Linear surgical stapler

Abstract

An apparatus includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member having a first suture surface and a second suture surface and configured to be releasably coupled together. The gripping member is movable from a first position to a second position to access the stapling surface to grip tissue. The latch member is transitionable from an unlatched state to a latched state to releasably retain the gripping member in the second position. The firing assembly is actuatable from a home position to fire the staples into the clamped tissue. The latch member is transitionable from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position and the firing assembly is in the home position. The latch member is inhibited from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position and the firing assembly is displaced from the home position.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 352,093, filed on June 16, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 423,300, filed on November 7, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Background Art

[0003] In some surgical procedures such as gastrointestinal anastomosis, it may be desirable to clamp one or more tissue layers, cut through the clamped layers, and simultaneously drive the nail through the layers to substantially seal the cut layers together near the cut ends of the tissue layers. A type of such instrument that can be used in such surgery is a linear surgical stapler, also referred to as a "linear cutter". A linear surgical stapler generally includes a first half (referred to as a "bin half" or "reload half") and a second half (referred to as an "anvil half"), the first half having a distal jaw configured to support a staple cartridge (or "reload"), and the second half having a distal jaw supporting an anvil surface with a staple forming feature structure. The stapler also includes a movable clamping lever, which is configured to releasably clamp these stapler halves together. These stapler halves are configured to releasably couple together and pivot relative to each other to clamp the tissue between the two distal jaws when the clamping lever is closed. The firing assembly of stapler is configured to be able to actuate to cut the clamped layer and drive nail to pass the tissue on either side of cutting line simultaneously.After stapler is fired, clamping lever can be opened and stapler half part separates to release the tissue of cutting off and stitching.

[0004] While various surgical stapling instruments and associated components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary linear surgical stapler is shown showing the cartridge half and the anvil half of the stapler coupled together with the clamping levers of the cartridge half in a fully closed position;

[0007] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a linear surgical stapler, further showing a staple cartridge;

[0008] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a distal end portion of an anvil half of a linear surgical stapler;

[0009] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of a distal end portion of a staple cartridge;

[0010] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of a cartridge half of a linear surgical stapler with a clamping lever in an open position to show details of a firing assembly and a retaining assembly of the cartridge half;

[0011] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a retaining assembly;

[0012] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 Another exploded perspective view of the retaining assembly;

[0013] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 A perspective view of a firing assembly;

[0014] Fig. 9 Shown include Figure 2 A perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly of a staple cartridge;

[0015] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly;

[0016] Fig.11 Shows Fig. 9 A top plan view of a nail bin;

[0017] Fig.12 Shows Fig. 9 A rear elevation view of a nail magazine;

[0018] Fig.13 Shows Fig. 9 an enlarged perspective view of a distal portion of a staple cartridge showing a tissue grasping member formed on a platform of the staple cartridge;

[0019] Fig.14 Shows Fig. 9 an enlarged perspective view of a deck portion of a staple cartridge showing a bridge element of a tissue grasping member and showing staple drivers and staples of the staple cartridge in an actuated state;

[0020] Fig.15 yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of a staple driver unit of a staple cartridge and a corresponding pair of staples;

[0021] Fig.16 Shows Fig. 9 A side elevation view of a nail magazine;

[0022] Fig.17 shows a side elevation view of another exemplary staple cartridge configured for use with a linear surgical stapler;

[0023] Fig.18 A side elevation view of another illustrative staple cartridge configured for use with a linear surgical stapler is shown.

[0024] Fig.19A Shows Figure 1 A side elevation view of a linear surgical stapler of , showing the stapler halves separated from each other and the clamping lever in an open position;

[0025] Fig.19B Shows Figure 1 A side elevation view of a linear surgical stapler of , showing the proximal ends of the stapler halves coupled together to provide the stapler in a "hanging open" state when the clamping lever is in an open position;

[0026] Fig.19C Shows Figure 1 A side elevation view of a linear surgical stapler showing distal portions of stapler halves having been approximated such that a distal pin of anvil half is received by a clamping lever jaw of cartridge half;

[0027] Fig.19D Shows Figure 1 A side elevation view of a linear surgical stapler of , showing the closure of the clamping levers completely clamping the stapler halves together;

[0028] Fig.19E Shows Figure 1 A side elevation view of a linear surgical stapler of , showing distal actuation of the firing assembly when the stapler halves are in a fully clamped state;

[0029] Fig. 20 A perspective view of a proximal portion of another exemplary linear surgical stapler is shown with the cartridge half and the anvil half of the stapler coupled together, with the clamping lever of the cartridge half in a fully closed position and the latching member of the clamping lever in a latched state;

[0030] Fig.21 Shows Fig. 20 A perspective view of a clamping lever latch member of a linear surgical stapler;

[0031] Fig. 22 Shows Fig. 20A side cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of a linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing details of a firing assembly, a retaining assembly, and a clamp lever latch member of a cartridge half, showing the clamp lever in a fully closed position when the firing assembly is displaced from a proximal home position, wherein the latch member is in an unlatched state;

[0032] Fig.23 Shows Fig. 20 A side cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of a linear surgical stapler showing a latch member in a latched state when the firing assembly is in a proximal home position;

[0033] Fig.24 Shows Fig. 20 A side view of the proximal portion of a linear surgical stapler of the type shown, showing a protrusion located at the proximal end of the cover of the anvil half and contacting a retaining member of the cartridge half to resist disengagement of the proximal end of the stapler half when the stapler is in a hanging open state

[0034] Fig.25A A side elevation view of another exemplary linear surgical stapler is shown showing a clamping lever of the stapler in an open position;

[0035] Fig.25B Shows Fig.25A A side elevation view of a linear surgical stapler showing a clamping lever in a partially closed, unlatched position; and

[0036] Fig.25C Shows Fig.25A A side elevation view of a linear surgical stapler showing the clamping lever in a fully closed, unlatched position.

[0037] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be performed in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention; however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following description of certain examples of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. According to the following description shown by way of example, other examples, features, aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and a best mode is contemplated for implementing the present invention. As will be appreciated, the present invention can have other different and obvious aspects, all of which do not depart from the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered to be illustrative and non-restrictive in nature.

[0039] For clarity of disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a surgeon or other operator grasping a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" refers to a position where an element is disposed closer to the surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to a position where an element is disposed closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from the surgeon. In addition, to the extent that spatial terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like are used herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that such terms are used for illustrative descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In this regard, it should be understood that surgical instruments such as those disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positions not limited to those shown and described herein.

[0040] Additionally, the terms "about" and "approximately" as used herein in connection with any numerical values ​​or ranges represent a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the referenced features to function for the intended purpose described herein.

[0041] I. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler

[0042] A. Overview of Linear Surgical Staplers

[0043] Figure 1 to Figure 2 An exemplary linear surgical stapler (10) (also referred to as a "linear cutter") suitable for use in a variety of cutting and stapling procedures (such as gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures) is shown. The linear surgical stapler (10) includes a cartridge half (12) (also referred to as a "reloading half") and an anvil half (14), which are configured to be releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween for simultaneous cutting and stapling of the clamped tissue.

[0044] The cartridge half (12) includes a first elongated member in the form of an elongated cartridge channel (16) having a proximal frame portion (18) and a distal jaw portion (20). The proximal frame portion (18) slidably holds the firing assembly (110) and includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (22). Each side flange (22) includes a vertical slot (24) disposed at its distal end and a tapered recess (26) disposed at its proximal end. An outwardly protruding rigid rib (28) extends longitudinally between the distal slot (24) and the proximal recess (26) of each side flange (22) and is configured to provide enhanced rigidity to the side flange (22). An outwardly flared upper section (30) defines an upper edge of the proximal portion of each side flange (22) and is configured to facilitate the cartridge half (12) to receive the anvil half (14). Each side flange (22) also includes an elongated firing slot (32) extending longitudinally along the underside of the side flange (22) between the proximal notch (26) and the distal slot (24). The elongated firing slot (32) is configured to guide the firing assembly (110) between a proximal position and a distal position. Figure 8 Firing assembly (110) is described in greater detail.

