End effector for a stapler

Abstract

The application discloses an end effector for a stapler, wherein the end effector comprises a knife holder moving along an axial direction, a staple cartridge unit and an anvil relatively opening and closing through a pivot connection, the staple cartridge unit comprises a staple cartridge seat and a detachable staple cartridge assembly, the knife holder comprises a knife holder main body and a limiting protrusion arranged near a distal end of the knife holder main body and vertically extending outward from the knife holder main body in a direction away from the knife holder main body, the limiting protrusion is arranged between at least one edge of the knife holder main body close to the staple cartridge seat and the center of the knife holder main body; when the staple cartridge assembly is detached or installed relative to the staple cartridge seat, the staple cartridge unit is in an open position, the knife holder is in an initial retracted position, and the limiting protrusion of the knife holder stops the staple cartridge seat against a proximal end of the staple cartridge seat; when the knife holder is away from the initial retracted position, the limiting protrusion of the knife holder is separated from the staple cartridge seat. The application can conveniently detach, install and replace the staple cartridge assembly relative to the staple cartridge seat.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to an end effector for a stapler. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a stapler can be widely used in tissue stapling and cutting in surgical operations. The stapler can generally be composed of an end effector at a distal end, a handle at a proximal end, and a connecting transmission part connected between the end effector and the handle. The end effector refers to the part of the stapler for contacting and manipulating the tissue of the patient. The connecting transmission part can have a hollow tube, and a transmission rod can be slidably arranged in the hollow tube to actuate the end effector. The transmission rod can be connected to an actuating device of the handle of the stapler at a proximal end. When performing the operation, the mechanism on the handle slides the transmission rod along the hollow tube to actuate the end effector to operate the tissue.

[0003] The end effector of the stapler can generally include a knife holder movable between a proximal end and a distal end, and a cartridge unit and an anvil pivotally connected to each other to be openable and closable relative to each other, wherein the cartridge unit includes a cartridge seat and a cartridge assembly mounted to the cartridge seat. Most of the commercially available reusable staplers have a disposable cartridge assembly.

[0004] In one embodiment of the end effector, for example, as described in US5865361, the cartridge assembly is fixedly mounted on the cartridge seat, and the end effector is detachably connected to the connecting transmission part, and the end effector can be separated from the connecting transmission part by disassembly after completing one use. In another embodiment of the end effector, for example, as described in CN101507644B of Ethicon, the end effector is fixedly connected to the connecting transmission part, and the cartridge assembly is detachably connected to the cartridge seat, and the cartridge assembly can be disassembled from the cartridge seat after completing one use, and the end effector can be used multiple times in the same operation after mounting a new cartridge assembly.

[0005] However, in the second embodiment described above, it is disadvantageous that the opening function of the jaws of the end effector is realized by the spring sheet during the mounting process, and the cartridge seat cannot be fixed, so that it is very difficult to disassemble the cartridge assembly from the cartridge seat, which is relatively inconvenient, and needs to be disassembled with the aid of tools, resulting in a large amount of work and low work efficiency during the mounting and dismounting of the cartridge.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an end effector for a stapler which can eliminate or at least alleviate all or part of the defects in the prior art described above. SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the above technical problems existing in the prior art, the present application aims to provide an end effector for a stapler, which can facilitate the dismounting and / or mounting of a staple cartridge assembly relative to a staple cartridge seat of the end effector, thereby making the dismounting and / or mounting of the staple cartridge unit convenient and fast. The present application can be particularly suitable for a laparoscopic cutting stapler.

[0008] It is emphasized that the terms used herein are consistent with the general meanings of the various scientific terms in the art, the meanings of the professional terms defined in various technical dictionaries, textbooks, etc., unless otherwise specified.

[0009] In this context, when expressing the orientation, the position relatively close to the operator of the instrument is referred to as "proximal end", and the position relatively far away from the operator of the instrument is referred to as "distal end". Further, in this context, the length direction of the stapler can be referred to as the axial direction.

[0010] To this end, according to an embodiment of the present application, an end effector for a stapler is provided, wherein the end effector comprises a knife carriage moving along the axial direction (i.e. between the proximal end and the distal end), and a staple cartridge unit and an anvil relatively open and close by a pivotal connection, wherein the staple cartridge unit comprises a staple cartridge seat and a staple cartridge assembly mounted to the staple cartridge seat in a detachable manner, wherein,

[0011] The knife carriage comprises a knife carriage body and at least one limiting protrusion arranged near the distal end of the knife carriage body and extending perpendicularly outward from the knife carriage body in a direction away from the knife carriage body, wherein the limiting protrusion is arranged between at least one edge of the knife carriage body close to the staple cartridge seat and the center of the knife carriage body;

[0012] When the staple cartridge assembly is dismounted or mounted relative to the staple cartridge seat, the staple cartridge unit is in an open position, the knife carriage is in an initial retracted position, and the limiting protrusion of the knife carriage stops the staple cartridge seat by abutting against the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat; when the knife carriage is moved away from the initial retracted position, the limiting protrusion of the knife carriage is disengaged from the staple cartridge seat.

[0013] Further, in an embodiment, the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat can have a contact site corresponding to the limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion can have an abutting portion corresponding to the contact site, and when the limiting protrusion of the knife carriage abuts against the contact site of the staple cartridge seat to stop the staple cartridge seat, the abutting portion of the limiting protrusion can contact and abut against the contact site of the staple cartridge seat.

