Anvil support attachment for surgical suturing apparatus

Abstract

An anvil support loading system includes an anvil assembly having a snap clip disposed on a tissue facing surface, a loading tool including a pinch roll extending proximally from a support plate, and an anvil support including a support body. The snap clip is movable relative to the tissue-facing surface between a closed position and an open position having generally concave and convex shapes, respectively. The anvil support is releasably retained on the loading tool and is transferable from the loading tool to the anvil assembly such that the support body is captured between the snap clip of the anvil assembly and the tissue-facing surface. The snap clip may be moved by the nip roller from a closed position to an open position when the loading tool is advanced onto the anvil assembly, and from the open position to the closed position when the loading tool is separated from the anvil assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to surgical devices and, more particularly, to anvil buttress attachment systems, assemblies, and methods for releasably securing an anvil buttress to a surgical stapling apparatus. Background Art

[0002] The surgeon uses a surgical suturing device to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners (e.g., staples or two-part fasteners) to body tissue for linking sections of body tissue together. Such devices typically include a pair of jaws or finger-like structures, between which the body tissue to be linked is placed. When the surgical suturing device is actuated or "fired," the firing rod that moves longitudinally contacts the staple drive member in one of the jaws. The staple drive member pushes the surgical staples through the body tissue and into the anvil in the relative jaws, which will shape the staples. If body tissue is to be removed or separated, a blade can be provided in the jaws of the device to cut the body tissue between the staple lines.

[0003] Surgical buttresses (e.g., meshes or buttress materials) can be used in conjunction with surgical suturing devices to bridge, repair, and / or enhance tissue defects within a patient. Clinicians can manually attach buttress materials to surgical suturing devices in an operating room during a surgical procedure, or utilize surgical suturing devices that include buttress materials pre-installed thereon, for example, through an expensive automated attachment process. The buttress material will reinforce the staples or sutures and cover the junction of the tissue to reduce leakage prior to healing. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to the attachment of anvil side buttress material to the jaw assembly of a surgical stapling device. The anvil buttress attachment system, assembly, and method of the present disclosure are designed to provide a robust, releasable mechanical attachment of an anvil buttress to an anvil assembly and make the attachment of anvil side buttress material in the operating room a simple, straightforward, and cost-effective procedure.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an anvil buttress loading system, which includes an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil assembly includes a surface facing the tissue and a snap clip disposed on the surface facing the tissue. The snap clip can be moved between a closed position having a generally concave shape relative to the surface facing the tissue and an open position having a generally convex shape relative to the surface facing the tissue. The anvil buttress loading tool includes a carrier having a support plate and a clamping roller extending proximally from the support plate. The anvil buttress includes a support body. The anvil buttress can be releasably retained on the anvil buttress loading tool, wherein the support body is positioned on the support plate. The anvil buttress can be transferred from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly so that the support body is captured between the snap clip of the anvil assembly and the surface facing the tissue. The snap clip can be moved from the closed position to the open position by the clamping roller when the anvil buttress loading tool is advanced onto the anvil assembly, and from the open position to the closed position when the anvil buttress loading tool is separated from the anvil assembly.

[0006] The clamp roller can be configured to move the free end of the snap clip away from the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly when the anvil buttress loading tool is advanced onto the anvil assembly, and to move the free end of the snap clip toward the tissue-facing surface when the anvil buttress loading tool is separated from the anvil assembly. The clamp roller may include a post extending proximally from the support plate and a cylinder extending laterally from the post.

[0007] In the closed position, the free end of the snap clip can be adjacent to the tissue-facing surface, and in the open position, the free end of the snap clip can be spaced apart from the tissue-facing surface. The snap clip can include a proximal end fixed to the tissue-facing surface of the anvil plate and a distal end movable relative to the tissue-facing surface. The distal end can be configured to hold the anvil support against the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly.

[0008] The snap clip may have a generally teardrop shape and define an opening therethrough. The snap clip may include a proximal base and a distal tip, the proximal base defining a maximum width dimension of the snap clip and the distal tip defining a minimum width dimension of the snap clip. A pair of arms may extend from opposite sides of the proximal base. The pair of arms may converge toward each other and connect at the distal tip.

