Surgical stapling device with floating blade

Abstract

A surgical stapling device has a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel defining a cavity and a staple cartridge supported within the cavity for movement between a raised position and a lowered position. The drive assembly includes a working member having an I-beam configuration. The cartridge includes an actuation slider that is movable relative to the working member when the cartridge is moved within the passage of the cartridge assembly between a raised position and a lowered position.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 459,753, filed April 17, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to surgical staplers, and more specifically to surgical staplers having a tool assembly including a staple cartridge with a blade. Background Technology

[0003] Surgical stapling devices are well known for rapidly and efficiently ejecting staples to ligate tissue or tissue segments in various surgical procedures, such as anastomosis. Typically, a surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw that respectively support a cartridge assembly and an anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge that supports a plurality of staples. The first and second jaws are mounted together to allow the tool assembly to move between an open position and a clamped position. In the clamped position, the cartridge and anvil of the cartridge assembly are supported in a juxtaposed alignment and include tissue contact surfaces defining a predetermined tissue gap. The size of the tissue gap and the staples within the cartridge is sized to receive and suture tissue of a predetermined thickness to properly achieve hemostasis. If the tissue positioned between the jaws is outside the predetermined range (i.e., too thick or too thin), the stapling device may not provide effective hemostasis. Additionally, the likelihood of ineffective hemostasis increases if the clinician misjudges the tissue thickness, or if the tissue thickness falls near the outer edge of a given staple size range.

[0004] Therefore, the field of suturing has always needed a surgical stapler that can provide effective hemostasis for a wider range of tissue thicknesses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to a surgical stapler device having a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel defining a cavity and a staple cartridge supported within the cavity for movement between an elevated and a lowered position. The drive assembly includes a working member having an I-beam configuration. The staple cartridge includes an actuated slider that is movable relative to the working member as the staple cartridge moves within the channel of the cartridge assembly between the elevated and lowered positions. In various aspects of this disclosure, a blade is coupled to the working member and is movable relative to the working member as the staple cartridge moves within the channel of the cartridge assembly between the elevated and lowered positions. In other aspects of this disclosure, the actuated slider supports the blade and is pivotable from a blade-elevated position to a blade-lowered position as the actuated slider moves from a slider-retracted position to a slider-advanced position.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a channel, a compliant member, and a staple cartridge. The channel includes sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a cavity, and the staple cartridge is received within the cavity of the channel. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple, an actuating slider, a blade, and a latch having a width. The cartridge body defines a blade groove and a staple receiving recess, and the staple is received within the staple receiving recess. The actuating slider is movable from a slider retracted position to a slider forward position to eject the staple from the cartridge body, and the blade is movable together with the actuating slider from a blade retracted position to a blade forward position. The compliant member is positioned on the channel to support the staple cartridge within the cavity of the channel for movement between a cartridge raised position and a cartridge lowered position. The drive assembly includes a flexible drive beam and a working member. The flexible drive beam has a distal portion fixed to a working member, and the working member has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support. The vertical support has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a recess having a height extending from the distal end across the vertical support to the proximal end. The drive assembly is movable between a drive retracted position and a drive forward position to move an actuated slider from the slider retracted position to the slider forward position and to move the cutter between the cutter retracted position and the cutter forward position. A latch extends through the recess and is configured to engage the cutter with the vertical support of the working member. The latch is movable within the recess of the vertical support to facilitate cutter movement relative to the working member when the cartridge moves between a cartridge raised position and a cartridge lowered position.

[0007] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a fastening device including a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, and a tool assembly. The adapter assembly has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the proximal portion of the adapter assembly is coupled to the handle assembly. The tool assembly is coupled to the distal portion of the adapter assembly and includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a channel, a compliant member, and a cartridge. The channel includes sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a cavity, and the cartridge is received within the cavity of the channel. The cartridge includes a cartridge body, a nail, an actuating slider, a blade, and a latch having a width. The cartridge body defines a blade groove and a nail receiving recess, and the nail is received within the nail receiving recess. The actuating slider is movable from a slider retracted position to a slider forward position to eject the nail from the cartridge body, and the blade is movable together with the actuating slider from a blade retracted position to a blade forward position. A compliant member is positioned on the channel to support the staple cartridge within a cavity of the channel for movement between a cartridge raised and a cartridge lowered position. The drive assembly includes a flexible drive beam and a working member. The flexible drive beam has a distal portion fixed to the working member, and the working member has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support. The vertical support has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a recess having a height extending from the distal end across the vertical support to the proximal end. The drive assembly is movable between a drive retracted position and a drive forward position to move an actuated slider from the slider retracted position to the slider forward position and to move the cutter between the cutter retracted position and the cutter forward position. A latch extends through the recess and is configured to engage the cutter with the vertical support of the working member. The latch is movable within the recess of the vertical support to facilitate cutter movement relative to the working member as the staple cartridge moves between the cartridge raised and lowered positions.