[0045] The distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16) is configured to releasably receive (or "reload") a staple cartridge (140). Figure 4 and Figures 9 to 16 As shown, staple cartridge (140) includes a cartridge body (142) having an upper side defining a first suturing surface in the form of a platform (156) having a plurality of staple openings (166) for accommodating a plurality of staples (168) and corresponding staple drivers (172) (see Fig.16 ). Exemplary features of the staple cartridge (140) are described below in conjunction with Figures 9 to 16 Describe in more detail.

[0046] The bin half (12) further includes a clamping member (also referred to as a "clamping arm" or "latch lever") in the form of a clamping lever (40) pivotably coupled to the bin channel (16) using a clamping lever pivot pin (42) disposed generally aligned with the distal slot (24) of the bin channel side flange (22). The clamping lever (40) includes an elongated lever arm (44) having a free proximal end (46) and a distal end pivotably coupled to a lower portion of the bin channel (16) using the pivot pin (42). A pair of opposed jaws (48) extend distally from the distal end of the lever arm (44) beside the bin channel side flange (22). Each jaw (48) includes a curved slot (50) having a closed proximal end and an open distal end configured to receive a latch pin (68) of anvil half-section (14), as described below.

[0047] The clamping lever (40) is operable to pivot relative to the cartridge channel (16) between an open position and a closed position, wherein the proximal end (46) of the lever arm (44) is spaced apart from the cartridge channel frame portion (18) (as described below). FIG. 19A to FIG. 19C In the closed position, the proximal end (46) faces the bin channel frame portion (18) (as described below). Fig. 9 D). Actuation of the clamping lever (40) from the open position to the closed position serves to capture the opposite side ends of the latch pin (68) within the clamping lever jaw slot (50) and thereby clamp the anvil half (14) against the cartridge half (12), as described below in conjunction with FIG. 19C to FIG. 19D As shown and described. In this regard, the curvature of each jaw slot (50) defines a corresponding upper cam surface and a lower cam surface, which are configured to engage the corresponding side ends of the latch pin (68) and pull it toward the bin channel (16) when the clamping lever (40) is pivotally closed. A resilient member shown in the form of a leaf spring (52) biases the lever arm (44) toward the open position. Therefore, when the clamping lever (40) is initially advanced from the closed position toward the open position, the leaf spring (52) promotes the clamping lever jaws (48) to disengage from the anvil half latch pin (68).

[0048] like Figure 2As best shown, the clamping lever (40) also includes a latch member (54) disposed at the proximal end (46) of the lever arm (44). The clamping lever latch member (54) is configured to elastically and releasably engage the proximal end of the cartridge channel frame portion (18) and thereby releasably retain the clamping lever (40) in a closed position, for example, when the stapler (10) is fired. The clamping lever latch member (54) may also be constructed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 11,278,285, entitled “Clamping Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler,” issued on March 22, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary variations of the clamping lever latch member (54) are described below in conjunction with Figure 20 to Figure 23 Describe in more detail.

[0049] The anvil half (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) includes a second elongated member in the form of an elongated anvil channel (60), the elongated anvil channel having a proximal frame portion (62) and a distal jaw portion (64). The proximal frame portion (62) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (66), which are configured to be received between the chamber channel side flanges (22) when the anvil half (14) is connected to the chamber half (12). A distal latch projection in the form of a latch pin (68) extends laterally through the distal end of the anvil channel side flange (66), and a proximal pivot projection in the form of a proximal pin (70) extends laterally through the proximal end of the anvil channel side flange (66). The anvil half pins (68, 70) are configured to facilitate the connection of the anvil half (14) with the chamber half (12), as described below.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) supports an anvil plate (72), which defines a second suturing surface in the form of an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming recesses (74), which are configured to deform the legs of the staples ejected from the staple cartridge (140) when the stapler (10) is fired. The staple forming recesses (74) of this example can be formed via an embossing process and are configured to enable each staple in the staple cartridge (140) to form a three-dimensional shape, wherein the legs of each formed staple are laterally offset from each other to provide a non-planar shape for the formed staples, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433, entitled “Linear Surgical Stapler”, published on January 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The anvil channel (60), anvil plate (72) and staple forming pockets (74) may be formed in one or more of the ways disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433; U.S. Patent No. 11,045,193, entitled "Anvil Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler" issued on June 29, 2021; and / or U.S. Publication No. 2022 / 0142641, entitled "System and Method for Forming Pockets in Anvil of Surgical Stapler" published on May 12, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) may be preformed with a certain curvature along its length, which accommodates the deflection of the distal jaw portion (64) and the anvil plate (72) when the stapler halves (12, 14) are clamped together by the clamping lever (40). The distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) further supports a tapered distal tip member (76). In some versions, the distal tip member (76) can be selectively extended relative to the distal jaw portion (64) in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 11,033,266, entitled "Decoupling Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued on June 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the linear surgical stapler (10) also includes a pair of covers (56, 78), which cover the selected portion of the stapler (10) and enhance the operator's effective grip and manipulation of the stapler (10) during use. In this example, the clamping lever cover (56) is attached to and covers the outward-facing side of the clamping lever (40), so that the clamping lever cover (56) is configured to pivot relative to the bin channel (16) with the clamping lever (40). In addition, the anvil cover (78) is attached to and covers the outward-facing side of the anvil channel (60). In some versions, the anvil cover (78) can be connected to the anvil channel (60) via the interaction between the pin (68, 70) and one or more tabs, ribs or other structures, which are arranged in the interior of the anvil cover (78) and include an opening, a slot, a key hole or other feature configured to receive a corresponding one of the pins (68, 70). By way of example only, covers (56, 78) may be attached using one or more of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 11,278,285, which is incorporated by reference above. In other versions, covers (56, 78) may be coupled to clamp lever (40) and anvil channel (60) in various other suitable ways as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 As best shown, the proximal end of the magazine half (12) includes a retaining assembly (80) that is configured to releasably retain the anvil half (14) and a portion of the firing assembly (110). The retaining assembly (80) of this example includes a first movable retaining member in the form of an anvil latch member (82) and a second movable retaining member in the form of a stop member (84). The anvil latch member (82) and the stop member (84) are rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the magazine channel (16) via a laterally extending pin (85) disposed proximal to the firing slot (32), and the members (82, 84) are resiliently biased in opposite rotational directions by a resilient member in the form of a torsion spring (86) positioned between the members (82, 84).

[0053] The anvil latch member (82) includes a central body (88), a latch finger (90) extending upwardly from the central body (88), and a release button (92) extending downwardly from the central body (88) through the base wall of the proximal frame portion (18) of the chamber channel (16). The upper end of the latch finger (90) tapers distally and is configured to releasably capture the proximal anvil pin (70) of the anvil half (14) with an angled latch surface (94) that covers the proximal anvil pin (70) once captured. The anvil latch member (82) also includes a pin ejection feature in the form of an angled protrusion (96) extending distally from the base portion of the latch finger (90) and defining an ejection cam ramp (98) facing the latch finger (90) proximally.