[0009] The snap clip may be disposed on the proximal portion of the anvil assembly and configured to hold the proximal portion of the anvil buttress against the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly. The anvil assembly may include an anvil tip and the anvil buttress may include a distal window defined through the distal portion of the anvil buttress. The distal window may be configured to engage the anvil tip to hold the distal portion of the anvil buttress on the anvil assembly.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an anvil buttress loading assembly, the anvil buttress loading assembly comprising an anvil buttress loading tool and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress loading tool comprises a carrier having a support plate and a clamping roller extending proximally from the support plate. The anvil buttress comprises a support body. The anvil buttress is releasably retained on the anvil buttress loading tool, wherein the support body is positioned on the support plate.

[0011] The nip roller may include a post extending proximally from the support plate and a cylinder extending laterally from the post.

[0012] The anvil buttress loading tool may include a pair of proximal projections extending from the support plate, and the anvil buttress may include a pair of proximal tabs extending from the buttress body. The pair of proximal tabs may engage with the pair of proximal projections. The clamping roller may be disposed between the pair of proximal projections.

[0013] The anvil buttress loading tool may include a cover disposed on a support plate of the carrier. The cover may include a distal protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cover and a distal opening disposed proximal to the distal protrusion. The anvil buttress may include a distal wing, and the distal wing may extend through the distal opening and engage with the distal protrusion.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a tool assembly comprising a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly comprises a tissue-facing surface and a snap clip disposed on the tissue-facing surface. The snap clip can move between a closed position having a generally concave shape relative to the tissue-facing surface and an open position having a generally convex shape relative to the tissue-facing surface.

[0015] In the closed position, the free end of the snap clip may be adjacent to the tissue-facing surface, and in the open position, the free end of the snap clip may be spaced apart from the tissue-facing surface.

[0016] The tool assembly may include an anvil buttress having a proximal portion and a distal portion. When the snap clamp is in a closed position, the proximal portion may be releasably retained on the anvil assembly by the snap clamp. The anvil assembly may include an anvil tip and the distal portion of the anvil buttress may define a distal window passing therethrough. The distal portion may be releasably retained on the anvil assembly by the engagement of the anvil tip through the distal window.

[0017] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other aspects and other features, objects, and advantages of the aspects described in the disclosure will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling device including a tool assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of an anvil assembly of a tool assembly;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A close-up view of the detail area shown, illustrating the snap clip of the anvil assembly;

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an anvil buttress loading tool and an anvil buttress according to aspects of the present disclosure, with various parts separated;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A close-up view of the detail area shown, illustrating the clamping rollers of the anvil support loading tool;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A bottom perspective view of an anvil support loading tool, shown loaded with Figure 5 an anvil support;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The anvil assembly and Figure 6 a perspective view of a loaded anvil buttress loading tool shown partially advanced onto an anvil assembly before a clamp roller of the anvil buttress loading tool contacts a snap clamp of the anvil assembly, the snap clamp being disposed in a closed position;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Close-up view of the detailed area shown in;

[0026] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 The anvil assembly and the loaded anvil support member are loaded along with the tool Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along section line 9-9;

[0027] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of an anvil assembly and a loaded anvil buttress loading tool, shown with a clamp roller of the anvil buttress loading tool engaging a snap clamp of the anvil assembly and transitioning the snap clamp from a closed position to an open position during advancement of the anvil buttress loading tool onto the anvil assembly;

[0028] Fig.11 yes Fig.10a cross-sectional view of an anvil assembly and a loaded anvil buttress loading tool, shown with the anvil buttress loading tool fully advanced onto the anvil assembly and the snap clip disposed in an open position;

[0029] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 a cross-sectional view of an anvil assembly and a loaded anvil buttress loading tool, shown with the anvil buttress loading tool partially retracted from the anvil assembly and a clamp roller of the anvil buttress loading tool engaging a snap clamp of the anvil assembly and transitioning the snap clamp from an open position to a closed position;

[0030] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 a bottom perspective view of an anvil assembly loaded with an anvil buttress after the anvil buttress loading tool is separated from the anvil assembly; and

[0031] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A close-up view of the detail area is shown illustrating that the proximal portion of the anvil buttress is secured to the anvil assembly via a snap clip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent similar or identical elements. Throughout the description, the term "proximal" refers to a portion of a structure or its components that is closer to a user, while the term "distal" refers to a portion of a structure or its components that is farther from a user.

