Driving structure for surgical suturing instrument and surgical suturing instrument

By designing the trigger, rack, drive claw and mode switching mechanism in the drive structure, the mode switching convenience of surgical stapling instruments is achieved, the problem of mode switching in the prior art is solved, and the smoothness and efficiency of operation are improved.

CN118267026BActive Publication Date: 2025-08-26WUHAN UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE SURGICAL TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310765042.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-12-30
Filing Date
2023-06-26
Publication Date
2025-08-26
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing surgical stapling devices are inconvenient to operate in mode switching (such as tissue pressing mode and firing suture mode), making it difficult to switch easily.

Method used

A driving structure is designed, including a trigger, rack, driving jaw and a mode switching mechanism. By moving the limiting part between the first position and the second position, the driving jaw is switched between the first driving mode and the second driving mode, and the mode is conveniently switched by using the operation button.

Benefits of technology

It realizes convenient switching of surgical stapling instrument working mode, and the operator operates smoothly without affecting grip and other operations.

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Abstract

The embodiments of the present specification provide a drive structure for a surgical stapling instrument and a surgical stapling instrument. The drive structure is disposed in a handle housing of a handle portion of the surgical stapling instrument, and includes: a trigger rotatably disposed on the handle housing; a rack slidably disposed on the handle housing; a drive pawl movably connected to the trigger; a mode switching mechanism including a latch movably connected to the rack, an operable switching slider, and a limiter fixedly connected to the switching slider; the switching slider drives the limiter to move between a first position and a second position, so that the drive pawl can switch between the first drive mode and the second drive mode; when the limiter switches from the first position to the second position, the limiter switches from a state where it is restricted by the latch within a preset travel range to a state where the restriction is released, thereby switching the drive pawl from the first drive mode to the second drive mode.
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Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to PCT application No. PCT / CN2022 / 144341, filed on December 30, 2022, entitled “Drive Structure for Surgical Suturing Instrument and Surgical Suturing Instrument,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This specification relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a driving structure for a surgical suturing instrument and a surgical suturing instrument. Background Art

[0004] Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery causes less damage and trauma to tissues, less bleeding, and patients recover faster after surgery. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery has become the unremitting pursuit of doctors to replace traditional open surgery. Suturing is often required during surgery to restore the continuity of tissues and organs. In medicine, suturing instruments that replace traditional manual suturing can be used, such as anastomosis instruments. With the help of suturing instruments, the diseased area can be cut and sutured at the same time. Suturing instruments can generally be used for tissue compression and can also be used for firing sutures. For surgical suturing instruments, how to conveniently switch modes (such as switching between tissue compression mode and firing suture mode) is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments of the present specification provide a driving structure for a surgical suturing instrument, wherein the driving structure is arranged in a handle shell of a handle portion of the surgical suturing instrument, and the driving structure includes: a trigger rotatably arranged on the handle shell; a rack slidably arranged on the handle shell; a driving claw movably connected to the trigger; a mode switching mechanism, including a latch movably connected to the rack, an operable switching slider, and a limiting portion fixedly connected to the switching slider; the switching slider drives the limiting portion to move between a first position and a second position, so that the driving claw can switch between a first driving mode and a second driving mode; when the limiting portion switches from the first position to the second position, the limiting portion switches from a state of being restricted by the latch within a preset stroke to a state of being released from restriction, thereby switching the driving claw from the first driving mode to the second driving mode.

[0006] In some embodiments, the rack is provided with a plurality of teeth; the latch is pivotally connected to the rack via a rotating shaft; the rack is provided with a stop portion, and the stop portion abuts against the latch to limit the angle at which the latch rotates toward the proximal end of the rack.

[0007] In some embodiments of the stop portion, the rack includes a limiting groove, and the latch is pivotally disposed at the proximal end of the limiting groove. When the limiting portion is located in the limiting groove, the distal side wall of the limiting groove limits the forward movement of the limiting portion, and the distal side wall of the latch limits the backward movement of the limiting portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, an avoidance groove is provided on the rack along the extension direction of the rack. The avoidance groove is provided on the side of the rack close to the driving claw, and is located on the side of the proximal end of the limiting groove and is connected to the limiting groove. The avoidance groove can accommodate the limiting portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the latch includes an elastic return member, and the latch is connected to the rack via the elastic return member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elastic return member includes a tension spring member, one end of the tension spring member is connected to the rack, and the other end of the tension spring member is connected to the latch.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rack is provided with a rack step and a plurality of teeth; the driving pawl cooperates with the rack step or the teeth to push the rack forward.

[0012] In some embodiments, the driving claw includes a main body and a claw end, the main body is fixedly connected to the claw end, the main body is pivotally connected to the trigger, an opening is provided on the main body for the limiting portion to pass through, and the claw end is used to push the rack.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mode switching mechanism also includes an operation button, which is press-ably arranged on the trigger, and the switching slider is transmission-connected to the operation button. The operation button moves between an initial position and a pressed position. When the operation button is pressed and moves from the initial position to the pressed position, the operation button drives the switching slider to drive the limiting portion to move from the first position to the second position.

[0014] In some embodiments, a receiving groove is provided on the trigger, the switching slider is provided in the receiving groove, and an elastic member is provided between the switching slider and the bottom of the receiving groove.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present specification provide a surgical suturing instrument, comprising a handle portion, an end actuator, and a drive structure, wherein the drive structure is disposed within a handle housing of the handle portion, and the operation of the handle portion adjusts the working mode of the end actuator through the drive structure, and the drive structure includes the above-mentioned drive structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] This specification will be further described in the form of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting, and in these embodiments, like numbers represent like structures, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving structure for a surgical suturing instrument according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0018] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a driving structure for a surgical suturing instrument according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0019] Figure 3A is a partial structural schematic diagram of a driving structure for a surgical suturing instrument according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0020] Figure 3B According to some embodiments of this specification Figure 3A A in the middle is an enlarged schematic diagram;

[0021] Figure 4 is another structural schematic diagram of a latch according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0022] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic diagram of a driving claw according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an operation button according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0024] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the operation method of the operation button according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0025] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the operation method of the operation button according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0026] Figure 7C is a schematic diagram of the operation method of the operation button according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0027] Figure 8A is a schematic structural diagram of a button hole according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0028] Figure 8B is a schematic structural diagram of a button hole according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0029] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0030] Figure 10is a schematic diagram of a first mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0031] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a first mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0032] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a first mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0033] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of mode switching according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0034] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a second mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0035] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a second mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0036] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of resetting to an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0037] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of resetting to an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0038] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of resetting to an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification, the following briefly describes the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely examples or embodiments of this specification. Those skilled in the art can apply this specification to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without inventive effort. Unless otherwise apparent from the context or otherwise noted, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structure or operation.

[0040] It should be understood that the terms "system," "device," "unit," and / or "module" used herein are a method for distinguishing different components, elements, parts, portions, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, the terms may be replaced by other expressions.

[0041] As used in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not refer to the singular but also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprises" and "include" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements specifically identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. A method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0042] A stapler / anastuser is a suturing device used in medicine to replace traditional manual suturing. Its primary working principle is to use staples to sever or staple tissue, enabling simultaneous suturing of affected areas. Compared to manual suturing, staples are neatly arranged and evenly spaced, allowing for controllable suture tightness. This avoids manual suturing that is too sparse or too dense, or too tight or too loose, ensuring optimal tissue healing. The main components of a suturing device may include a staple drill, staple magazine, staple cartridge, staple driver, handle, and positioning needle. To remove excess tissue, various knives, such as circular knives and push knives, can be used. Compared with manual suturing, mechanical suturing and anastomosis are simple and quick to operate, greatly shortening the operation time; they are accurate, firm and reliable, maintaining good blood supply, ensuring tissue healing, effectively preventing leakage, and significantly reducing the incidence of anastomotic leakage; the mechanical suturing field is narrow, and deep suturing and anastomosis that are difficult to perform manually become easy; the manual open suturing or anastomosis is converted into closed suturing and anastomosis, reducing the chance of contaminating the surgical field during digestive tract reconstruction and bronchial stump closure; cross-repeated suturing can be performed to avoid blood supply and tissue necrosis; laparoscopic surgery (thoracoscopic and laparoscopic, etc.) becomes possible, and the application of various laparoscopic staplers makes thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery more smoothly.

