Surgical instruments

Abstract

This invention discloses a surgical instrument relating to the field of medical devices, comprising: a cutting mechanism including a cutting element and a blade that drives the cutting element to move, the blade having a recessed portion located at its lower end face; a staple cartridge holder for mounting a staple cartridge assembly with a staple pusher block, the cutting mechanism being movable relative to the staple cartridge holder along its longitudinal direction between an initial firing position and a final firing position; a limiting mechanism mounted on the staple cartridge holder, the limiting mechanism having a locked position and an unlocked position; in the locked position, the limiting mechanism at least partially engages the recessed portion to lock the blade, thereby limiting the cutting mechanism to the initial firing position; in response to the drive of the staple pusher block located in the initial position, the limiting mechanism moves from the locked position to the unlocked position to unlock the blade, allowing the cutting mechanism to move from the initial firing position to the final firing position. This invention solves the problem of cumbersome steps in the prior art for the safety mechanism to identify an empty staple cartridge, thereby simplifying surgical procedures and preventing misjudgment by the surgeon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a surgical instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Surgical staplers are medical devices used as an alternative to traditional manual suturing. They are convenient to use, provide tight and appropriate suturing, and are particularly advantageous due to their rapid suturing, ease of operation, and low incidence of side effects and surgical complications. They have also enabled the removal of previously inoperable tumors, making them highly favored and recommended by clinical surgeons both domestically and internationally. Surgical instruments, such as surgical staplers, may include end effectors. The end effector includes a staple cartridge seat and an anvil. The staple cartridge seat receives a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge body and staples disposed within the staple cartridge body. The staple cartridge body has several staple cavities for receiving the staples. The staple cartridge body includes a top surface with a staple exit opening formed by the staple cavities penetrating the top surface.

[0003] Once the surgeon determines that the end effector has gripped the target tissue, the surgical stapler can be fired to cut and suture the tissue. During suturing, the tip face contacts the tissue being sutured, and the cutting element within the surgical stapler pushes the wedge-shaped pusher block within the staple cartridge, thereby causing the staple actuator to drive the staples within the cartridge upward from the staple chamber, piercing and suturing the target tissue (i.e., staple ejection).

[0004] In practical use, if a surgeon accidentally inserts a used stapler cartridge assembly (with the pusher not in its initial position) into the stapler cartridge holder or operates the device without the cartridge assembly installed, suturing may fail during surgery, or even cutting may occur without suturing, leading to medical accidents. To avoid this problem, existing staplers generally have a safety mechanism. This mechanism locks the cutting mechanism when the stapler cartridge assembly is not installed or when a used assembly is installed, preventing the cutting blade from advancing and thus avoiding misoperation. However, current safety mechanisms, due to their numerous components and relatively complex structures, can affect the forward and backward movement of the cutting mechanism to some extent, potentially causing jamming. Furthermore, the unlocking process of current safety mechanisms involves many steps; for example, the safety mechanism requires the cutting mechanism to advance a short distance to unlock. Surgeons may forget this step during operation, leading to errors and subsequent misoperations or even medical accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a stapler that can solve the problems of complex structure, low reliability and cumbersome steps in identifying empty staple cartridges in the prior art, thereby improving reliability, simplifying surgical operation and preventing doctors from misjudging.

[0006] The specific technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0007] A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising:

[0008] A cutting mechanism includes a cutting component and a blade that drives the cutting component to move. The blade has a recessed portion located at the lower end face of the blade.

[0009] A staple cartridge holder for mounting a staple cartridge assembly with a pusher block, wherein the cutting mechanism is movable relative to the staple cartridge holder along its longitudinal direction between an initial firing position and a final firing position;

[0010] A limiting mechanism is installed on the nail cartridge seat, the limiting mechanism having a locked position and an unlocked position; when in the locked position, the limiting mechanism at least partially enters the recess to lock the blade so that the cutting mechanism is limited to the firing initial position; in response to the drive of the nail pusher block in the initial position, the limiting mechanism moves from the locked position to the unlocked position to unlock the blade, so that the cutting mechanism can move from the firing initial position toward the firing bottom position.

[0011] Preferably, the limiting mechanism includes a blocking member and an elastic member. The blocking member is movably mounted on the nail cartridge seat via a pin, and the blocking member is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position. The blocking member is movable from the unlocked position to the locked position under the action of the elastic member. In the locked position, the blocking member at least partially enters the recess to lock the blade.

[0012] Preferably, the blocking member includes a first support arm and a blocking portion connected to the first support arm; the first support arm is mounted to a side wall of the nail cartridge seat via the pin; under the action of the elastic member, the blocking portion enters the recess to lock the blade so that the cutting mechanism is limited to the initial firing position; in response to the drive of the nail pusher block located in the initial position, the first support arm rotates around the pin, thereby moving the blocking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0013] Preferably, the blocking member further includes a second support arm, the first support arm and the second support arm are symmetrically arranged, the first support arm and the second support arm are respectively located on both sides of the blade, and the two ends of the blocking part are respectively connected to the first support arm and the second support arm; there are two pins, the first support arm is installed on one side wall of the staple cartridge seat through one pin, and the second support arm is installed on the other side wall of the staple cartridge seat through the other pin.

[0014] Preferably, there is a receiving space between the first support arm and the second support arm, and when the limiting mechanism is in the locked position, a portion of the cutting mechanism is located in the receiving space.