[0033] Reference now Figure 1 , an exemplary surgical suturing device or surgical stapler 1 for suturing tissue according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The surgical suturing device 1 will be described to the extent necessary to disclose aspects of the present disclosure. The surgical suturing device 1 generally includes a handle assembly 10, an elongated tubular body 20 extending distally from the handle assembly 10, and a loading unit 30 extending distally from the elongated tubular body 20. The surgical suturing device 1 can be manually driven, partially powered, or fully powered (e.g., by an electric motor) and includes an actuator 12 (e.g., a finger-actuated control button, knob, switch, slider, interface, etc.) for enabling various functions of the surgical suturing device 1.

[0034] For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary surgical suturing devices (including exemplary manual and electric surgical devices) suitable for use in various aspects of the present disclosure, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,762,256, 5,865,361, and 10,426,468, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It should be understood that the principles of the present disclosure are equally applicable to surgical suturing devices having other configurations, such as the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,810,240 and 7,334,717, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Accordingly, it should be understood that a variety of surgical suturing devices can be used with various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, a laparoscopic suturing device or an open suturing device (e.g., a GIA® 1000) available from Medtronic (North Haven, CT) TM 、Endo GIA TM TA TM and Endo TA TM stapler) and / or use of, for example, the Tri-Staple TM Both linear and radial reloading techniques may be used with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] The loading unit 30 may also be configured for use with other surgical equipment, such as robotic devices / instruments. For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary robotic system, reference may be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 6,231,565 and 8,828,023, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] The loading unit 30 includes a tool or jaw assembly 32 including a first jaw member 32a and a second jaw member 32b. One or both of the first jaw member 32a and the second jaw member 32b can pivot relative to the other so that the tool assembly 32 can move between an open position in which the first jaw member 32a and the second jaw member 32b are spaced apart from each other and a closed position in which the first jaw member 32a and the second jaw member 32b are substantially adjacent to each other.

[0037] The loading unit 30 is a disposable loading unit ("DLU") that is releasably secured to the elongated tubular body 20 and is thus replaceable with a new loading unit 30. The loading unit 30 may be a single-use loading unit ("SULU") that is used once and then replaced to facilitate multiple uses of the surgical stapling device 1 on a patient. For example, during a surgical procedure, the surgical stapling device 1 may be used to staple and cut tissue, and the entire SULU is replaced after each stapling and cutting operation of the surgical stapling device 1. The loading unit 30 may be a multiple-use loading unit ("MULU") that is reusable a predetermined number of times. For example, during a surgical procedure, the surgical stapling device 1 may be used to staple and cut tissue, and the reloading assembly (e.g., staple cartridge 42) of the MULU is replaced after each stapling and cutting operation of the surgical stapling device 1, the reloading assembly being replaced a predetermined number of times before the entire MULU is replaced. Alternatively, the loading unit 30 may be permanently attached to the elongated tubular body 20.

[0038] The first jaw member 32a of the tool assembly 32 includes a staple cartridge assembly 40, and the second jaw member 32b of the tool assembly 32 includes an anvil assembly 50. The staple cartridge assembly 40 includes a staple cartridge 42 that can be removably and / or replaceably attached to a cartridge carrier 44 of the staple cartridge assembly 40. The staple cartridge 42 can be any staple cartridge for a surgical stapling device within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that includes a plurality of fasteners (e.g., staples) releasably held therein.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the anvil assembly 50 includes an anvil plate 52 and an anvil cover 54 fixed to the anvil plate 52. The anvil plate 52 has a central longitudinal groove 51 formed therein and a plurality of staple forming recesses or cavities 53 defined in its inward or tissue-facing surface 56. A recess or indentation 55 is also defined in the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil plate 52, and a step or protrusion 57 is defined on the tissue-facing surface 56 within the proximal portion 50a of the anvil assembly 50. The step 57 is aligned with the recess 55 and is disposed proximally of the recess and in a spaced relationship with the recess. The proximal portion 50a of the anvil assembly 50 also includes a snap clip 60, which is configured to attach the proximal portion 70a ( Figure 4 ) is releasably secured to the anvil assembly 50. The anvil cover 54 includes side walls 54a that extend outwardly toward the staple cartridge assembly 40 ( Figure 1 The distal end portion 50b of the anvil assembly 50 includes an anvil tip 58 that extends distally of the staple forming recess 53.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the snap clip 60 is disposed beside the central longitudinal groove 51 of the anvil plate 52. The snap clip 60 has a proximal end 60a and a distal end 60b. The proximal end 60a of the snap clip 60 is anchored or firmly fixed to the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil plate 52 near the staple forming recess 53. Specifically, the proximal end 60a of the snap clip 60 is attached to the step 57 defined on the tissue-facing surface 56. In some aspects, the proximal end 60a of the snap clip 60 is welded to the tissue-facing surface 56. The distal end 60b of the snap clip 60 is a free end that can move relative to the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil plate 52. Specifically, the distal end 60b of the snap clip 60 can move into and out of the recess 55 defined in the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil plate 52.