[0054] The stop member (84) of the proximal retention assembly (80) includes a generally cylindrical central body (100), a distal finger (102) extending distally from the central body (100), and a proximal hook (104) extending proximally from the central body (100). The distal finger (102) is configured to releasably engage the proximal end of the firing assembly (110) and thereby retain the firing assembly (110) in a proximal home position. The proximal hook (104) is configured to cover and capture the upper end of the clamping lever latch member (54) when the clamping lever (40) is fully closed and the firing assembly (110) is translated distally from its proximal home position, thereby preventing the clamping lever (40) from opening during the firing stroke, for example, as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 11,278,285, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0055] In use, with the stapler halves (12, 14) coupled together at their proximal ends so that the proximal anvil pin (70) is retained by the anvil latch member (82), and with the clamping lever (40) in the open position, distal actuation of the lower release button (92) causes the anvil latch member (82) to rotate about the pin (85), causing the ejector cam ramp (98) to advance proximally to drive the proximal anvil pin (70) upwardly out of the proximal tapered recess (26) of the cartridge channel (16). The cartridge half (12) of this version also includes a stationary finger gripping projection (106) extending downwardly from the base wall of the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16) at a location distal to the lower release button (92) and configured to facilitate actuation of the release button (92). Specifically, the user can apply his or her thumb to the proximal side of the release button (92) and one or more fingers to the distal side of the finger gripping protrusion (106), and then squeeze the release button (92) distally toward the stationary finger gripping protrusion (106) to rotate the latch finger (90) out of engagement with the proximal anvil pin (70) and eject the pin (70) upward from the magazine channel (16) using the ejection cam ramp (98).

[0056] The retaining assembly (80) and associated components of the cartridge half (12) may be constructed and operated in accordance with the teachings of one or more of: U.S. Patent No. 10,898,187, entitled “Firing System for Linear Surgical Stapler,” issued on January 26, 2021; and / or U.S. Patent No. 11,033,266, which are incorporated by reference above.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, the firing assembly (110) of the cartridge half (12) includes a slide (112), a pair of actuators (114, 116) (or "firing knobs") pivotably coupled to the slide (112), and a set of elongated beams (118, 122) extending distally from the slide (112). A pair of side beams (118) are coupled to the distal end of the slide (112) at their proximal ends and terminate distally in a pair of cam ramps (120). The cam ramps (120) are configured to engage a staple driver (172) housed in a staple cartridge (140) (see Fig.10 and Fig.15) and actuates the staple driver (172) upwardly, thereby driving (or "firing") staples from the cartridge (130) into the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge (140) and the anvil plate (72). The center beam (122) is coupled to the side beams (118) via a bridging member (124) (or "knife block") that is distally spaced from the slide (112). The center beam (122) terminates distally in a distally angled knife member (126) having a distal cutting edge (128) configured to cut tissue clamped between the distal portions of the stapler halves (12, 14).

[0058] Each actuator (114, 116) of the firing assembly (110) is configured to be rotatable relative to the slide (112) between a deployed position and a retracted position so that only one actuator (114, 116) can be deployed at a time, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,898,187, which is incorporated by reference above. In the deployed position, the actuator (114, 116) can be driven distally by an operator to actuate the firing assembly (110) to pass distally through the stapler (10), thereby simultaneously cutting and suturing the tissue clamped between the stapler halves (12, 14).

[0059] B. Illustrative nail bin

[0060] Figures 9 to 16 An exemplary staple cartridge assembly (130) configured for use with a linear surgical stapler (10) is shown. The staple cartridge assembly (130) includes a staple cartridge (140) and a retainer (132) configured to be releasably coupled to the staple cartridge (140) to retain staples (168) in the staple cartridge (140) prior to use.

[0061] The staple cartridge (140) includes a cartridge body (142) extending linearly along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having a cartridge channel coupling feature in the form of a plurality of downwardly extending coupling legs (144, 146) (also referred to as "teeth"), and the distal end having a tapered nose (150). The coupling legs (144, 146) are configured to releasably capture a clamping lever pivot pin (42) and extend downwardly through a corresponding opening formed in a floor of the cartridge channel (16) when the staple cartridge (140) is positioned within a distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16). A pair of swing tabs (152) disposed on a side of the cartridge body (142) near the proximal end are configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the staple cartridge (140) relative to the distal jaw portion (20). As Fig. 20As shown, the inner side of each swing tab (152) includes a bevel (154) at its proximal end that serves as a release feature to provide clearance for the side wall of the distal jaw portion (20) to facilitate installation and removal of the staple cartridge (140) without interference.

[0062] The upper side of the cartridge body (142) defines a platform (156). An elongated knife slot (158) extends longitudinally through the platform (156) along the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge (140) and is configured to slidably receive its knife member (126) therethrough in response to distal actuation of the firing assembly (110), as described above. A firing lockout bypass feature in the form of a swinging tab (160) is rotatably coupled to the cartridge body (142) at the proximal end of the knife slot (158). The swinging tab (160) is configured to be rotatable between a deployed position and a retracted position, in which the swinging tab (160) extends vertically across the proximal end of the knife slot (158) and in which the swinging tab (160) extends parallel to the knife slot (158). The swinging insert (160) in the deployed position is configured to push the firing assembly (110) from a locked state to a fired state, in which the firing beams (118, 122) can translate distally through the staple cartridge (140) to perform suturing and cutting of tissue clamped by the stapler (10).

[0063] A rigid tissue gap post (162) is fixed at the distal end of the knife slot (158) and protrudes upward away from the cartridge platform (156). The circular upper end of the tissue gap post (162) is configured to contact the distal end of the anvil plate (72) and thereby define a tissue gap of predetermined size between the cartridge platform (156) and the anvil plate (72) when the stapler halves (12, 14) are clamped together in the manner described above.

[0064] A pair of elongated ribs (164) extend along opposite sides of the knife slot (158) and protrude away from the platform (156) to define a raised surface. The elongated ribs (164) terminate at the proximal and distal ends of the knife slot (158) and are configured to promote enhanced gripping of tissue along the knife slot (158), thereby stabilizing the tissue during cutting by the knife member (126).

[0065] The cartridge body (142) of the staple cartridge (140) further includes a plurality of staple openings (166) extending transversely through the cartridge body (142) and opening toward the platform (156). In the present example, the staple openings (166) are arranged in a first and second parallel row along each side of the knife slot (158) such that the staple openings (166) of each row are longitudinally staggered relative to the staple openings (166) of the adjacent row. It should be appreciated that various suitable arrangements and quantities of staple openings (166) may be provided in other versions of the staple cartridge (140). Each staple opening (166) is configured to accommodate a corresponding staple (168) and staple driver (172). As described above, the cam ramp (120) of the firing assembly (110) is configured to engage the underside of the staple driver (172) and actuate the staple driver (172) upward within the staple opening (166) to drive (or "fire") the staple (170) from the staple opening (166) into tissue and against the anvil plate (72).

[0066] like Figure 13 to Figure 14 As best shown, the staple cartridge (140) further includes a plurality of tissue gripping members (180) disposed on and projecting upwardly from the cartridge platform (156). The tissue gripping members (180) are distributed along the length of the platform (156) and are laterally offset from the knife slot (158) and the elongated ribs (164) to align with and open to one or more corresponding staple openings (166). The tissue gripping members (180) are configured to grip and thereby stabilize tissue when the platform (156) and the anvil plate (72) are clamped together; and in addition, to optimize tissue compression at the staple locations to facilitate effective suturing and cutting of tissue. The tissue gripping members (180) of this type are integrally connected to the cartridge body (142).

[0067] Each tissue grasping member (180) includes a first end feature (182) and an opposing second end feature (182), the first end feature partially wrapping around a first end portion of a staple opening (166), the second end feature partially wrapping around an opposing second end portion of the same staple opening (166). A pair of bridge elements (184) extend between the first end feature (182) and the second end feature (182) along opposing sides of the staple opening (166) and are recessed relative to the first end feature (182) and the second end feature (182). Thus, each bridge element (184) has a maximum height relative to the platform (156) that is less than the maximum height of each of the first end feature (182) and the second end feature (182). Each pair of bridge elements (184) is configured to cooperate with a corresponding end feature (182) to compress and grasp tissue surrounding a corresponding staple opening (166) and guide a corresponding staple driver (172) toward anvil plate (72) during staple leg formation without contacting the legs of the corresponding staples (168). Such compression of tissue by the end features (182) and bridge elements (184) helps grasp and stabilize the tissue while also minimizing compression of the tissue by the staple drivers (172) themselves, which in turn minimizes the user input force required to fire the stapler (10). In addition, at least one end feature (182) associated with each staple opening (166) is integrally connected to an adjacent end feature (182) associated with a longitudinally adjacent staple opening (166), wherein a recessed area (186) is located between each pair of integrally connected end features (182).