[0015] Preferably, the elastic element is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the pin shaft, with one end abutting against the pin cartridge seat and the other end installed on the blocking element.

[0016] Preferably, the surgical instrument further includes a staple cartridge assembly having the pusher block, the distal end of the pusher block having a first abutment portion; the proximal end of the limiting mechanism has a second abutment portion that cooperates with the first abutment portion, when the pusher block of the staple cartridge assembly is in the initial position and the staple cartridge assembly is inserted into the staple cartridge seat, the first abutment portion abuts against the second abutment portion to move the limiting mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0017] Preferably, the staple cartridge assembly further includes a staple cartridge body, and the pusher block is installed on the staple cartridge body; when the pusher block of the staple cartridge assembly is in the initial position, the first abutting portion of the pusher block protrudes from the proximal end of the staple cartridge body.

[0018] Preferably, the proximal surface of the first contact portion is at least partially inclined, and the maximum angle between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane in the direction of retraction of the cutting mechanism is an obtuse angle.

[0019] Preferably, the upper end of the second contact portion is arc-shaped in a cross-section parallel to the blade.

[0020] Preferably, the surgical instrument further includes a staple cartridge assembly having a staple cartridge body and the staple pusher block. The staple cartridge body has a guide groove for passage of the cutting mechanism. A first resistance-increasing portion is provided on the side wall of the proximal end of the guide groove. The staple pusher block has a limiting block for entering the guide groove, and a second resistance-increasing portion is provided on the side wall of the limiting block to cooperate with the first resistance-increasing portion. When the staple pusher block is in the initial position and the staple cartridge assembly is inserted into the staple cartridge seat, the first resistance-increasing portion contacts the second resistance-increasing portion to prevent the staple pusher block from moving toward the distal end of the staple cartridge body under the force of the limiting mechanism.

[0021] Preferably, the first resistance-increasing portion includes a protrusion, and the second resistance-increasing portion includes a recess. The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant advantages:

[0022] The stapler of this invention employs a limiting mechanism that locks the cutting mechanism in the initial firing position. If the staple cartridge assembly is not installed or a used staple cartridge assembly is installed (the pusher block is not in the initial position), the cutting mechanism will remain locked in the initial firing position and cannot move. Only when an unused staple cartridge assembly is installed (the pusher block is in the initial position) can the limiting mechanism be triggered to unlock the cutting mechanism. In other words, the stapler of this invention can directly identify whether a staple cartridge assembly is installed in the staple cartridge holder or whether a used staple cartridge assembly is installed (the pusher block is not in the initial position) when the cutting mechanism is in the initial position, i.e., without any displacement. This not only ensures safety but also simplifies the surgeon's operation of the stapler during surgery by eliminating the need for additional steps, preventing surgical accidents caused by misjudgment or misoperation. Furthermore, the limiting mechanism of this invention locks the cutting mechanism by engaging with a recessed portion on the blade of the cutting mechanism, eliminating the need for additional devices and preventing jamming when the cutting mechanism is fired. The simple structure of the limiting mechanism also effectively increases its reliability and safety, preventing malfunctions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement the invention according to specific circumstances.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the anastomosis device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partially exploded view of the anastomosis device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure at the far end of the middle cutting mechanism;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting mechanism in the locked position in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting mechanism in the unlocked position in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pusher block cooperating with the staple cartridge body when it is in the initial position in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the staple cartridge assembly after it has been separated from the staple pusher block;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the blocking component in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0034] 1000, stapler; 100, end effector; 1, staple cartridge seat; 2, anvil seat; 3, staple cartridge assembly; 31, staple cartridge body; 32, staple cavity; 34, guide groove; 341, first resistance increasing part; 35, staple pusher block; 351, limiting block; 3511, second resistance increasing part; 352, cam part; 353, first abutting part; 4, cutting mechanism; 41, cutting element; 411, support part; 412, locking part; 413, cutting edge; 414, drive part; 42 1. Blade; 421. Recessed portion; 422. Lower end face; 5. Limiting mechanism; 51. Elastic element; 52. Blocking element; 521. First support arm; 522. Second support arm; 523. Blocking portion; 524. Second contact portion; 525. Limiting portion; 53. Pin; 200. Handle assembly; 210. Closing handle; 220. Firing handle; 230. Head housing; 250. Release button; 260. Turning knob; 270. Fixed handle; 300. Rod assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0036] It is important to understand that the terms "proximal" and "distal" used in this article are relative to the clinician manipulating the stapler's handle. "Proximal" refers to the part closer to the clinician, while "distal" refers to the part farther away. That is, the handle is proximal, and the jaw assembly is distal. For example, the proximal end of a component refers to the end relatively closer to the handle, and the distal end refers to the end relatively closer to the jaw assembly. The terms "upper" and "lower" are relative to the relative positions of the anvil and stapler seat on the jaw assembly; specifically, the anvil is "upper," and the stapler seat is "lower." However, staplers can be used in many orientations and positions, so these terms expressing relative positional relationships are not limited or absolute.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, a movable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements, such as contact. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] Existing staplers already incorporate various safety mechanisms. For example, in one existing design, laterally protruding pins are positioned on both sides of the lower part of the cutting mechanism. When the stapler is not equipped with the staple cartridge assembly, the stapler uses a spring plate to press down the cutting mechanism via the distal tail structure, causing the pins to enter the recesses of the staple cartridge seat and thus preventing firing. When the stapler is equipped with an unused staple cartridge assembly, the cutting mechanism is lifted by the pusher block, and the protruding pins on both sides cross the recesses, allowing for normal firing. The drawback of this method is that the cutting mechanism must have protruding pins on both sides, and a tail structure must be provided on the cutting mechanism. These protruding pins and tail structure pose a risk of jamming with the staple cartridge assembly during firing and retraction, respectively. Secondly, the safety mechanism requires instrument firing, and the cutting mechanism must move forward a certain distance to identify that the stapler is in an empty staple cartridge state. After identifying an empty staple cartridge, the surgeon needs to first operate the cutting mechanism to return it to its initial position before opening the jaw assembly. This operation is cumbersome, and during surgery, failure to perform the return operation can easily lead to the jaws not opening, which might be mistaken for an instrument malfunction, or even result in medical accidents. This method is complex in structure, has many parts, low reliability, requires additional installation components, and has high assembly requirements. Furthermore, the cutting mechanism must move forward a certain distance before identifying whether the stapler is empty, and once identified as empty, the cutting mechanism must return to its original position. This significantly increases the number of surgical steps, potentially leading to misjudgments and medical accidents.