[0043] Traditional surgical techniques include cutting, separation, ligation, hemostasis, and suturing, ultimately achieving the removal and reconstruction of organ lesions. Mechanical suturing can replace traditional surgical techniques, achieving the removal and reconstruction of diseased organs through operations such as segmentation, suturing, and anastomosis. Segmentation involves using a stapler to sew an organ a certain distance away from the lesion, including solid organs, luminal organs, and blood vessels, and then segmenting and resecting the lesion. Alternatively, a linear cutting stapler can be used to complete both suturing and segmentation in one operation. Examples include thyroid lobectomy, pulmonary lobectomy, pulmonary wedge resection, colon segmentation, and gastric segmentation. Suturing involves aligning the tissues to be sutured using a linear stapler, such as making a longitudinal and transverse suture at the pylorus to complete a pyloroplasty. Anastomosis involves using a circular stapler to conveniently perform end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis of luminal organs such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. Cutting staplers are also used for side-to-side gastrointestinal anastomosis. For example, rectocolonic end-to-end anastomosis, esophagogastrostomy end-to-side anastomosis, and gastrojejunostomy side-to-side anastomosis. For different operations such as severing, suturing, and anastomosis, the stapler can have different operating modes. For example, the stapler can have a squeezing mode, that is, the end of the stapler can perform a squeezing operation, for example, the jaws at the end of the stapler can be closed, thereby clamping and further squeezing the tissue between the jaws; the stapler can have a firing mode, that is, including two steps of pushing the staples to form and pushing the knife to cut, completing the suturing while cutting.

[0044] To meet clinical needs, some embodiments of the present specification provide a surgical suturing instrument, which includes a handle portion with a movable trigger, a drive structure and an end actuator, the drive structure can be arranged inside the handle portion, and the end actuator is connected to the drive structure through a connecting member. The end actuator includes a tool assembly with clamping, cutting and suturing functions, such as jaws, a cutter and a stapling device, which are used to perform various working modes such as tissue compression, cutting and suturing. The drive structure can be used to select and switch the working mode of the surgical suturing instrument, and drive the end actuator to perform corresponding operations in different working modes. For example, it is used for switching between a compression mode and a firing mode, and for controlling the surgical suturing instrument to perform corresponding operations in the selected mode.

[0045] The present invention also provides a drive structure for a surgical stapling instrument. The drive structure uses an operating button to switch between a first drive mode and a second drive mode for a driving claw, thereby switching the operating mode of the surgical stapling instrument. The operating button can be conveniently switched by simply pressing the button, providing a very convenient and smooth operation without affecting the operator's grip on the surgical stapling instrument or other operations.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a driving structure 100 for a surgical suturing instrument according to some embodiments of the present specification. Figure 2 1 is a partial structural diagram of a driving structure 100 for a surgical suturing instrument according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0047] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a drive mechanism 100 for a surgical stapling instrument can be disposed within a handle housing 190 of a handle portion of the surgical stapling instrument. The drive mechanism 100 can include a trigger 110, a rack 140, a drive pawl 130, and a state switching mechanism. The trigger 110 can be rotatably disposed on the handle housing 190 and can rotate relative to the outer handle housing 190 of the surgical stapling instrument. The rack 140 can be slidably disposed on the handle housing 190 and can move linearly. The drive pawl 130 can be movably coupled to the trigger 110. The state switching mechanism can be disposed on the trigger 110. In some embodiments, the drive pawl 130 is configured to engage the teeth of the rack 140 for power transmission. In some embodiments, the drive pawl 130 can be movably coupled to the trigger 110. By squeezing the trigger 110, an operator can transmit power to the drive pawl 130, which then transmits the power to the rack 140, thereby driving the rack 140 to move. In some embodiments, the rack 140 refers to a structure in which teeth are distributed on a bar-shaped body. The rack 140 can move linearly. In some embodiments, the rack 140 can be configured to move forward in a direction of Figure 1 In some embodiments, the state switching mechanism may include a latch 120 that can be movably connected to the rack 140, an operable switching slider 136, and a limiting portion 1364 fixedly connected to the switching slider 136. In some embodiments, the limiting portion 1364 can movably drive the driving claw 130. For example, the driving claw 130 can be provided with an opening for the limiting portion 1364 to pass through. The limiting portion 1364 can be moved from bottom to top (such as Figure 1(the direction opposite to b) passes through the driving pawl 130, and the opening in the driving pawl 130 is larger than the size of the limiting portion 1364. In some embodiments, the switching slider 136 can drive the limiting portion 1364 to move between a first position and a second position, thereby enabling the driving pawl 130 to switch between the first driving mode and the second driving mode. In some embodiments, when the limiting portion 1364 switches from the first position to the second position, the limiting portion 1364 switches from a state where it is restricted by the latch 120 within a preset travel range to a state where it is released from the restrictive travel range, thereby switching the driving pawl 130 from the first driving mode to the second driving mode. In some embodiments, in the first driving mode, the limiting portion 1364 is restricted by the latch 120 within a preset travel range. In some embodiments, the range of the preset travel range is related to the range within which the limiting portion 1364 is restricted by the latch 120. For example, the limiting portion 1364 is restricted by the latch 120 within the limiting slot 121 of the rack 140, and the distance that the limiting portion 1364 can move within the limiting slot 121 is positively correlated with the preset travel range. In some embodiments, the limiting portion 1364 is restricted in the limiting groove 121, and the trigger 110 can drive the limiting portion 1364 to move within a certain range in the limiting groove 121, so that the driving claw 130 can drive the rack 140 to move forward or backward within a certain stroke. In some embodiments, in the first driving mode, the surgical suturing instrument corresponds to the execution of the first mode (such as the squeezing mode). In some embodiments, in the second driving mode, the limiting portion 1364 leaves the limiting groove 121, and the surgical suturing instrument can execute the second mode (such as the firing mode). The following will further describe in detail the various components of the drive structure 100. It should be noted that the following embodiments are only used to exemplify the implementation of the drive structure 100 and its components.

[0048] The trigger 110 is a component that is actuated by an operator. By squeezing the trigger 110, the operator can transmit the force applied by the operator to other components connected to the trigger 110. In some embodiments, the operation of the trigger 110 can also drive the rack 140 to move in different modes to achieve related operations, such as squeezing or suturing. For example, in the second mode, the trigger 110 can advance the rack 140 and a tool assembly connected to the rack 140 (such as a cutter, stapling device, etc.), thereby achieving cutting and suturing. In some embodiments, the trigger 110 is rotatable to enable the operator to actuate it. In some embodiments, the trigger 110 can be movably connected to other components. For example, the trigger 110 can be pivotally connected to the drive pawl 130 to transmit power. In some embodiments, the trigger 110 can be movably connected to the handle housing 190, which can be used to mount and support the various functional components of the drive mechanism 100. The trigger 110 can rotate relative to the handle housing 190. In some embodiments, the rotation range of the trigger 110 may be limited to a certain angle. For example, the rotation range of the trigger 110 may be 30°-80°. The rotation angle range may be set accordingly as needed.

