as described below in conjunction with Figure 18-19 Described in more detail. Fig.14 As best shown, a tapered elongated recess (334) is formed in the second elongated body side (304) at the second body end. The recess (334) leads to the second body end (308) and tapers in a direction toward the first body end (306). The recess (334) is configured to receive a cylindrical tissue spacing post (165) protruding distally from a corresponding end of the platform (164) of the staple cartridge housing (162) (see Figure 6 ).

[0095] like Fig.13As best shown, the retainer body (300) further includes a user engagement feature in the form of a circular button-like protrusion (336) that protrudes outwardly from a central portion of the front body side (310). When the staple retainer (260) is mounted to the staple cartridge unit (160), an inwardly directed force applied to the protrusion (336) causes the staple retainer (260) to pivot about the retaining leg (330), thereby driving the latch member (340) to a release position, thereby allowing the staple retainer (260) to be separated from the staple cartridge unit (160), as described below in conjunction with Figures 20A-20D It should be understood that protrusion (336) may be alternatively shaped in other versions, and further, protrusion (336) is merely optional such that it may be omitted in some versions.

[0096] like Fig.15 As best shown, the latch member (340) of the staple holder (260) of the present example is formed to have a generally elongated plate-like configuration and includes: a pair of jaws (342) located at a first end corresponding to the first body end (306) of the holder body (300); an anchor portion (344) located at an opposite second end corresponding to the second body end (308) of the holder body (300); and a bow spring element (346) disposed between the pair of jaws and the anchor portion. In the present version, the bow spring element (346) is integrally connected to the jaws (342) and the anchor portion (344), so that the entirety of the latch member (340) can be formed from a single material, such as a polymer. The jaws (342) are spaced apart from one another along the height of the latch member (340), and each jaw includes a laterally open slot (348) configured to capture a guide pin (230) of a cartridge unit (160), as described in greater detail below. A guide plate (350) is attached to the rear side of the jaws (342) and is configured to slidably engage the rear body side (312) of the retainer body (300), as described below.

[0097] The anchoring portion (344) of the latch member (340) includes a lug rod (352) that protrudes outward and extends transversely to the length of the latch member (340). The snap-locking element (354) is positioned adjacent to the lug rod (352) in a direction toward the second end of the latch member (340). The snap-locking element (354) is configured to be received through a rectangular opening (329) formed in an inner plate (328) that is integrally disposed at the second body end (308) of the retainer body (300). The snap-locking element (354) lockingly engages the rectangular opening (329) to secure the anchoring portion (344) of the latch member (340) relative to the retainer body (300). As Figures 16A-16BAs shown, the lug stem (352) is configured to abut the inner edge of the inner plate (328) to anchor the corresponding end of the bow spring element (346) relative to the retainer body (300).

[0098] The bow spring element (346) of this example has a preformed bend defining a convex central portion (356) extending toward the front body side (310) of the retainer body (300), and a pair of concave legs (358) integrally joined with corresponding inner portions of the jaws (342) and the anchor portion (344) of the latch member (340). Figures 16A-16B As shown, the bow spring element (346) is configured to be elastically compressed along the length of the latch member (340) to enable the jaws (342) to be moved relative to the anchor portion (344). Fig.16A Latch position shown and Fig. 16B The release position is shown. Fig.16A As shown, the jaws (342) in the latched position are aligned with a pair of hooks (338) defined at the first body end (306) of the retainer body (300). Each hook (338) includes a forwardly open slot (339) that is configured to cooperate with the laterally open slot (348) of the corresponding jaw (342) to capture a corresponding portion of the guide pin (230) of the staple cartridge unit (160). Therefore, the latch member jaws (342) and the retainer body hooks (338) are configured to cooperate to capture the proximal and distal portions of the guide pin (230) when the staple holder (260) is installed to the staple cartridge unit (160), thereby constraining the staple holder (260) relative to the staple cartridge unit (160).