[0008] In all respects of this disclosure, the recess is defined by a guiding surface that extends upward from the distal end of the vertical support toward the proximal end of the vertical support and toward the first beam in a proximal direction.

[0009] In some aspects of this disclosure, the compliant component includes a wave spring positioned on the bottom wall of the channel.

[0010] In some aspects of this disclosure, the bottom wall of the channel defines a cutter groove that is longitudinally aligned with the cutter groove of the housing, and a wave spring is positioned on the bottom wall of the channel on the opposite side of the cutter groove.

[0011] In all respects of this disclosure, the cutter is positioned between the actuating slider and the working member of the drive assembly, and is movable together with the working member between the cutter retracted position and the cutter forward position.

[0012] In some aspects of this disclosure, the knife includes a cutting edge and a knife groove that can move through the housing between a retracted position and a forward position.

[0013] In some aspects of this disclosure, the latch may move from an undeformed state spaced apart from the vertical strut of the working member of the drive assembly to a deformed state engaged with the vertical strut of the working member.

[0014] In all respects of this disclosure, the latch can move from an undeformed state to a deformed state in response to the latch moving into the tool slot of the chamber.

[0015] In some aspects of this disclosure, the housing includes a tissue-joining surface and a blade guard extending upward from the tissue-joining surface toward the anvil, and the cutting edge of the blade is positioned between the blade guards when the blade is in the retracted position.

[0016] In some aspects of this disclosure, the blade includes a distal surface that is adjacent to the actuating slider.

[0017] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a tool assembly including an actuated slider, a knife, and a drive assembly. The actuated slider includes a central portion and cam members positioned on opposite sides of the central portion. The knife includes a cutting edge and supports a latch having a width. The drive assembly includes a flexible drive beam and a working member, the flexible drive beam having a distal portion fixed to the working member. The working member has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support. The vertical support has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a recess having a height extending from the distal end across the vertical support to the proximal end. The latch extends through the recess and is configured to engage the knife with the vertical support of the working member. The latch is movable within the recess of the vertical support to facilitate movement of the knife relative to the working member.

[0018] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a tool assembly including an anvil and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an open position and a clamping position, and includes a channel member and a staple cartridge. The channel member includes sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a cavity. The staple cartridge is received within the cavity of the channel member and includes a cartridge body, staples, an actuating slider, and a staple guard. The cartridge body includes an upper tissue engagement surface and defines a cutting groove and staple receiving recesses positioned on each side of the cutting groove. The staple is received within the staple receiving recess. The actuating slider supports the cutting tool and is movable within the cartridge body from a slider retracted position to a slider forward position to eject the staple from the staple receiving recess. The staple guard is secured to a lower portion of the cartridge body to retain the staple within the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a first structure, and the actuating slider includes a second structure. When the actuated slider moves to the slider forward position, the first structure engages the second structure to fix the actuated slider in the slider forward position and allow the actuated slider to move from the first position where the blade is exposed to the second position where the blade is covered.

[0019] In all respects of this disclosure, the first structure includes a protrusion, and the second structure includes a cavity, and the actuating slider pivots from the first position to the second position.

[0020] In some aspects of this disclosure, the first structure includes a rib, and the second structure includes an elongated cavity, and the actuated slider moves along a linear path from a first position to a second position.

[0021] In some aspects of this disclosure, the tool assembly includes a biasing member supported on the housing and positioned to engage the actuation slider when the actuation slider is in the slider forward position to push the actuation slider toward a second position.