[0049] The latch 120 can be used to define the relative position of two or more objects. In some embodiments, the latch 120 can be movably connected to the rack 140, and the latch 120 can cooperate with the rack 140 to limit the movement of the limiting portion 1364. For example, the latch 120 can cooperate with the limiting groove 121 of the rack 140 to confine the limiting portion 1364 within the limiting groove 121; the limiting portion 1364 can be disengaged from the limiting groove 121, thereby releasing the limiting groove 121 from restricting the movement of the limiting portion 1364. For details on the connection between the latch 120 and the rack 140, please refer to Figure 3 and the related description.

[0050] Figure 3A 1 is a partial structural diagram of a driving structure 100 for a surgical suturing instrument according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0051] Figure 3B According to some embodiments of this specification Figure 3A Enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the middle. Figure 4 is another structural schematic diagram of the latch 120 according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0052] In some embodiments, the latch 120 can be in various shapes, for example, a triangle, a cuboid, a cylinder, etc. In some embodiments, as Figure 3AAs shown, the latch 120 can be provided on the rack 140, and the rack 140 can be provided with a plurality of teeth. The latch 120 can be provided at the distal end of the plurality of teeth on the rack 140. The distal end can be relative to the proximal end. For surgical suturing instruments, the end close to the operator can be considered as the proximal end, and the end away from the operator can be considered as the distal end (the direction corresponding to the distal end can be referred to in the figure). Figure 1 In some embodiments, the rack 140 (see Figure 1 A limiting groove 121 is provided (in the middle b direction), and the latch 120 can be pivotally arranged at the proximal end of the limiting groove 121 of the rack 140. When the limiting portion 1364 is located in the limiting groove 121, the distal side wall of the limiting groove 121 can limit the forward movement of the limiting portion 1364, and the distal side wall of the latch 120 can limit the backward movement of the limiting portion 1364. The distal side wall of the limiting groove 121 is opposite to the distal side wall of the latch 120. Among them, the forward movement can correspond to the movement in the forward direction of the rack 140 (see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the latch 120 can be disposed in the limiting groove 121 by a snap connection (movably), a pivot connection, or any other feasible connection method, so that the latch 120 can be completely or partially inserted into the limiting groove 121, or protrude downward relative to the rack 140.

[0053] In some embodiments, the latch 120 can be pivotally connected to the rack 140, such as Figure 3B As shown, the latch 120 and the rack 140 are pivotally connected via the shaft 123, allowing the latch 120 to rotate from being fully or partially inserted into the retaining slot 121 to protruding downward relative to the rack 140, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the retaining portion 1364 can drive the latch 120 to rotate, allowing the latch 120 to rotate within the retaining slot 121 from a downward position relative to the rack 140 until the retaining portion 1364 disengages from the latch 120, at which point the latch 120 returns to a downward position relative to the rack 140. In some embodiments, when the latch 120 is downward relative to the rack 140, if the retaining portion 1364 is located in the retaining slot 121, the movement of the retaining portion 1364 is restricted.

[0054] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the rack 140 may have a stopper 142, which may be located in the limiting groove 121. The stopper 142 may be located at the rear end of the limiting groove 121. In some embodiments, the stopper 142 may abut against the latch 120 to limit the latch 120 from rotating toward the proximal end of the rack 140 (e.g., Figure 2For example, the latch 120 can be rotated counterclockwise around the rotation axis 123 to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the stopper 142 can be provided to control the rotation angle of the latch 120, thereby limiting the position of the limit portion 1364 through the latch 120 to control the driving mode of the driving claw 130.

[0055] In some embodiments, the limiting portion 1364 can drive the latch 120 to rotate from the initial position toward a direction away from the stop portion 142 (see Figure 2 142 ), and after the limiting portion 1364 passes the limit position, the latch 120 returns to the initial position. At the initial position, the latch 120 abuts the stop portion 142, thereby limiting the rearward movement of the limiting portion 1364 and thus limiting the movement of the driving pawl 130. At this point, the driving pawl 130 is in the first driving mode. In some embodiments, the initial position may be a downward position relative to the rack 140, in which the latch 120 can only rotate in a single direction about the rotation axis 123 away from the stop portion 142. The limit position may refer to a critical position where the limiting portion 1364 and the latch 120 are about to separate and no longer contact each other. In some embodiments, the limiting portion 1364 can be selectively operated by an operator to contact the latch 120, driving the latch 120 to move in a single direction from the initial position until the limiting portion 1364 is restricted by the limiting groove 121 and the latch 120, thereby achieving mode switching.

[0056] In some embodiments, the latch 120 may include an elastic return member, and the latch 120 is connected to the rack 140 via the elastic return member. In some embodiments, the elastic return member can apply a force to the latch 120, causing the latch 120 to abut against the stop portion 142. When the latch 120 is forced to move away from the stop portion 142, when the force is less than the elastic force of the elastic return member or the force disappears, the latch 120 can easily rebound and return to the initial position. In some embodiments, the latch 120 may not include an elastic return member, and the latch 120 may be configured to rely on gravity to return to the initial position.

[0057] In some embodiments, as Figure 3BAs shown, the elastic return member includes a tension spring member 122, one end of the tension spring member 122 is connected to the rack 140, and the other end of the tension spring member 122 is connected to the latch 120. In some embodiments, one end of the tension spring member 122 is connected to the rack 140 on the front side of the latch 120, and the other end of the tension spring member 122 is connected to the side of the latch 120 close to the rotating shaft 123. The elastic force applied by the tension spring member 122 to the latch 120 can make the latch 120 tightly abut against the stop portion 142 in the initial position, and after the latch 120 rotates around the rotating shaft 123 away from the stop portion 142, it can be easily pulled back to the initial position. The tension spring member 122 is arranged in the same direction as the extension direction of the rack 140 (i.e. Figure 1 (center a direction), easy to install and save space.

[0058] In some embodiments, the elastic return member may have other feasible configurations, for example, Figure 4 As shown, the elastic return member may include a spring element 1221. The latch 120 is connected to the rack 140 via the spring element 1221. The upper end of the spring element 1221 is connected to the rack 140, and the lower end of the spring element 1221 is connected to the latch 120. Under the elastic action of the spring element 1221, the latch 120 can easily move up and down. The stopper 1364 applies an upward force to compress the spring element 1221, which can cause the latch 120 to protrude downward relative to the rack 140 and rotate until it is fully or partially inserted into the stopper slot 121. The stopper 1364 continues to move in the forward direction of the rack 140 until it separates from the latch 120 and no longer contacts it. Under the action of the elastic force, the latch 120 can return to its original position, i.e., protrude downward relative to the rack 140, thereby confining the stopper 1364 within the stopper slot 121. In other embodiments, the elastic return member may include a torsion spring. As just an example, a torsion spring may be provided at the rotation shaft 123 .

[0059] Figure 5 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of the driving claw 130 according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0060] In some embodiments, as Figure 5As shown, the driving pawl 130 may include a main body 131 and a pawl end 132. The material of the pawl end 132 may be the same as or different from that of the main body 131. In some embodiments, the material of the pawl end 132 may be the same as that of the main body 131, for example, stainless steel. In some embodiments, the main body 131 may be fixedly connected to the pawl end 132, which may be pivotally connected to the trigger 110. The pawl end 132 may be configured to engage the rack 140. In some embodiments, the pawl end 132 may engage the gap between two teeth of the rack 140, thereby applying force to the rack 140 to propel the rack 140 forward. In some embodiments, the pawl end 132 may be angled to match the gap between the teeth of the rack 140, thereby better engaging the gap between the teeth of the rack 140 and preventing slippage. In some embodiments, the pawl end 132 may be configured in any shape that fits the gap between the teeth of the rack 140 and prevents slippage.

[0061] In some embodiments, the driving pawl 130 may be movably connected to the trigger 110 . For example, the driving pawl 130 may be pivotally connected to the trigger 110 .