[0099] like Fig. 16B As shown, the bow spring element (346) is configured to be elastically compressed to allow the jaws (342) to translate inwardly toward the anchoring portion (344) to be in a released position. In the released position, the jaws (342) release the guide pin (230) from the jaw slot (348), and thereby allow the guide pin (230) to be removed from the hook slot (339) to facilitate the removal of the nail retainer (260) from the nail magazine unit (160). As shown, the lug rod (352) anchors the corresponding leg (358) of the bow spring element (346) to facilitate such elastic compression of the bow spring element (346). The opposite ends of the latch member guide plate (250) are slidably disposed in corresponding channels (360) formed in the rear body side (312) of the retainer body (300), and are therefore configured to be able to be in the latched position ( Fig.16A ) and release position ( Fig. 16B ) between the guide jaws (342). Fig.15As shown, the end post (362) protrudes outwardly from the jaw (342) at the first end of the latch member (340) and extends along the longitudinal centerline of the latch member (340). The end post (362) is configured to be received in a corresponding recess (215) formed in the anvil coupling arm (214) when the latch member (340) is in the latched position (see Figure 7 ), thereby further constraining the staple holder (260) relative to the staple cartridge unit (160). When the jaws (342) translate inwardly to the release position, the end post (362) is retracted from the notch (215) so that the staple holder (260) can be disengaged from the staple cartridge unit (160).

[0100] As briefly described above, the resiliently deflectable beam (316) of retainer body (300) is configured to resiliently deflect toward second elongated body side (304) when staple retainer (260) is mounted to staple cartridge unit (160). Fig.17A A nail retainer (260) is shown installed in a first exemplary nail magazine unit (370), which has a magazine housing (372) and an anvil plate (374) spaced apart from the magazine housing (372). Similar to the above-mentioned magazine housing (162), the magazine housing (372) is capable of sliding proximally and distally relative to the anvil plate (374) between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, a maximum aperture distance (X1) is defined between the platform of the magazine housing (372) and the anvil plate (374). The second elongated body side (304) of the retainer body (300) is configured to contact the platform of the magazine housing (372) to retain the nail therein. At the same time, the contact protrusions (318, 320) of the elastically deflectable beam (316) are elastically deflected inwardly by a first amount to contact the anvil plate (374) at the corresponding first position and second position. Therefore, the contact protrusions (318, 320) maintain the maximum aperture distance (X1) along the full length of the anvil plate (374), so that the anvil plate (374) is supported parallel to the platform of the magazine housing (372) and the second elongated body side (304) of the retainer body (300). Therefore, the second elongated body side (304) remains in full contact with the platform of the magazine housing (162), thereby effectively retaining the nail therein. In addition, maintaining the maximum aperture distance (X1) along the full length of the anvil plate (374) is conducive to the proper placement of the nail magazine unit (370) in the distal support structure (48) of the surgical stapler (10).

[0101] Fig. 17BA staple retainer (260) is shown installed within a second exemplary staple cartridge unit (380) having a cartridge housing (382) and an anvil plate (384) spaced apart from the cartridge housing (382). The staple cartridge unit (380) is configured to define a maximum orifice distance (X2) between the cartridge housing (382) and the anvil plate (384) when in a fully open state. In the present example, the maximum orifice distance (X2) of the second staple cartridge unit (380) is less than the maximum orifice distance (X1) of the first staple cartridge unit (370), such that the staple cartridge units (370, 380) are configured for different surgical suturing applications. For example, the first staple cartridge unit (370) may be configured for suturing thicker tissue, such as the bronchi or colon, while the second staple cartridge unit (380) may be configured for suturing thinner tissue, such as vascular structures. Fig. 17B As shown, the contact protrusions (318, 320) of the nail retainer (260) are elastically deflected toward the magazine housing (382) to accommodate the smaller aperture distance (X2) while still supporting the anvil plate (384) at the first position and the second position. Specifically, the amount of inward elastic deflection of the contact protrusions (318, 320) is greater than the amount of deflection they have in conjunction with the nail magazine unit (370) having a larger aperture distance (X1). Therefore, the contact protrusions (318, 320) keep the anvil plate (384) parallel to the platform of the magazine housing (382), and also keep the second elongated body side (304) of the retainer body (300) in full contact with the platform of the magazine housing (382) to effectively retain the nails therein.

