Surgical stapler with audible indicator mechanism

Abstract

A surgical stapler (10) includes a proximal handle assembly (12), an elongated central body portion (14) extending distally from the proximal handle assembly (12) to a distal end portion, a tool assembly (16) supported on the distal end portion of the elongated central body portion (14), and an audible indicator mechanism (100) supported by the proximal handle assembly (12). The proximal handle assembly (12) includes a contact arm (129), and the audible indicator mechanism (100) includes a cam member (108). When the cam member (108) moves between a distal position and a proximal position, the cam member (108) contacts the contact arm (129) of the proximal handle assembly (12) to generate an audible sound indicating that the tool assembly (16) has been fired.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Surgical stapler device with audible indicator mechanism", filed on March 9, 2017, with international application number PCT / CN2017 / 076161 and national application number 201780087867.7. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a surgical stapler with an audible indicator mechanism, and more particularly to a circular stapler comprising an audible indicator mechanism that provides notification to the clinician after firing and after the anvil is tilted. Background Technology

[0003] Surgical staplers are known to include visual, tactile, and audible indicators that notify clinicians of an event (or events) that has occurred. For example, in circular staplers, it is known to provide audible indications or notifications to clinicians that the stapler has been fired and that the tool assembly has separated sufficiently to allow the anvil head of the tool assembly to tilt to a low-profile position (e.g., anvil tilt). In such devices, the audible indications may be faint or have a volume that may not be easily detected by the clinician.

[0004] There is a persistent need in the art for a surgical stapler with an audible indicator mechanism that produces an audible indication that is easily identifiable by clinicians. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a surgical stapler is provided. The surgical stapler includes a proximal handle assembly, an elongated central body portion extending distally from the proximal handle assembly to a distal end portion, a tool assembly supported on the distal end portion of the elongated central body portion, and an audible indicator mechanism supported by the proximal handle assembly. The proximal handle assembly includes a contact arm, and the audible indicator mechanism includes a cam member. The cam member is configured to contact the contact arm of the proximal handle assembly when the cam member moves between a distal position and a proximal position to generate an audible sound indicating the firing of the tool assembly.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cam member may include cam fins positioned to contact the contact arm of the proximal handle assembly to generate the audible sound. The contact arm may include an upper section and a lower section. The cam fins may be configured to contact one of the upper and lower sections to indicate firing of the distal tool assembly.

[0007] In some embodiments, the audible indicator mechanism may include a mounting body defining a cam channel. The cam member may include a cam pin slidably positioned within the cam channel to allow the cam member to move between the proximal and distal positions. The cam channel may include a plurality of legs. The cam pin may be retracted into each of the legs as the cam member moves between the proximal and distal positions.

[0008] The mounting body may define an elongated channel supporting the spring. The spring may be connected to a support bracket via a support pin. The spring may be a compression spring that, in response to tension in the compression spring, pushes the cam member into contact with the contact arm. The spring may be connected to the cam member via a bend extending from the cam member. The cam member may define a central channel through which the support pin extends, allowing the cam member to move vertically and axially relative to the support pin as the cam member moves between the proximal and distal positions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the distal tool assembly includes a circular anvil and a circular housing assembly positioned to move between a separated position and a proximal position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cam member may be positioned to move from the distal position to the proximal position to generate the audible sound.

[0011] According to another aspect, an audible indicator mechanism for a surgical stapler is provided. The audible indicator mechanism includes a mounting assembly, a spring assembly supported by the mounting assembly, a support bracket mounted to the mounting assembly, and a cam member coupled to the spring assembly and supported between the support bracket and the mounting assembly. The cam member is supported for movement relative to the support bracket between a distal position and a proximal position to generate an audible sound indicating the firing of the surgical stapler.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cam member may include cam fins positioned to generate the audible sound when the cam member moves from the distal position to the proximal position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mounting assembly may include a mounting body defining a cam channel. The cam member may include a cam pin slidably positioned within the cam channel to allow the cam member to move between the proximal and distal positions. The cam channel may include a plurality of legs. The cam pin may be retracted within each leg as the cam member moves between the proximal and distal positions.