[0039] To address the problems of complex structures, low reliability, and cumbersome procedures for identifying empty staple cartridges in existing technologies, thereby improving reliability, simplifying surgical procedures, and preventing misdiagnosis by surgeons, this invention proposes a stapler. For example... Figures 2 to 5As shown, the stapler includes: a cutting mechanism 4, comprising a cutting element 41 and a blade 42 that drives the cutting element 41 to move, the blade 42 having a recess 421 located at the lower end face 422 of the blade 42; a staple cartridge seat 1 for mounting a staple cartridge assembly 3 having a pusher block 35, the cutting mechanism 4 being movable relative to the staple cartridge seat 1 along its longitudinal direction between a firing initial position and a firing final position; a limiting mechanism 5 mounted on the staple cartridge seat 1, the limiting mechanism 5 having a locked position and an unlocked position; when the limiting mechanism 5 is in the locked position, it enters the recess 421 to lock the blade 42, thus limiting the cutting mechanism 4 to the firing initial position; when the pusher block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3 is in the initial position and the staple cartridge assembly 3 is inserted into the staple cartridge seat 1, the pusher block 35 drives the limiting mechanism 5 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position to unlock the blade 42, allowing the cutting mechanism 4 to move from the firing initial position to the firing final position. A more detailed description follows:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the anastomosis device in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the anastomosis device 1000 of this embodiment includes a handle assembly 200, a rod assembly 300 extending longitudinally from the handle assembly 200, and an end actuator 100 disposed at one end of the rod assembly 300. The handle assembly 200 is the proximal side, and the end actuator 100 is the distal side. For example, the proximal end of a component refers to the end relatively close to the handle assembly 200, and the distal end refers to the end relatively close to the end actuator 100. In this invention, longitudinal refers to the direction along the rod. The anastomosis device in this embodiment can be used not only as a manual anastomosis device but also as an electric anastomosis device. When it is an electric anastomosis device, it also includes a power module (not shown in the figure), which provides power to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is connected to the rod assembly. The power module includes a motor, which outputs electric power when it receives electrical energy; the transmission mechanism is connected to the power module and operates when it receives the electric power output by the motor. Figure 1 The diagram shows a manual stapler; the electric stapler is not shown in the accompanying drawings. Unlike the electric stapler, the manual stapler's drive mechanism is powered manually, for example, by a clinician manually actuating the firing and / or closing handles. Power is then output to the drive mechanism via the firing and / or closing handles, which in turn moves the lever assembly 300 to drive the cutting element and / or the end effector 100.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the handle assembly 200 includes a head housing 230 and a closing handle 210 extending downward from the bottom of the head housing 230. The closing handle 210 can be manipulated to position and close the end effector 100. The end effector 100 includes a staple cartridge seat 1 and an anvil seat 2 pivotally connected to the staple cartridge seat 1. The anvil seat 2 can move selectively between an open position and a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the stapler 1000 also includes a release button 250, which, when operated, releases the closing handle 210 to open the end effector 100 for readjustment, clamping, and positioning of tissue. The connection method of the staple cartridge seat 1 and the anvil seat 2, as well as the position and connection relationship between the end effector 100 and the staple cartridge assembly 3, are the same as or similar to those in the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the staple cartridge assembly 3 includes a staple cartridge body 31, staples (not shown), a staple driver (not shown) for driving the staples, and a pusher block 35 for driving the staple driver. Several through holes are vertically connected within the staple cartridge body 31, forming staple cavities 32. At least a portion of the staple driver and the staples are located within the staple cavities 32. Because a portion of the staple driver is located within the staple cavities 32, the staple cavities 32 limit the staple driver to vertical movement only relative to the staple cartridge body 31. When the cam portion 352 of the pusher block 35 applies a force to the guide surface of the staple driver, the staple driver and the staples can only move upwards relative to the staple cartridge body 31. A support member is also provided below the staple cartridge body 31, which prevents the staple driver from detaching from the staple cartridge body 31 and enhances the strength of the staple cartridge body 31. When the anvil 2 is in the open position, the staple cartridge assembly 3 is inserted into the staple cartridge seat 1, the protective cover of the staple cartridge assembly (not shown in the figure) is removed, and the closing handle 210 is pressed towards the fixed handle 270 of the handle assembly 200. The anvil 2 is pivoted by the rod assembly 300, thereby closing the end actuator 100. With the end actuator 100 closed, under the action of external force, the pusher block 35 moves from the proximal end to the distal end of the staple cartridge body 31. During the movement, the pusher block 35 pushes the staple driver upward within the staple cavity 32, thereby moving the staple upward, piercing the patient's tissue, and suturing the patient's wound until the staple is removed from the staple cavity 32. The method of opening or closing the end actuator 100 is the same as or similar to the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the stapler 1000 further includes a cutting mechanism 4, which includes a cutting element 41 and a blade 42 that drives the cutting element 41 forward or backward. The blade 42 has a recess 421, which can be located on the lower end face 422 of the blade 42 near the cutting element 41. The anvil 2 has an anvil groove therein, and the staple cartridge 1 has a staple cartridge groove therein; the staple cartridge groove and the anvil groove are positioned correspondingly. The staple cartridge assembly 3 is provided with a guide groove 34, and the staple cartridge groove, the anvil groove, and the guide groove 34 together provide accommodating space and path guidance for the cutting element. The locking part 412 on the lower side of the cutting element 41 is placed in the staple cartridge groove, and the support part 411 on the upper side of the cutting element 41 enters the anvil groove, so that the cutting element 41 can move between the anvil groove and the staple cartridge groove on the upper and lower sides, moving from the proximal end to the distal end to cut the tissue to be processed. The cutting mechanism 4 is movable relative to the staple cartridge 1 along its longitudinal direction between an initial firing position and a final firing position. The initial firing position specifically refers to the position before the cutting mechanism 4 has made any distal movement. The final firing position specifically refers to the position where the cutting mechanism 4 has moved relative to the staple cartridge 1 to its distal end. Under the action of the blade 42, the cutting element 41 drives the pusher block 35 to move within the staple cartridge assembly 3, thereby driving the staples within the staple cartridge assembly to move upward from the staple cavity, piercing and suturing the target tissue. The cutting element 41 includes a cutting edge 413 for cutting tissue and a driving part 414 for cooperating with the pusher block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3.