[0014] Preferably, the abutting portion can be a flat surface for surface-to-surface contact with the contact site, or a linear side edge for line-to-surface contact with the contact site.

[0015] Further, in an embodiment, the contact surface of the cartridge seat can be flat or approximately flat. Note that the term "approximately flat" can mean a flat shape that is close to a plane, although it has some unevenness.

[0016] Further, in an embodiment, the stopper protrusion of the knife holder can be made of metal. Preferably, the stopper protrusion of the knife holder is made of the same metal material as the knife holder body, for example, made of steel.

[0017] Typically, when the stopper protrusion of the knife holder abuts against the contact portion of the cartridge seat to stop the cartridge seat, the cartridge assembly can be detached or attached with respect to the cartridge seat by a mechanical detachment or attachment.

[0018] Further, in an embodiment, the knife holder can include a first wing plate provided at the one edge to close the cartridge unit and a space between the stopper protrusion and the first wing plate, wherein the proximal end portion of the cartridge seat moves back and forth in the space when the cartridge unit is pivoted between the open position and the closed position with respect to the anvil.

[0019] Further, in an embodiment, the stopper protrusion can be integrally formed with the knife holder body.

[0020] In another alternative embodiment, when the stopper protrusion is separately formed with respect to the knife holder body, the stopper protrusion can be fixedly connected to the knife holder body.

[0021] Further, in an embodiment, the longitudinal section of the stopper protrusion parallel to the axial direction can have a polygonal or circular shape.

[0022] Preferably, in an embodiment, the stopper protrusion can be a column having a convex hexagonal longitudinal section.

[0023] Preferably, in an embodiment, the stopper protrusion can be a square column.

[0024] Preferably, in an embodiment, the stopper protrusion can be a cylindrical column.

[0025] Further, in an embodiment, the stopper protrusion can be welded to the knife holder body.

[0026] In another alternative embodiment, the knife holder can have a through hole passing through the knife holder body between the one edge and the center of the knife holder body. Preferably, the stopper protrusion can be a pin inserted into the through hole of the knife holder in an interference fit, and the pin can extend from the through hole by an appropriate length.

[0027] Further, in an embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly can include a U-shaped staple cartridge and a cover plate disposed inside the staple cartridge and extending along a U-shaped periphery of the staple cartridge, such that a guide channel in the shape of a cross can be defined between the staple cartridge and the cover plate, and the limit block can be disengaged from the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat when the cartridge body is moved axially distally from the initial retracted position to drive the staple cartridge unit to pivot to the closed position, so that the cartridge body can be moved out of the guide channel. Preferably, the guide channel in the shape of a cross can be configured to include a middle body portion for the cartridge body to move through, and lateral gaps extending to both sides of the middle body portion perpendicularly to the middle body portion for the limit block to move through.

[0028] Further, in an embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly can further include a pusher block for pushing out the titanium staples, and a movable slider disposed in the middle body portion, the slider can be initially disposed at the proximal end of the middle body portion, when the cartridge body is moved axially distally, the cartridge body can move into the middle body portion, and at the same time, the limit block moves into the lateral gap, and as the cartridge body moves, the distal end of the cartridge body can push the slider to slide in the middle body portion, so that the slider can push the pusher block in the middle body portion to push out the titanium staples.

[0029] Further, the end effector for a stapler according to any one of the above embodiments can be suitable for a laparoscopic cutting stapler.

[0030] The end effector for a stapler according to the embodiments of the present application can have the following beneficial effects:

[0031] The present application can provide a limit block disposed at the cartridge body for fixing the staple cartridge seat, so that when the cartridge body is in the initial retracted position, the limit block can abut against the staple cartridge seat under the action of an external force, thereby stopping the staple cartridge seat, so that the staple cartridge assembly of the end effector can be conveniently disassembled or assembled relative to the staple cartridge seat, thereby making the assembly, disassembly and replacement of the staple cartridge unit more convenient and fast.

[0032] Further, the present application can provide a contact portion of the staple cartridge seat and an abutting portion of the limit block cooperating with the contact portion, which can increase the friction between the limit block and the staple cartridge seat, so that the staple cartridge seat is more firmly abutted against the limit block.

[0033] Further, the present application can provide a guide channel for the knife holder to move through at the cartridge assembly, so that the knife holder including the limiting protrusion can be stably moved when moving in the cartridge assembly, and does not interfere with the operation of other parts of the cartridge assembly; further, the cartridge assembly can further include a movable slider arranged in the above-mentioned intermediate body part of the guide channel, so that as the knife holder moves in the cartridge assembly, the distal end part of the knife holder body pushes the slider to slide in the above-mentioned intermediate body part, so that the slider can conveniently push the pusher block to push out the titanium nails in the cartridge assembly.

[0034] The present application can be particularly suitable for a laparoscopic cutting anastomat.