[0041] The snap clip 60 has a generally teardrop shape defining an opening 61 therethrough. The snap clip 60 includes a proximal base 62 at a proximal end 60a of the snap clip 60 that defines a maximum width dimension of the snap clip 60 and a distal tip 66 at a distal end 60b of the snap clip 60 that defines a minimum dimension of the snap clip 60. A pair of arms 64 (generally referred to herein as arms) extend from opposite sides 62a, 62b of the proximal base 62 so as to converge toward each other and connect at the distal tip 66. This configuration enables the snap clip 60 to switch between a concave position or a closed position and a convex position or an open position in response to an external force applied thereto. However, it should be understood that other configurations of the snap clip 60 are contemplated as long as the configuration allows for stable movement between the concave position and the convex position. The snap clip 60 may be formed from metal or plastic that is capable of providing the biasing force necessary to move the snap clip 60 between the concave position and the convex position.

[0042] In a concave or closed position, as in Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , snap clip 60 has a generally concave shape relative to tissue-facing surface 56 of anvil plate 52, wherein distal tip 66 of snap clip 60 is positioned against tissue-facing surface 56 (e.g., positioned within recess 55 defined in tissue-facing surface 56). In a convex or open position, such as in Fig.11 As seen in FIG. 1 , snap clip 60 has a generally convex shape relative to the tissue-facing surface 56 of anvil plate 52, wherein a distal tip 66 of snap clip 60 is spaced from the tissue-facing surface 56. The open position enables anvil buttress 70 to be positioned between snap clip 60 and the tissue-facing surface 56, and the closed position enables snap clip 60 to retain anvil buttress 70 on the tissue-facing surface 56 of anvil plate 52. Snap clip 60 is movable back and forth between the open position and the closed position.

[0043] Now go to Figure 4, anvil buttress 70 (also referred to herein generally as a surgical buttress) is shown separated from anvil buttress loading tool 80 (also referred to herein generally as a loading tool). Anvil buttress 70 includes a buttress body 72 having a tissue contacting surface 73a and anvil contacting surface 73b. Body 72 has a generally rectangular shape that is sized to cover the tissue-facing surface 56 ( Figure 2 A pair of proximal tabs 74 (also generally referred to herein as proximal tabs) extend proximally from the proximal end 72a of the buttress body 72, wherein each proximal tab 74 defines a proximal opening 75 therethrough. The proximal opening 75 is sized and shaped to receive the proximal projection 88 of the anvil buttress loading tool 80 therethrough.

[0044] The distal tab 76 extends distally from the distal end 72b of the support body 72 and defines a distal window 77 therethrough. The distal window 77 is sized and shaped to receive and frictionally engage the anvil tip 58 ( Figure 2 ). Distal wing 78 extends distally from distal tab 76 and defines a distal opening 79 therethrough. Distal opening 79 is sized and shaped to releasably engage distal protrusion 96 of anvil buttress loading tool 80. In some aspects, a frangible joint, a plurality of perforations, etc. are provided between distal tab 76 and distal wing 78 to facilitate loading of anvil buttress 70 into anvil assembly 50 ( Figure 2 ) to help separate the distal tab 78 from the anvil buttress 70. In various aspects, the distal tab 76 is bent at an angle relative to the buttress body 72 to help secure the distal tab 76 to the anvil tip 58. In some aspects, the distal tab 76 is reinforced to maintain the bend relative to the buttress body 72, and in other aspects, the distal tab 76 is bent relative to the buttress body 72 by engagement of the distal tab 78 with the distal protrusion 96 of the anvil buttress loading tool 80.

[0045] The anvil buttress 70 is made of biocompatible materials, which are natural or synthetic materials that are bioabsorbable or non-absorbable. It should be understood that the anvil buttress 70 can be formed using a single or combination of natural materials, synthetic materials, bioabsorbable materials, and / or non-bioabsorbable materials. In many aspects, the anvil buttress 70 is formed by a single piece of material cut into a specific shape. In other aspects, the anvil buttress 70 is formed by multiple pieces of material, which are made of the same or different materials, and / or the parts of the anvil buttress 70 (e.g., buttress body, tabs, fins, etc.) are formed by the same or different materials, and these same or different materials are attached to each other by, for example, welding, using adhesives, tying sutures, etc.