[0044] The proximal end of the cutting mechanism 4 is connected to a spindle (not shown) disposed within the shaft assembly 300, while the distal end of the cutting mechanism 4 is located in the end effector 100 and can move from one end of the end effector 100 to the other end of the end effector 100. The connection method between the proximal end of the cutting mechanism 4 and the spindle, as well as the position and connection relationship between the spindle and the shaft assembly 300, are the same as or similar to existing technologies and will not be described in detail here. In summary, the cutting mechanism 4 can be moved from the initial firing position to the distal firing position by the firing handle 220 of the handle assembly; it can also retract from the firing position to the initial firing position in response to the retraction force applied to the cutting mechanism 4. The conversion from firing force to retraction force can be achieved via the directional button 260. For example, if the cutter needs to return to its original position during cutting, the directional button 260 can be pressed, and then the firing handle 220 can be operated to return the cutter. When the cutting mechanism 4 has been fired to its full position, the cutter can be returned directly by operating the firing handle 220. The structure and operation of the directional button 260 are the same as or similar to existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the stapler 1000 also includes a limiting mechanism 5 mounted on the staple cartridge seat 1. The limiting mechanism 5 has a locked position and an unlocked position; when in the locked position, the limiting mechanism 5 at least partially enters the recess 421 to lock the blade 42 so that the cutting mechanism 4 is limited to the firing initial position; in response to the pusher block being in the initial position, the driving limiting mechanism 5 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position to unlock the blade 42, so that the cutting mechanism 4 can move from the firing initial position to the firing bottom position.

[0046] The stapler 1000 of this invention employs a limiting mechanism 5 to lock the cutting mechanism 4 in the initial firing position. If the staple cartridge assembly is not installed or a used staple cartridge assembly is installed (the pusher block is not in the initial position), the cutting mechanism 4 will remain locked in the initial firing position and cannot be displaced. Only when an unused staple cartridge assembly is installed (the pusher block is in the initial position) can the limiting mechanism 5 be triggered to unlock the cutting mechanism. In other words, the stapler of this invention can directly identify whether a staple cartridge assembly is not installed or a used staple cartridge assembly is installed in the staple cartridge holder 1 (the pusher block is not in the initial position) when the cutting mechanism 4 is in the initial position, i.e., without any displacement of the cutting mechanism 4. This not only ensures safety but also eliminates the need for doctors to perform additional operating steps, simplifying the doctor's operation of the stapler during surgery and preventing surgical accidents caused by misjudgment or misoperation. The general operating logic of a stapler during use is as follows: first, the end effector 100 closes and clamps the target tissue; then, by pressing the firing handle 220, the cutting mechanism 4 advances to cut the target tissue; next, the cutting mechanism 4 retracts; and finally, the end effector 100 opens. If the cutting mechanism 4 does not retract to the initial firing position, the end effector 100 cannot open; this is a function that the stapler must possess to meet safety requirements. If the detection of an empty staple cartridge or a used staple cartridge in the staple cartridge holder 1 is not performed directly when the cutting mechanism is in the initial firing position, but rather only after the doctor operates the firing handle 220 to advance the cutting mechanism 4, the doctor must first retract the cutting mechanism 4 and then open the end effector 100 after recognizing an empty staple cartridge. This increases the number of steps. If the doctor forgets or ignores these steps and directly tries to open the end effector 100 but finds it cannot be opened, they may mistakenly believe the stapler is malfunctioning, or even resort to other methods to open the end effector 100, thus affecting the progress of the surgery, causing unnecessary damage, or even leading to medical accidents. Furthermore, the limiting mechanism of this invention locks the cutting mechanism by engaging with a recess on the blade, eliminating the need for additional devices and preventing jamming when the cutting mechanism is fired. The simple structure of the limiting mechanism also effectively increases its reliability and safety, preventing malfunctions.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the limiting mechanism 5 may include a blocking member 52 and an elastic member 51. The blocking member 52 is movably mounted on the staple cartridge seat 1 via a pin 53, and the blocking member 52 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The two ends of the elastic member 51 abut against the staple cartridge seat 1 and the blocking member 52, respectively. The blocking member 52 can move from the unlocked position to the locked position under the action of the elastic member 51. In the locked position, the blocking member at least partially enters the recess to lock the blade. When the push block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3 is in the initial position and the staple cartridge assembly 3 is installed in the staple cartridge seat 1, the push block 35 drives the blocking member 52 to move against the force of the elastic member 51, causing the blocking member 52 to disengage from the recess 421, thereby losing its limiting effect on the cutting mechanism 4. The limiting mechanism 5 changes from the locked position to the unlocked position, and then the cutting mechanism 4 can move from the initial firing position to the final firing position.