[0035] The present application has simple structure and is easy and convenient to operate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the application and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the application and together with the description serve to explain the application. In the drawings:

[0037] In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 An exploded view of an end effector for an anastomat according to an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown;

[0039] Figure 2 An overall view of the end effector for an anastomat in an open state in Figure 1 is schematically shown;

[0040] Figure 3 A partial perspective view of the end effector for an anastomat in Figure 2 is schematically shown;

[0041] Figure 4 A partial sectional view of the end effector for an anastomat in Figure 2 is schematically shown;

[0042] Figure 5 A structural diagram of the knife holder of the end effector for an anastomat in Figure 2 is schematically shown;

[0043] Figure 6 A structural diagram of the cartridge seat of the end effector for an anastomat in Figure 2 is schematically shown;

[0044] Figure 7 A structural diagram of the cartridge seat of the end effector for an anastomat in Figure 2 is schematically shown;

[0045] Figure 8 A structural diagram of the cartridge seat of the end effector for an anastomat inFigure 2 the combination state of the staple cartridge seat and the staple cartridge assembly for the end effector of the stapler in the stapler;

[0046] Figure 9 schematically shows the cross section along Figure 8 schematically shows the cross section observed along section A-A in the stapler;

[0047] Figure 10 schematically shows the structure of the guide channel in the staple cartridge assembly in the stapler; Figure 9 schematically shows the structure of the guide channel in the staple cartridge assembly in the stapler;

[0048] Figure 11 schematically shows the structure of the guide channel in the staple cartridge assembly in the stapler; Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of the end effector for the stapler in the closed state in the stapler;

[0049] Figure 12 schematically shows the structure of the knife holder of the end effector for the stapler according to a further embodiment of the application;

[0050] schematically shows the structure of the knife holder of the end effector for the stapler according to a further embodiment of the application;

[0051] Figure 13 schematically shows the structure of the knife holder of the end effector for the stapler according to a further embodiment of the application;

[0052] schematically shows the structure of the knife holder of the end effector for the stapler according to a further embodiment of the application;

[0053] Figure 14 schematically shows the structure of the knife holder of the end effector for the stapler according to a further embodiment of the application;

[0054] schematically shows the structure of the knife holder of the end effector for the stapler according to a further embodiment of the application.

[0055] Element reference

[0056] 10: stapler; 100: end effector; 101: staple cartridge unit; 102: anvil; 103: staple cartridge seat; 104: staple cartridge assembly; 1041: staple cartridge; 1042: cover plate; 1043: guide channel; 1044: lateral gap; 105: contact site; 106: guide rail surface; 107: connecting structure; 108: rotational pivot; 109: elastic protrusion; 200: knife holder; 210: knife holder main body; 211: first wing plate; 212: second wing plate; 213: through hole; 214: edge; 215: spacing; 220: limiting bump; 221: axial plane; 230: distal end; 300: hollow tube; F: external force. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application will be described below in connection with the specific embodiments of the present application and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0058] Firstly, as mentioned above, the stapler can be generally divided into a distal end end effector, a proximal handle part, and a connecting transmission part connected between the end effector and the handle part. The connecting transmission part can have a hollow tube, and a transmission rod can be arranged in the hollow tube and can slide back and forth in the axial direction. The transmission rod is usually connected to an actuating device of the stapler handle part at the proximal end part, and connected to the end effector at the distal end part. When performing the operation, the actuating device actuates the transmission rod to move in the axial direction to actuate the end effector to clamp the tissue.

[0059] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below in connection with the drawings.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1 to 11 , a distal end effector 100 for a stapler 10 is shown according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the distal end effector 100 comprises a knife carriage 200 movable between a proximal end and a distal end, and a staple cartridge unit 101 and an anvil 102 relatively open and close by a pivotal connection, wherein the staple cartridge unit 101 comprises a staple cartridge seat 103 and a staple cartridge assembly 104 detachably mounted to the staple cartridge seat 103; wherein,

[0061] The knife carriage 200 comprises a knife carriage body 210 and at least one limiting protrusion 220 arranged near the distal end part of the knife carriage body 210 and perpendicularly extended outward from the knife carriage body 210 in a direction away from the knife carriage body 210, wherein the limiting protrusion 200 is arranged between an edge 214 of the knife carriage body 210 close to the staple cartridge seat 103 and the center of the knife carriage body 210;

[0062] When the staple cartridge assembly 104 is detached or mounted relative to the staple cartridge seat 103, the staple cartridge unit 101 is in an open position, and the knife carriage 200 is in an initial retracted position, and the limiting protrusion 220 of the knife carriage 200 abuts against the proximal end part of the staple cartridge seat 103 to stop the staple cartridge seat 103; when the knife carriage 200 moves away from the initial retracted position, the limiting protrusion 220 of the knife carriage 200 is disengaged from the staple cartridge seat 103.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1 and 2 , typically, the staple cartridge assembly 104 can be detachably mounted to the staple cartridge seat 103, and the staple cartridge seat 103 can be mounted to the staple cartridge unit 101 by Figure 1The illustrated rotary pivot 108 is mounted to the anvil 102, so that the cartridge unit 101 can be pivoted relative to the anvil 102 between an open position and a closed position. The knife carriage 200 can be moved back and forth in the axial direction under the transmission action of the transmission rod within the hollow tube 300. Typically, the knife carriage 200 can have an I-beam shape, as shown in Figure 5