[0062] In some embodiments, the driving pawl 130 can be disposed on a side of the trigger 110 near the rack 140. The trigger 110 can be pivotally connected to the driving pawl 130 via a connecting shaft 133. A torsion spring 135 is provided through the connecting shaft 133. When the trigger 110 is squeezed, the trigger 110 can rotate about the center of the torsion spring 135 (i.e., the connecting shaft 133). The torsion spring 135 has a rotational force that causes the trigger 110 to return to its initial position. Therefore, the relative position of the trigger 110 and the driving pawl 130 can be elastically limited by the torsion spring 135. It should be noted that the torsion spring 135 is not a required structure. Even without the torsion spring 135, the trigger 110 can return to its initial position by other means, for example, by manual return.

[0063] In some embodiments, the main body 131 is provided with an opening for the stopper 1364 to pass through. Since the stopper 1364 extends through the main body 131, when the movement of the stopper 1364 is restricted, the movement of the main body 131 is also restricted, and thus the movement of the driving claw 130 is also restricted. In some embodiments, the size of the opening can be adjusted to adjust the degree of movement restriction of the driving claw 130. For example, if the size of the opening is larger than the size of the stopper 1364, after the movement of the stopper 1364 is restricted, the movement of the driving claw 130 remains unrestricted within a certain range until the driving claw 130 moves to the point where its main body 131 contacts the stopper 1364, at which point the movement of the driving claw 130 begins to be restricted. For another example, if the size of the opening is close to the size of the stopper 1364, then when the movement of the stopper 1364 is restricted, the movement of the driving claw 130 is also restricted.

[0064] In some embodiments, the drive pawl 130 has a first drive mode and a second drive mode. By way of example only, in the first drive mode, the limiting portion 1364 can be engaged with the limiting slot 121, and is restricted in forward movement by the limiting slot 121 and in backward movement by the latch 120 in the initial position, so that the drive pawl 130 can only drive the rack 140 to move forward or backward within a certain range. In the second drive mode, when the limiting portion 1364 is located outside the limiting slot 121, that is, the limiting portion 1364 is disengaged from the limiting slot 121, the drive pawl 130 is no longer restricted in its forward and backward movement by the limiting slot 121. In some embodiments, the first drive mode of the drive pawl 130 corresponds to the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument executing a first mode (such as a compression mode), and the second drive mode of the drive pawl 130 corresponds to the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument executing a second mode (such as a firing mode). In some embodiments, the first drive mode and the second drive mode of the driving claw 130 can be switched manually or automatically. For example, the surgical stapling instrument may include an operating button 210 that can be manually manipulated by an operator. By manually adjusting the state of the driving claw 130, the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument is switched to the first mode or the second mode. For more information about mode switching, please refer to the relevant description below.

[0065] In some embodiments, the rack 140 is provided with a rack step and a plurality of teeth, and the driving claw 130 cooperates with the rack step or the teeth to push the rack 140 forward.

[0066] In some embodiments, rack 140 may be provided with a plurality of teeth, and the engagement of drive pawl 130 with the teeth can propel rack 140 forward. In some embodiments, when the end effector is in the second mode, the distal end 132 of the pawl portion 130 presses against the teeth of rack 140, and the trigger 110 drives the pawl 130, thereby propelling rack 140 forward. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth of rack 140 may be straight or helical. In some embodiments, when the teeth of the rack 140 are beveled teeth, the side surface of each beveled tooth corresponding to the forward direction of the rack 140 is a beveled surface, and the side surface of each beveled tooth in the backward direction of the rack 140 is perpendicular to the backward direction of the rack 140; the inclined surface of the driving claw 130 with the inclined claw end 132 can match the inclined surface of the beveled tooth, so that the driving claw 130 can easily move toward the backward direction of the rack 140 on the surface of the beveled tooth. When the driving claw 130 moves toward the forward direction of the rack 140, the front end of the driving claw 130 can abut against the side surface of the beveled tooth perpendicular to the backward direction of the rack 140, thereby ensuring that the abutment is less likely to loosen and can better apply force to the rack 140.

[0067] In some embodiments, the rack 140 may be provided with a rack step, which may be a downwardly facing protrusion on the rack 140. The driving pawl 130 may cooperate with the rack step, such that the driving pawl 130 pushes the protruding rack step, thereby pushing the rack 140 forward. In some embodiments, when the end effector is in the first mode, when the stop 1364 of the switching slider 136 is located in the stop slot 121, the driving pawl 130 is driven forward by the trigger 110. The claw end 132 of the driving pawl 130 contacts the rack step of the rack 140. The claw end 132 of the driving pawl 130 pushes the rack step, pushing the rack 140 forward, thereby enabling the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument to perform the jaw closing operation. In some embodiments, the rack step may be provided at the distal end of the rack 140, and the latch 120 may be provided between the teeth of the rack 140 and the rack step, thereby fully utilizing the unoccupied space on the rack 140 where teeth are not yet distributed, thereby making the device compact. In some embodiments, a groove structure is provided on the rack step, and the backstop slider 162 can be engaged in the groove structure, so that the backstop slider 162 can limit the movement of the rack 140.

[0068] In some embodiments, a clamping device may be abutted against the rack 140 to apply downward force to the rack 140. For example, the clamping device may abut against the rack 140 via an elastic element, so that the clamping device can generate friction on the rack 140, thereby creating a damping effect on the rack 140 and further preventing it from slipping. In some embodiments, the clamping device may be provided on the handle housing 190.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, an avoidance groove 141 is provided on the rack 140 along the extension direction of the rack 140. The avoidance groove 141 is provided on the side of the rack 140 close to the driving claw 130, and is located on the side of the proximal end of the limiting groove 121, and is connected to the limiting groove 121. The avoidance groove 141 can accommodate the limiting portion 1364. In some embodiments, when the driving claw 130 drives the rack 140 forward, the limiting portion 1364 will move together with the driving claw 130. Since the limiting portion 1364 is arranged in the driving claw 130, it may contact the teeth of the rack 140. If the end of the limiting portion 1364 contacts the teeth of the rack 140, it will affect the movement of the rack, causing the movement of the rack 140 to be restricted or even unable to move. Therefore, corresponding to the position of the limiting portion 1364, an avoidance groove 141 is provided at the lower part of the rack 140. When the driving claw 130 drives the rack 140 forward (the limiting portion 1364 is not in the limiting groove 121), the limiting portion 1364 can be accommodated in the avoidance groove 141, so as not to cause obstruction and restriction to the movement of the rack.

[0070] In some embodiments, the driving structure 100 may further include a tension spring 300 (see Figure 1 ), the tension spring 300 can be connected to the trigger 110, and is used to apply a force to the trigger 110 in a direction opposite to the forward direction of the rack 140, so that when the trigger 110 is not subjected to external force, the end of the trigger 110 connected to the tension spring 300 has a tendency to move in the backward direction of the rack 140.

[0071] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the drive structure 100 may further include a forward slider 161 and a stop slider 162. The stop slider 162 may be used to limit the movement of the rack 140. The forward slider 161 may release the restriction of the stop slider 162 on the movement of the rack 140 by moving forward. The forward slider 161 may move in the forward direction. The stop slider 162 may move in the up and down directions. In some embodiments, one end of the trigger 110 may be movably connected to the forward slider 161, and the stop slider 162 may be used to limit the movement of the rack 140. For example, the stop slider 162 may be movably set on a path in the forward direction of the rack 140. In some embodiments, the trigger 110 may drive the forward slider 161 to move in the forward direction of the rack 140 and drive the stop slider 162 downward (see Figure 1 The rack 140 is moved in the direction of the middle arrow b) to release the restriction of the anti-retraction slider 162 on the movement of the rack 140.

[0072] In some embodiments, the anti-retraction slider 162 can move up and down, and the forward slider 161 can move in the forward direction of the rack 140. The forward slider 161 is provided with a downwardly protruding bump that can contact the anti-retraction slider 162. In some embodiments, when the forward slider 161 moves in the forward direction of the rack 140, the anti-retraction slider 162 can move downward under the pressure of the bump.