[0014] The spring assembly may include a spring, and the mounting body may define an elongated channel supporting the spring. The spring may be coupled to the support bracket via a support pin. The spring may be a compression spring that pushes the cam member toward the proximal position in response to tension in the compression spring. The spring may be coupled to the cam member via a bend extending from the cam member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cam member may define a central channel through which the support pin extends to enable the cam member to move vertically and axially relative to the support pin as the cam member moves between the proximal and distal positions.

[0016] The cam component can be positioned to move from the distal position to the proximal position to generate the audible sound.

[0017] Other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following describes various embodiments of the surgical stapler disclosed in this invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a surgical stapler according to the principles of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The section line 2-2 shown is the cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the surgical stapler;

[0021] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 The enlarged view of the indicated detail area shown illustrates that it is in a separated position. Figure 1 Tool assemblies for surgical staplers;

[0022] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of the tool assembly, showing the tool assembly in a close-up position;

[0023] Figure 3 The handle portion of the handle assembly has been removed. Figure 1 Enlarged perspective view of a portion of the handle assembly of a surgical stapler;

[0024] Figure 4 The portion of the audible indicator mechanism of the handle assembly is shown as separate from the handle assembly. Figure 1Enlarged perspective view of a portion of the handle assembly of a surgical stapler;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an explanation Figure 3 The perspective view of a portion of the handle assembly shown indicates that... Figure 4 The first side of the audible indicator mechanism;

[0026] Figure 6 This is an explanation Figure 3 The perspective view of a portion of the handle assembly shown indicates that... Figure 4 The second side of the audible indicator mechanism;

[0027] Figure 7 It shows the distal portion of the slender central body of the surgical stapler. Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing assembly of the surgical stapler;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the housing assembly, with parts separated;

[0029] Figure 8A yes Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of the distal portion of the actuator of the housing assembly;

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A front view of each of the inner row, middle row, and outer row of nails in the housing assembly;

[0031] Figures 10 to 12 This means that when fired Figure 1 Surgical stapler Figure 4 A progressive view of the operation of the audible indicator mechanism; and

[0032] Figures 13 to 16 This is to explain when Figure 1 When the anvil and housing assembly of the surgical stapler are separated Figure 4 A progressive view of the operation of the audible indicator mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The apparatus disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein in each of the several views, the same reference numerals designate the same or corresponding elements. In this description, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the apparatus closer to the clinician, while the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the apparatus farther from the clinician. Additionally, directional terms such as upward, downward, and lateral are used for descriptive convenience only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the term "endoscope" is generally used to refer to endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, and / or any other surgical procedure performed through a small-diameter incision or cannula. Additionally, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

[0034] In the following description, well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary confusion with this disclosure.

[0035] like Figure 1 As seen, the surgical stapler 10 includes a proximal handle assembly 12, an elongated central body portion 14 extending distally from the proximal handle assembly 12, and a distal tool assembly 16 supported on the distal end portion of the elongated central body portion 14. The distal tool assembly 16 includes a housing assembly 16a and an anvil assembly 16b, which cooperate to secure tissue together.

[0036] The handle assembly 12 of the surgical stapler 10 includes a fixed handle 18, a firing trigger 20, and a rotatable access knob 22. The fixed handle 18 of the handle assembly 12 is formed by handle portions 18a and 18b, which, when fastened together, define a housing of the internal components of the handle assembly 12. The handle assembly 12 further includes a pivotally mounted trigger lock 24 fastened to the handle portions 18a and 18b, which is manually positioned to impede movement of the firing trigger 20 to prevent accidental firing of the stapler 10. The fixed handle 18 includes a ball indicator 19 supported on its upper surface to provide indication to the clinician when the housing assembly 16a and anvil assembly 16b of the distal tool assembly 16 of the stapler 10 are close together and in a firing-ready position.

[0037] Approaching the mechanism

[0038] See Figure 2The distal end of the proximity knob 22 of the handle assembly 12 is rotatably fixed to the proximal end of the rotatable sleeve 26, such that rotation of the knob 22 causes simultaneous rotation of the sleeve 26. The rotatable sleeve 26 extends distally from the proximity knob 22 and has a cylindrical hollow body portion 26a and a collar 26b that together define a central bore 26c. The central bore 26c of the rotatable sleeve 26 houses a drive screw 28 having an outer surface defining a helical channel 28a. The helical channel 28a of the screw 28 houses a pin 30 that extends radially through the collar 26b of the sleeve 26. The rotatable sleeve 26 is axially fixed relative to the fixed handle 18 by a flange / groove interconnect (not shown), such that rotation of the sleeve 26 about the screw 28 causes the pin 30 to move along the channel 28a of the screw 28, thereby achieving axial movement of the screw 28 within the central bore 26c of the rotatable sleeve 26.