[0064] The proximal end of the cartridge seat 103 can be provided with a contact site 105 corresponding to the abutting portion of the limiting block 220. When the cartridge assembly 104 is disassembled or assembled relative to the cartridge seat 103, the cartridge unit 101 is in the open position relative to the anvil 102, the cartridge assembly 104 is in the open position relative to the cartridge seat 103, and the knife carriage 200 is in the initial retracted position, the abutting portion of the limiting block 220 of the knife carriage 200 can abut against the contact site 105 of the cartridge seat 103 to stop the cartridge seat 105, at which time the disassembly / separation of the cartridge assembly 104 from the cartridge seat 103 can be achieved by applying an external force F to the cartridge assembly 104, as shown in Figure 2

[0065] Preferably, the abutting portion can be a flat surface 221 for face-to-face contact with the contact site 105, as shown in Figure 1 and 3 Alternatively, the abutting portion can also be a linear side edge for line-to-face contact with the contact site 105, as shown in Figure 13 and 14

[0066] In an embodiment, the limiting block 220 of the knife carriage 200 can be formed of a rigid member having a certain rigidity, for example, can be made of metal, such as steel, to be able to achieve effective stopping of the cartridge seat 103. Preferably, the limiting block 220 can be the same material as the knife carriage body 210. In other embodiments, the limiting block 220 can be different from the material of the knife carriage body 210.

[0067] Further, as shown in Figure 1 , 3 and 4, in an embodiment, the limiting block 220 can have a flat surface 221 facing the above-mentioned one edge 214 of the cartridge seat 103 to achieve stopping of the cartridge seat 103 by face-to-face contact. Specifically, when the limiting block 220 of the knife carriage 200 abuts against the contact site 105 of the cartridge seat 103 to stop the cartridge seat 103, the flat surface 221 of the limiting block 220 can contact and abut against the contact site (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103. Figure 3 ​​​Fig. 6 schematically shows a state where the plane 221 of the stopper bump 220 has not contacted the contact portion (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103; Figure 4 Fig. 7 schematically shows a state where the plane 221 of the stopper bump 220 is in close contact with the contact portion (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103. At this time, the cartridge unit 101 is in the open position, the knife carriage 200 is in the initial retracted position, and the cartridge assembly 104 is also mounted on the cartridge seat 103 and in the open position.

[0068] Further, in the state of Figure 4 , the contact portion (contact surface) 105 can also be parallel to the axial direction of the stapler 10.

[0069] Further, to increase the friction between the plane 221 and the contact portion (contact surface) 105, the plane 221 can have a certain roughness, for example, the plane 221 can be provided with a texture.

[0070] Similarly, the contact portion (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103 can also have a certain roughness, for example, can be provided with a texture. Further, in an embodiment, the contact portion (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103 can be flat or approximately flat. Typically, in an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 and 5 , the contact portion (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103 can be flat to increase the contact area with the plane 221 of the stopper bump 220, thereby increasing the friction between the contact portion (contact surface) 105 and the plane 221, so that the stopper bump 220 can effectively resist and stop the cartridge seat 103. In another alternative embodiment, the contact portion (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103 can be approximately flat, for example, as shown in Figure 3 , 6 and 7, the contact portion 105 can have a recess, or be slightly inclined relative to the plane 221, so that the plane 221 and the contact portion (contact surface) 105 can be easily contacted or separated. It can be understood that the shape of the contact portion (contact surface) 105 can not be limited to a recess, as long as the shape of the contact portion 105 matches the shape of the corresponding stopper bump 220.

[0071] Figure 6 and 7 schematically show the structure of the cartridge seat 103 of the end effector 100 for the stapler in Figure 1 , from two different perspectives, respectively, wherein, Figure 6 (a) schematically shows an outer side perspective view of the cartridge seat 103, Figure 6 (b) schematically shows a partial enlarged view of the proximal end of the cartridge seat 103 of (a) at circle I, Figure 6 (a) schematically shows an outer side perspective view of the cartridge seat 103, Figure 7(a) illustrates an inner side perspective view of the cartridge seat 103 schematically, Figure 7 (b) illustrates a perspective view of the combination of the cartridge seat 103 and the cartridge assembly 104 for the end effector of the stapler in Figure 7 (a) illustrates a partial enlarged view of the proximal end of the cartridge seat 103 at circle II in

[0072] Figure 8 illustrates the combination of the cartridge seat 103 and the cartridge assembly 104 for the end effector of the stapler in Figure 2 Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit 101 as viewed along section A-A in Figure 8 Figure 8 and 9 As shown in

[0073] In an embodiment, when the limiting bump 220 of the knife holder 220 abuts against the contact position 105 of the cartridge seat 103 to stop the cartridge seat 103, the cartridge assembly 104 can be disassembled or assembled relative to the cartridge seat 103 by a mechanical disassembly or mechanical assembly manner. For example, when the cartridge assembly 100 is assembled to the cartridge seat 103, an external force F can be applied to make the abutting portion of the limiting bump 220 abut against the contact position 105 of the cartridge seat 103, as shown in Figure 2 , and then the elastic protrusion 109 can be inserted into the connecting hole 107 by interference fit to connect / assemble the cartridge assembly 104 and the cartridge seat 103 together; while when the cartridge assembly 104 is disassembled from the cartridge seat 103, an external force can be applied to the cartridge assembly 104 to make the elastic protrusion 109 elastically deform to disengage from the connecting hole 107, so that the cartridge assembly 104 and the cartridge seat 103 can be disengaged from each other.