[0022] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a surgical stapler comprising a drive assembly, a blade holder, and an actuating slider. The drive assembly includes a working member having an I-beam configuration and including a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support. The vertical support defines a vertical axis and supports a blade having a distally facing cutting edge. The blade includes a cam member positioned distal to the vertical support. The blade holder includes a base portion, a central portion, and a guide member positioned outside the central portion. The central portion of the blade holder includes a resilient arm and an inner surface defining a cavity. The inner surface of the central portion of the blade holder defines cam grooves that receive the cam member of the blade to facilitate movement of the blade holder relative to the working member and movement of the blade in a direction parallel to the vertical axis of the vertical support. The resilient arm extends from the central portion of the blade holder in a direction opposite to the working member. The actuating slider includes a central portion and cam members positioned on opposite sides of the central portion of the actuating slider. The elastic arm of the tool holder is releasably engaged with the central portion of the actuation slider, and the tool holder and the actuation slider can move relative to the working member and the tool between raised and lowered positions.

[0023] In all respects of this disclosure, the central portion of the actuation slider includes a pawl, and the resilient arm of the tool holder defines a cavity, and the pawl is received within the cavity to engage the tool holder to the actuation slider.

[0024] In some aspects of this disclosure, the vertical support defines an elongated groove that receives the proximal portion of the blade.

[0025] In some aspects of this disclosure, the blade includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the vertical support of the working member defines a first transverse groove and a second transverse groove communicating with the elongated groove.

[0026] In all respects of this disclosure, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are received within the first transverse groove and the second transverse groove to secure the blade to the working member.

[0027] Other aspects of this disclosure will be understood from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The following description will refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of the fastening device, including all aspects of this disclosure, wherein the tool assembly of the fastening device is in the open position;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded side perspective view of the distal portion of the clamping assembly and the drive assembly of the shown fastening device;

[0031] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the pinning bins in the bin assembly shown;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of the working component of the drive assembly and the blade of the staple cartridge of the staple assembly of the staple fitting device shown;

[0033] Figure 4 When Figure 1 The side view of the tool assembly of the stapler device surrounding the thin tissue clamp when the stapler device is fired, wherein the shank of the staple cartridge is connected to the working member of the drive assembly, and the rest of the tool assembly is shown in dashed lines;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of the indicated detail area;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of the indicated detail area;

[0036] Figure 7 Is it like this? Figure 4 The working component of the drive assembly and the tool holder of the cartridge assembly are shown in a side perspective view.

[0037] Figure 8 When Figure 1 The side view of the tool assembly of the stapler device surrounding the thick tissue clamp when the stapler device is fired, wherein the staple cartridge shank is connected to the working member of the drive assembly, and the rest of the tool assembly is shown in dashed lines;

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of the indicated detail area;

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of the indicated detail area;

[0040] Figure 11 Is it like this? Figure 8 The working component of the drive assembly and the tool holder of the cartridge assembly are shown in a side perspective view.

[0041] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of an alternative type of tool assembly for the stapler device shown, wherein the staple cartridge and the cartridge assembly have separate channels;

[0042] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The tool assembly shown is a side view of the staple cartridge and channel of the cartridge assembly, wherein the staple cartridge is positioned above the channel before being inserted into the channel;

[0043] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 The side view of the cartridge component of the tool assembly shown, wherein the staple cartridge is inserted into the channel;

[0044] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 An exploded 3D view of the pinning bin component shown;

[0045] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The enlarged perspective view of the indicated detailed area shows the actuation slider assembly of the staple cartridge, wherein the latch of the actuation slider assembly is separate from the actuation slider;

[0046] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the actuated slider assembly is shown, wherein the latch of the actuated slider assembly is connected to the actuated slider;

[0047] Figure 18 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of an alternative form of the distal portion of the drive assembly of the shown fastening device;

[0048] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 The above-view perspective sectional view of the far side of the staple cartridge body;

[0049] Figure 20 yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional sectional view of the proximal portion of the staple cartridge shown;

[0050] Figure 21 It is along Figure 20 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 21-21;

[0051] Figure 22 yes Figure 12The tool assembly shown is in a side perspective view in the clamping position, wherein all components of the tool assembly except for the actuation slider assembly and the drive assembly are shown in dashed lines;

[0052] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 The enlarged view of the indicated detail area shows the actuation slider assembly and drive assembly of the fastening device in the clamping position;

[0053] Figure 24 It is along Figure 23 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 24-24;

[0054] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 The side perspective view of the actuation slider assembly and drive assembly shown, wherein the actuation slider assembly and drive assembly are in the engaged position during the firing of the engagement device;

[0055] Figure 26 It is along Figure 25 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 26-26;

[0056] Figure 27 yes Figure 12 The following is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly during the firing of the engagement device, with the actuating slider assembly and the drive assembly in the forward position, and all components of the tool assembly except for the actuating slider assembly and the drive assembly shown in dashed lines.