[0068] like Fig.15 As shown, each pair of nail drivers (172) of the nail magazine (140) is integrally formed into a nail driver unit (170) having a bridge feature (174) interconnecting the nail drivers (172) at their lower ends. The nail drivers (172) of the driver unit (170) are arranged in a staggered manner, wherein the nail drivers (172) are laterally and longitudinally offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the nail magazine (140) so that the nail drivers (172) are configured to align with the corresponding nail openings (166) of the magazine body (142). Each nail driver (172) includes a groove 176 at its upper end, which is configured to receive and support the crown of the corresponding nail (168). In addition, each staple driver (172) includes a staple leg receiving feature in the form of a recess (178) at its upper end, the recess being defined by a corresponding chamfered surface and being configured to receive the staple leg tip of the corresponding staple (168) during the formation of the staples (168) by the anvil plate (72) when the stapler (10) is fired. Such features are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 11,229,433, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0069] As described above, the coupling legs (144, 146) formed at the proximal end of the staple cartridge (140) facilitate coupling of the staple cartridge (140) to the distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16). More specifically, each side of the staple cartridge (140) includes a longer distal coupling leg (144) and a shorter proximal coupling leg (146) separated by a gap (148). The gap (148) is appropriately positioned and shaped, such as having an elliptical shape, to provide a proximal coupling leg (146) having a smaller minimum thickness in the longitudinal direction than the distal coupling leg (144), thereby allowing the proximal coupling leg (146) to have appropriate flexibility relative to the cartridge body (142). Thus, during installation of the staple cartridge (140) into the distal jaw portion (20), the proximal connecting leg (146) is configured to be deflected relative to the distal connecting leg (144) so ​​that the clamping lever pivot pin (42) can be engaged with a snap fit and received into the gap (148) with an appropriate degree of installation force by the user.

[0070] The distal connecting leg (144) of the staple cartridge (140) may also serve as an anti-foolproof feature that is sized and shaped so that the staple cartridge (140) can be used only with a predetermined type of linear surgical stapler, such as a stapler that is configured to apply a staple pattern and a cutting line of a predetermined length (e.g., 60 mm) to tissue. Fig.17 Another exemplary staple cartridge (190) is shown that is substantially similar to staple cartridge (140), except that staple cartridge (190) is longer and has a uniquely shaped distal connecting leg (192) that enables staple cartridge (190) to be used only with another predetermined type of linear surgical stapler, such as a stapler that is configured to apply a longer (e.g., 80 mm) staple pattern and cut line to tissue. Fig.18 Yet another exemplary staple cartridge (200) is shown that is substantially similar to staple cartridges (140, 190), except that staple cartridge (200) is even longer and has a uniquely shaped distal connecting leg (202) that enables staple cartridge (200) to be used only with another predetermined type of linear surgical stapler, such as a stapler that is configured to apply an even longer (e.g., 100 mm) staple pattern and cut line to tissue.

[0071] Staple cartridges (140, 190, 200) may be further constructed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. patent application [Attorney Reference No. END9456USDP1], entitled "Staple Cartridge for Linear Surgical Stapler," filed concurrently herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] C. Exemplary Use of a Linear Surgical Stapler

[0073] FIG. 19A to FIG. 19E An exemplary coupling of stapler halves (12, 14) and subsequent firing of the assembled stapler (10) during a surgical procedure is shown. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1A , the clamping lever (40) of the cartridge half (12) is set in the open position so that the jaw slot (50) is aligned with the vertical slot (24) of the cartridge channel side flange (22). In addition, the firing assembly (110) is held in its proximal original position by the stop member (84) of the retaining assembly (80), as described above. Figure 5 At this stage, the tissue portion to be stapled and cut (not shown) can be positioned above the top of the staple cartridge (140) disposed in the distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge half (12). Alternatively, after the proximal ends of the stapler half (12, 14) described below are coupled, the tissue can be positioned above the staple cartridge (140).

[0074] like FIG. 19A to FIG. 19B As shown, the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14) are aligned with each other, and the proximal anvil pin (70) is guided downwardly into the proximal conical recess (26) of the cartridge channel (16) to engage the latch finger (90) of the anvil latch member (82). This engagement forces the anvil latch member (82) to resiliently rotate clockwise, thereby enabling the latch finger (90) to capture the anvil pin (70) and thereby releasably couple the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14) together, as shown in FIG. Fig.19B As shown. When the clamping lever (40) is still in the Fig.19B In the open position shown, the stapler (10) is arranged in a "hanging open" state so that the stapler (10) can be held by the anvil half (14) in one hand while the cartridge half (12) remains coupled to the anvil half (14). Fig. 9 C, and with the clamping lever (40) maintained in the open position, the anvil half (14) is rotated about the proximal anvil pin (70) toward the anvil half (14), so that the distal latch pin (68) of the anvil half (14) is received in the vertical slot (24) of the cartridge channel side flange (22) and the jaw slot (50) of the clamping lever (40). The distal jaw portions (20, 64) of the stapler half (12, 14) are now in a partially approximated state, allowing final adjustment of the tissue received therebetween before clamping.

[0075] like Fig.19DAs shown, the clamping lever (40) is closed to pull the anvil latch pin (68) against the closed proximal end of the jaw slot (50), and thereby completely clamp the anvil half (14) against the magazine half (12), wherein tissue (not shown) is clamped between the suturing surfaces defined by the staple magazine (140) and the anvil plate (72). The tissue gap column (162) of the staple magazine (140) defines a small lateral gap between the staple magazine (140) and the anvil plate (72), thereby accommodating the tissue therebetween at a predetermined degree of tissue compression. Fig.19A and Fig.19B As shown, the tissue gap post (162) is disposed at the distal end of the staple cartridge (140) and is configured to be Fig.19D In the fully clamped state shown, the clamp lever (40) is capable of contacting the distal end of the anvil plate (72). In response to the clamp lever (40) reaching the fully closed position, the clamp lever latch member (54) can rotate to capture the proximal end of the base wall of the cartridge channel (16) and thereby assume a latched state in which the clamp lever latch member (54) maintains the clamp lever (40) in the closed position.

[0076] like Fig.19E As shown, when the fully clamped state is reached, the deployed actuator (114, 116) of the firing assembly (110) can be driven distally along the proximal frame portion (18) of the magazine half (12) to fire the stapler (10). This action causes the elongated beam (118, 122) of the firing assembly (110) to translate distally through the corresponding channel formed in the staple magazine (140), and thereby the staples are fired into the clamped tissue via the cam ramp (120) and the staple driver (172), while the clamped tissue is cut by the knife member (126). After completing the firing stroke, the firing assembly (110) returns to its proximal original position via the actuator (114, 116). The clamping lever latch member (54) can then be pressed down to release the proximal end of the clamping lever (40) from the magazine channel (16), thereby allowing the clamping lever (40) to reopen. Then, the release button (92) of the retaining assembly (80) can be depressed to release the anvil half (14) from the cartridge half (12), so that the stapler halves (12, 14) can be separated from each other, thereby releasing the newly sutured and severed tissue. It should be understood that in some versions, the stapler (10) may include additional features that facilitate the disengagement of the stapler halves (12, 14), for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,033,266, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0077] D. Linear surgical stapler with hang-open feature and clamp lever latch inhibition feature

[0078] As described above in conjunction with the linear surgical stapler (10), when the anvil pin (70) is captured by the anvil latch member (82), a pivotable connection is established between the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14). In addition, the clamping lever latch member (54) is configured to releasably capture the proximal end of the base wall of the bin channel (16) to maintain the clamping lever (40) in its closed position during firing.