[0048] When the staple cartridge assembly 3 is not installed in the staple cartridge holder 1, or when the staple cartridge assembly 3 installed in the staple cartridge holder 1 is a used staple cartridge assembly 3 (i.e., the pusher block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3 is not in the initial position), the pusher block 35 does not contact the blocking member 52, and the blocking member 52 remains in the locked position. It limits the cutting mechanism 4, preventing it from moving forward or backward. This effectively prevents accidental firing, allowing the cutting mechanism 4 to advance. This state can be understood as a safety state; even accidental operation cannot cause the cutting mechanism 4 to advance or retract. Only when the staple cartridge assembly 3 with the pusher block 35 in the initial position is installed in the staple cartridge holder 1 will the pusher block 35 push the blocking member 52 against the force of the elastic member 51 to move to the unlocked position, thus removing the limiting effect of the blocking member 52 on the cutting mechanism 4. At this point, the staple cartridge assembly 3 is unused. If the pusher block 35 is not in its initial position, it indicates that it has been used. In a used staple cartridge assembly 3, the pusher block 35 has pushed out the corresponding staple. Since there is no staple at that position, directly advancing the cutting mechanism 4 will result in the inability to suture after cutting the target tissue, leading to surgical accidents. In response to the retraction force applied to the cutting mechanism 4, when the cutting mechanism 4 retracts from the firing bottom position to the firing initial position, the blocking member 52 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position under the action of the elastic member 51. Afterwards, the blocking member 52 re-enters the recess 421, limiting the cutting mechanism 4 and preventing it from moving forward or backward. In the above embodiment, the limiting mechanism 5 has a simple structure and effectively reduces the possibility of jamming with the cutting mechanism 4 when it is fired. Alternatively, the recess 421 can be located near the proximal end of the blade close to the cutting member 41. This allows for a smaller limiting mechanism and avoids interference with other components of the stapler. The entire blade 42 has only one recess 421 and no other additional structural features, avoiding unnecessary jamming risks during actual cutting and retraction.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the pin 53 passes through the side wall of the staple cartridge seat 1 and the blocking member 52. The blocking member 52 is disposed on the side wall of the staple cartridge seat 1 via the pin 53. The elastic member 51 can drive the blocking member 52 to rotate around the pin 53. One end of the elastic member 51 abuts against the staple cartridge seat 1, and the other end abuts against the blocking member 52. Under the action of the elastic member 51, the blocking member 52 has a rotational tendency to enter the recess 421.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the blocking component in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the blocking member 52 may include a first support arm 521 and a blocking portion 523 connected to the first support arm 521. A pin 53 passes through the first support arm 521 and one side wall of the staple cartridge seat 1. The blocking portion 523 can rotate around the pin 53 via the first support arm 521. The blocking portion 523 can enter the recess 421 to lock the blade 42, thus limiting the cutting mechanism 4 to the initial firing position. The first support arm 521 is located to the side of the blade 42, preventing jamming during blade advance and retraction. When the pusher block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3 is in the initial position and the staple cartridge assembly 3 is installed in the staple cartridge seat 1, in response to the drive of the pusher block 35 in the initial position, the first support arm 521 moves around the pin 53, thereby moving the blocking portion 523 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0051] Preferably, to ensure a more balanced and stable force exerted by the limiting mechanism on the blade and further improve safety, the blocking member 52 also includes a second support arm 522. The first support arm 521 and the second support arm 522 are symmetrically arranged, located on both sides of the blade 42. The two ends of the blocking part 523 are connected to the first support arm 521 and the second support arm 522, respectively. In this embodiment, there are two pins 53. The first support arm 521 is mounted to one side wall of the staple cartridge seat 1 via one pin 53, and the second support arm 522 is mounted to the other side wall of the staple cartridge seat 1 via the other pin 53.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the first support arm 521 and the second support arm 522 are relatively parallel, and the first support arm 521 and the second support arm 522 are generally parallel to the side wall of the staple cartridge seat 1. The blocking part 523 extends in a direction perpendicular to the side wall of the staple cartridge seat 1. This not only facilitates manufacturing but also makes the blocking part 523 more stable and reliable when entering the recess 421. There can be a space between the first support arm 521 and the second support arm 522, such as... Figure 4As shown, when the blocking member 52 is in the locked position, that is, when the blocking member 52 enters the recess 421 to prevent the cutting mechanism 4 from moving forward or backward, a portion of the cutting member 41 of the cutting mechanism 4 can be located in the receiving space between the first support arm 521 and the second support arm 522. This allows the blocking portion 523 of the blocking member 52 to be positioned closer to the cutting member 41 in the longitudinal direction, thus preventing the blocking member 52 from being too long in the longitudinal direction. Figure 5 As shown, when the blocking member 52 is in the unlocked position, when the cutting mechanism 4 advances to the distal end, the blade 42 can pass between the first support arm 521 and the second support arm 522. During this stage, the blocking part 523 is always located below the lower end face 422 of the blade 42. In this way, the limiting mechanism 5 and the cutting mechanism 4 can be made more compact.