[0057] Figure 28 It is along Figure 27 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 28-28;

[0058] Figure 29 When the actuated slider assembly and the drive assembly retract from their forward position, Figure 27 The following is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly during the firing of the engagement device, wherein all components of the tool assembly except for the actuation slider assembly and the drive assembly are shown in dashed lines.

[0059] Figure 30 When the actuated slider assembly and the drive assembly retract from their forward position, Figure 27 A perspective top view of the distal portion of the tool assembly shown during the firing of the engagement device, with the anvil shown in dashed lines;

[0060] Figure 31 yes Figure 1 An exploded side perspective view of an alternative type of the staple cartridge and drive assembly of the staple fitting device shown;

[0061] Figure 32 yes Figure 31The enlarged view of the indicated detail area shows a side-view perspective of the actuated slider;

[0062] Figure 33 yes Figure 31 The above-ground sectional view of the far side of the staple cartridge and the offset component;

[0063] Figure 34 It includes Figure 31 The diagram shows a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly of the staple cartridge during the firing of the staple engagement device, with the actuation slider assembly and drive assembly in the forward position, and all components of the tool assembly except for the actuation slider assembly, drive assembly and the offset member of the staple cartridge shown in dashed lines.

[0064] Figure 35 yes Figure 31 The figure shows a bottom perspective sectional view of the distal portion of the staple cartridge, with the actuating slider in the forward position;

[0065] Figure 36 When the actuated slider assembly and the drive assembly retract from their forward position, Figure 34 The following is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly during the firing of the engagement device, wherein all components of the tool assembly except the actuating slider assembly, the drive assembly, and the biasing member are shown in dashed lines.

[0066] Figure 37 yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of an alternative type of the drive assembly and actuation slider assembly of the shown fastening device;

[0067] Figure 38 yes Figure 37 An exploded side perspective view of the actuation slider assembly and the drive assembly shown.

[0068] Figure 39 It is along Figure 38 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 39-39;

[0069] Figure 40 It is along Figure 37 The cross-sectional view taken by section line 40-40;

[0070] Figure 41 yes Figure 37 The side view of the actuated slider assembly and the drive assembly shown, wherein the actuated slider assembly is in the raised position; and

[0071] Figure 42 yes Figure 37 The side view of the actuation slider assembly and drive assembly is shown, with the actuation slider assembly in the lowered position. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The disclosed surgical stapler will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it should be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely examples of this disclosure and can be implemented in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt this disclosure in various ways in virtually any properly described structure.

[0073] In this specification, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device closer to the clinician when the device is used in its usual manner, while the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device further away from the clinician when the device is used in its usual manner. Furthermore, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and support staff. Additionally, directional terms such as anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, top, bottom, and similar terms are used to aid understanding of the description and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0074] This disclosure relates to a surgical stapler having a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel defining a cavity and a staple cartridge supported within the cavity for movement between an elevated and a lowered position. The drive assembly includes a working member having an I-beam configuration. The staple cartridge includes an actuated slider that is movable relative to the working member as the staple cartridge moves within the channel of the cartridge assembly between the elevated and lowered positions. In various aspects of this disclosure, a blade is coupled to the working member and is movable relative to the working member as the staple cartridge moves within the channel of the cartridge assembly between the elevated and lowered positions. In other aspects of this disclosure, the actuated slider supports the blade and is pivotable from a blade-elevated position to a blade-lowered position as the actuated slider moves from a slider-retracted position to a slider-advanced position.

[0075] Figure 1A surgical stapler, generally shown as stapler 10, is illustrated, comprising a handle assembly 12, an adapter assembly 14, and a tool assembly 16. The handle assembly 12 is electrically powered and includes a fixed grip 18 and one or more actuation buttons 19. The actuation buttons 19 are operable to actuate various functions of the tool assembly 16 via the adapter assembly 14, namely, bringing the tool assembly 16 into contact with, staple, and cut tissue. In some aspects of this disclosure, the handle assembly 12 supports batteries (not shown) that provide power to the handle assembly 12 to operate the stapler 10. Although the stapler 10 is shown as an electrically powered stapler, it is contemplated that the advantages of this disclosure are suitable for use with both manually operated surgical staplers and robotically controlled staplers. U.S. Patent No. 5,865,361 describes a stapler that includes exemplary aspects of a manually operated stapler.