[0074] Further, in an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 and 3 The knife holder 200 can include a first wing plate 211 provided at the above-mentioned edge 214 for closing the cartridge unit 101, and a spacing 215 between the limiting bump 220 and the first wing plate 211, as shown in Figure 3 and 4 When the cartridge unit 101 is pivotally moved relative to the anvil 102 between the open position and the closed position, the proximal end of the cartridge seat 103 can slide back and forth in the spacing 215.

[0075] Further, referring to Figures 9 to 11 ​​The staple cartridge assembly 104 may include a U-shaped staple cartridge 1041 and a cover plate 1042 disposed inside the staple cartridge 1041 and extending circumferentially along the U-shape of the staple cartridge 1041, such that a cross-shaped guide channel 1043 may be provided between the staple cartridge 1041 and the cover plate 1042. When the tool holder 200 moves axially distally from the initial retracted position to drive the staple cartridge unit 101 to the closed position, the limiting protrusion 220 may disengage from the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat 103, allowing the tool holder 200 to move through the guide channel 1043. In a preferred embodiment, as Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the cross shape of the guide channel 1043 can be configured to include a central main body portion for the tool holder body 210 to move through, and transverse gaps 1044 extending to both sides perpendicular to the central main body portion in a direction away from the central main body portion for the limiting protrusions 220 to move through. The central main body portion can be matched with the shape of the tool holder body 210, so that the tool holder body 210 can slide freely within the central main body portion; and the transverse gaps 1044 can be matched with the shape of the limiting protrusions 220, so that the limiting protrusions 220 can slide freely within the transverse gaps 1044.

[0076] Furthermore, the tool holder body 210 may have a distal end 230, such as Figure 5 As shown, the staple cartridge assembly 104 may also include a staple pusher block for ejecting titanium staples and a movable slider disposed within the aforementioned intermediate main body. The slider may be initially disposed at the proximal end of the aforementioned intermediate main body. When the tool holder 200 moves axially toward the distal end, the tool holder body 210 may move into the aforementioned intermediate main body, and at the same time, the limiting protrusion 220 moves into the transverse gap 1044. Furthermore, as the tool holder 200 moves, the distal end 230 of the tool holder body 210 may push the slider to slide within the aforementioned intermediate main body, so that the slider can push the staple pusher block within the aforementioned intermediate main body to eject the titanium staples.

[0077] Specifically, in the state that the staple cartridge assembly 104 is installed to the staple cartridge seat 103, when the anvil 200 moves axially to the distal end from the initial retracted position, on the one hand, the first wing plate 211 on the anvil 200 can abut to the side surface of the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat 103 to press the staple cartridge seat 103, so that the contact part 105 of the staple cartridge seat 103 moves and is separated from the abutting part of the limiting block 220, and then, since the staple cartridge seat 103 continuously receives the pressure applied by the first wing plate 211, the staple cartridge unit 101 can rotate relative to the anvil 102 to achieve closure; on the other hand, in the process of closing the staple cartridge unit 101 relative to the anvil 102, the anvil 200 continues to move into the U-shaped staple cartridge 1041 in the guide channel 1043 between the staple cartridge 1041 and the cover plate 1042 in the staple cartridge assembly 104, wherein the anvil body 210 can slide in the above-mentioned intermediate body part, and at the same time, the limiting block 220 can slide in the transverse gap 1044.

[0078] Further, in the initial stage of the above-mentioned closure process, the slider can be arranged at the proximal end of the guide channel 1043, more specifically, at the proximal end in the above-mentioned intermediate body part. When the anvil 200 moves axially to the distal end from the initial retracted position to the proximal end of the guide channel 1043, the distal end part 230 of the anvil body 210 can begin to enter the above-mentioned intermediate body part of the guide channel 1043 and contact the slider in the initial position; as the anvil 200 continues to move to the distal end, the distal end part 230 of the anvil body 210 can push the slider to slide in the above-mentioned intermediate body part of the guide channel 1043, so that the slider can push the pusher block to in turn push out the titanium staples for anastomosis operation; at the same time, the limiting block 220 can slide in the transverse gap 1044; after the anastomosis / firing is completed, the slider can be pushed to the distal end in the guide channel 1043 and remain to the distal end, at this time, the anvil 200 can be retracted to the initial retracted position, and a new staple cartridge assembly 104 can be replaced. For specific content of the anvil 200 pushing the pusher block to push out the titanium staples, reference can be made to the prior art.

[0079] The following refers to the drawings which Figures 1 to 11 , describe the disassembly and installation process of the staple cartridge assembly 104 relative to the staple cartridge seat 103.

[0080] Firstly, the disassembly process of the staple cartridge assembly 104 relative to the staple cartridge seat 103 is described.