[0102] Fig.18 and Fig.19 An exemplary function of the retaining legs (330) of the staple retainer (260) described above is shown. The staple retainer (260) is shown mounted to an exemplary cartridge housing (392) similar to the cartridge housing (162) described above. Fig.18 As shown, the claw (332) of the retaining leg (330) is disposed in a slot (394) formed in the end of the upper body portion of the magazine housing (392). During assembly of the nail retainer (260) with a nail magazine unit such as the above-mentioned magazine unit (160) or a magazine unit including the magazine housing (392), the claw (332) can first be positioned in the slot (394). The nail retainer (260) can then be pivoted about an axis defined by the contact point between the claw (332) and the slot (394), thereby engaging the jaw (342) of the nail retainer latch member (340) with the guide pin (230) to secure the nail retainer (260) relative to the nail magazine unit (160). As shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, such pivot point (P) may be defined between the end wall of slot (394) and the corresponding protrusion of claw (332). Once staple holder (260) is fully installed in staple cartridge unit (160), such as Figure 18-19The illustrated staple cartridge unit has a staple cartridge housing (392) with retaining arm claws (332) capturing corresponding portions of the staple cartridge housing (392) to constrain corresponding ends of staple retainers (260) relative to the staple cartridge housing (392).

[0103] Figures 20A-20D Exemplary steps are shown for removing staple retainer (260) from staple cartridge unit (160) after staple cartridge unit (160) has been fully seated within distal support structure (48) of surgical stapler (10). Fig. 20A The staple holder (260) is shown in a fully seated and latched position relative to the staple cartridge unit (160), wherein the staple holder (260) is positioned between the anvil plate portion (212) and the cartridge platform (164). As described above, the latch member jaws (342) cooperate with the holder body hooks (338) to capture the guide pins (230), thereby constraining the staple holder (260) relative to the staple cartridge unit (160) and fixing the second elongated body side (304) of the staple holder (260) in full contact with the cartridge platform (164) to effectively retain the staples therein. In addition, the contact protrusions (318, 320) are located along the longitudinal centerline of the anvil plate portion (212), along the elongated slots (216) (see Figure 8 ) directly and elastically contact the anvil plate portion (212) at the corresponding first and second positions spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the contact protrusions (318, 320) support the anvil plate portion (212) parallel to the cartridge platform (164) and also keep the second elongated body side (304) of the retainer body (300) in full contact with the cartridge platform (164) to effectively retain the nail therein.

[0104] When the surgical stapler (10) is ready to be deployed in a patient to staple and cut tissue, the user stabilizes the end effector (16) and pushes against the button-like protrusion (336) of the staple holder (260), such as Fig. 20B and Fig. 20C As shown. This action forces the nail retainer (260) to pivot relative to the nail magazine unit (160) about the pivot point (P) defined by the retaining leg (330), as described above. This pivoting motion forces the side of the guide pin (230) to contact the corresponding inner wall of the nail retainer jaw slot (348). This produces a cam action that drives the nail retainer jaw (342) translationally inward toward the anchor portion (344), causing the bow spring element (346) to be elastically compressed between the nail retainer jaw and the anchor portion. In this way, when the corresponding end of the nail retainer (260) is further pivoted away from the guide pin (230), the latch member (340) is in a release position that allows the guide pin (230) to be released from the nail retainer jaw (342) and the hook (338), as shown. Fig. 20CWhen the guide pin (230) is fully released from the staple holder (260), the staple holder (260) can be completely removed from the staple cartridge unit (160), as shown. Fig.20D When the staple holder (260) is separated from the staple cartridge unit (160), the bow spring element (346) resiliently returns the jaws (342) to the latched position, and the resiliently deflectable beam (316) resiliently returns the contact protrusions (318, 320) to the non-deflected state. Thus, the staple holder (260) is suitable for subsequent reattachment to the staple cartridge unit (160) if necessary.