[0053] As a feasible option, such as Figure 2 As shown, the elastic element 51 includes a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the pin 53. There can be one or two torsion springs. When there is one torsion spring, it is sleeved on one pin 53; when there are two torsion springs, they are sleeved on two pins 53 respectively, thus ensuring the balanced rotational force applied by the torsion springs to the blocking element 52. The torsion spring is preferably positioned between the outer side of the support arm and the inner side of the staple cartridge seat 1, the inner side of which corresponds to the inner side of the support arm. This avoids interference and jamming of the cutting mechanism 4 during firing and retraction.

[0054] As a feasible option, such as Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, the first support arm 521 and / or the second support arm 522 have a protruding or recessed limiting part 525 on the side of the inner wall or bottom wall of the staple cartridge seat 1. One end of the torsion spring abuts against the bottom wall of the staple cartridge seat 1, and the other end of the torsion spring abuts against the limiting part 525 of the blocking member 52. Under the action of the torsion spring force, the blocking member 52 has a rotational tendency to enter the recessed part 421.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the end effector 100 may include a staple cartridge assembly 3 having a pusher block 35. The distal end of the pusher block 35 has a first abutment portion 353, and the proximal end of the blocking member 52 has a second abutment portion 524 that cooperates with the first abutment portion 353. When the pusher block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3 is in the initial position and the staple cartridge assembly 3 is installed in the staple cartridge seat 1, the first abutment portion 353 can abut against the second abutment portion 524 of the blocking member 52, causing the limiting mechanism 5 to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby losing the limiting lock on the cutting mechanism 4. In this way, the staple cartridge assembly 3 of the stapler 1000 can be replaced separately. After replacement, the first abutment portion 353 of the pusher block 35 can abut against the second abutment portion 524 of the blocking member 52 and move proximally, thereby causing the blocking member 52 to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position and remain in the unlocked position.

[0056] As an option, the pusher block 35 includes a base plate (not shown), a cam portion 352 extending upward from the base plate, and a limiting block 351 extending upward from the base plate (not shown). The limiting block 351 is used to engage with the drive portion 414 of the cutting member 41. The base plate (not shown) is clamped between the support member and the bottom end face of the staple cartridge body 31. The cam portion 352 is located within a sliding channel (not shown) of the staple cartridge body 31 and is movable relative to the sliding channel. The limiting block 351 is located within a guide groove 34 and is movable within the guide groove 34 to prevent the pusher block 35 from deviating from the direction of movement or wobbling when it moves relative to the staple cartridge body 31. In one embodiment of the invention, the pusher block 35 is configured to simultaneously drive the movement of six rows of staple drivers. As an option, a first abutment portion 353 may be provided at least part of the cam portion 352 of the pusher block 35 near the limiting mechanism 5. Preferably, the first abutment portion 353 is located near the proximal end of the cam portion 352 of the pusher block 35, close to the inner wall of the staple cartridge seat 1. This ensures full utilization of the pusher block 35, resulting in a compact overall structure and small size. When the pusher block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3 is in its initial position, the first abutment portion 353 of the pusher block 35 protrudes from the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 31. This facilitates the first abutment portion 353 contacting the second abutment portion 524 of the blocking member 52, thereby driving the blocking member 52 to rotate.

[0057] like Figure 4As shown, when the staple cartridge assembly 3 is not installed in the staple cartridge holder 1, or when the staple cartridge assembly 3 with the pusher block 35 is not in its initial position, the blocking member 52 is in the locked position. When the staple cartridge assembly 3 is not installed in the staple cartridge holder 1, there is no pusher block 35 of the staple cartridge assembly 3. Therefore, the first abutment portion 353 of the pusher block 35 cannot abut against the second abutment portion 524 of the blocking member 52, and thus the blocking member 52 cannot rotate clockwise against the force of the torsion spring. At this time, the blocking member 52 enters the recess 421, preventing the cutting mechanism 4 from moving forward or backward, and the cutting mechanism 4 is in the initial firing position. When a used staple cartridge assembly 3 is installed in the staple cartridge holder 1, the pusher block 35 is no longer in its initial position. Therefore, the first abutment portion 353 of the pusher block 35 cannot abut against the second abutment portion 524 of the blocking member 52, and the blocking member 52 cannot rotate.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, when an unused staple cartridge assembly 3 is installed in the staple cartridge holder 1, the pusher block 35 is in its initial position. The first contact portion 353 of the pusher block 35 abuts against the second contact portion 524 of the blocking member 52, causing the blocking member 52 to rotate clockwise against the force of the torsion spring. The blocking member 52 disengages from the recess 421 and enters the unlocked position. At this time, the cutting mechanism 4 can perform forward or backward operations. After the blocking member 52 rotates clockwise and disengages from the recess 421, the blocking part 523 of the blocking member 52 contacts the lower end face 422 of the blade 42, excluding the distal end of the recess 421. When the cutting mechanism 4 moves forward, the lower end face 422 of the blade 42 always exerts downward pressure on the blocking part 523, so that when the pusher block 35 is driven forward by the cutting mechanism 4, the blocking member 52 will not interfere with the blade. Similarly, during the backward movement of the blade 42, its lower end face 422 (excluding the recess 421) contacts the blocking part 523. Through the compression of the blocking part 523 by the lower end face 422, the blocking part 523 makes room for the backward movement of the blade 42, and will not interfere with the blade 42. When the blade 42 continues to move backward to the initial firing position, under the action of the torsion spring, the blocking part 523 re-enters the recess 421.

