Surgical stapling device

Abstract

A surgical stapling device (10) includes a tool assembly (16, 116) mounted for articulation between a non-articulated position and an articulated position. To minimize wobble of the tool assembly (16, 116) in the non-articulated position of the tool assembly (16, 116), the surgical stapling device (10) includes a mounting assembly (20, 120) that includes a retention structure to retain the tool assembly (16, 116) in the non-articulated position until a predetermined force is applied to the tool assembly (16, 116).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology generally relates to surgical staplers, and more specifically to endoscopic surgical staplers with articulated tool assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Surgical staplers for performing endoscopic procedures are well-known and commonly used to minimize patient trauma and reduce recovery time. Typically, these staplers include an elongated body and a tool assembly supported on a distal portion of the elongated body. To facilitate easier access to tissues within a body cavity during the surgical procedure, the tool assembly is pivotally attached to the elongated body for hinged positions between a non-hinged position where the tool assembly is aligned with the elongated body and a position where the tool assembly forms an acute angle with the elongated body.

[0003] In known surgical staplers that include articulated tool assemblies, the tool assembly tends to wobble when it is in its non-articulated position and a force is applied to it. That is, when a force is applied to the tool assembly, it tends to move from its non-articulated position to a position where it is misaligned with the elongated body of the stapler. This wobble of the tool assembly presents difficulties for clinicians, especially when they are using the tool assembly to grasp and maintain tissue stability during surgical procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In several aspects, this disclosure generally relates to an endoscopic surgical stapler comprising a tool assembly mounted for hinged engagement between a non-hinged position and a hinged position. To minimize swaying of the tool assembly in the non-hinged position, the stapler includes a mounting assembly comprising a retaining structure to hold the tool assembly in the non-hinged position until a predetermined force is applied to the tool assembly.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a surgical stapler comprising an elongated body, a tool assembly, and a mounting assembly. The elongated body defines a first longitudinal axis and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The elongated body also includes an inner shaft defining diameter-opposite grooves and an outer tube received around the inner shaft. The tool assembly defines a second longitudinal axis. The mounting assembly is attached to the tool assembly and includes first and second hinges, a first mounting member, and a second mounting member. The first mounting member includes a body and a first hub extending outwardly from the body of the first mounting member. The second mounting member includes a body and a second hub extending outwardly from the body of the second mounting member. Each of the first and second hinges includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the first hinge defines a bore receiving the first hub of the first mounting member, and the distal portion of the second hinge defines a second bore receiving the second hub of the second mounting member, to pivotally secure the first and second hinges to the first and second mounting members. The proximal portions of the first and second hinges are received within diameter-opposite grooves of the inner shaft to securely fasten the first and second hinges to the elongated body. The first and second hinges facilitate the hinged engagement of the first and second mounting members and the tool assembly relative to the elongated body from a non-hinged position in which the first and second longitudinal axes are aligned to a hinged position in which the first and second longitudinal axes define an acute angle. Each of the first and second mounting members defines a first engaging member, and each of the first and second hinges defines a second engaging member. When the tool assembly is in the non-hinged position, each of the first engaging members of the first and second mounting members receives a corresponding second engaging member of the first and second hinges to hold the tool assembly in the non-hinged position.

[0006] In several aspects of this disclosure, the fastening device includes a handle assembly coupled to a proximal portion of an elongated body and including a body defining a stationary handle and a movable handle supported on the body.

[0007] In some aspects of this disclosure, each of the first engaging members includes a recess and each of the second engaging members defines a protrusion.

[0008] In some aspects of this disclosure, each of the first engaging members includes a protrusion and each of the second engaging members defines a hole.

[0009] In several aspects of this disclosure, the first and second mounting members each include a cantilever portion, wherein each of the protrusions is supported on a corresponding one of the cantilever portions.

[0010] In some aspects of this disclosure, each of the proximal portions of the first and second hinges defines a notch, and the shape of the diameter-opposing groove in the inner shaft of the elongated body corresponds to the shape of the proximal portions of the first and second hinges to axially secure the first and second hinges to the elongated body.

[0011] In some aspects of this disclosure, the outer tube of the elongated body is received around the inner shaft and positioned above a groove of opposite diameter to hold the proximal portions of the first and second hinges within the groove of the inner shaft.

[0012] In several aspects of this disclosure, the tool assembly includes an anvil assembly and a storage compartment assembly.

[0013] In some aspects of this disclosure, the anvil and chamber assembly have a linear configuration.