[0105] II. Exemplary Combinations

[0106] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the coverage of any claims that may be provided at any time in this patent application or in the subsequent submissions of this patent application. It is not intended to make a disclaimer. The following examples are provided only for illustrative purposes. It is expected that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in a variety of other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the following examples. Therefore, any of the aspects or features mentioned below should not be considered decisive, unless otherwise, for example, by the inventor or the successor of the inventor concerned clearly indicates so at a later date. If any claim proposed in this patent application or in the subsequent submissions related to this patent application includes additional features other than those mentioned below, these additional features should not be assumed to be added for any reason related to patentability.

[0107] Example 1

[0108] A nail retainer for use with a surgical nail magazine unit comprises: (a) a body having a first body side and a second body side, wherein the body is configured to be positioned in an aperture defined between an anvil and a platform of the nail magazine unit so that the first body side faces the anvil and the second body side faces the platform, wherein the second body side is configured to retain the nail in an opening formed in the platform; (b) a first protrusion, the first protrusion being disposed at the first body side, wherein the first protrusion is configured to contact the anvil at a first position; and (c) a second protrusion, the second protrusion being disposed at the first body side, wherein the second protrusion is configured to contact the anvil at a second position spaced from the first position, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be elastically deflected toward the second body side in response to the nail retainer being positioned in the aperture of the nail magazine unit, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to cooperate with the second body side to maintain a predetermined distance between the anvil and the platform.

[0109] Example 2

[0110] A nail retainer according to Example 1, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are spaced apart along the length of the body.

[0111] Example 3

[0112] The nail retainer according to any of the aforementioned embodiments also includes a resiliently deflectable beam connected to the first body side, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are disposed on the resiliently deflectable beam.

[0113] Example 4

[0114] A staple retainer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the staple retainer is configured to contact the anvil along a contact plane, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion cooperate to define the contact plane.

[0115] Example 5

[0116] A nail retainer according to any one of Embodiment 4, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to orient the anvil so that the contact plane is parallel to the second body side and the platform.

[0117] Example 6

[0118] A nail retainer according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be elastically in a first deflection state relative to the body when the nail retainer is positioned in a first orifice of a first nail magazine unit, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be elastically in a second deflection state relative to the body when the nail retainer is positioned in a second orifice of a second nail magazine unit, wherein the first orifice and the second orifice have different sizes.

[0119] Example 7

[0120] The staple retainer according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first body side comprises an elongated opening, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are movably disposed within the elongated opening.

[0121] Example 8

[0122] The nail retainer according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments further includes a latch member connected to the main body, wherein the latch member is capable of moving between a latch position and a release position relative to the main body, wherein in the latch position, the latch member is configured to capture a feature of the nail magazine unit, thereby constraining the nail retainer relative to the nail magazine unit, and wherein in the release position, the latch member is configured to release the feature, thereby allowing the nail retainer to be separated from the nail magazine unit.

[0123] Example 9

[0124] A nail retainer according to any one of Embodiment 8, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are capable of elastically deflecting relative to the body independently of the movement of the latch member relative to the body.

[0125] Example 10

[0126] A nail retainer according to any one of embodiments 8 to 9, wherein the latch member is resiliently biased toward the latch position.

[0127] Embodiment 11

[0128] A nail retainer according to any one of embodiments 8 to 9, wherein the first end of the latch member is fixed relative to the body, and wherein the second end of the latch member is capable of translating relative to the body between the latch position and the release position.

[0129] Example 12

[0130] A nail retainer according to any one of embodiments 8 to 9, wherein the latch member includes a jaw, wherein the jaw is capable of translating relative to the body between the latch position and the release position.

[0131] Example 13

[0132] A nail retainer according to embodiment 12, wherein the body includes a narrow groove, which is configured to receive the feature portion of the nail magazine unit when the nail retainer is positioned in the orifice of the nail magazine unit, and wherein the jaw is configured to releasably capture the feature portion when the feature portion is disposed in the narrow groove.

[0133] Embodiment 14

[0134] A staple cartridge unit constructed for use with a surgical stapler comprises: (a) a cartridge housing having a platform including a plurality of openings; (b) a plurality of staples disposed within the openings; (c) an anvil having a plurality of staple forming recesses, wherein the anvil and the platform define an orifice therebetween; and (d) a staple retainer according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the staple retainer is constructed to be removably positionable within the orifice such that the first protrusion and the second protrusion at the first body side contact the anvil and the second body side contacts the platform.