[0081] When disassembling the staple cartridge assembly 104 relative to the staple cartridge seat 103, firstly, referring to Figure 2 , the anvil 200 is moved back to the initial retracted position, and the staple cartridge unit 101 is opened to the open position. Next, referring to Figure 2 and 3 , the staple cartridge seat 103 is Figure 2The arrow shows the application of an external force F, which causes the cartridge seat 103 to rotate towards the knife holder 200, so that the stopper protrusion 220 of the knife holder 200 contacts and abuts against the contact site 105 of the cartridge seat 103 to stop the cartridge seat 103, for example, the flat surface 221 of the stopper protrusion 220 can contact and abut against the contact site 105 of the cartridge seat 103, as shown in Figure 4 Next, in the state that the cartridge seat 103 is stationary, the external force can be continuously applied to mechanically detach the cartridge assembly 104 from the cartridge seat 103, for example, as shown in Figure 8 and 9 the cartridge assembly 104 can be elastically deformed to disengage from the connecting hole 107 of the cartridge seat 103, so that the cartridge assembly 104 and the cartridge seat 103 can be disengaged from each other.

[0082] Secondly, the installation process of the cartridge assembly 104 relative to the cartridge seat 103 is described.

[0083] Firstly, the knife holder 200 is moved back to the initial retracted position, and the cartridge unit 101 is opened to the open position. Next, referring to FIG. 4, an external force F is applied to the cartridge seat 103 (refer to Figure 3 ), which causes the cartridge seat 103 to rotate towards the knife holder 200, so that the stopper protrusion 220 of the knife holder 200 contacts and abuts against the contact site 105 of the cartridge seat 103 to stop the cartridge seat 103, for example, the flat surface 221 of the stopper protrusion 220 can contact and abut against the contact site 105 of the cartridge seat 103. Next, in the state that the cartridge seat 103 is stationary, the external force can be continuously applied to mechanically install the cartridge assembly 104 onto the cartridge seat 103, for example, the external force can be applied to cause the elastic protrusion 109 of the cartridge assembly 104 to be elastically deformed to be inserted into the connecting hole 107 of the cartridge seat 103, so that the cartridge assembly 104 and the cartridge seat 103 can be connected and assembled together.

[0084] When the stapler 10 is used, the knife holder 200 can be actuated by the transmission rod to extend to move away from the initial retracted position, so as to drive the stopper protrusion 220 to disengage from the contact site (contact surface) 105 of the cartridge seat 103. At the same time that the knife holder 200 extends, the first wing plate 201 of the knife holder 200 applies a closing force to the cartridge seat 103, which can be guided along Figure 6The guide rail surface 106 is rotated to drive the staple cartridge unit 101 to close relative to the anvil 102, so as to clamp the human tissue between the staple cartridge unit 101 and the anvil 102 for surgical operation. During the above closing process, the knife holder 200 can slide in the guide channel 1043 between the staple cartridge 1041 and the cover plate 1042, wherein the knife holder body 210 slides in the above intermediate body part, and the limiting protrusion 220 can slide in the transverse gap 1044, so that the distal end part 230 of the knife holder body 210 can push the above sliding block to slide in the above intermediate body part, so that the above sliding block pushes the pusher block to push out the titanium staples.

[0085] As can be seen from the above, by virtue of the fixing effect of the limiting protrusion 220 on the staple cartridge seat 103, the staple cartridge assembly 104 can be conveniently disassembled and assembled relative to the staple cartridge seat 103, so that the staple cartridge unit 101 can be conveniently disassembled, assembled and replaced.

[0086] Further, by providing the contact part 105 of the staple cartridge seat 103 and the abutting part of the limiting protrusion 220 matched with the contact part 105, the friction between the limiting protrusion 220 and the staple cartridge seat 103 can be increased, so that the staple cartridge seat 103 is more firmly pressed on the limiting protrusion 220.

[0087] Further, by providing the guide channel 1043 for the movement of the knife holder 200 in the staple cartridge assembly 104, the knife holder 220 can stably move when moving in the staple cartridge assembly 104, and does not interfere with the operation of other parts of the staple cartridge assembly 104; further, a movable sliding block can be provided in the above intermediate body part of the guide channel 1043 of the staple cartridge assembly 104, so that as the knife holder 200 moves in the staple cartridge assembly 104, the distal end part 230 of the knife holder body 210 pushes the sliding block to slide in the above intermediate body part, so that the sliding block can conveniently push the pusher block to push out the titanium staples in the staple cartridge assembly 104.

[0088] Further, at least one limiting protrusion 220 can be provided on each side of the knife holder body 210.

[0089] Further, the limiting protrusion 220 can be integrally formed with the knife holder body 210; or the limiting protrusion 220 can be separately formed relative to the knife holder body 210, in which case the limiting protrusion 220 can be fixedly connected to the knife holder body 210.

[0090] Referring to Figure 5 and Figures 12 to 14 In some embodiments, the longitudinal section of the limiting protrusion 220 can be polygonal or circular in shape.

[0091] Further, referring to Figure 7In one embodiment, the stopper 220 can be a cylinder with a convex hexagonal longitudinal section. Thus, in this example, the stopper 220 is in surface-to-surface contact with the cartridge seat 103, or the contact site 105.

[0092] Further, referring to Figure 12 In yet another embodiment, the stopper 220 can be a square cylinder. Thus, in this example, the stopper 220 is in surface-to-surface contact with the cartridge seat 103, or the contact site 105. Reference numeral 212 can represent a second wing 212 of the stopper 220 opposite the first wing 211.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the cylinders with regular shapes of convex hexagon and square, the axial plane 221 is flat, so that when the stopper 220 is in surface-to-surface contact with the cartridge seat 103, or the contact site 105, the contact site is large, the friction is greater, and the force is more uniform.