[0014] In some aspects of this disclosure, the handle assembly is connected to an elongated body via a rotary knob, the rotary knob being rotatably fixed to the body of the handle assembly such that rotation of the rotary knob relative to the body of the handle assembly causes rotation of the tool assembly relative to the body of the handle assembly.

[0015] In several aspects of this disclosure, a rotary knob supports a hinge rod that is movable to move the tool assembly between a non-hinged position and a hinged position.

[0016] In some aspects of this disclosure, the first mounting member is securely attached to the second mounting member to define a channel extending through the mounting assembly.

[0017] In some aspects of this disclosure, the channel converges from the proximal end of the channel to the distal end of the channel.

[0018] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a mounting assembly including first and second mounting members and first and second hinges. The first mounting member is securely coupled to a second mounting member to form a mounting assembly body defining a channel extending through a body of the mounting assembly. The first mounting member includes a body and a first hub extending outwardly from the body of the first mounting member. The second mounting member includes a body and a second hub extending outwardly from the body of the second mounting member. Each of the first and second hinges defines a longitudinal axis and includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the first hinge defines a bore receiving the first hub of the first mounting member, and the distal portion of the second hinge defines a second bore receiving the second hub of the second mounting member, to pivotally secure the first and second hinges to the first and second mounting members. The proximal portions of the first and second hinges are configured to securely engage a surgical stapler. The first and second hinges facilitate hinged engagement of the mounting assembly body relative to the first and second hinges from a non-hinged position where the channel is aligned with the longitudinal axes of the first and second hinges to a hinged position where the channel is not aligned with the longitudinal axes of the first and second hinges. The first and second mounting members each define a first engagement member, and the first and second hinges each define a second engagement member. When the mounting assembly body is in the non-hinged position, each of the first engagement members of the first and second mounting members accommodates a corresponding second engagement member of the first and second hinges to hold the mounting assembly body in the non-hinged position.

[0019] Other features of this disclosure will be understood from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following description of various aspects of the disclosed surgical stapler device refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A side perspective view of a surgical stapler including exemplary aspects of this disclosure, wherein the tool assembly is supported on an elongated body of the stapler;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of the detailed area indicating the surgical stapler shown;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side perspective sectional view of the proximal portion of the tool assembly and the distal portion of the elongated body of the surgical stapler shown, wherein the tool assembly is separated from the elongated body;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded side perspective view of the mounting assembly of the surgical stapler shown;

[0025] Figure 5 For along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 5-5;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A side perspective view of the distal end of the distal portion of the surgical stapler shown, in which the tool assembly is in a slightly hinged position;

[0027] Figure 7 For along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 7-7;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A perspective view above the distal portion of the surgical stapler shown, with the tool assembly in a more articulated position;

[0029] Figure 9 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the alternative mounting assembly for the fastening device shown; and

[0030] Figure 10 For along Figure 1 The surgical staples shown are cut at section line 5-5, in which the mounting assembly is located. Figure 9 As shown in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The disclosed surgical stapler will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein in each of the several views, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements. However, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure are merely examples and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessary ambiguity. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as the basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt this disclosure differently with virtually any suitable detailed structure. Furthermore, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal, and similar terms are used to aid understanding of the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

[0032] In this specification, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device closer to the clinician, while the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device further away from the clinician. Additionally, the term "endoscope" is generally used to refer to any other procedure performed through an endoscope, laparoscope, arthroscopy, and / or through a small-diameter incision or cannula. Furthermore, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

[0033] Figure 1 and 2 The description generally illustrates exemplary aspects of the disclosed surgical stapler 10. The stapler 10 includes a handle assembly 12, an elongated body 14, and a tool assembly 16. The elongated body 14 defines a longitudinal axis “X” and includes a proximal portion 14a coupled to the handle assembly 12 and a distal portion 14b supporting the tool assembly 16. The tool assembly 16 includes the proximal portion 16a coupled to the elongated body 14 via a mounting assembly 20, which facilitates the connection of the tool assembly 16 relative to the axis “Y” defined therein by the tool assembly 16. Figure 6 The non-hinged position aligned with the longitudinal axis "X" of the elongated body 14 is hinged between the axis "Y" of the tool assembly 16 and the axis "X" of the elongated body 14, which define an acute angle.