[0073] In some embodiments, the forward slider 161 may be inserted into the anti-retraction slider 162, and the anti-retraction slider 162 may guide the forward slider 161 to ensure the forward direction of the forward slider 161. In some embodiments, the bottom of the anti-retraction slider 162 may be connected to the handle housing 190 via a spring member. After the anti-retraction slider 162 loses the downward force and there is no obstruction from above, the anti-retraction slider 162 can move upward to return to its initial position.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the end actuator executes the first mode, at the starting position, the backstop slider 162 is in a raised state, thereby limiting the movement of the rack 140; the trigger 110 is squeezed, and the trigger 110 drives the driving claw 130 to move forward until the driving claw 130 cooperates with the latch 120, and the latch 120 is located in the limit groove 135 of the driving claw 130; the trigger 110 is continued to be squeezed, and the trigger 110 drives the forward slider 161 to move in the forward direction of the rack 140 and drives the backstop slider 162 to move downward, thereby releasing the restriction on the movement of the rack 140; at this time, the trigger 110 is continued to be squeezed, and the driving claw 130 is driven forward by the trigger 110, and the claw end 132 of the driving claw 130 contacts the rack step of the rack 140, thereby pushing the rack 140 forward.

[0075] In some embodiments, the drive structure 100 may further include a connecting rod 150 (see Figure 1 ), the connecting rod 150 can be disposed between the forward slider 161 and the trigger 110. One end of the connecting rod 150 is rotatably connected to the forward slider 161, and the other end of the connecting rod 150 is rotatably connected to the trigger 110, so as to transmit the force generated by the operator squeezing the trigger 110 to the forward slider 161. In some embodiments, when the operator squeezes the trigger 110, the connecting rod 150 can push the forward slider 161 to move in the forward direction of the rack 140.

[0076] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the operation button 210 according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0077] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, the state switching mechanism may further include an operating button 210, which is press-able on the trigger. The operating button 210 can be pressed by the operator to implement functions such as mode switching of the surgical suturing instrument. In some embodiments, the operating button 210 moves between an initial position and a pressed position. When the operating button 210 is pressed and moves from the initial position to the pressed position, the operating button 210 drives the switching slider 135 to switch from the first position to the second position, thereby enabling the driving claw 130 to switch from the first drive mode to the second drive mode. In some embodiments, the first drive mode may correspond to the end effector of the surgical suturing instrument to execute a first mode, and the first mode may be a squeezing mode, that is, the tool assembly of the end effector, such as the jaws, performs a closing operation to squeeze the tissue; the second drive mode may correspond to the end effector of the surgical suturing instrument to execute a second mode, and the second mode may be a firing mode, that is, the tool assembly of the end effector, such as the cutter and the stapling device, performs a forward direction movement to perform cutting and suturing operations on the tissue. For more information on operating the operating button 210 movement to achieve mode switching of the surgical suturing instrument, please refer to Figures 9-18The related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0078] In some embodiments, the switching of the driving claw 130 between the first driving mode and the second driving mode can be achieved by an operating member. For example, the operating member can be connected to the switching slider 136 and can be moved by the operator, thereby driving the switching slider 136 to move between the first position and the second position, thereby enabling the driving claw 130 to switch between the first driving mode and the second driving mode. For example, the operating member can be connected to the switching slider 136 through a transmission device (such as a gear rack, etc.), and when the operator applies a force to the operating member (such as when the operating member is a knob, the operator applies a rotational force to the operating member), the transmission device converts the force into a force that drives the switching slider 136 to move, thereby driving the switching slider 136 to move between the first position and the second position, thereby enabling the driving claw 130 to switch between the first driving mode and the second driving mode.

[0079] Figure 7A 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation method of the operation button 210 according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 7B 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation method of the operation button 210 according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 7C 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation method of the operation button 210 according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0080] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, the trigger 110 is provided with a receiving groove, and the switching slider 136 can be disposed within the receiving groove. The receiving groove can guide the movement of the switching slider 136. In some embodiments, an elastic member 134 is provided between the switching slider 136 and the bottom of the receiving groove. The elastic member 134 may include, but is not limited to, a spring, an elastic rubber member, or other elastic element. Under the elastic action of the elastic member 134, the switching slider 136 can move relative to the trigger 110. For example, the switching slider 136 can move upward toward the rack 140 or downward away from the rack 140. The provision of the elastic member 134 allows the switching slider 136 to fit tightly against the operating button 210, enhancing the transmission effect. Under the elastic action of the elastic member 134, the operating button 210 can easily return to its initial position.

[0081] In some embodiments, the switching slider 136 can be in transmission connection with the operating button 210. The operating button 210 can drive the driving pawl 130 to move through the switching slider 136, changing the relative position of the limit portion 1364 and the latch 120, thereby changing the operating mode of the drive structure 100, i.e., correspondingly switching the working mode of the suturing instrument. In some embodiments, when the operating button 210 is pressed and moves from the initial position to the pressed position, the operating button 210 drives the switching slider 136 from a position close to the rack 140 to a position away from the rack 140, which can drive the driving pawl 130 to move downward, causing the limit portion 1364 located in the limit groove 121 to disengage from the limit groove 121, i.e., causing the driving pawl 130 to switch from the first driving mode to the second driving mode, thereby switching the surgical suturing instrument from the first mode to the second mode. It should be noted that the movement of the switching slider 136 from a position close to the rack 140 to a position away from the rack 140 can be from top to bottom. By setting the switching slider 136, the direction of movement can be switched, and the force applied by the operator to the inner direction of the driving structure 100 is converted into a force from top to bottom, thereby achieving state switching. For more information about mode switching, please refer to the relevant description below.

[0082] There may also be other transmission structures between the switch slider 136 and the operation button 210. In other embodiments, the drive structure may include a transmission assembly that is transmission-connected between the switch slider 136 and the operation button 210. By way of example only, the transmission assembly may include a first rack, a second rack, and a gear, and both the first rack and the second rack may be engaged with the gear. The first rack may extend along a first direction, and the second rack may extend along the direction of movement of the switch slider 136 (for example, a direction that is perpendicular to both the rack and the first direction). When the operation button 210 is pressed in the first direction, the first rack may drive the gear to rotate, and the gear may drive the second rack to move along the extension direction of the second rack. The second rack may move from a position close to the rack 140 to a position away from the rack 140, thereby achieving mode switching. The gear may also be replaced with a gear set (i.e., two or more gears) to achieve a change in the transmission ratio.

[0083] In some embodiments, as Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C As shown, the operation button 210 may include a first inclined surface 211, the inclined surface of the first inclined surface 211 is oriented toward the first direction (eg, Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7CThe switching slider 136 includes a second inclined surface 1361 that cooperates with the first inclined surface 211, and the second inclined surface 1361 can move along the first inclined surface 211. In some embodiments, the driving claw 130, the rack 140 and other components can be located on one side of the first inclined surface 211 (such as Figure 6 、 Figure 7A The second inclined surface 1361 may be located on the other side of the first inclined surface 211 (eg, Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown), in some embodiments, the first bevel 211 can be of other shapes, for example, it can be an arc surface, and the second bevel 1361 can be an arc surface that matches it. There is no limitation on the specific shapes of the first bevel 211 and the second bevel 1361, as long as it can be achieved that when the operation button 210 is pressed, the second bevel 1361 can move along the first bevel 211 and can drive the switching slider 136 to move close to the rack 140 and away from the rack 140.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the operation button 210 is pressed in the first direction and moves from the initial position to the pressed position, the second inclined surface 1361 can move along the first inclined surface 211 (eg, Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the second inclined surface 1362 moves downward), driving the switching slider 136 to move from a position close to the rack 140 to a position away from the rack 140, thereby driving the limiting portion 1364 to disengage from the limiting groove 121, thereby achieving mode switching.