[0079] In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a linear surgical stapler capable of assuming an open state in which the respective elongated members of the stapler halves assume a predetermined maximum angular orientation relative to each other and remain releasably coupled together at the proximal ends of the stapler halves (referred to as a "hanging open" or "open" state), such that the stapler in an assembled but open state can be easily manipulated by an operator with a single hand. It may also be desirable to inhibit the latch of the clamping lever latch member when the firing assembly is displaced from its proximal home position to serve as an indication to the user that the staple cartridge may have been at least partially fired and is therefore unsuitable for use in a surgical procedure. The following description provides an illustrative example of a variation of a linear surgical stapler (210) that provides such functionality.

[0080] Fig. 20 A proximal portion of another exemplary linear surgical stapler (210) is shown, including a cartridge half (212) and anvil half (214), which are similar to the cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) described above, unless otherwise described below. Specifically, the cartridge half (212) includes a clamping lever (240) having a clamping lever latching member (254) that is configured to inhibit the proximal end of the clamping lever (240) from latching to the proximal end of the cartridge channel (216) when the clamping lever (240) is closed unless the firing assembly (310) is in its proximal original position. Fig.21 As shown, the clamping lever latch member (254) includes a latch member body (256) and a tapered protrusion (258) that is pivotally coupled to the clamping lever (240), and the tapered protrusion extends upward from the latch member body (256). The tapered protrusion (258) includes a lower edge (260) that is configured to hook onto the proximal end of the base wall of the bin channel (216) of the bin half (212) and thereby hold the clamping lever (240) in a closed state. The tapered protrusion (258) also includes a distally facing convexly curved cam surface (262).

[0081] like Fig. 22As shown, when the firing assembly (310) is displaced distally from its proximal home position, the proximal end of the firing assembly slide (312) disengages from the distal finger (302) of the stop member (284). Via the resilient bias of the torsion spring (286), the stop member (284) rotates clockwise to a rotational position in which its proximal hook (304) is lowered. When the clamping lever (240) then moves from the open position to the closed position while the firing assembly (310) is in this distally displaced state, the proximal end of the proximal hook (304) contacts the cam surface (262) of the clamping lever latch member (254). The cam interaction drives the tapered protrusion (258) of the clamping lever latch member (254) away from the bin channel (216), and thus prevents the clamping lever latch member (254) from latching onto the proximal end of the bin channel (216). This result may alert the user that the firing assembly (310) has been displaced from its proximal original position, such that the staple cartridge (140) may have been partially fired and is therefore unsuitable for use on a patient. In response, the user may then return the firing assembly (310) to its proximal original position, replace the staple cartridge (140), and continue the surgical procedure. Fig.23 In its proximal home position shown, the stop member (284) is held by the slider (312) in a counterclockwise rotational position with the proximal hook (104) raised. Thus, when the clamping lever (240) is closed, the clamping lever latch member (254) can avoid contact with the proximal hook (304) and latch onto the proximal end of the cartridge channel (216).

[0082] like Fig.24 As shown, the anvil half (214) of the stapler (210) further includes an anvil cover (278) having a protrusion in the form of a rib (279) extending downwardly from the proximal end of the anvil cover (278). The rib (279) includes a rounded tip that is configured to be held in a position similar to that of the stapler (210) by the anvil half (214). Fig.19BThe hanging open state shown in the hanging open state is capable of contacting the proximal surface of the proximal hook (304) of the retaining assembly (280) of the magazine half (212). In the hanging open state, the engagement between the rib (279) and the proximal hook (304) of the stop member (284) provides resistance to the disengagement of the stapler half (212, 214). More specifically, in the hanging open state, the proximal anvil pin (270) abuts against the lower latch surface (294) of the latch finger (290) of the anvil latch member (282) to apply an upward prying force, which causes the anvil latch member (282) to rotate clockwise to release the anvil pin (270) and disengage the stapler half (212, 214). The interaction between the rib (279) and the proximal hook (304) of the stop member (284) effectively counteracts and reduces the upward prying force, thereby providing resistance to the disengagement of the stapler halves (212, 214) and enabling the stapler (210) to be more securely held in the hanging open state without accidentally disengaging. Such a configuration may be particularly beneficial to staplers (210) of the following type: wherein the weight of the cartridge half (212) is increased due to size and / or material selection, which results in an increase in the prying force applied between the proximal anvil pin (270) and the anvil latch member (282) in the hanging open state.

[0083] E. Linear surgical stapler with clamping lever having unlatched indication feature

[0084] As described above in conjunction with the linear surgical stapler (10), when the latch pin (68) is properly aligned with the jaw slot (50), the clamping lever (40) is moved from the open position to the closed position (see FIG. 19C to FIG. 19D ) is used to cam the opposite side ends of the latch pin (68) proximally within the jaw slot (50), and thereby clamp the stapler halves (12, 14) together to approximate the suturing surfaces (72, 140). In some cases, it may be difficult for the surgeon to sufficiently approximate the stapler halves (12, 14) to properly align the latch pin (68) with the jaw slot (50), such as when clamping on thick tissue, and the surgeon may inadvertently close the clamping lever (40) without properly capturing the latch pin (68), so that the stapler halves (12, 14) are not properly latched together. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a stapler (10) having one or more features that are configured to provide a clear indication to the surgeon when the latch pin (68) has not been properly captured within the jaw slot (50), and that the clamping lever (40) needs to be readjusted to achieve proper clamping of the tissue.

[0085] FIG. 25A to FIG. 25CAnother exemplary linear surgical stapler (410) is shown including a cartridge half (412) and anvil half (414), which are similar to the cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) described above, unless otherwise described below. Specifically, the clamping lever (440) of the cartridge half (412) includes a pair of laterally opposed jaws (448) that are uniquely shaped to provide a clear indication to the surgeon when the latch pin (68) has not yet been properly aligned with and captured by the jaw slot (450) during the closing of the clamping lever (440).

[0086] Briefly refer to Fig.25C Each jaw (448) includes a first pin engagement feature in the form of a curved slot (450) having a closed proximal end and an open distal end configured to receive a respective side end of a latch pin (68). Each jaw slot (450) divides its respective jaw (448) into an upper jaw portion (452) and a lower jaw portion (454) interconnected along a proximal side of the jaw (448). Each upper jaw portion (452) includes a second pin engagement feature in the form of a recess (456) at its distal end that is generally semicircular in shape and sized to releasably capture a respective side end of the latch pin (68) when the latch pin (68) is misaligned with the jaw slot (450), as further described below. In addition, the upper jaw portion (452) has an angled outer profile such that the width of the upper jaw portion (452) measured transversely between the jaw slot (450) and the outer surface (458) increases proximally from the distal end of the jaw (448) toward a vertex (460) of the upper jaw portion (452) that is substantially aligned with a mid-length point of the slot (450) before subsequently gradually decreasing. Thus, the maximum such width of the upper jaw portion (452) is defined at the vertex (460). As described in more detail below, each of the recess (456) and the outer surface (458) is configured to engage the latch pin (68) when the latch pin (68) is misaligned with the jaw slot (450) so as to indicate to the surgeon that the latch pin (68) has not been properly captured by the jaw slot (450) and that the stapler halves (412, 414) need to be readjusted.