[0135] Embodiment 15

[0136] A surgical stapler comprises: (a) a main body assembly; (b) an axis assembly extending distally from the main body assembly; and (c) an end actuator located at the distal end of the axis assembly, wherein the end actuator comprises: (i) a support structure, and (ii) a staple cartridge unit according to claim 14, wherein the staple cartridge unit is removably mounted within the support structure.

[0137] Example 16

[0138] A staple holder for use with a surgical staple cartridge unit comprises: (a) a body having a first body side and a second body side, wherein the body is configured to be positioned in an aperture defined between an anvil and a platform of the staple cartridge unit such that the first body side faces the anvil and the second body side faces the platform, wherein the second body side is configured to retain a staple in an opening formed in the platform; (b) a latch member coupled to the body, wherein the latch member is movable relative to the body between a latched position and a released position, wherein in the latched position the latch member is configured to capture an elongated pin of the staple cartridge unit to constrain the staple holder relative to the staple cartridge unit, wherein in the released position the latch member is configured to release the elongated pin to allow the staple holder to be separated from the staple cartridge unit; and (c) an elastic contact member disposed at the first body side, wherein the elastic contact member is configured to contact the anvil and elastically deflect toward the second body side to orient the anvil parallel to the second body side and the platform.

[0139] Embodiment 17

[0140] A nail retainer according to embodiment 16, wherein the resilient contact member includes a resiliently deflectable beam.

[0141] Embodiment 18

[0142] A nail retainer according to Example 17, wherein the resilient contact member further comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed on the resiliently deflectable beam, wherein the protrusions are configured to be able to contact the anvil.

[0143] Embodiment 19

[0144] A staple cartridge unit for use with a surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a cartridge housing, wherein the cartridge housing comprises: (i) a platform, (ii) a plurality of openings formed in the platform, and (iii) a plurality of staples disposed in the openings, wherein the staples are configured to be driven from the openings and into tissue positioned against the platform; (b) an anvil movably coupled to the cartridge housing, wherein the anvil comprises a plurality of recesses configured to form the staples, wherein the cartridge housing is capable of translating toward and away from the anvil; and (c) a staple retainer removably positioned within the platform between the platform and the anvil, wherein the nail retainer includes: (i) a main body having a first main body side facing the anvil and a second main body side facing the platform, (ii) a first protrusion, the first protrusion is arranged at the first main body side, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be able to contact the anvil at a first position, and (iii) a second protrusion, the second protrusion is arranged at the first main body side, wherein the second protrusion is configured to be able to contact the anvil at a second position spaced from the first position, wherein at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion is capable of elastically deflecting toward the second main body side.

[0145] Embodiment 20

[0146] A nail magazine unit according to embodiment 19, wherein the nail magazine unit also includes a slender pin extending between the magazine housing and the anvil, wherein the magazine housing is configured to be able to translate along the slender pin toward and away from the anvil, and wherein the nail retainer is configured to be able to releasably capture the slender pin to constrain the body relative to the magazine housing and the anvil.

[0147] III. Miscellaneous

[0148] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered isolated from each other. With reference to the teachings herein, various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0149] In addition, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, implementations, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the teachings, expressions, implementations, examples, etc. described in the following patents: U.S. patent application entitled “Tissue Cutting Washer for Right Angle Surgical Stapler” filed on the same date as the present application [Agent Reference Number END9086USNP1]; U.S. patent application entitled “Clamping Based Lockout Mechanism for Right Angle Surgical Stapler” filed on the same date as the present application in 2018 [Agent Reference Number END9087USNP1]; and U.S. patent application entitled “Cartridge Based Lockout Mechanism for Right Angle Surgical Stapler” filed on the same date as the present application [Agent Reference Number END9088USNP1], the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] It should be understood that any patent, patent publication, or other public material, whether in whole or in part, allegedly incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials described in the present disclosure. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly listed herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof allegedly incorporated herein but conflicting with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing public materials.