[0046] The anvil support 70 can be porous, non-porous, or a combination thereof. Suitable porous structures include, for example, fiber structures (e.g., knitted structures, woven structures, and non-woven structures) and / or foams (e.g., open-cell foams or closed-cell foams). Suitable non-porous structures include, for example, films. The anvil support 70 can be a single porous or non-porous layer, or include multiple layers having any combination of porous layers and non-porous layers. For example, the anvil support can include multiple porous layers and non-porous layers stacked in an alternating manner. In another example, the anvil support can be formed in a "sandwich-like" manner, in which the outer layer is porous and the inner layer is non-porous, or vice versa.

[0047] The porous layer in the surgical buttress can enhance the ability of the surgical buttress to absorb fluid, reduce bleeding, and / or seal the wound. Moreover, the porous layer can allow tissue to grow inward to fix the surgical buttress in place. The non-porous layer in the surgical buttress can enhance the ability of the surgical buttress to resist tearing and perforation during the manufacturing, transportation, handling and / or stapling process. Moreover, the non-porous layer can delay or prevent tissue from growing inward from the surrounding tissue, thereby acting as an adhesion barrier and preventing the formation of unwanted scar tissue.

[0048] Continue to refer Figure 4 The anvil buttress loading tool 80 is configured to releasably retain the anvil buttress 70 therein and to load the anvil assembly 50 ( Figure 2 ) is received therein for loading the anvil buttress 70 onto the anvil assembly 50 (e.g., transferring the anvil buttress 70 from the anvil buttress loading tool 80 to the anvil assembly 50). The anvil buttress loading tool 80 has a two-part construction including a carrier 82 and a cover 84. The carrier 82 and the cover 84 are releasably engaged with each other via a snap-fit ​​connector 85, however, other mating structures and relationships are contemplated to releasably secure the carrier 82 and the cover 84 together. Alternatively, the carrier 82 and the cover 84 can be formed as a single, inseparable piece.

[0049] The carrier 82 and the cover 84 together define a proximal opening 81 that leads into a cavity 83 defined between the carrier 82 and the cover 84. The proximal opening 81 and the cavity 83 are similar in size and shape to the anvil assembly 50 ( Figure 2 ) and is thus configured so that the tissue-facing surface 56 ( Figure 2 ) is slidably received in an orientation facing the carrier 82.

[0050] The carrier 82 has a support plate 86 that is sized to receive the support body 72 of the anvil support 70 thereon. The proximal portion 82a of the carrier 82 includes a pair of stop members 87 (generally referred to herein as stop members), a pair of proximal protrusions 88 (generally referred to herein as proximal protrusions), and a clamping roller 90. The stop members 87 extend proximally from opposite sides of the support plate 86 and are configured and sized to contact the side wall 54a of the anvil cover 54 when the anvil support loading tool 80 is fully loaded onto the anvil assembly 50. Figure 2 ). A proximal protrusion 88 extends proximally from the support plate 86 and is disposed between the stop members 87. The proximal protrusion 88 is configured and dimensioned to engage the proximal tab 74 of the anvil buttress 70 to retain the proximal portion 70a of the anvil buttress 70 on the anvil buttress loading tool 80. A clamp roller 90 extends proximally from the support plate 86 and is disposed between the proximal protrusions 88.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the clamp roller 90 includes a post 92 extending proximally from the support plate 86 and a cylinder 94 extending laterally from the proximal end portion 92a of the post 92. The position of the cylinder 94 corresponds to the position of the snap clip 60 on the anvil assembly 50. The size and shape of the cylinder 94 are determined to apply a force to the snap clip 60 (e.g., act as a cam surface) when the anvil support loading tool 80 is moved onto the anvil assembly 40 and moved away from the anvil assembly so as to change the configuration of the snap clip 60 between the open position and the closed position. In some aspects, the cylinder 94 rotates relative to the post 92, and in other aspects, the cylinder 94 is non-rotatably connected to the post 92.