[0087] Fig.25AAn illustrative scenario is shown in which the stapler halves (412, 414) have been sufficiently approximated such that the latch pin (68) is properly aligned with and can be captured by the jaw slot (450). The suturing surfaces (472, 474) are in a partially approximated state that defines a gap (G1) at a mid-length point of the staple cartridge. In this scenario, the clamping lever (440) can then be closed to properly clamp the stapler halves (412, 414) together and fully approximate the suturing surfaces (472, 474), such as FIG. 19C to FIG. 19D Combined with the linear surgical stapler (10).

[0088] Fig.25B An alternative scenario is shown in which the surgeon fails to sufficiently approximate the stapler halves (412, 414) during clamping, causing the latch pin (68) to be slightly misaligned with the jaw slot (450) and unable to be captured by the jaw slot. When the surgeon then attempts to close the clamping lever (440), the latch pin (68) is captured by the jaw recess (456), causing the clamping lever (440) to be inhibited from closing and constrained to an intermediate position between its open position and its closed position. This places the suturing surfaces (472, 474) in a spaced-apart state in which they define a second gap (G2) at a mid-length point of the staple cartridge, wherein the second gap (G2) is significantly larger than Fig.25A This provides a visual and tactile indication to the surgeon that the clamping lever (440) is not properly aligned with the latch pin (68) and must be reopened and adjusted to achieve proper clamping of the stapler halves (412, 414) together.

[0089] Fig.25CYet another alternative scenario is shown, in which the surgeon fails to adequately approximate the stapler halves (412, 414) during clamping, causing the latch pin (68) to be more significantly misaligned with and unable to be captured by the jaw slot (450). In this scenario, the clamping lever (440) has been allowed to pivot to its closed position, and the latch pin (68) has simultaneously traveled proximally along the outer surface (458) of each upper jaw portion (452) via rotation of the jaws (448) relative to the latch pin (468), and ultimately rests at the apex (460) when the clamping lever (440) is fully closed. The angled outer profile of the upper jaw portion (452) acts as a cam feature that pushes the distal end of the anvil half (412) away from the distal end of the cartridge half (412) when the clamping lever (440) is closed, and the latch pin (68) approaches the apex (460) along the outer surface (458). This places the stapling surfaces (472, 474) in an even further spaced state, in which they define a third gap (G3) at a mid-length point of the staple cartridge, wherein the third gap (G3) is significantly larger than Fig.25B Thus, the surgeon is provided with a visual indication that the stapler (410) is not properly latched and the clamping lever (440) must be reopened to properly approximate the stapler halves (412, 414) so ​​that the latch pin (68) can be properly aligned with and received by the jaw slot (450) before the clamping lever (440) is reclosed.

[0090] II. Exemplary Combinations

[0091] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the coverage of any claims that may be provided at any time in this patent application or in the subsequent submissions of this patent application. It is not intended to make a disclaimer. The following examples are provided only for illustrative purposes. It is envisioned that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in a variety of other ways. It is also envisioned that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the following examples. Therefore, any of the aspects or features mentioned below should not be considered decisive unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the inventor or the successor with an interest in the inventor at a later date. If any claim proposed in this patent application or in the subsequent submissions related to this patent application includes additional features other than those mentioned below, these additional features should not be assumed to be added for any reason related to patentability.

[0092] Example 1

[0093] A device, the device comprising: (a) a first slender member, the first slender member having a distal portion configured to present a first suturing surface; (b) a second slender member, the second slender member having a distal portion configured to present a second suturing surface, wherein the first slender member and the second slender member are configured to be releasably coupled together so that the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface cooperate to clamp tissue and suturing the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is movable from a first position to a second position relative to the first slender member and the second slender member so that the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface cooperate to clamp tissue and suturing the tissue with a plurality of staples. surface approach to clamp tissue; (d) a latching member, the latching member being configured to be able to transition from an unlatched state to a latched state to releasably hold the clamping member in the second position; and (e) a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is actuable from an original position to fire the nail into the clamped tissue, wherein the latching member is configured to be able to transition from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamping member is in the second position and the firing assembly is in the original position, wherein the latching member is inhibited from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamping member is in the second position and the firing assembly is displaced from the original position.

[0094] Example 2

[0095] A device as described in Example 1, wherein the latch member is coupled to the clamp member such that the latch member is movable with the clamp member between the first position and the second position.

[0096] Example 3

[0097] The apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latching member is selectively actuatable from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the clamping member from the second position and allow the clamping member to move toward the first position.

[0098] Example 4

[0099] The apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the clamping member comprises a clamping lever pivotally coupled to the second elongated member, wherein the clamping lever is pivotable toward the second elongated member from the first position to the second position.

[0100] Example 5

[0101]

[00136] The apparatus of Example 4, wherein the distal portion of the clamping lever is pivotally coupled to the second elongated member, wherein the latch member is pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the clamping lever.

[0102] Example 6

[0103] A device according to any one of embodiments 4 to 5, wherein the latching member is configured to releasably capture the proximal end feature of the second slender member when the clamping lever is in the second position and thereby present the latched state, wherein the latching member can be selectively actuated from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the proximal end feature and allow the clamping lever to move from the second position toward the first position.

[0104] Example 7

[0105] A device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the latch member is configured to be able to transition from the latched state to the unlatched state only when the firing assembly is in the original position.

[0106] Example 8

[0107] According to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, the latch member is capable of pivoting between the unlatched state and the latched state, wherein the latch member includes a cam surface, which is configured to contact a portion of the device, so that the latch member is configured to pivot in a direction away from the latched state when the clamping member moves to the second position and the firing assembly is shifted from the original position.

[0108] Example 9

[0109] According to the device of Example 8, the device also includes a retaining feature portion, which is capable of being operated to releasably retain the firing assembly in the original position, wherein the retaining feature portion is configured to contact the cam surface of the latch member and thereby inhibit the latch member from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamping member is in the second position and the firing assembly is shifted from the original position.

[0110] Example 10

[0111] A device according to Example 9, wherein the cam surface is defined on a distal side of the latch member, and wherein the proximal end of the retention feature is configured to contact the cam surface.

[0112] Embodiment 11

[0113] A device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 10, wherein the retaining feature is configured to inhibit the latch member from transitioning from the latched state to the unlatched state when the clamping member is in the second position and the firing assembly is displaced from the original position.

[0114] Example 12

[0115] The apparatus of any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the latch member is disposed at a proximal end of the clamping member, wherein the retaining feature is disposed at a proximal end of one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member, and wherein the original position of the firing assembly includes a proximal position.

[0116] Embodiment 13

[0117] The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the retaining feature comprises: (i) a first movable member, the first movable member being configured to enable the proximal end of the first slender member to be releasably coupled to the proximal end of the second slender member, and (ii) a second movable member, the second movable member being configured to enable the firing assembly to be releasably retained in the original position, wherein the first movable member and the second movable member are movable relative to each other.

[0118] Embodiment 14

[0119] A device according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the device includes a surgical stapler, the surgical stapler including an anvil and a removable stapler, the anvil having a plurality of staple forming recesses, the stapler having a plurality of staples, wherein the anvil defines the first stapling surface and the stapler defines the second stapling surface.

[0120] Embodiment 15

[0121]

[00136] The apparatus of embodiment 14, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a platform having a plurality of interconnected protrusions configured to grasp tissue clamped between the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface.

[0122] Example 16

[0123] A device comprising: (a) a cartridge body; (b) a platform defined by the cartridge body, wherein the platform is configured to compress tissue against an anvil of a surgical stapler; (c) a plurality of staple openings formed in the platform, wherein the staple openings are configured to accommodate a plurality of staples; (d) an elongated slot formed in the platform, wherein the elongated slot is configured to slidably receive a cutting member passing through the elongated slot; and (e) a plurality of tissue grasping members protruding from the platform along each side of the elongated slot, wherein each tissue grasping member is slidably engaged with a cutting member in the staple opening. A corresponding nail opening is associated with and is configured to grasp tissue, wherein each tissue grasping member includes: (i) a first end feature portion, the first end feature portion is wrapped around the first end of the nail opening, (ii) a second end feature portion, the second end feature portion is wrapped around the second end of the nail opening, and (iii) a pair of bridge elements, the pair of bridge elements extending along opposite sides of the nail opening between the first end feature portion and the second end feature portion, wherein each of the bridge elements has a maximum height relative to the platform, and the maximum height is less than the maximum height of each of the first end feature portion and the second end feature portion.