[0151] The above-described device versions may be used in conventional medical treatments and surgeries performed by medical professionals, as well as robotic-assisted medical treatments and surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system, such as the DAVINCI® by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California). TMSimilarly, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various teachings herein may be readily combined with the various teachings of any of the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135, entitled “Articulated Surgical Instrument For Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery With Enhanced Dexterity and Sensitivity,” issued Aug. 11, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,541, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System,” issued Jul. 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969, entitled “Drive Interface for Operably Coupling a Manipulatable Surgical Tool to a Robot,” issued Jul. 9, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Cable-Based Surgical End Effector System,” issued Aug. 12, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; Effectors”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; and / or U.S. Patent 8,573,465, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End Effector System with Rotary Actuated Closure Systems”, published on November 5, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0152] The devices of the types described above can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or they can be designed to be reusable. In either case or both, these types can be repaired to be reused after at least one use. Repair can include any combination of the following steps: disassembling the device, then cleaning or replacing specific parts and subsequently reassembling. Specifically, some types of devices can be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. When cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, some types of the device can be reassembled at a repair facility or reassembled by the user before surgery is about to be performed for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the repair of the device can be disassembled, cleaned / replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such technology and the resulting repair device are all within the scope of the present application.

[0153] By way of example only, the types described herein may be sterilized before and / or after surgery. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container such as a plastic bag or a TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in a sterile container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0154] Various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, and further improvements of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by appropriate modifications by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several such possible modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, the embodiments, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered in light of the following claims, and should be understood not to be limited to the details of the structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A staple holder for use with a surgical staple cartridge unit, comprising: (a) a body having a first body side and a second body side, wherein the body is configured to be positioned within an aperture defined between an anvil and a deck of the staple cartridge unit such that the first body side faces the anvil and the second body side faces the deck, wherein the second body side is configured to retain staples within openings formed in the deck; (b) a first protrusion provided at the first body side, wherein the first protrusion is configured to contact the anvil at a first position; as well as (c) a second protrusion provided at the first body side, wherein the second protrusion is configured to contact the anvil at a second position spaced from the first position, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be elastically deflectable toward the second body side in response to the staple holder being positioned within the aperture of the staple cartridge unit, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to cooperate with the second body side to maintain a maximum aperture distance between the anvil and the platform, wherein the maximum aperture distance is the distance between the anvil and the platform in an open state.

2. The nail retainer according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second protrusions are spaced apart along a length of the body.

3. The staple retainer of claim 1, further comprising a resiliently deflectable beam coupled to the first body side, wherein the first and second protrusions are disposed on the resiliently deflectable beam.

4. The nail retainer according to claim 1, wherein: The staple retainer is configured to contact the anvil along a contact plane, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion cooperate to define the contact plane.

5. The nail retainer according to claim 4, wherein: The first and second protrusions are configured to orient the anvil such that the contact plane is parallel to the second body side and the platform.

6. The nail retainer according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be elastically in a first deflected state relative to the body when the nail holder is positioned in the first aperture of the first nail magazine unit, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be elastically in a second deflected state relative to the body when the nail holder is positioned in the second aperture of the second nail magazine unit, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture have different sizes.

7. The nail retainer according to claim 1, wherein: The first body side includes an elongated opening, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are movably disposed within the elongated opening.

8. The nail retainer according to claim 1, wherein: The nail holder also includes a latch member connected to the main body, and wherein the nail magazine unit includes a guide pin, wherein the latch member is capable of moving between a latch position and a release position relative to the main body, wherein in the latch position, the latch member is configured to capture the guide pin of the nail magazine unit, thereby constraining the nail holder relative to the nail magazine unit, and wherein in the release position, the latch member is configured to release the guide pin, thereby allowing the nail holder to be separated from the nail magazine unit.

9. The nail retainer according to claim 8, wherein: The first and second protrusions are resiliently deflectable relative to the body independent of movement of the latch member relative to the body.

10. The nail retainer according to claim 8, wherein: The latch member is resiliently biased toward the latched position.

11. The nail retainer according to claim 8, wherein: The first end of the latch member is fixed relative to the body, wherein the second end of the latch member is translatable relative to the body between the latched position and the released position.