[0085] In some embodiments, by adjusting the angle between the first bevel 211 and the first direction, the stroke of the lateral movement and the longitudinal movement can be adjusted, thereby optimizing the internal space of the device. For example, when the angle is 45°, the stroke of the lateral movement and the longitudinal movement is 1:1. In order to make the internal structure of the device compact, the angle can be reduced to achieve a smaller stroke of pressing the operation button 210 and a longer longitudinal movement of the switch slider 136. In some embodiments, by adjusting the angle between the first bevel 211 and the first direction of the operation button 210, the smoothness of pressing the operation button 210 can be adjusted to improve the user experience. In some embodiments, the angle between the first bevel 211 and the first direction of the operation button 210 can be set as needed to make the operator's operation more comfortable and improve the operating experience.

[0086] In some embodiments, as Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7CAs shown, the operating button 210 may include a third inclined surface 213; the switching slider 136 may include a fourth inclined surface 1362 that cooperates with the third inclined surface 213. In some implementations, when the operating button 210 is pressed in the second direction and moves from the initial position to the pressed position, the fourth inclined surface 1362 may move along the third inclined surface 213, thereby driving the switching slider 136 from a position close to the rack 140 to a position away from the rack 140. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0087] In some embodiments, the angle between the first inclined surface 211 and the first direction may be equal to the angle between the third inclined surface 213 and the second direction. In this case, the operation button 210 may be located on the plane where the first inclined surface 211 and the third inclined surface are connected (e.g., Figure 7A The operation button 210 is symmetrical about the plane d shown. Due to the symmetrical structure of the operation button 210, the operator can press the operation button 210 in the first direction or in the second direction to produce the same operation result. This allows operators with different operating habits to conveniently perform operations. In some embodiments, the angle between the first inclined surface 211 and the first direction and the angle between the third inclined surface 213 and the second direction can be different. In this case, to achieve the same operation effect, pressing the operation button 210 in the first direction and the second direction may require different pressing distances.

[0088] In some embodiments, the operating button 210 may include a locking groove, and the switching slider 136 may include a locking structure that cooperates with the locking groove. For example, the locking structure may include a protrusion. When the protrusion is engaged with the locking groove, the switching slider 136 and the operating button 210 no longer move relative to each other, thus achieving a lock. In other embodiments, the locking structure may also include a hook. When the hook is engaged with the locking groove, the switching slider 136 and the operating button 210 no longer move relative to each other, thus achieving a lock. In some embodiments, since the operating button 210 may be a symmetrical structure, the operating button 210 may include a first locking groove 212 and a second locking groove 214 that are symmetrically arranged. Based on the opposite pressing directions of the operator, the locking structure may cooperate with the first locking groove 212 or the second locking groove 214 to achieve a lock. The first locking groove 212 may be located on the side of the first inclined surface 211 away from the third inclined surface 213, and the second locking groove 212 may be located on the side of the third inclined surface 213 away from the first inclined surface 211. In some embodiments, when the operating button 210 is pressed and moves until the locking structure is engaged with the locking groove, the relative movement between the operating button 210 and the switching slider 136 is restricted.

[0089] In some embodiments, as Figure 6As shown, the operation button 210 can be a rod-shaped structure to facilitate the operator to press. In some embodiments, the operation button 210 can include a matching portion 230, a first inclined surface 211 and a third inclined surface 213 (see Figure 7C ) can be provided on the matching portion 230, a cavity can be formed between the first inclined surface 211 and the third inclined surface 213, the second inclined surface 1361 and the fourth inclined surface 1362 on the switching slider 136 can be provided in the cavity, and the second inclined surface 1361 and the fourth inclined surface 1362 of the switching slider 136 can contact the first inclined surface 211 and the third inclined surface 213 respectively. In some embodiments, the first locking groove 212 and the second locking groove 214 can both be provided on the matching portion 230 (such as Figure 7C In some embodiments, the switching slider 136 may be provided with a transmission boss 1363 , and the second inclined surface 1361 and the fourth inclined surface 1362 may both be provided on the transmission boss 1363 .

[0090] The following combination Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C The relative movement of the operation button 210 and the switching slider 136 is further described. It should be noted that the following description is only used as an example, not as a limitation to the embodiments of this specification.

[0091] like Figure 7A As shown, the operation button 210 is in the initial position, at which time the second inclined surface 1361 of the switching slider 136 is completely in contact with the first inclined surface 211, and the second inclined surface 1361 is located on top of the first inclined surface 211. Figure 7B As shown, the operator moves in a first direction ( Figure 7B In the middle direction c), the operation button 210 is pressed, and the second inclined surface 1361 moves along the first inclined surface 211, which drives the switching slider 136 to move downward, so that the switching slider 136 moves from a position close to the rack 140 to a position away from the rack 140. Figure 7C As shown, as the operator presses the button, the second inclined surface 1361 moves to the bottom of the first inclined surface 211 and can no longer move along the inclined surface. As the operating button 210 continues to move in the first direction, the locking structure of the switching slider 136 moves to the first locking groove 212 of the operating button. At this time, the relative movement of the operating button 210 and the switching slider 136 is locked, and the operating button 210 is in the pressed position, so that the driving claw 130 maintains the second switching mode.

[0092] Figure 8A 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the button hole 220 according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 8B 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the button hole 220 according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0093] In some embodiments, as Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the drive structure 100 further includes a button hole 220, in which the operating button 210 is slidably disposed. The button hole 220 includes a stopper 221 that cooperates with the operating button 210. The stopper 221 is configured to apply a force to the operating button 210 in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. Under the action of the tension spring 300, the lower trigger 110 is reset. When the trigger 110 is reset, the operating button 210 slides within the button hole 220. Simultaneously, the operating button 210 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction under the action of the stopper 221. In some embodiments, the stopper 221 may be disposed below the button hole 220. In some embodiments, the stopper 221 may not completely cover the lower portion of the button hole 220 when the operating button 210 is in the pressed position. In the initial position of the operating button 210, the stopper 221 may completely cover the lower portion of the button hole 220. A smooth connection may be formed between the partially covered stopper 221 and the fully covered stopper 221. When the tension spring 300 is pulled, the operating button 210 can be gradually restored from the pressed position to the initial position under the action of the stopper 221 .

[0094] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the drive structure 100 may also include a retraction structure for retracting the rack 140 and the tool assembly of the end effector connected to the rack 140 to an initial position. The initial position may correspond to the position of the various components of the surgical stapling instrument when the end effector is in the initial mode. In some embodiments, the retraction structure may include a retraction button 180 and a stopper 170. The retraction button 180 is used to pull the rack 140 in the opposite direction of its forward direction. The stopper 170 can be used to cover the teeth of the rack 140 from the side of the rack 140, so that the drive pawl 130 can be pressed down under the action of the stopper 170, so that the rack 140 is disengaged from the drive pawl 130. At this time, the rack 140 can be equivalent to a smooth long strip and can be easily pulled back. In some embodiments, the retraction button 180 can be exposed outside the handle housing 190 to facilitate the operator to retract.

[0095] In some embodiments, the side of the rack 140 (eg Figure 1A protrusion 171 is provided on the side of the rack 140 (facing the viewer). The stopper 170 may be provided with an inclined groove that cooperates with the protrusion 171. The protrusion 171 can be snapped into the inclined groove, thereby positioning the stopper 170 on the side of the rack 140. The pull-back button 180 can be connected to the stopper 170. In some embodiments, when no external force is applied to the stopper 170, the stopper 170 does not cover the teeth of the rack 140, and the rack 140 can still achieve its transmission function. In some embodiments, when the stopper 170 is moved in the rearward direction of the rack 140 via the pull-back button 180, the stopper 170 can move downward due to the guidance of the inclined groove, thereby pressing down on the driving pawl 130 and the anti-retraction slider 162, making the rack 140 equivalent to a smooth long strip, unable to engage with the driving pawl 130 and the anti-retraction slider 162 through snapping, thereby allowing the rack 140 to be pulled back to its original position.