[0039] The distal portion of the drive screw 28 is fastened to the proximal end portion of the screw extensions 34, 36 using, for example, pin 32. The screw extensions 34, 36 are flexible and extend distally to the anvil holder 38 via the central body portion 14 of the surgical stapler 10. The anvil holder 38 has a proximal end portion fastened to the distal portions of the screw extensions 34 and 36 using, for example, pins 39a, 39b, and a distal end portion configured to releasably engage with the anvil assembly 16b of the distal tool assembly 16, whereby rotation of the knob 22 enables axial movement of the anvil assembly 16b relative to the housing assembly 16a of the distal tool assembly 16. This movement is possible as indicated by arrow "R" ( Figure 1 Rotate knob 22 as indicated by arrow "Z" ( Figure 2A ) relative to housing assembly 16a in the separated position ( Figure 2A ) and proximity ( Figure 2B Selectively move the anvil assembly 16b between ( )

[0040] firing mechanism

[0041] Continue reading Figure 2The central body portion 14 of the surgical stapler 10 supports an elongated pusher link 40. The elongated pusher link 40 has a proximal end portion supporting a connecting portion 40a and a distal end portion including resiliently engaging fingers 40b, 40c. The fingers 40b, 40c of the elongated pusher link 40 are configured to engage in a locking manner with the proximal end portion of the pusher 50 of the housing assembly 16a. The firing trigger 20 of the handle assembly 12 has a proximal portion 20a and a distal portion 20b. The distal portion 20b of the firing trigger 20 is pivotally connected to the connecting portion 40a of the elongated pusher link 40 via a pivot member 42 to facilitate pivotal movement of the firing trigger 20 relative to the fixed handle 18 of the handle assembly 12. The firing trigger 20 of the handle assembly 12 is pivotally connected to the first end portion 44a of the firing link 44 via a pivot member 46. The firing linkage 44 includes a second end portion 44b pivotally fastened to a fixed handle 18 via a pivot member 48, the pivot member being located in a slot 18c defined in the fixed handle 18. Figure 10 The firing linkage 44 moves vertically within the airfoil component 44c. Figure 3 The slender pusher link 40 extends laterally from the firing link 44. It is slidably supported within the central body portion 14 of the surgical stapler 10, surrounding the drive screw 28 along the central body portion 14 between the retracted, unfired position and the advanced, fired position. The slender pusher link 40 supports the spring 52. Figure 3 Spring 52 is positioned around the outer surface of the elongated pusher link 40 between the fixed handle 18 and the connection portion 40a of the elongated pusher link 40, biasing the elongated pusher link 40 proximally toward the retracted, unfired position.

[0042] Trigger Locking

[0043] See also Figure 3 The handle assembly 12 of the surgical stapler 10 slidably supports the locking member 54 between the retracted position and the advanced position. Figure 2 The locking member 54 is biased toward the advance position by the helical spring 56 to hold the trigger lock 24 in the locked position to prevent actuation of the firing trigger 20 of the handle assembly 12. The drive screw 28 includes a screw stop 58 axially fixed to the drive screw and movable from the advance position near the elongated pusher link 40 to the collar 26b of the rotatable sleeve 26. Figure 10The retracted position near the distal tool assembly 16b controls the degree of movement of the anvil assembly 16b relative to the housing assembly 16a of the distal tool assembly 16, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,945,444, 9,307,994, and 9,492,168, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0044] See also Figure 13 The screw stop 58 includes a body 60 having a wing-shaped portion 60a extending laterally from the body 60, a rod 61 extending downwardly from a distal portion of the body 60, and a protrusion 63 extending laterally from a proximal portion of the body 60. The rod 61 defines a first mating surface 58a configured to engage the firing link 44, the wing-shaped portion 60a defines a second mating surface 58b configured to engage the audible indicator mechanism 100, and the protrusion 63 defines a third mating surface 58c configured to engage the locking member 54.