[0052] Reference again Figure 4 , the size and shape of the cover 84 are determined to cover the support plate 86 of the carrier 82. The proximal portion 82a of the carrier 82 (e.g., the stop member 87, the proximal protrusion 88, and the clamping roller 90) is not covered by the cover 84. The distal portion 84b of the cover 84 includes at least one distal protrusion 96 extending outward from the outer surface 89 of the cover 84 and at least one distal opening 91 defined through the cover 84 and disposed proximal to the distal protrusion 96. The distal opening 91 is configured and sized to allow the distal wing 78 to pass through the cavity 83 of the anvil buttress loading tool 80, and the distal protrusion 96 is configured and sized to engage the distal wing 78 of the anvil buttress 70 to retain the distal portion 70b of the anvil buttress 70 on the anvil buttress loading tool 80. In some aspects, such as in, for example Figure 4As seen in FIG. 8 , the cover 84 includes a plurality of distal openings and protrusions 91, 96 (e.g., two distal openings 91 and two distal protrusions 96) to accommodate anvil buttresses 70 of different lengths. The cover 84 also includes handles 98 extending laterally from opposite sides of the distal end portion 84b of the cover 84 for user manipulation.

[0053] In the method of loading the anvil buttress 70 onto the anvil buttress loading tool 80, the cover 84 of the anvil buttress loading tool 80 is separated from the carrier 82, such as Figure 4 84, so that the anvil buttress 70 can be placed into the anvil buttress loading tool 80. The anvil buttress 70 is positioned on the carrier 82, wherein the buttress body 72 is positioned against the support plate 86, and the proximal tab 74 engages with the proximal protrusion 88. The distal wing 78 is positioned to pass through the distal opening 91 in the cover 84, and the distal opening 79 in the distal wing 78 engages with the distal protrusion 96 on the cover 84. The cover 84 is then snap-fitted onto the carrier 82, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 80 to load the anvil buttress 70 in the anvil buttress loading tool 80. In the loading configuration, the buttress body 72 and the distal tab 76 are retained in the cavity 83 of the anvil buttress loading tool 80, the distal wing 78 extends distally out of the distal opening 91, and the proximal tab 74 extends proximally out of the proximal opening 81. The proximal tab 74 and the distal wing 78 help maintain the alignment of the anvil buttress 70 on the anvil buttress loading tool 80. Alternatively, the anvil buttress 70 can be passed through the proximal opening 81 into (e.g., slid into) the cavity 83 of the anvil buttress loading tool 80, and the proximal tab 74 and the distal wing 78 are manipulated to engage the corresponding proximal protrusion 88 and the distal protrusion 96.

[0054] In the method of loading the anvil assembly 50 with the anvil buttress 70, an anvil buttress loading tool 80 (eg, Figure 6 ) relative to the anvil assembly 50 (as seen in Figure 2 8 (seen in FIG. 1 ) is positioned so that the proximal opening 81 in the cavity 83 leading to the anvil buttress loading tool 80 is aligned with the anvil tip 58 of the anvil assembly 50, and the anvil buttress 70 faces the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil assembly 50. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the anvil buttress loading tool 80 is slid proximally on the anvil assembly 50 to advance the anvil buttress loading tool 80 onto the anvil assembly 50 so that the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil assembly 50 is adjacent to or in contact with the anvil buttress 70. Additionally or alternatively, the anvil assembly 50 can be slid distally through the proximal opening 81 into the cavity 83 of the anvil buttress loading tool 80.

[0055] During this sliding movement, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the clamping roller 90 is at the far side of the snap clip 60 set in the closed position and is aligned with it. When the clamping roller 90 approaches the snap clip 60, the cylindrical body 94 of the clamping roller 90 contacts the snap clip 60, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, when the clamp roller 90 moves proximally thereon and exceeds the snap clip 60, the snap clip 60 is effectively snapped from the closed position to the open position, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 In the open position, the distal tip 66 of the snap clip 60 is lifted off the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil assembly 50 (e.g., out of the notch 55), thereby allowing the proximal portion 70a of the anvil buttress 70 to slide between the tissue-facing surface 56 and the snap clip 60. The anvil buttress loading tool 80 is advanced onto the anvil assembly 50 until the stop member 87 contacts the side wall 54a of the anvil cover 54, as shown. Fig.11 When the anvil assembly 50 is fully advanced into the anvil support loading tool 80, the anvil tip 58 ( Figure 2 ) extends through the distal window 77 defined through the anvil support 70 ( Figure 4 ).