[0059] The elastic element allows the blocking element 52 to switch between entering and disengaging from the recess 421 on the blade 42. Throughout the process, the cutting mechanism 4 does not need to move, whether forward or backward. Therefore, the steps required in the prior art to identify the staple cartridge assembly 3 that is not installed in the staple cartridge seat 1 or that the staple pusher block 35 is not in the initial position can be reduced by the displacement of the cutting mechanism 4. This ensures that the cutting mechanism does not need to be displaced, effectively simplifying the operation and reducing misjudgment of clinicians during surgery.

[0060] To facilitate the rotation of the blocking member 52 by the first contact portion 353 of the pusher block 35 when the staple cartridge assembly 3 is installed in the staple cartridge holder 1, so that the blocking member 52 disengages from the recessed portion 421 of the blade 42, as a feasible method, is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, at least part of the proximal end face of the first contact portion 353 is an inclined surface, and the maximum angle between the inclined surface of the first contact portion 353 and the horizontal plane in the direction of retraction of the cutting mechanism 4 is an obtuse angle. This structure increases the lever arm of the pusher block 35 when it pushes the blocking member 52 to rotate, thereby increasing the torque and making it easier for the operator to install the staple cartridge assembly 3.

[0061] To prevent the first contact portion 353 of the pusher block 35 from getting stuck with the second contact portion 524 of the stopper 52, and to ensure smoothness between the first contact portion 353 and the second contact portion 524, it is feasible to, for example Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, the upper end of the second contact part 524 is arc-shaped on the cross section parallel to the blade 42, so that the blocking member 52 can rotate clockwise more smoothly under the pushing action of the pusher block 35.

[0062] To increase the stability of the pusher block 35 after it pushes the blocking member 52 to the unlocked position, as a feasible solution is... Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, after the blocking member 52 rotates into position under the action of the pusher block 35, the inclined first contact portion 353 of the pusher block 35 fits against the inclined surface at the lower end of the second contact portion 524 of the blocking member 52, thereby forming a surface-to-surface contact.

[0063] By relying on the friction between the pusher block 35 and the staple cartridge body 31 (i.e., the resistance of the staple cartridge body 31 to the pusher block 35), the pusher block 35 can remain stationary when driving the limiting mechanism 5. It can also ensure that the pusher block 35 is not driven by the limiting mechanism 5 and loses its force on the limiting mechanism 5 before the limiting mechanism 5 is in the unlocked position and the cutting mechanism 4 is fired. Preferably, to further improve the positional stability of the pusher block under the force of the limiting mechanism, a resistance-increasing part is provided. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the pusher block and the staple cartridge body when the pusher block is in its initial position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the staple cartridge assembly and the staple pusher block are separated, as shown below. Figures 6 to 8As shown, the staple cartridge assembly 3 has a staple cartridge body 31, which has a guide groove 34. A first resistance-increasing portion 341 is provided on the side wall of the guide groove 34. A second resistance-increasing portion 3511, which cooperates with the first resistance-increasing portion 341, is provided on the side wall of the limiting block 351 on the pusher block 35 that enters the guide groove 34. When the pusher block 35 is in its initial position on the staple cartridge body 31, i.e., before the pusher block 35 moves distally, the first resistance-increasing portion 341 contacts the second resistance-increasing portion 3511, thereby increasing the resistance to relative movement between the pusher block 35 and the staple cartridge body 31, further improving the positional stability of the pusher block 35 when driving the limiting mechanism 5. More specifically, after the pusher block 35 pushes the blocking member 52 from the locked position to the unlocked position, it abuts against the blocking member, so that the limiting mechanism remains in the unlocked position. The elastic member 51 is energized when the blocking member 52 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. Under the action of the elastic member 51, the blocking member 52 has a tendency to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. The blocking member 52 has a distal force on the pusher block 35. Through the cooperation of the first resistance increasing part 341 and the second resistance increasing part 3511, the resistance of the nail cartridge body 31 to the pusher block 35 can be increased, thereby further improving the positional stability of the pusher block 35.

[0064] Furthermore, during the movement of the pusher block 35 in pushing the blocking member 52, it will also be subject to the reaction force of the blocking member 52. The cooperation of the first resistance increasing part 341 and the second resistance increasing part 3511 can increase the resistance of the staple cartridge body 31 to the pusher block 35, thereby further improving the positional stability of the pusher block 35 when driving the limiting mechanism. Preferably, as follows... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first resistance-increasing part 341 includes a protrusion, and the second resistance-increasing part 3511 includes a recess. The protrusion can enter the recess, thereby increasing the resistance of the staple cartridge body 31 to the staple pusher block 35.