[0034] In several aspects of this disclosure, the handle assembly 12 is manually operated and includes a stationary handle 24, a movable handle 26, a retractable knob 28, a rotary knob 30, and a hinge lever 32. The movable handle 26 is movable relative to the stationary handle 24 to actuate the tool assembly 16, i.e., to move the tool assembly 16 between an open and clamped position, eject sutures, and cut tissue. The rotary knob 30 supports the elongated body 14 and is coupled to the handle assembly 12 for rotation, such that rotation of the rotary knob 30 causes the elongated body 14 and the tool assembly 16 to rotate about a longitudinal axis “X” relative to the stationary portion of the handle assembly 12. The hinge lever 32 is coupled to the tool assembly 16 and can be manipulated to move the tool assembly 16 from its non-hinged position to its hinged position. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,241,139 (“'139 Patent”) and 7,424,965 (“'965 Patent”) include detailed descriptions of exemplary components of the handle assembly 12 of the fastening device 10. Although the fastening device 10 is described as having a manually operated handle assembly, several aspects of this disclosure are contemplated in relation to powered fastening devices including robot-controlled fastening devices. U.S. Patent No. 9,055,943 discloses exemplary aspects of powered fastening devices.

[0035] Tool assembly 16 includes an anvil assembly 40 and a storage compartment assembly 42. The anvil assembly 40 and storage compartment assembly 42 are each linearly configured and include proximal ends 40a, 42a, respectively fixed to mounting assembly 20. In several aspects of this disclosure, the anvil assembly 40 and storage compartment assembly 42 are mounted to mounting assembly 20 by screws 46 that facilitate pivoting movement of storage compartment assembly 42 relative to anvil assembly 40 between open and clamped positions. As illustrated, anvil assembly 40 is stationary relative to mounting assembly 20, and storage compartment assembly 42 pivots about and away from anvil assembly 40 about screws 46. It is contemplated that storage compartment assembly 42 may be stationary relative to mounting assembly 20, and anvil assembly 40 may pivot about and away from storage compartment assembly 42 about screws 46.

[0036] Figure 3 The proximal portion 16a of the tool assembly 16 and the distal portion of the elongated body 14 are spaced apart from each other, wherein the portion of the mounting assembly 20 is fixed to the tool assembly 16.

[0037] Figure 4 and 5 The mounting assembly 20 is described, comprising a first mounting member 50, a second mounting member 52, a first hinge 54, and a second hinge 56. The first mounting member 50 includes a base 60 and a connecting portion 62. The base 60 of the first mounting portion 50 defines a lateral hole 64 that receives a screw 46. Figure 2This secures the base 60 of the first mounting member 50 to the proximal portion 16a of the tool assembly 16. The connecting portion 62 of the first mounting member 50 includes portions extending outward from the outer surface of the connecting portion 62 and defining a longitudinal axis "Y" perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the tool assembly 16. Figure 6 The axis "Z" ( Figure 4 The hub 66. The connecting portion 62 also defines spaced-apart holes 68, which are located on the outside of the hub 66 and extend in a direction parallel to the axis "Z" defined by the hub 66. The outer surface of the connecting portion 62 of the first mounting portion 50 defines a first engaging member including a recess or recess 69.

[0038] The second mounting member 52 further defines a hub 70 extending outward from the outer surface of the second mounting member 52 and coaxial with the hub 66 on the first mounting member 50. The second mounting member 52 includes two upwardly extending posts 72. Figure 4 The first mounting member 50 is received in spaced-apart holes 68 of the second mounting member 52 to secure the first mounting member 50 to the second mounting member 52 to define a mounting assembly body 53. When the first mounting member 50 and the second mounting member 52 are respectively secured together, a channel 74 is defined through the mounting assembly body 53, the channel converging from a proximal end of the channel 74 toward a distal end of the channel 74. The outer surface of the second mounting portion 50 defines a second engaging member including a recess or recess 75. Figure 5 ).

[0039] Channel 74 receives the drive assembly (not shown) of the stapler 10. '139 patent describes the construction and operation of an exemplary drive assembly of a surgical stapler.

[0040] The first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 are substantially linear and have a distal portion 80 and a proximal portion 82. Each of the distal portions 80 of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 defines a hole 86 and includes a recess 88. Each of the holes 86 receives one of the hubs 66, 70 of a corresponding one of the first mounting member 50 and the second mounting member 52. Each of the recesses 88 includes a protrusion 90 on one side of the recess 88. Figure 5 Each of the proximal portions 82 of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 is substantially rectangular in shape and defines at least one cutout 92. Various configurations of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 are contemplated. In some aspects of this disclosure, each of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 includes a cutout 92 on each side of the hinge 54, 56. In several aspects of this disclosure, the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 are formed of sheet metal, although other construction materials are contemplated.