[0056] After the anvil assembly 50 is fully advanced into the anvil buttress loading tool 80, the anvil buttress loading tool 80 can be separated from the anvil assembly 50 by sliding the anvil buttress loading tool 80 and / or the anvil assembly 50 in opposite directions. When the anvil assembly 50 and the anvil buttress loading tool 80 are separated from each other, the cylindrical body 94 of the clamp roller 90 passes the snap clamp 60 backward, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 50, thereby moving the snap clip 60 back to the closed position. The distal tip 66 of the snap clip 60 snaps back downward toward the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil assembly, and more specifically snaps into the recess 55, thereby capturing the proximal end portion 70a of the anvil buttress 70 to the anvil assembly 50. In addition, during the separation of the anvil buttress loading tool 80 from the anvil assembly 50, the distal wing 78 ( Figure 6 ) is torn away from the anvil buttress 70 and remains on the anvil buttress loading tool. Alternatively, the distal wing 78 can be torn or otherwise detached from the distal protrusion 96 during the separation of the anvil buttress loading tool 80 from the anvil assembly 50 and remain attached to the anvil buttress 70.

[0057] After the anvil support loading tool 80 is separated from the anvil assembly 50, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 and Fig.14As shown, the anvil assembly 50 is loaded with an anvil buttress 70. Specifically, the proximal end portion 70a of the anvil buttress 70 is retained on the anvil assembly 50 by the snap clip 60, and the distal end portion 70b of the anvil buttress 70 is retained on the anvil assembly 50 by the engagement of the distal tab 76 with the anvil tip 58 via the distal window 77.

[0058] Surgical suturing equipment1 ( Figure 1 ) is ready for use with anvil assembly 50 loaded with anvil buttress 70. In various aspects, staple cartridge assembly 40 is preloaded and / or loaded with a cartridge buttress (not explicitly shown). The cartridge buttress may be releasably secured to staple cartridge assembly 40 via any suitable attachment feature within the purview of one skilled in the art, such as a mechanical attachment feature (e.g., sutures, pins), a chemical attachment feature (e.g., an adhesive), and / or an attachment method (e.g., welding).

[0059] In operation, as described above, with the tool assembly 32 loaded with anvil buttress 70, the surgical stapling device 1 is used according to methods known to those skilled in the art. Once the staple cartridge 40 and the anvil assembly 50 are clamped to the tissue, the surgical stapling device 1 is fired, thereby staples the anvil buttress 70 to the tissue and cuts and divides the tissue and the anvil buttress 70 disposed between the rows of formed staples. When the firing is completed and the staple cartridge 40 and the anvil assembly 50 are released, the anvil buttress 70 now stapled to the tissue is pulled away from the anvil assembly 50, and the tool assembly 32 can be removed from the surgical site. The snap clip 60 remains engaged with the anvil buttress 70 throughout the clamping and firing, and remains in a closed position after firing, but the anvil buttress 70 now stapled to the tissue can slide out of the snap clip 60. In some aspects, the used staple cartridge 42 can be removed from the tool assembly 34 and replaced with a new staple cartridge 42, and in some other aspects, the loading unit 30 can be replaced with a new loading unit 30. As described above, a new anvil buttress 70 may be installed onto anvil assembly 50 via anvil buttress loading tool 80 as needed or desired.

[0060] It should be understood that the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil plate 52 and / or the snap clip 60 may have other configurations. For example, although the notch 55 is defined between the most proximal pair of staple forming recesses 53, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 53, but it should be understood that the notch 55 can be defined on the proximal side of all staple forming pockets 53, or no notch can be provided, and when the snap clip 60 is in the closed position, the distal end 60b of the snap clip 60 can rest directly against the tissue-facing surface 56. As another example, the step 57 can be omitted, and the proximal end 60a of the snap clip 60 can be directly attached to the tissue-facing surface 56 of the anvil plate 52.

[0061] As yet another example, a second snap clip 60 may be provided on the other side of the central longitudinal slot 51 of the tissue-facing surface 56. In such an aspect, the configurations of the anvil plate 52 and the anvil buttress loading tool 80 on both sides of the central longitudinal slot 51 are mirror images of each other. Alternatively, a different anvil buttress retaining mechanism may be used on the other side central longitudinal slot 51, and the anvil buttress loading tool 80 may be modified to actuate the anvil buttress retaining mechanism.