[0065] The surgical instrument of this invention can simultaneously perform anastomosis and cutting. The surgical instrument includes an end effector, a cutting mechanism, and a limiting mechanism. Further, the surgical instrument includes a stapler assembly. The surgical instrument includes, but is not limited to, staplers, suturing devices, and surgical robots. Although this invention uses a stapler as an example to specifically describe the surgical instrument, the surgical instrument of this invention is not limited to staplers.

[0066] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0067] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, characterized by, The surgical instrument comprises: a cutting mechanism comprising a cutting member and a knife body driving the cutting member, the knife body having a recess at a lower end surface of the knife body; a cartridge seat for mounting a cartridge assembly having a pusher block, the cutting mechanism being movable relative to the cartridge seat along a longitudinal direction thereof between an initial firing position and a final firing position; a limiting mechanism mounted on the cartridge seat, the limiting mechanism having a locked position and an unlocked position; the limiting mechanism at least partially enters the recess to lock the knife body when in the locked position so as to limit the cutting mechanism in the initial firing position; in response to driving of the pusher block in the initial position, the limiting mechanism moves from the locked position to the unlocked position to unlock the knife body so that the cutting mechanism can move from the initial firing position towards the final firing position; the limiting mechanism comprises a blocking member and an elastic member, the blocking member being movably mounted on the cartridge seat by a pin shaft and being movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, the blocking member comprising a first support arm and a blocking portion connected to the first support arm; the blocking member can move from the unlocked position to the locked position under the action of the elastic member; in the locked position, the blocking member at least partially enters the recess to lock the knife body; the surgical instrument further comprises a cartridge assembly having the pusher block, a distal end of the pusher block having a first abutting portion; a proximal end of the limiting mechanism has a second abutting portion cooperating with the first abutting portion, the second abutting portion being located on both sides of the pin shaft in the direction of movement of the cutting mechanism with respect to the cartridge seat, when the pusher block of the cartridge assembly is in the initial position and the cartridge assembly is mounted in the cartridge seat, the first abutting portion abuts against the second abutting portion to move the limiting mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position; a proximal end surface of the first abutting portion is at least partially inclined, and the maximum included angle between the inclined surface and a horizontal plane in the direction of retraction of the cutting mechanism is obtuse.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein, the first support arm is mounted on one side wall of the cartridge seat by the pin shaft, and the blocking portion enters the recess to lock the knife body under the action of the elastic member so as to limit the cutting mechanism in the initial firing position; in response to driving of the pusher block in the initial position, the first support arm rotates around the pin shaft, thereby moving the blocking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein, the blocking member further comprises a second support arm, the first support arm and the second support arm being symmetrically arranged, the first support arm and the second support arm being respectively located on both sides of the knife body, and both ends of the blocking portion being connected to the first support arm and the second support arm respectively; the pin shaft is two, the first support arm is mounted on one side wall of the cartridge seat by one of the pin shafts, and the second support arm is mounted on the other side wall of the cartridge seat by the other pin shaft.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 3, wherein, The first supporting arm and the second supporting arm have a containing space, and a part of the cutting mechanism is located in the containing space when the limiting mechanism is in the locked position.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein, In response to the driving of the push block in the initial position, the limiting mechanism moves from the locked position to the unlocked position to unlock the blade body, and the lower end surface of the blade body always gives a downward pressure to the blocking part when the cutting mechanism advances, so that the blocking part does not interfere with the blade body when the push block is driven by the cutting mechanism to advance; during the retraction of the blade body, the lower end surface is in contact with the blocking part, and the blocking part gives a retraction space for the blade body through the extrusion of the lower end surface; when the blade body continues to retract to the initial position of the firing, the blocking part enters the recess part again under the action of the elastic element.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein, The elastic element is a torsion spring, and the torsion spring is sleeved on the pin shaft, one end of the torsion spring abuts against the cartridge seat, and the other end of the torsion spring is mounted to the blocking part.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 6, wherein, The torsion spring is arranged between the inner side of the cartridge seat and the outer side of the blocking part.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein, The cartridge assembly further comprises a cartridge body, and the push block is mounted to the cartridge body; when the push block of the cartridge assembly is in the initial position, the first abutting part of the push block protrudes from the proximal end of the cartridge body.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein, The upper end of the second abutting part is arc-shaped in a cross section parallel to the blade body.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein, After the blocking part is rotated into place under the action of the push block, the first abutting part of the push block in an inclined shape is fitted with the inclined surface of the lower end of the second abutting part of the blocking part.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein, The surgical instrument further comprises a cartridge assembly having a cartridge body and the push block, the cartridge body has a guide groove for the cutting mechanism to pass through; the side wall of the proximal end of the guide groove has a first resistance increasing part; The push block has a limiting block entering the guide groove, and the side wall of the limiting block has a second resistance increasing part matched with the first resistance increasing part; When the push block is in the initial position and the cartridge assembly is loaded into the cartridge seat, the first resistance increasing part and the second resistance increasing part are in contact to prevent the push block from moving to the distal end of the cartridge body under the action of the limiting mechanism.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein, The first resistance increasing part comprises a protruding part, and the second resistance increasing part comprises a recessed part.

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