[0045] See again Figure 1 and 3 To unlock the trigger 20, the drive screw 28 and screw stop 58 are pulled proximally by rotation of the proximity knob 22. During the approach of the housing assembly 16a and the anvil assembly 16b, the screw stop 58 moves proximally such that the third mating surface 58c of the screw stop 58 contacts the locking member 54 and drives the locking member 54 proximally against the bias (e.g., tension) of the coil spring 56. The proximal movement of the locking member 54 disengages it from the upper portion 24a of the trigger lock 24 and allows the lower portion 24b of the trigger lock 24 to pivot away from the trigger 20. After the trigger lock 24 has pivoted away from the trigger 20, the trigger 20 can be actuated.

[0046] Housing assembly

[0047] See Figures 2 to 2 b and 7 to 9, the housing assembly 16a of the distal tool assembly 16 includes a housing 62, a pusher 50, a cylindrical cutter 64, and a nail guide 66. The housing 62 is fastened to the distal end portion of the elongated body 14 and includes an outer outer shell portion 62a and an inner guide portion 62b.

[0048] The pusher 50 of housing assembly 16a is slidably positioned about the inner guide portion 62b of housing 62 and defines a central through-hole 50a. The proximal end portion of pusher 50 includes arms 50b, 50c configured to engage in a locking manner with fingers 40b, 40c of pusher link 40 to secure pusher link 40 to pusher 50. The distal end portion of pusher 50 includes an annular array of distally extending fingers 68 configured to slidably receive within a corresponding annular array of grooves 70 formed through the tissue contact surface 66a of nail guide 66. In an embodiment, the tissue contact surface 66a of nail guide 66 is inclined downwards as the tissue contact surface 66a extends radially outwards. The fingers 68 of pusher 50 support nail array 72, which is positioned within the annular array of grooves 70 of nail guide 66. The annular array of distally extending fingers 68 includes an outer array 68a, a middle array 68b, and an inner array 68c of fingers 68, arranged radially outward from the inner array 68c to the outer array 68a, wherein the middle array 68b is positioned between the inner array 68c and the outer array 68a. In an embodiment, the annular arrays 68a to 68c of distally extending fingers 68 are positioned in a decreasing height order from the inner array 68c to the outer array 68a in the radially outward direction, such that the inner array 68c has the maximum height and the outer array 68a has the minimum height.

[0049] The annular array of slots 70 of the nail guide 66 of the housing assembly 16a includes an outer array 70a, a middle array 70b and an inner array 70c of the slots, which are also arranged radially outward from the inner array 70c to the outer array 70a and configured to accommodate the outer array 72a, the middle array 72b and the inner annular array 72c of the nails.

[0050] Similarly, arranged radially outward from the inner array to the outer array, the corresponding outer annular array 72a, intermediate annular array 72b, and inner annular array 72c of the nail are configured to correspond to the corresponding outer, intermediate, and inner arrays of the annular array of the slot 70 and the annular array of the finger 68. Although the nail can have any suitable length and / or size, the nails in the inner annular array 72c of the nail can have a length of 3.0 mm, the nails in the intermediate annular array 72b of the nail can have a length of 4.0 mm, and the nails in the outer annular array 72a of the nail can have a length of 5.0 mm.

[0051] The cylindrical cutter 64 of the housing assembly 16a is frictionally held within the central through-hole 50a of the pusher 50 of the housing assembly 16a to securely fasten the cutter 64 relative to the pusher 50. The distal end portion of the cutter 64 includes a circular shearing blade 64a.

[0052] In operation, when the pusher linkage 40 of the central body portion 14 is pushed distally in response to the actuation of the firing trigger 20 of the handle assembly 12, the pusher 50 of the housing assembly 16a is pushed distally within the housing 62 of the housing assembly 16a. The pushing of the pusher 50 advances the fingers 68 of the pusher 50 through the corresponding slots 70 of the nail guide 66 to eject the nail 72 positioned within the slots 70 from the nail guide 66. Since the cutter 64 of the housing assembly 16a is secured to the pusher 50, the cutter 64 is also pushed distally to pierce the tissue positioned radially inward of the cutter 64 within the housing 62.