[0124] Embodiment 17

[0125] According to the device of embodiment 16, the device also includes a plurality of nail drivers, which are arranged in the nail opening, wherein the nail drivers are capable of being actuated to drive the nail through tissue and against the anvil, and wherein the bridge element of each tissue grasping member is configured to be able to guide a corresponding one of the nail drivers toward the anvil without contacting the corresponding nail during the forming of the nail by the anvil.

[0126] Embodiment 18

[0127]

[00136] The device of any of embodiments 16-17 wherein each first end feature is integrally connected to the second end feature of a longitudinally adjacent tissue grasping member.

[0128] Embodiment 19

[0129] A device comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a first suturing surface; (b) a second elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a second suturing surface, wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member are configured to be releasably coupled together at their proximal ends so that the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface cooperate to clamp tissue and suturing the tissue with a plurality of staples; and (c) a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is movable relative to the first elongated member and the second elongated member from an open position to a position adjacent to the first elongated member. (a) a first cover covering a proximal portion of the first elongated member; (b) a second cover covering a proximal portion of the second elongated member; and (c) a projection extending from a proximal end of one of the first cover or the second cover, wherein the projection is configured to contact a feature supported by the proximal end of the opposing first elongated member or the second elongated member and thereby resist disengagement of the proximal end when the device is held by a user and the clamping member is in the open position.

[0130] Embodiment 20

[0131] According to the device of embodiment 19, the device also includes: (a) a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is capable of being actuated from an original position to fire the nail into the clamped tissue; (b) a first movable member, the first movable member is capable of being operated to releasably maintain the proximal ends of the first slender member and the second slender member in a connected engagement; and (c) a second movable member, the second movable member is capable of being operated to releasably maintain the firing assembly in the original position, wherein the feature portion includes the proximal end of the second movable member.

[0132] Embodiment 21

[0133] A device comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a first suturing surface; (b) a second elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a second suturing surface, wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member are configured to be releasably coupled together so that the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface cooperate to clamp tissue and suturing the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a latching protrusion extending from one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member; and (d) a clamping member that engages with one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member. and the second suturing surface is close to the first suturing surface to clamp the tissue, and (ii) a second engagement feature that is offset from the first engagement feature and includes a recessed portion, wherein the second engagement feature is configured to engage the latch protrusion when the latch protrusion is not aligned with the first engagement feature to thereby provide an indication to the user that the latch protrusion is not aligned with the first engagement feature.

[0134] Embodiment 22

[0135] A device according to embodiment 21, wherein the first engagement feature includes a narrow groove having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, and wherein the second engagement feature is configured to releasably capture the latch protrusion when the latch protrusion is not aligned with the narrow groove and thereby inhibit the clamping member from assuming the second position.

[0136] Embodiment 23

[0137] A device as in any one of embodiments 21 to 22, wherein the clamping member is configured to assume an intermediate position between the first position and the second position when the second engagement feature engages the latch protrusion.

[0138] Embodiment 24

[0139] A device according to any one of embodiments 21 to 23, wherein the latch protrusion includes a pin extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0140] Embodiment 25

[0141] A device as in any one of embodiments 21 to 24, wherein the clamping member comprises a lever pivotally coupled to one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member.

[0142] Embodiment 26

[0143] A device as in any one of embodiments 21 to 25, wherein the clamping member comprises a jaw, wherein the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are offset from one another on the jaw.

[0144] Embodiment 27

[0145] According to the device of embodiment 26, the jaw includes a first jaw, wherein the clamping member also includes a second jaw, the second jaw is laterally opposite to the first jaw, and each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes the first engagement feature portion and the second engagement feature portion.

[0146] Embodiment 28

[0147] The apparatus of any one of embodiments 21 to 27, wherein the recess is configured to releasably capture the latch protrusion.

[0148] Embodiment 29

[0149] A device as described in Example 22, wherein the narrow slot extends along a curved path.

[0150] Embodiment 30

[0151] According to an apparatus according to any one of embodiments 21 to 29, wherein, when the latch protrusion is not aligned with each of the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature, the latch protrusion is configured to be able to move along the outer edge of the jaw as the clamping member is advanced from the first position toward the second position, thereby increasing the gap between the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface.

[0152] III. Miscellaneous

[0153] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered isolated from each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0154] In addition, any one or more of the teachings disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more of the teachings disclosed in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 10,631,866, entitled “Release Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler”, issued on April 28, 2020; U.S. Patent No. 10,667,818, entitled “Lockout Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler”, issued on June 2, 2020; U.S. Patent No. 10,932,781, entitled “Features to Align and Close Linear Surgical Stapler”, issued on March 2, 2021; U.S. Patent No. 10,898,197, entitled “Releasable Coupling Features for Proximal Portions of Linear Surgical Stapler”, issued on January 26, 2021; U.S. Patent No. 10,898,197, entitled “Firing Lever Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler”, issued on December 29, 2020 No. 10,874,398, entitled “Clamping Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler” issued on June 23, 2020; No. 10,687,819, entitled “Firing System for Linear Surgical Stapler” issued on January 26, 2021; No. 11,033,266, entitled “Decoupling Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler” issued on June 15, 2021; No. 11,045,193, entitled “Anvil Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler” issued on June 29, 2021; and No. 11,045,193, entitled “Closure Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler” issued on February 2, 2021. Stapler”; U.S. Patent No. 11,278,285, issued on March 22, 2022, entitled “Clamping Assembly for LinearSurgical Stapler”;U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433, entitled “Linear Surgical Stapler”, issued on January 25, 2022; U.S. Publication No. 2022 / 0142641, entitled “System and Method for Forming Pockets in Anvil of Surgical Stapler”, issued on May 12, 2022; U.S. Patent No. 11,224,425, entitled “Surgical Linear Cutter Wishbone Separation Mechanism with Detent”, issued on January 18, 2022; U.S. Patent No. 11,219,454, entitled “Pin Trap Mechanism for Surgical Linear Cutter”, issued on January 11, 2022; U.S. Patent No. 11,219,454, entitled “Separation Mechanism for Surgical Linear Cutter”, issued on December 2, 2021 Cutter”; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 489,879, filed on September 30, 2021, entitled “Lockout Feature for Linear Surgical Stapler Cartridge”; U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 842,580, filed on June 16, 2022, entitled “Staple Cartridge for Linear Surgical Stapler”; and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 842,581, filed on June 16, 2022, entitled “Linear Surgical Stapler”. The disclosure of each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.;

[0155] It should be understood that any patent, patent publication, or other public material, whether in whole or in part, allegedly incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials listed in the present disclosure. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly listed herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof allegedly incorporated herein by reference but conflicting with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing public materials.

[0156] The above-described device versions may be used in conventional medical treatments and surgeries performed by medical professionals, as well as robotic-assisted medical treatments and surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system, such as the DAVINCI® by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California). TM system.

[0157] The devices of the types described above can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or they can be designed to be reusable. In either case or both, these types can be repaired to be reused after at least one use. Repair can include any combination of the following steps: disassembling the device, then cleaning or replacing specific parts and subsequently reassembling. Specifically, some types of devices can be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. When cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, some types of the device can be reassembled at a repair facility or reassembled by the user before surgery is about to be performed for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the repair of the device can be disassembled, cleaned / replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such technology and the resulting repair device are all within the scope of the present application.