12. The nail retainer according to claim 8, wherein: The latch member includes a jaw, wherein the jaw is translatable relative to the body between the latch position and the release position.

13. The nail retainer according to claim 12, wherein: The body includes a narrow slot, which is configured to receive the guide pin of the nail magazine unit when the nail retainer is positioned within the aperture of the nail magazine unit, wherein the jaw is configured to releasably capture the guide pin when the guide pin is disposed within the narrow slot.

14. A staple cartridge unit configured for use with a surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a bin housing having a platform including a plurality of openings; (b) a plurality of nails, the plurality of nails being disposed in the opening; (c) an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pockets, wherein the anvil and the platform define an aperture therebetween; as well as (d) The nail retainer according to claim 1, Wherein the staple retainer is configured to be removably positionable within the aperture such that the first and second protrusions at the first body side contact the anvil and the second body side contacts the deck.

15. A surgical stapler, comprising: (a) Main assembly; (b) a shaft assembly extending distally from the body assembly; as well as (c) an end effector located at a distal end of the shaft assembly, wherein the end effector comprises: (i) supporting structure, and (ii) The staple cartridge unit of claim 14, wherein the staple cartridge unit is removably mounted within the support structure.

16. A staple retainer for use with a surgical staple cartridge unit, comprising: (a) a body having a first body side and a second body side, wherein the body is configured to be positioned within an aperture defined between an anvil and a deck of the staple cartridge unit such that the first body side faces the anvil and the second body side faces the deck, wherein the second body side is configured to retain staples within openings formed in the deck; (b) a latch member coupled to the body, wherein the latch member is movable relative to the body between a latched position and a released position, wherein in the latched position the latch member is configured to capture an elongated pin of the staple cartridge unit, thereby constraining the staple retainer relative to the staple cartridge unit, and wherein in the released position the latch member is configured to release the elongated pin, thereby allowing the staple retainer to be separated from the staple cartridge unit; as well as (c) an elastic contact member disposed at the first body side, wherein the elastic contact member is configured to contact the anvil and elastically deflect toward the second body side so that the anvil is oriented parallel to the second body side and the platform, wherein the elastic contact member is configured to cooperate with the second body side to maintain a maximum orifice distance between the anvil and the platform, wherein the maximum orifice distance is the distance between the anvil and the platform in an open state.

17. The nail retainer according to claim 16, wherein: The resilient contact member comprises a resiliently deflectable beam.

18. The nail retainer according to claim 17, wherein: The resilient contact member further includes a plurality of protrusions disposed on the resiliently deflectable beam, wherein the protrusions are configured to contact the anvil.

19. A staple cartridge unit for use with a surgical stapler, comprising: (a) a bin housing, wherein the bin housing comprises: (i) Platform, (ii) a plurality of openings formed in the platform, and (iii) a plurality of staples disposed within the opening, wherein the staples are configured to be driven from the opening and into tissue positioned against the platform; (b) an anvil movably coupled to the cartridge housing, wherein the anvil comprises a plurality of pockets configured to form the staples, wherein the cartridge housing is translatable toward and away from the anvil; and (c) a staple retainer removably positioned between the platform and the anvil, wherein the staple retainer comprises: (i) a body having a first body side facing the anvil and a second body side facing the platform, (ii) a first protrusion provided at the first body side, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be able to contact the anvil at a first position, and (iii) a second protrusion, which is arranged at the first body side, wherein the second protrusion is configured to contact the anvil at a second position spaced apart from the first position, wherein at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion is capable of elastically deflecting toward the second body side and is configured to cooperate with the second body side to maintain a maximum orifice distance between the anvil and the platform, wherein the maximum orifice distance is the distance between the anvil and the platform in an open state.

20. The staple cartridge unit according to claim 19, wherein: The nail magazine unit also includes a slender pin extending between the magazine housing and the anvil, wherein the magazine housing is configured to be able to translate along the slender pin toward and away from the anvil, and wherein the nail retainer is configured to be able to releasably capture the slender pin to constrain the body relative to the magazine housing and the anvil.

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