[0062] Although various aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the disclosure thereto, as the purpose is that the scope of the disclosure should be as wide as possible within the scope allowed by the art, and the specification should be read in the same manner. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the precise aspects described, and that various other changes and modifications may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be understood as limiting, but rather as merely an example of various aspects of the disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. An anvil support loading system, comprising: an anvil assembly including a tissue-facing surface and a snap clip disposed on the tissue-facing surface, the snap clip being movable between a closed position having a generally concave shape relative to the tissue-facing surface and an open position having a generally convex shape relative to the tissue-facing surface; an anvil buttress loading tool comprising a carrier having a support plate and a clamping roller extending proximally from the support plate; and an anvil support, the anvil support comprising a support body, The anvil support is releasably retained on the anvil support loading tool, wherein the support body is positioned on the support plate, the anvil support is transferable from the anvil support loading tool to the anvil assembly so that the support body is captured between the snap clamp and the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly, the snap clamp being capable of being moved from the closed position to the open position by the clamp roller when the anvil support loading tool is advanced onto the anvil assembly, and from the open position to the closed position when the anvil support loading tool is separated from the anvil assembly.

2. The anvil support loading system of claim 1, wherein: The clamp roller is configured to move the free end of the snap clip away from the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly when the anvil buttress loading tool is advanced onto the anvil assembly, and to move the free end of the snap clip toward the tissue-facing surface when the anvil buttress loading tool is separated from the anvil assembly.

3. The anvil support loading system of claim 1 , wherein: The nip roller includes a post extending proximally from the support plate and a cylindrical body extending laterally from the post.

4. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 1 , wherein: In the closed position, the free end of the snap clip is adjacent to the tissue-facing surface, and in the open position, the free end of the snap clip is spaced apart from the tissue-facing surface.

5. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 1, wherein: The snap clip includes a proximal end secured to the tissue-facing surface of the anvil plate and a distal end movable relative to the tissue-facing surface, the distal end configured to retain the anvil buttress against the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly.

6. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 1, wherein: The snap clip has a generally tear drop shape and defines an opening therethrough.

7. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 6, wherein: The snap clip includes a proximal base defining a maximum width dimension of the snap clip and a distal tip defining a minimum width dimension of the snap clip.

8. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 7, wherein: A pair of arms extend from opposite sides of the proximal base, the pair of arms converging toward each other and connected at the distal tip.

9. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 1, wherein: The snap clip is disposed on a proximal portion of the anvil assembly and is configured to retain a proximal portion of the anvil buttress against the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly.

10. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 9, wherein: The anvil assembly includes an anvil tip, and the anvil buttress includes a distal window defined through a distal portion of the anvil buttress, the distal window being configured to engage the anvil tip to retain the distal portion of the anvil buttress on the anvil assembly.

11. An anvil support loading assembly, comprising: an anvil buttress loading tool including a carrier having a support plate and a clamping roller extending proximally from the support plate; as well as an anvil support, the anvil support comprising a support body, The anvil buttress is releasably retained on the anvil buttress loading tool, with the buttress body positioned on the buttress plate.

12. The anvil buttress loading assembly of claim 11, wherein: The nip roller includes a post extending proximally from the support plate and a cylindrical body extending laterally from the post.

13. The anvil buttress loading assembly of claim 11, wherein: The anvil buttress loading tool includes a pair of proximal projections extending from the buttress plate, and the anvil buttress includes a pair of proximal tabs extending from the buttress body, the pair of proximal tabs engaging the pair of proximal projections.

14. The anvil buttress loading assembly of claim 13, wherein: The nip roller is disposed between the pair of proximal projections.

15. The anvil buttress loading assembly of claim 11, wherein: The anvil buttress loading tool further includes a cover disposed on the support plate of the carrier.

16. The anvil buttress loading assembly of claim 15, wherein: The cover includes a distal protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cover and a distal opening disposed proximal to the distal protrusion, and the anvil buttress includes a distal tab extending through the distal opening and engaging with the distal protrusion.

17. A tool assembly comprising: Nail cartridge assembly; as well as An anvil assembly includes a tissue-facing surface and a snap clip disposed on the tissue-facing surface, the snap clip being movable between a closed position having a generally concave shape relative to the tissue-facing surface and an open position having a generally convex shape relative to the tissue-facing surface.

18. The tool assembly of claim 17, wherein: In the closed position, the free end of the snap clip is adjacent to the tissue-facing surface, and in the open position, the free end of the snap clip is spaced apart from the tissue-facing surface.

19. The tool assembly of claim 17, further comprising an anvil buttress having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is releasably retained on the anvil assembly by the snap clip when the snap clip is in the closed position.

20. The tool assembly of claim 19, wherein: The anvil assembly includes an anvil head, and the distal portion of the anvil buttress defines a distal window therethrough, the distal portion being releasably retained on the anvil assembly by engagement of the anvil head through the distal window.

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