[0041] Figure 5The distal portion 14b of the elongated body 14 and the proximal portion 16a of the tool assembly 16 are described. The elongated body 14 includes an outer tube 100 and an inner shaft 102. The inner shaft 102 defines a diameter-opposite groove 104 whose shape corresponds to the shape of the proximal portions 82 of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56. The proximal portions 82 of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 are received in the groove 104 to axially secure the first hinge portion 54 and the second hinge portion 56 to the inner shaft 102 of the elongated body 14. The outer tube 100 of the elongated body 14 is positioned about the inner shaft 102 to prevent the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 from being removed from the groove 104 of the inner shaft 102, thereby securely fixing the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 to the elongated body 14.

[0042] When the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 are engaged with the mounting assembly 20, the holes 86 of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 receive the hubs 66 of the first mounting member 50 and the hubs 70 of the second mounting member 52 to secure the distal portions of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 to opposite sides of the mounting assembly 20, and the proximal portions 82 of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 are received in grooves 104 located on opposite sides of the inner shaft 102 of the elongated body 14 to secure the proximal portions of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 to the distal portions 14b of the elongated body 14. The outer tube 100 of the elongated body 4 is positioned about the inner shaft 102 to maintain the engagement of the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 with the elongated body 14.

[0043] Figure 5 The proximal portion 16a of the tool assembly 16 is connected to the distal portion 14b of the elongated body 14, wherein the tool assembly 16 is in a non-hinged position. When the tool assembly 16 is in the non-hinged position, the protrusions 90 of the recesses 88 on the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 align with the recesses 69 in the first mounting member 50 and the second mounting member 52 of the mounting assembly 20 to hold the tool assembly 16 in the non-hinged position until a predetermined force is applied to the tool assembly 16. This minimizes the wobbling of the tool assembly when the tool assembly 16 is in the non-hinged position. The amount of the predetermined force can be selected by choosing the size of the protrusions 90 and / or the recesses 69 or by increasing their stiffness. For example, increasing the size and / or stiffness of the protrusions 69 will increase the predetermined force required to move the tool assembly 16 from its non-hinged position. In the non-hinged position of the tool assembly, the mounting assembly body 53 of the mounting assembly 20 is also in its non-hinged position, wherein the channel 74 of the mounting assembly body 53 is centrally located on the longitudinal axis "Y" of the tool assembly 16.

[0044] Figure 6-8 This describes the tool assembly 16 when it is hinged relative to the elongated body 14. When the tool assembly 16 is in... Figure 6 and8 When hinged in the direction of arrow "A" around the axis "Z" defined by the hub 66 of the first mounting member 50 and the hub 70 of the second mounting member 52, the recess 69 in the first mounting member 50 and the second mounting member 52 rotates and is not aligned with the protrusion 90 in the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56.

[0045] Figure 9 and 10 The description typically shows an alternative mounting assembly to mounting assembly 120. Mounting assembly 120 is substantially similar to mounting assembly 20. Figure 4 It includes a first mounting member 150 and a second mounting member 152, as well as a first hinge 154 and a second hinge 156. Mounting assembly 120 and mounting assembly 20 ( Figure 4 The difference is that the protrusions or recesses 88 on the first hinge 54 and the second hinge 56 are replaced by holes 188, and the recesses 69 on the first mounting member 50 and the second mounting member 52 are replaced by protrusions 169. When the tool assembly 116 is in the non-hinged position, the protrusions 169 are received within the holes 188 to hold the tool assembly 116 in the non-hinged position and minimize wobbling.

[0046] In some aspects of this disclosure, a protrusion 169 on each of the first mounting member 150 and the second mounting member 152 is supported on a cantilever portion 180. The cantilever portion 180 of the first mounting member 150 and the second mounting member 152 is deformable inward to allow the protrusion to bend into and out of holes 188 in the first hinge 154 and the second hinge 156.