[0094] Further, referring to Figure 13 In another embodiment, the stopper 220 can be a cylinder. In this example, the stopper 220 is in line-to-surface contact with the cartridge seat 103, or the contact site 105, but the shape of the cylinder makes the stopper 220 easy to process and simple to install. Reference numeral 212 can represent a second wing 212 of the stopper 220 opposite the first wing 211.

[0095] Further, in yet another embodiment, the stopper 220 can be fixed to the knife holder 200. Preferably, the stopper 220 can be welded to the surface of the knife holder 200, as Figure 7 shown.

[0096] Further, in other embodiments, the stopper 220 can also be installed in a detachable manner to the surface of the knife holder 200, such as plug-in, etc. In this example, the stopper 220 can be replaced, thereby prolonging the service life of the knife holder 200.

[0097] Further, referring to Figure 14 In one embodiment, the knife holder 200 can be provided with a through hole 213 extending through the knife holder body 210 between the edge 214 and the center of the knife holder body 210, the stopper 220 can be a pin inserted into the through hole 203 of the knife holder body 210 in an interference fit, and the pin extends from the through hole 203 by an appropriate length. The pin can extend from the through hole 203 by an appropriate length, so that when the cartridge seat 103 rotates towards the stopper 220, the pin can effectively abut against the contact site 105 of the proximal end of the cartridge seat 103 and stop the cartridge seat 103, without interfering with the normal operation of other parts of the end effector 100.

[0098] Furthermore, the end effector 100 for a stapler as described in any of the above embodiments can be applied to a laparoscopic cutting stapler.

[0099] This invention is particularly applicable to laparoscopic cutting staplers, but is not limited thereto; it may also be applied to other suitable staplers as appropriate.

[0100] The following uses a laparoscopic stapler as an example to describe the operation of an end effector 100 for a stapler according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the staple cartridge assembly 104 may be disposable, and the limiting protrusion 220 may be a hexagonal boss structure.

[0101] First, the disassembly process of the staple cartridge assembly 104 relative to the staple cartridge seat 103 is described.

[0102] See Figures 1 to 4 During laparoscopic stapler operation, the anvil 102 can remain stationary, while the disposable staple cartridge assembly 104 can rotate around the hollow tube 300 to close or open the jaws of the end effector 100, thereby clamping or releasing tissue. When the jaws are closed, the I-beam blade holder 200 can be moved forward by the drive rod of the stapler 10 to close the jaws; when the jaws are open, the I-beam blade holder 200 can be moved backward by the drive rod of the stapler 10, and then the spring on the anvil 102 will spring open the staple cartridge assembly 104 to open the jaws.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, the limiting protrusion 220 can be disposed on the lower left side of the first wing plate 211. The proximal end of the stud cartridge seat 103 can pass through the gap 215 between the limiting protrusion 220 and the first wing plate 2111. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the proximal end of the staple cartridge 103 may have a recessed contact portion 105 facing the limiting protrusion 220 and a guide surface 106 facing the first wing plate 211.

[0104] After the surgical procedure is completed, when preparing to disassemble and replace the disposable staple cartridge assembly 104, the scalpel holder 200 can be pulled back to the initial retracted position, at which point the staple cartridge unit 101 is in the open position. Then, it can be... Figure 2 When a disassembly force F is applied as indicated by the arrow, the staple cartridge seat 103 rotates toward the limiting protrusion 220, causing the contact portion 105 of the staple cartridge seat 103 to contact and abut against the limiting protrusion 220. This stops and fixes the staple cartridge seat 103, while the staple cartridge assembly 100 mounted on the staple cartridge seat 103 does not rotate around the hollow tube 300. When a further mechanical force is applied, the structure of the elastic protrusion 109 can undergo elastic deformation, allowing the staple cartridge assembly 104 and the staple cartridge seat 103 to disengage from each other, making the staple cartridge assembly 100 easy and quick to remove.

[0105] Secondly, the installation process of the staple cartridge assembly 104 relative to the staple cartridge seat 103 is described.

[0106] The knife holder 200 is moved back to the initial retracted position, and the staple cartridge unit 101 is opened to the open position. Next, referring to Fig. 6, an external force is applied to the staple cartridge seat 103, and the staple cartridge seat 103 can be rotated towards the knife holder 200, so that the axial plane 221 of the limiting block 220 contacts and abuts against the contact site 105 of the staple cartridge seat 103. Next, in the state that the staple cartridge seat 103 is not moved, the external force can be continuously applied, so that the elastic protrusion 109 of the staple cartridge assembly 104 can be elastically deformed to be inserted into the connecting hole 107 of the staple cartridge seat 103, so that the staple cartridge assembly 104 and the staple cartridge seat 103 can be connected and assembled to each other.