[0053] Anvil assembly

[0054] See Figure 2A The distal tool assembly 16's anvil assembly 16b includes an anvil head assembly 80 and an anvil center rod assembly 90. The anvil head assembly 80 of the anvil assembly 16b includes a post 82, an anvil head 84, and an anvil 86. The anvil 86 is supported on the anvil head 84 of the anvil head assembly 80 and includes a tissue contact surface 86a that defines three annular arrays of recesses 140 arranged corresponding to an annular array of slots 70 formed in the nail guide 66. The annular arrays of recesses 140 of the anvil 86 are arranged to receive a nail 72 and deform the nail when ejected from the slots 70 of the nail guide 66. The anvil center rod assembly 90 of the anvil assembly 16b includes an anvil center rod 92 that defines a hole 94 and has flexible arms 96a, 96b. An anvil retainer 38 is received within a central hole 94 of an anvil center rod 92, such that the flexible arms 96a, 96b of the anvil center rod 92 releasably engage the anvil retainer 38 and connect the anvil retainer 38 to the center rod 92. A pivot member 98 secures the post 82 of the anvil head assembly 80 to the center rod 92 of the anvil center rod assembly 90, such that the anvil head assembly 80 is pivotally mounted to the anvil center rod assembly 90, for example, to achieve anvil tilt, wherein the anvil head assembly 80 is tilted relative to the anvil center rod assembly 90. Anvil tilt provides a reduced anvil profile and simplifies the removal of the surgical stapler after anastomosis has been performed. For a more detailed description of anvil tilt, reference may be made to, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,945,444, 9,307,994, and 9,492,168, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] Firing

[0056] See Figure 2 and 3 When the anvil assembly 16b and housing assembly 16a of the distal tool assembly 16 are completely close ( Figure 2BWhen the trigger lock 24 pivots away from the trigger 20 of the handle assembly 12, the trigger 20 can be actuated. Actuation of the trigger 20 causes the trigger 20 to pivot about the pivot member 42 to move the trigger link 44 proximally until the pivot member 48 engages the first mating surface 58a of the screw stop 58. Figure 13 The continuous pivoting movement of the trigger 20 causes the trigger link 44 to push against the first mating surface 58a of the screw stop 58 and drive or advance the distal portion 20b of the trigger 20 to the distal end. As the distal portion 20b of the trigger 20 is advanced distally, it overcomes the bias of the spring 52 (e.g., the tension therein) and advances the pusher link 40 distally. The distal movement or advancement of the pusher link 40 drives the pusher 50 of the housing assembly 16a distally within the nail guide 66 of the housing assembly 16a, such that the fingers 68 of the pusher 50 eject the nail 72 from the slot 70 of the nail guide 66.

[0057] Audible indicator mechanism

[0058] See Figures 3 to 6 The audible indicator mechanism 100 of the handle assembly 12 includes a mounting assembly 102, a spring assembly 104 supported by the mounting assembly 104, a support bracket 106 mounted to the mounting assembly 102, and a cam member 108 coupled to the spring assembly 104 and movably supported between the support bracket 106 and the mounting assembly 102.

[0059] The mounting assembly 102 of the audible indicator mechanism 100 includes a mounting body 110 formed in a handle assembly 12 having a plurality of mounting rods 110a. The mounting body 110 defines a cam channel 112 in a proximal portion and an elongated channel 114 in a distal portion. The cam channel 112 includes a first leg 112a, a second leg 112b, and a third leg 112c. The first leg 112a is connected to the second leg 112b via a first cam surface 112d. The second leg 112b is connected to the third leg 112c via a second cam surface 112e. The third leg 112c is connected to the first leg 112a via a third cam surface 112f.

[0060] The spring assembly 104 of the audible indicator mechanism 100 includes a spring 116 having a proximal end portion 116a and a distal end portion 116b. The proximal end portion 116a of the spring 116a is coupled to a support pin 118, which is fastened to a support bracket 106 and extends laterally from the spring 116. The distal end portion 116b of the spring 116 is in the form of a hook or a loop.

[0061] The support bracket 106 of the audible indicator mechanism 100 defines a plurality of openings 120, which are positioned to house the mounting rod 110a of the mounting assembly 102. Figure 6 Each of the plurality of openings 120 receives a fastener (not shown) for securing the support bracket 106 to the mounting rod 110a of the mounting assembly 102. The support bracket 106 further defines an opening 122 for receiving a support pin 118 to secure the spring assembly 104 to the support bracket 106.