[0158] By way of example only, the types described herein may be sterilized before and / or after surgery. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container such as a plastic bag or a TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in a sterile container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0159] Various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, and further improvements of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by appropriate modifications by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several such possible modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, the embodiments, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered in light of the following claims, and should be understood not to be limited to the details of the structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a first suturing surface; (b) a second elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a second suturing surface, wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member are configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface cooperate to clamp tissue and suturing the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is movable from a first position to a second position relative to the first elongated member and the second elongated member to approximate the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface to clamp tissue; (d) a latch member configured to transition from an unlatched state to a latched state to releasably retain the clamping member in the second position; and (e) a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is actuatable from an initial position to fire the staples into the clamped tissue, wherein the latch member is configured to be capable of transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamping member is in the second position and the firing assembly is in the original position, Wherein, when the clamping member is in the second position and the firing assembly is displaced from the original position, the latching member is inhibited from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The latch member is coupled to the clamp member such that the latch member is movable with the clamp member between the first position and the second position.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The latch member is selectively actuatable from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the clamp member from the second position and allow the clamp member to move toward the first position.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The clamping member includes a clamping lever pivotably coupled to the second elongated member, wherein the clamping lever is pivotable toward the second elongated member from the first position to the second position.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: A distal portion of the clamp lever is pivotally coupled to the second elongated member, wherein the latch member is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the clamp lever.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: The latch member is configured to releasably capture the proximal end feature of the second slender member when the clamping lever is in the second position and thereby present the latched state, wherein the latch member can be selectively actuated from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the proximal end feature and allow the clamping lever to move from the second position toward the first position.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The latch member is configured to be capable of transitioning from the latched state to the unlatched state only when the firing assembly is in the home position.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The latch member is capable of pivoting between the unlatched state and the latched state, wherein the latch member includes a cam surface, which is configured to contact a portion of the device, so that the latch member is configured to pivot in a direction away from the latched state when the clamping member moves to the second position and the firing assembly is displaced from the original position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a retaining feature operable to releasably retain the firing assembly in the home position, wherein: The retention feature is configured to contact the cam surface of the latch member and thereby inhibit the latch member from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position and the firing assembly is displaced from the original position.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The cam surface is defined on a distal side of the latch member, wherein a proximal end of the retention feature is configured to contact the cam surface.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: The retention feature is configured to inhibit the latch member from transitioning from the latched state to the unlatched state when the clamp member is in the second position and the firing assembly is displaced from the original position.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The latch member is disposed at a proximal end of the clamp member, wherein the retention feature is disposed at a proximal end of one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member, wherein the original position of the firing assembly includes a proximal position.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The retention features include: (i) a first movable member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongated member to a proximal end of the second elongated member, and (ii) a second movable member configured to releasably retain the firing assembly in the original position, wherein the first movable member and the second movable member are movable relative to each other.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The apparatus comprises a surgical stapler comprising an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pockets and a removable staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, wherein the anvil defines the first stapling surface and the staple cartridge defines the second stapling surface.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The staple cartridge includes a deck having a plurality of interconnected protrusions configured to grasp tissue clamped between the first and second stapling surfaces.

16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a latching protrusion extending laterally from one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, wherein The clamping member is movably coupled to the other of the first elongated member or the second elongated member, wherein the clamping member comprises: (i) a first engagement feature configured to engage the latch protrusion when the clamping member is advanced from the first position to the second position to thereby approximate the first and second suturing surfaces to clamp tissue, and (ii) a second engagement feature configured to engage the latch protrusion when the latch protrusion is not aligned with the first engagement feature to thereby inhibit the clamping member from assuming the second position and inhibit proximity of the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface.

17. A device, comprising: (a) Chamber; (b) a platform defined by the cartridge body, wherein the platform is configured to compress tissue against an anvil of the surgical stapler; (c) a plurality of nail openings formed in the platform, wherein the nail openings are configured to receive a plurality of nails; (d) an elongated slot formed in the platform, wherein the elongated slot is configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough; and (e) a plurality of tissue grasping members projecting from the platform along each side of the elongated slot, wherein each tissue grasping member is associated with a respective one of the staple openings and is configured to grasp tissue, wherein each tissue grasping member comprises: (i) a first end feature wrapped around a first end of the staple opening, (ii) a second end feature wrapped around a second end of the staple opening, and (iii) a pair of bridge elements extending along opposite sides of the nail opening between the first end feature and the second end feature, wherein each of the bridge elements has a maximum height relative to the platform that is less than the maximum height of each of the first end feature and the second end feature.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers disposed within the staple openings, wherein: The nail drivers are capable of being actuated to drive the nails through tissue and against the anvil, wherein the bridge element of each tissue grasping member is configured to guide a corresponding one of the nail drivers toward the anvil without contacting the corresponding nail during forming of the nail by the anvil.

19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein: Each first end feature is integrally connected to the second end feature of a longitudinally adjacent tissue grasping member.

20. A device, comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a first suturing surface; (b) a second elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a second suturing surface, wherein the first and second elongated members are configured to be releasably coupled together at their proximal ends such that the first and second suturing surfaces cooperate to clamp tissue and suturing the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamping member, wherein the clamping member is movable from an open position to a closed position relative to the first elongated member and the second elongated member to approximate the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface to clamp tissue; (d) a first cover covering a proximal portion of the first elongated member; (e) a second cover covering a proximal portion of the second elongated member; and (f) a protrusion extending from a proximal end of one of the first cover or the second cover, wherein the protrusion is configured to contact a feature supported by the proximal end of the opposing first slender member or the second slender member and thereby resist disengagement of the proximal end when the device is held by a user and the clamping member is in the open position.

21. The device according to claim 20, further comprising: (a) a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is actuatable from an initial position to fire the staples into the clamped tissue; (b) a first movable member operable to releasably retain the proximal ends of the first and second elongated members in coupled engagement; and (c) a second movable member operable to releasably retain the firing assembly in the home position, Wherein, the feature portion includes a proximal end portion of the second movable member.

22. A device, comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a first suturing surface; (b) a second elongated member having a distal portion configured to present a second suturing surface, wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member are configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface cooperate to clamp tissue and suturing the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a latching protrusion extending from one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member; and (d) a clamping member movably coupled to the other of the first elongated member or the second elongated member, wherein the clamping member comprises: (i) a first engagement feature configured to releasably capture the latch protrusion when the clamping member is advanced from the first position to the second position to thereby approximate the first and second suturing surfaces to clamp tissue, and (ii) a second engagement feature that is offset from the first engagement feature and includes a recessed portion, wherein the second engagement feature is configured to engage the latch protrusion when the latch protrusion is misaligned with the first engagement feature to thereby provide an indication to the user that the latch protrusion is misaligned with the first engagement feature.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein: The first engagement feature comprises a slot having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, wherein the second engagement feature is configured to releasably capture the latch protrusion when the latch protrusion is not aligned with the slot and thereby inhibit the clamping member from assuming the second position.

24. Apparatus according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein: The clamp member is configured to assume an intermediate position between the first position and the second position when the second engagement feature engages the latch projection.

25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein The latch projection includes a pin extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the device.

26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein: The clamping member includes a lever pivotably coupled to one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member.

27. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein: The clamping member includes a jaw, wherein the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are offset from one another on the jaw.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein: The jaws include a first jaw, wherein the clamping member further includes a second jaw laterally opposite the first jaw, wherein each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature.

29. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein The recess is configured to releasably capture the latch projection.

30. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein: The slot extends along a curved path.

31. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein: When the latch protrusion is not aligned with each of the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature, the latch protrusion is configured to move along the outer edge of the jaw as the clamping member is advanced from the first position toward the second position, thereby increasing the gap between the first suturing surface and the second suturing surface.

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