[0107] In the use of the stapler 10, the knife holder 200 can be actuated by the transmission rod to move out of the initial retracted position, so that the limiting block 220 is driven to disengage from the contact site 105 of the staple cartridge seat 103. At the same time that the knife holder 200 moves out, the first wing plate 201 of the knife holder 200 applies a closing force to the staple cartridge seat 103, and the staple cartridge seat 103 can be rotated along the guide rail surface 106, so that the staple cartridge unit 101 is closed relative to the anvil 102, so as to clamp the human tissue between the staple cartridge unit 101 and the anvil 102 for surgical operation. In the above closing process, the knife holder 200 can slide in the guide channel 1043 between the staple cartridge 1041 and the cover plate 1042, wherein the knife holder body 210 slides in the above intermediate body portion, and the limiting block 220 can slide in the transverse gap 1044, so that the distal end portion 230 of the knife holder body 210 can push the slider to slide in the above intermediate body portion, so that the slider pushes the pusher block to push out the titanium staples. Figure 6

[0108] In summary, the present application can conveniently dismount and install the staple cartridge assembly of the end effector from the staple cartridge seat, so that the installation, dismounting and replacement of the staple cartridge unit become convenient and fast.

[0109] It is to be noted that, in the present text, the terms "comprising", "containing" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover the non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or equipment including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or equipment. Without more limitation, the element defined by the statement "including a" does not exclude the presence of another identical element in the process, method, article or equipment including the element.

[0110] ​Finally, it should be noted that the above examples are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing examples can be modified, or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An end effector for a stapler, comprising: The knife carriage includes a knife carriage body and at least one limiting protrusion arranged near the distal end of the knife carriage body and vertically extending outward from the knife carriage body in a direction away from the knife carriage body, wherein the limiting protrusion is arranged between at least one edge of the knife carriage body close to the staple cartridge seat and the center of the knife carriage body; When the staple cartridge assembly is disassembled or assembled relative to the staple cartridge seat, the staple cartridge unit is in an open position and the knife carriage is in an initial retracted position, the limiting protrusion of the knife carriage abuts against the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat to prevent the movement of the staple cartridge seat, thereby allowing the staple cartridge assembly to be directly disassembled or assembled by an external force; when the knife carriage moves away from the initial retracted position, the limiting protrusion of the knife carriage is disengaged from the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat, allowing the knife carriage to drive the staple cartridge unit to close; The limiting protrusion of the knife carriage is disengaged from the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat when the knife carriage moves axially to the distal end away from the initial retracted position to drive the staple cartridge unit to pivot to the closed position, allowing the knife carriage to move through the guide channel; The proximal end of the staple cartridge seat has a contact part corresponding to the limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion has an abutting part corresponding to the contact part; when the limiting protrusion of the knife carriage abuts against the contact part of the staple cartridge seat to stop the movement of the staple cartridge seat, the abutting part of the limiting protrusion contacts and abuts against the contact part of the staple cartridge seat; The abutting part is a flat surface for face-to-face contact with the contact part, or a linear side edge for line-to-face contact with the contact part. The contact surface of the staple cartridge seat is flat or approximately flat.

2. The end effector of claim 1, wherein, The limiting protrusion of the knife carriage is made of metal or steel.

3. The end effector of claim 1, wherein, The knife carriage includes a first wing plate arranged at the edge for closing the staple cartridge unit, and a gap between the limiting protrusion and the first wing plate; when the staple cartridge unit pivots relative to the anvil between the open position and the closed position, the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat moves back and forth in the gap.

4. The end effector of claim 1, wherein, The limiting protrusion is integrally formed with the knife carriage body; or the limiting protrusion is fixedly connected to the knife carriage body.

5. The end effector of claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal section of the limiting protrusion parallel to the axial direction is polygonal or circular in shape; 6. The end effector of claim 5, wherein, The limiting protrusion is a column with a convex hexagonal longitudinal section. The limiting protrusion is a square column.

7. The end effector of claim 6, wherein, The limiting protrusion is a cylindrical column.

8. The end effector of claim 6, wherein, 9. The end effector of claim 1, wherein The limiting protrusion is welded to the knife carriage body; or The knife carriage is provided with a through hole penetrating through the knife carriage body between the edge and the center of the knife carriage body, the limiting protrusion is a pin inserted into the knife carriage through hole in an interference fit manner, and the pin extends out of the through hole by a proper length. ​ 10. The end effector of claim 1, wherein, The staple cartridge assembly includes a U-shaped staple cartridge and a cover plate arranged inside the staple cartridge and extending along the circumference of the U-shaped staple cartridge, when the knife frame moves axially away from the initial retracted position to drive the staple cartridge unit to pivot to the closed position, the limiting block is disengaged from the proximal end of the staple cartridge seat, so that the knife frame moves from the guide channel; Further, the staple cartridge assembly further includes a pusher block for pushing out the titanium staples, and a movable slider arranged in the intermediate body portion, the slider is initially arranged at the proximal end of the intermediate body portion, when the knife frame moves axially away from the initial retracted position, the knife frame body moves into the intermediate body portion, and at the same time, the limiting block moves into the transverse gap, and as the knife frame moves, the distal end of the knife frame body pushes the slider to slide in the intermediate body portion, so that the slider can push the pusher block in the intermediate body portion to push out the titanium staples.

11. The end effector of claim 10, wherein, The cross-shaped guide channel is configured to include an intermediate body portion for the movement of the knife frame body, and transverse gaps extending to both sides in a direction away from the intermediate body portion perpendicular to the intermediate body portion for the movement of the limiting block.

12. The end effector of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, It is suitable for endoscopic cutting anastomat.

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