[0096] In some embodiments, upon retraction of rack 140 to its initial position, the tool components of the end effector, such as the cutter and stapling device, connected to rack 140, can be simultaneously retracted to their initial positions. In some embodiments, a retraction button 180 can be functionally connected to the end effector. When retracted, the tool components of the end effector, such as the cutter and stapling device, will not perform cutting or suturing operations. Furthermore, after retraction to the initial position, the tool components of the end effector, such as the jaws, can open to release tissue. Simultaneously, trigger 110 is reset by tension spring 300, reaching its distal position. Upon further use, depressing trigger 110 drives drive pawl 130 forward, causing the end effector's working components to perform corresponding operations, such as closing the jaws and cutting and suturing the cutter and stapling device. For more information on how the drive mechanism 100 drives the end effector to perform operations, please refer to the relevant description below.

[0097] Some embodiments of the present specification provide a surgical stapling instrument, which may include a handle portion, an end effector, and a drive structure 100 according to any of the above embodiments. In some embodiments, the drive structure 100 is disposed within a handle housing 190 of the handle portion. The drive structure 100 includes an operable trigger 110 and an operable operating button 210, etc., for an operator to operate by hand. The trigger may be rotatably disposed on the handle housing 190. The handle housing 190 may be provided with a through hole for inserting the operating button 210. The button hole 220 may be provided on the handle housing 190. The end effector may include a tool assembly with clamping, cutting, and stapling functions, such as a jaw, a cutter, and a stapling device. The drive structure 100 may be disposed within the handle portion. The drive structure 100 includes a movable rack 140, etc. The end effector may be connected to the drive structure 100. For example, the cutter and stapling device of the end effector may be connected to the rack 140. In some embodiments, the end effector has multiple operating modes, and different operating modes can be controlled and executed by the drive structure 100 based on the operation of the handle. The operation of the handle can also adjust the operating mode of the end effector through the drive structure 100. For more information on adjusting the operating mode of the end effector through the drive structure, please refer to the relevant description below.

[0098] In some embodiments, the end effector has multiple executable working modes, and the operator can select the corresponding mode according to clinical needs. In some embodiments, the surgical stapling instrument can have an initial mode, a first mode, and a second mode. The initial mode can correspond to the initial mode of the surgical stapling instrument, which corresponds to the original state of the surgical stapling instrument without any work. The first mode can correspond to the compression mode of the surgical stapling instrument. The jaws of the corresponding end effector are gradually closed when the trigger 110 is squeezed, and the tissue between the jaws is clamped and further squeezed. In this mode, tissue compression can be achieved by squeezing the trigger 110, and the drive structure 100 does not need to drive other tool components (such as cutters, etc.) to advance to perform operations such as cutting. The second mode can correspond to the firing mode of the surgical stapling instrument, that is, it can include push-stitch forming and push-stitch cutting, etc. The drive structure 100 needs to drive related components such as the rack 140 to advance, so that the tool components of the end effector connected to the rack 140, such as the cutter and the stapling device, perform cutting and suturing operations. The working mode of the surgical suturing instrument is described below through some embodiments. It should be noted that the following is only an example and does not limit this specification. The surgical suturing instrument and its drive structure 100 of the embodiment of this specification can be used in any other feasible way.

[0099] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 10It is a schematic diagram of a first mode according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of a first mode according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of a first mode according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of mode switching according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the second mode shown in some embodiments of this specification. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the second mode shown in some embodiments of this specification. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of resetting to an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of resetting to an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of resetting to an initial mode according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0100] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, when the end effector executes the initial mode, the position of the rack 140 of the drive structure 100 is locked. For example, the backstop slider 162 is pushed up by the elastic action of the spring member, and abuts the rack 140 on the forward path of the rack 140, limiting the forward movement of the rack 140; the driving pawl 130 is located at the rear side of the latch 120, and the driving pawl 130 abuts the rack 140; the switching slider 136 does not contact the rack 140; the trigger 110 can be applied with a force in the backward direction of the rack 140 under the action of the tension spring 300, and the external handle housing 190 can be correspondingly provided with a ridge, and the trigger 110 can be pulled by the tension spring 300 until it abuts the ridge, at which time the trigger 110 is at the maximum angle position.

[0101] In some embodiments, when the end effector executes the first mode, the movement of the rack 140 of the drive structure 100 is restricted. For example, in the starting position, the backstop slider 162 is pushed up to limit the advancement of the rack 140. At this time, the trigger 110 is at the farthest end and the driving claw 130 is located behind the latch 120. Figure 10 As shown. When the trigger 110 is pulled, the trigger 110 drives the driving pawl 130 to move forward, and the limiting portion 1364 of the switching slide 136 pushes the latch 120 to rotate; when the trigger 110 is engaged to the set position, the limiting portion 1364 drives the latch 120 to rotate beyond the limit position, and the latch 120 returns to the initial position, and the latch 120 bounces to the rear side of the driving pawl 130. At this time, the limiting portion 1364 of the switching slide 136 is located in the limiting groove 121; the trigger 110 is continued to be pulled, and the retreat-stopping slide 162 is pressed down by the protrusion of the advancing slide 161, and begins to release the restriction on the rack 140; at this time, the driving pawl 130 has not yet contacted the rack 140 and has not yet started to push the rack 140, as shown. Figure 11As shown. The driving claw 130 is driven forward by the trigger 110, and the claw end 132 of the driving claw 130 contacts the rack step of the rack 140. At this time, the backstop slider 162 has been fully pressed down, completely releasing the restriction on the rack 140; then the trigger 110 is continued to be pressed to the nearest end, and the rack 140 is pushed forward by the claw end 132 of the driving claw 130, thereby realizing the end effector of the surgical suturing instrument to perform the jaw closing operation to complete the squeezing action on the tissue, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. In some embodiments, when the trigger 110 is rotated distally, the limiting portion 1364 can abut against the latch 120, thereby pushing the rack 140 to move backward, thereby enabling the end effector of the surgical stapling instrument to perform the jaw opening operation. Since the limiting portion 1364 of the switching slider 136 remains in the limiting groove 121 throughout the entire process and does not disengage, the movement of the rack 140 is controlled by the movement of the trigger 110. Based on the movement of the driving claw 130 and the limiting portion 1364 driven by the trigger 110, the rack 140 can move forward and backward within a certain range, thereby achieving the closing and opening of the end effector.

[0102] In some embodiments, the operator can switch the mode of the surgical stapling instrument by operating the button 210, that is, switching from the first mode to the second mode. Figure 13 As shown, the operator can release the trigger 110, and the trigger 110 automatically returns to the initial position under the action of the tension spring 300, and finally the trigger 110 and the driving claw 130 are limited by the latch 120; the operator can press the operating button 210, and under the action of the inclined surface, the switching slider 136 drives the limiting portion 1364 to move, so that the limiting portion 1364 disengages from the limiting groove 121. When the limiting portion 1364 is completely disengaged from the limiting groove 121, the driving claw 130 will move together with the trigger 110 in the backward direction of the rack 140 to the rear side of the latch 120 under the action of the tension spring 300; under the action of the tension spring 300 and the stop portion 221 of the button hole 220, the operating button 210 returns to its initial position.