[0047] Despite the installation of assembly 20 ( Figure 4 ) and 120 ( Figure 9 The mounting assemblies 20, 120 are shown as part of the fastening device, but it is contemplated that they may also form part of a reload assembly or disposable loading unit (DLU) that is releasably coupled to the elongated body 14 of the fastening device 10. '139 patent discloses an exemplary reload / DLU.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of this disclosure. It is conceivable that elements and features shown or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with elements and features of another exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, based on the foregoing aspects of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling device comprising: an elongated body defining a first longitudinal axis and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the elongated body including an inner shaft and an outer tube, the inner shaft defining a diametrically opposed groove; a tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis; and a mounting assembly secured to the tool assembly, the mounting assembly including a first and second hinge, a first mounting member and a second mounting member, the first mounting member including a body and a first hub extending outwardly from the body of the first mounting member, the second mounting member including a body and a second hub extending outwardly from the body of the second mounting member, each of the first and second hinge including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion of the first hinge defining a bore that accommodates the first hub of the first mounting member and the distal end portion of the second hinge defining a second bore that accommodates the second hub of the second mounting member to pivotably secure the first and second hinge to the first and second mounting member, the proximal end portion of the first and second hinge being accommodated within the diametrically opposed groove of the inner shaft to securely fix the first and second hinge to the elongated body, wherein the first and second hinge facilitate articulation of the first and second mounting member and the tool assembly relative to the elongated body from an unarticulated position in which the first and second longitudinal axis are aligned to an articulated position in which the first and second longitudinal axis define an acute angle; wherein each of the first and second mounting member includes a surface recess; wherein each of the first and second hinge includes a dimple having a surface protrusion on one side thereof; and wherein the surface protrusion of each of the first and second hinge is accommodated in the respective surface recess of the first and second mounting member when the tool assembly is in the unarticulated position.

2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, further comprising a handle assembly coupled to the proximal end portion of the elongated body, the handle assembly including a body, the body of the handle assembly defining a stationary handle and a movable handle supported on the body.

3. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein each of the proximal end portion of the first and second hinge defines a cutout and the diametrically opposed groove in the inner shaft of the elongated body corresponds in shape to the proximal end portion of the first and second hinge to axially secure the first and second hinge to the elongated body.

4. The surgical stapling device of claim 3, wherein the outer tube of the elongated body is accommodated about the inner shaft and positioned over the diametrically opposed groove to retain the proximal end portion of the first and second hinge within the diametrically opposed groove of the inner shaft.

5. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the tool assembly comprises an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly.

6. The surgical stapling device of claim 5, wherein the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly have a linear configuration.

7. The surgical stapling device of claim 2, wherein the handle assembly is coupled to the elongate body by a rotation knob, the rotation knob being rotatably fixed to the body of the handle assembly such that rotation of the rotation knob relative to the body of the handle assembly causes rotation of the tool assembly relative to the body of the handle assembly.

8. The surgical stapling device of claim 7, wherein the rotation knob supports an articulation bar that is movable to move the tool assembly between the unarticulated position and the articulated position.

9. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the first mounting member is fixedly secured to the second mounting member to define a passageway extending through the mounting assembly.

10. The surgical stapling device of claim 9, wherein the passageway converges from a proximal end of the passageway to a distal end of the passageway.

11. A mounting assembly secured on a tool assembly, the mounting assembly comprising: a first mounting member and a second mounting member, the first mounting member being fixedly coupled to the second mounting member to form a mounting assembly body, the mounting assembly body defining a passageway extending through the mounting assembly body, the first mounting member including a body and a first hub extending outwardly from the body of the first mounting member, the second mounting member including a body and a second hub extending outwardly from the body of the second mounting member; and a first hinge and a second hinge, each of the first and second hinges defining a longitudinal axis and including a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the first hinge defining a bore that accommodates the first hub of the first mounting member and the distal portion of the second hinge defining a second bore that accommodates the second hub of the second mounting member to pivotably secure the first and second hinges to the first and second mounting members, the proximal portion of the first hinge and the proximal portion of the second hinge being configured to fixedly engage a surgical stapling device, the first and second hinges facilitating articulation of the mounting assembly body relative to the first and second hinges from an unarticulated position in which the passageway is aligned with the longitudinal axes of the first and second hinges and to an articulated position in which the passageway is misaligned with the longitudinal axes of the first and second hinges; wherein each of the first and second mounting members includes a surface recess; wherein each of the first and second hinges includes a dimple, one side of the dimple having a surface protrusion; and wherein the surface protrusion of the dimple of the first hinge is configured to be received in the surface recess of the first mounting member and the surface protrusion of the dimple of the second hinge is configured to be received in the surface recess of the second mounting member. wherein each of the first and second hinges has a surface protrusion that is received in a corresponding surface recess of the first and second mounting members when the tool assembly is in the non-articulated position.

12. The mounting assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the proximal portion of the first hinge and the proximal portion of the second hinge defines a cutout.

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