[0062] The cam member 108 of the audible indicator mechanism 100 defines a central channel 124 having a proximal portion 124a and a distal portion 124b. The cam member 108 includes cam fins 126 extending proximally from the cam member 108. The cam member 108 further includes a cam pin 128 extending laterally from the proximal portion of the cam member 108 and slidably positioned in a cam channel 112 of the mounting body 110 between an extended position and a retracted position. The cam member 108 also includes a bend 130 (…). Figure 3 It extends laterally from the distal portion of the cam member 108 and is connected to the distal end portion 116b of the spring 116.

[0063] like Figures 10 to 12 As seen, the actuation of the firing trigger 20 of the handle assembly 12 causes the... Figure 11 Arrow "A" indicates that the firing link 44 pivots toward the cam member 108 of the audible indicator mechanism 100, causing the airfoil member 44c of the firing link 44 to move toward the cam fin 126 of the cam member 108. The continued pivoting movement of the firing link 44 causes the airfoil member 44c to engage the cam fin 126 and drive the cam fin 126 upwards, as indicated by arrow "A". Figure 11 When the cam fin 126 is driven upward, the cam pin 128 is driven upward from the second leg 112b of the cam channel 112 and distally along the first cam surface 112d of the cam channel 112. The distal movement of the cam pin 128 distally drives the cam member 108, causing the bend 130 to extend the spring 116 distally relative to the support pin 118 to tension the spring 116.

[0064] See Figure 11 and 12When the cam pin 128 passes the first cam surface 112d of the cam channel 112 after further actuation of the trigger 20, the spring 116 biases the cam member 108 proximally to generate increased tension in the spring 116, causing the cam pin 128 to engage in the first leg 112a of the cam channel 112 and approach the first proximal inner wall 112g of the cam member 108. When the cam pin 128 engages in the first leg 112a of the cam channel 112, the cam fin 126 contacts the contact arm 129 of the handle assembly 12 at the upper section 129U of the contact arm 129 to provide an audible sound (e.g., click). The audible sound indicates that the firing of the surgical stapler 10 is complete. The contact arm 129 and / or the cam fin 126 or a portion thereof may comprise any suitable ceramic, metal and / or polymeric material to enhance the sound generated by the contact formed between the cam fin 126 and the contact arm 129, so that the sound is audible to a human (e.g., in the frequency range of about 20 Hz to about 20 kHz).

[0065] See Figures 13 to 16 After the surgical stapler 10 is fired, the knob 22 of the approach mechanism can be rotated to separate the anvil and housing assemblies 30, 31, causing the screw stop 58 to be advanced distally. The distal movement of the screw stop 58 causes the wing-shaped portion 60a of the body 60 of the screw stop 58 to engage the cam member 108, such that the second mating surface 58b of the wing-shaped portion 60a contacts the proximal surface 108a of the cam member 108. As indicated by arrow "B" ( Figure 14 The continuous distal advancement of the screw stop 58 drives the cam member 108 distally, causing the bend 130 to extend the spring 116 distally relative to the support pin 118, thereby increasing the tension in the spring 116. As the cam member 108 moves distally, the cam pin 128 moves distally from the first leg 112a of the cam channel 112, as indicated by arrow "C". Figure 14 ), moving distally and downward along the third cam surface 112f, as indicated by arrow "D" ( Figure 15 ), so that the wing portion 60a of the main body 60 of the screw stop 58 disengages from the cam member 108 into the third leg 112 of the cam channel 112. When the cam member 108 disengages from the screw stop 58, the cam member 108 is biased proximally by the spring 116, causing the cam pin 128 to move proximally and downward along the second cam surface 112e, as indicated by arrow "E" ( Figure 16The cam pin 128 engages with the first leg 112a of the cam channel 112. As the cam pin 128 engages with the first leg 112a of the cam channel 112, the cam fin 126 contacts the contact arm 129 of the handle assembly 12 at the lower section 129L of the contact arm 129 to provide another audible sound (e.g., click), which indicates that the anvil tilt and audible indicator mechanism 100 are reset. The audible sounds can be different (e.g., volume, sound type, duration, etc., or combinations thereof, for example, due to differences in the material, material size, and / or positional acoustics of the contact arm portions when the contact arm 129 relates to its relative positioning within the handle assembly 12), and in some embodiments, can be the same.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the descriptions, disclosures, and drawings should be considered merely as exemplary specific embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and those skilled in the art can make various other changes and modifications without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, elements and features shown or described in some embodiments may be combined with elements and features of other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and such modifications and variations are also included within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described.