[0103] In some embodiments, when the end effector is in the second mode, the rack 140 of the drive structure 100 can move forward. For example, when the claw end 132 of the driving claw 130 presses against the teeth of the rack 140, the end effector is in the second mode; when the operator squeezes the trigger 110, the rack 140 is pushed by the driving claw 130, and the rack 140 is moved forward. Figure 14As shown. In this mode (and in other cases except the squeezing mode), the limit portion 1364 can be located in the avoidance groove 141 of the rack 140, so as not to affect the movement of the rack 140. In some embodiments, the tool assembly of the surgical suturing instrument connected to the rack 140, such as a cutter and a stapling device, can achieve cutting and suturing of tissue based on the advancement of the rack 140; the operator releases the trigger 110, and the driving claw 130, together with the trigger 110, can retreat under the action of the tension spring 300, and the retreat-stopping slider 162 is bounced up by the spring member, pressing against the teeth of the rack 140, thereby limiting the retreat of the rack 140, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 When the rack 140 has completed its entire stroke (corresponding to when the user has completed stitching), the driving claw 130 and the anti-retraction slider 162 can press against the teeth of the rack 140 to limit the retraction of the rack 140, as shown. Figure 16 As shown; the operator manually moves the pull-back button 180 in the backward direction of the rack 140, and the stopper 170 responds to the pull-back button and moves downward based on the guiding effect of the inclined groove, against the driving claw 130 and the anti-retraction slider 162, thereby releasing the engagement of the driving claw 130 and the anti-retraction slider 162 with the rack 140, so that the rack 140 can be pulled back, as shown Figure 17 As shown, the jaws of the end effector can be opened accordingly.

[0104] In some embodiments, while the rack 140 is being pulled back, the trigger 110 is reset under the action of the tension spring 300. When the trigger 110 is reset, the operating button 210 slides within the button hole 220. Simultaneously, the operating button 210 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction under the action of the stop 221, thereby resetting the operating button 210. At this time, the end effector is in the initial mode, the position of the rack 140 is locked by the stop slider 162, the driving pawl 130 is located behind the latch 120, the driving pawl 130 is against the rack 140, the switching slider 136 is not in contact with the rack 140, and the trigger 110 is pulled by the tension spring 300 until it is against the ridge of the handle housing 190. By depressing the trigger 110, the end effector begins to execute the first mode. For more information on executing the first mode, please refer to the relevant description above.

[0105] In some instances, if the area of ​​tissue compression is not satisfactory and the operator has not pressed the mode switching button, i.e., the operation button 210, the trigger 110 may be operated in the opposite direction to the pressing direction, so that the driving claw 130 moves in the backward direction of the rack 140, thereby causing the latch 120 to move backward in response to the movement of the driving claw 130, such as Figure 18 In some embodiments, the backward movement of the rack 140 can cause the end effector to open, thereby releasing the tissue.

[0106] While the basic concepts have been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the detailed disclosure is merely illustrative and does not limit this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, various modifications, improvements, and revisions to this specification may be made by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, improvements, and revisions are suggested in this specification and remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this specification.

[0107] This specification also uses specific terms to describe the embodiments of this specification. For example, "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" two or more times in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, certain features, structures, or characteristics of one or more embodiments of this specification may be appropriately combined.

[0108] In addition, unless explicitly stated in the claims, the order of the processing elements and sequences, the use of alphanumeric characters, or the use of other names described in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods of this specification. Although the above disclosure discusses some of the invention embodiments currently considered useful through various examples, it should be understood that such details are only for illustrative purposes, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that are consistent with the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this specification.

[0109] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the presentation of this specification and thus facilitate understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments of this specification sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of this specification requires more features than those recited in the claims. In fact, an embodiment may have fewer features than all of the features of a single disclosed embodiment.

[0110] In some embodiments, numbers are used to describe the quantity of components and attributes. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of the embodiments are modified by the modifiers "about", "approximately" or "substantially" in some examples. Unless otherwise stated, "about", "approximately" or "substantially" indicate that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the description and claims are approximate values, which may change according to the required characteristics of individual embodiments. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should take into account the specified significant digits and adopt the general method of retaining digits. Although the numerical domains and parameters used to confirm the breadth of their range in some embodiments of this specification are approximate values, in specific embodiments, the settings of such numerical values ​​are as accurate as possible within the feasible range.

[0111] Each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other materials, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents, cited in this specification is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This includes application history documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this specification, as well as documents (currently or subsequently attached to this specification) that limit the broadest scope of the claims of this specification. It should be noted that if the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the accompanying materials are inconsistent or conflicting with the content of this specification, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this specification will control.

[0112] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are intended only to illustrate the principles of the embodiments of this specification. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, alternative configurations of the embodiments of this specification may be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments of this specification are not limited to the embodiments explicitly described and illustrated in this specification.

Claims

1. A driving structure for a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the driving structure (100) is arranged in a handle housing (190) of a handle portion of the surgical stapling instrument, and is characterized in that: The driving structure (100) comprises: a trigger (110) rotatably disposed on the handle housing (190); a rack (140) slidably disposed on the handle housing (190); A driving claw (130) movably connected to the trigger (110); A mode switching mechanism comprises a latch (120) movably connected to the rack (140), an operable switching slider (136), and a limiting portion (1364) fixedly connected to the switching slider (136); the switching slider (136) drives the limiting portion (1364) to move between a first position and a second position, so that the driving claw (130) can switch between a first driving mode and a second driving mode; when the limiting portion (1364) switches from the first position to the second position, the limiting portion (1364) switches from a state where it is restricted within a preset stroke by the latch (120) to a state where the restriction is released, thereby switching the driving claw (130) from the first driving mode to the second driving mode; The rack (140) is provided with a plurality of teeth; the latch (120) and the rack (140) are pivotally connected via a rotating shaft (123); The rack (140) has a stopper (142), and the stopper (142) abuts against the latch (120) to limit the angle of rotation of the latch (120) toward the proximal end of the rack (140); The rack (140) includes a limiting groove (121), and the latch (120) can be pivotally arranged at the proximal end of the limiting groove (121). When the limiting portion (1364) is located in the limiting groove (121), the distal side wall of the limiting groove (121) limits the forward movement of the limiting portion (1364), and the distal side wall of the latch (120) limits the backward movement of the limiting portion (1364).

2. The driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: An avoidance groove (141) is provided on the rack (140) along the extension direction of the rack (140). The avoidance groove (141) is provided on a side of the rack (140) close to the driving claw (130), and is located on a side near the proximal end of the limiting groove (121), and is communicated with the limiting groove (121). The avoidance groove (141) can accommodate the limiting portion (1364).

3. The driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The latch (120) comprises an elastic return member, and the latch (120) is connected to the rack (140) via the elastic return member.

4. The driving structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic return member comprises a tension spring member (122), one end of the tension spring member (122) is connected to the rack (140), and the other end of the tension spring member (122) is connected to the latch (120).

5. The driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack (140) is provided with a rack step and a plurality of teeth; the driving claw (130) pushes the rack (140) forward by cooperating with the rack step or the teeth.

6. The driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving claw (130) includes a main body (131) and a claw end (132), wherein the main body (131) and the claw end (132) are fixedly connected, and the main body (131) and the trigger (110) are pivotally connected, and an opening for the limiting portion (1364) to pass through is provided on the main body (131), and the claw end (132) is used to push the rack (140).

7. The driving structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mode switching mechanism further includes an operating button (210), which is pushably arranged on the trigger (110), and the switching slider (136) is transmission-connected to the operating button (210). The operating button (210) moves between an initial position and a pressed position. When the operating button (210) is pressed and moves from the initial position to the pressed position, the operating button (210) drives the switching slider (136) to drive the limiting portion (1364) to move from the first position to the second position.

8. The driving structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The trigger (110) is provided with a receiving groove, the switching slider (136) is arranged in the receiving groove, and an elastic member (134) is provided between the switching slider (136) and the bottom of the receiving groove.

9. A surgical suturing instrument, characterized in that: The invention comprises a handle portion, an end actuator and a drive structure (100), wherein the drive structure (100) is arranged in a handle housing (190) of the handle portion, and the operation of the handle portion adjusts the working mode of the end actuator through the drive structure (100), and the drive structure (100) comprises the drive structure (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Citation Information

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