Claims

1. A surgical stapler device, comprising: A proximal handle assembly, which includes a contact arm; A slender central body portion that extends distally from the proximal handle assembly to the distal end portion; Tool assembly, which is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated central body portion; as well as An audible indicator mechanism supported by the proximal handle assembly and including a cam member configured to contact a contact arm of the proximal handle assembly when the cam member moves between a distal and a proximal position to generate an audible sound indicating that the tool assembly has been struck. The audible indicator mechanism includes a mounting body defining a cam channel. The cam member includes a cam pin slidably positioned within the cam channel to allow the cam member to move between the proximal and distal positions. The cam channel includes a plurality of legs in which the cam pin is retractable when the cam member moves between the proximal and distal positions. The cam member defines a central channel through which a support pin extends, such that the cam member is vertically and axially movable relative to the support pin as the cam member moves between the proximal and distal positions.

2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the cam member comprises cam fins positioned to contact the contact arm of the proximal handle assembly to generate the audible sound.

3. The surgical stapler of claim 2, wherein the contact arm comprises an upper section and a lower section, and the cam fin is configured to contact one of the upper section and the lower section to indicate that the tool assembly has been fired.

4. The surgical stapler according to claim 1, wherein the mounting body defines an elongated channel for supporting a spring, the spring being connected to a support bracket via the support pin.

5. The surgical stapler according to claim 4, wherein the spring is a compression spring that pushes the cam member to contact the contact arm in response to tension in the compression spring.

6. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the tool assembly comprises a circular anvil and a circular housing assembly positioned to move between a separated position and a proximal position.

7. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the cam member is positioned to move from the distal position to the proximal position to generate the audible sound.

8. A surgical stapler device, comprising: A proximal handle assembly, which includes a contact arm; A slender central body portion that extends distally from the proximal handle assembly to the distal end portion; Tool assembly, which is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated central body portion; as well as An audible indicator mechanism, supported by the proximal handle assembly and including a cam member configured to contact a contact arm of the proximal handle assembly when the cam member moves between a distal and a proximal position to generate an audible sound indicating that the tool assembly has been struck. The audible indicator mechanism includes a mounting body defining a cam channel, the cam member including a cam pin slidably positioned within the cam channel to allow the cam member to move between the proximal and distal positions, and the mounting body supporting a spring connected to the cam member via a bend extending from the cam member. The cam member defines a central channel through which a support pin extends, such that the cam member is vertically and axially movable relative to the support pin as the cam member moves between the proximal and distal positions.

9. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein the tool assembly comprises a circular anvil and a circular housing assembly positioned to move between a separated position and a proximal position.

10. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein the cam member is positioned to move from the distal position to the proximal position to generate the audible sound.

11. An audible indicator mechanism for a surgical stapler, the audible indicator mechanism comprising: The mounting assembly includes a mounting body that defines a cam channel and an elongated channel; A spring assembly supported by the mounting assembly, the spring assembly comprising a spring supported by the elongated channel of the mounting body; A support bracket, which is mounted to the mounting assembly; A support pin that connects the spring to the support bracket; as well as A cam member, coupled to the spring assembly and supported between the support bracket and the mounting assembly, is supported for movement relative to the support bracket between a distal and a proximal position to generate an audible sound indicating that the surgical stapler has been fired. The cam member includes a cam pin slidably positioned within a cam channel to allow movement of the cam member between the proximal and distal positions. The cam member defines a central channel through which the support pin extends to allow vertical and axial movement of the cam member relative to the support pin as it moves between the proximal and distal positions.

12. The audible indicator mechanism of claim 11, wherein the cam member includes cam fins positioned to generate the audible sound when the cam member moves from the distal position to the proximal position.

13. The audible indicator mechanism of claim 11, wherein the cam channel comprises a plurality of legs, and the cam pin is retractable in each of the plurality of legs when the cam member moves between the proximal position and the distal position.

14. The audible indicator mechanism of claim 11, wherein the spring is a compression spring that pushes the cam member toward the proximal position in response to tension in the compression spring.

15. The audible indicator mechanism of claim 11, wherein the spring is connected to the cam member via a bent tube extending from the cam member.

16. The audible indicator mechanism of claim 11, wherein the cam member is positioned to move from the distal position to the proximal position to generate the audible sound.

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