[0076] Adapter assembly 14 defines a longitudinal axis “X” and includes a proximal portion 14a and a distal portion 14b. The proximal portion 14a of adapter assembly 14 is coupled to handle assembly 12, and the distal portion 14b of adapter assembly 14 supports tool assembly 16. In various aspects of this disclosure, tool assembly 16 is pivotally coupled to the distal portion 14b of adapter assembly 14 to facilitate hinge of tool assembly 16 relative to adapter assembly 14 about a hinge axis “Y”. Tool assembly 16 includes an anvil 20 and a cartridge assembly 22. Anvil 20 has a tissue engagement surface 20a ( Figure 5 In all respects of this disclosure, the storage assembly 22 is coupled to the anvil 20 to pivot toward the anvil 20 and facilitates the tool assembly 16 in the unclamped position. Figure 1 The anvil 20 can move between the clamping position and the holding position. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the anvil 20 can be mounted to pivot toward the bin assembly 22.

[0077] Figure 2 A cartridge assembly 22 is shown, comprising a channel member 34, a conforming member 36, and a staple cartridge 38. The channel member 34 includes sidewalls 40 and a bottom wall 42 defining a cavity 34a that receives the staple cartridge 38. Each of the sidewalls 40 of the channel member 34 defines a cutout 40a. In various aspects of this disclosure, the staple cartridge 38 can be removably received within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34 to allow replacement of the staple cartridge 38 after each firing of the staple engaging device 10, thereby facilitating the reuse of the staple engaging device 10. Figure 1 The bottom wall 42 of the channel member 34 defines the tool groove 42a.

[0078] A compliant member 36 (which may be in the form of a wave spring) is fixed to the bottom wall 42 of the channel member 34 and supports the staple cartridge 38 within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34. The compliant member 36 is compressible to accommodate tissue clamped in the tool assembly 16. Figure 1 This facilitates the movement of the staple cartridge 38 relative to the anvil 20 between raised and lowered positions within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34. The compliance member 36 can be formed of various compliant materials, and its function is to allow a tissue gap (e.g., tissue gap "G1") defined between the tissue engagement surface 20a of the anvil 20 and the tissue engagement surface 54 of the staple cartridge 38 of the cartridge assembly 22. Figure 5 The conformability member 36 changes when the tool assembly 16 is in the clamping position and / or fired to accommodate different tissue thicknesses. In some aspects of this disclosure, the conformability member 36 is positioned along opposite sides of the cutter groove 42a. Although shown as a wave spring, the conformability member 36 may be formed of a compressible pad or the like and may be positioned at any location on the channel member 34 to support the staple cartridge 38.

[0079] Figure 2A An exploded view of a staple cartridge 38 is shown, which includes a cartridge body 43, staples 44, a pusher 46, an actuating slider 48, a blade holder 50, and a staple guard 52. The cartridge body 43 of the staple cartridge 38 is received within a cavity 34a defined by a channel member 34, and includes a tissue engagement surface 54, a blade guard 54a, and a protrusion 55 extending outward from the sidewall of the cartridge body 43 toward the channel member 34. The protrusion 55 is received within a cutout 40a in the sidewall 40 of the channel member 34 to properly position the staple cartridge 38 within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34. As the staple cartridge 38 moves between a raised position and a lowered position within the cavity 34a of the channel member 34, the protrusion 55 moves vertically within the cutout 40a (e.g., as...). Figure 5 and Figure 9 (As observed in the image). The cartridge 43 defines a stab groove 56 and a plurality of staple receiving recesses 58 arranged in rows on each side of the stab groove 56. The stab groove 56 of the cartridge 43 is longitudinally aligned with the stab groove 42a of the channel member 34. A staple protector 54a is positioned adjacent to the proximal portion of the stab groove 56. Each of the staple receiving recesses 58 receives a staple 44 and at least a portion of one of the pushers 46. The staple protector 52 is secured to the bottom of the cartridge 43 opposite to the tissue engagement surface 54 to retain the staple 44 and pushers 46 within the cartridge 43 during transport and handling of the staple cartridge 38.

[0080] The actuated slider 48 includes a central portion 48a and cam members 48b positioned on opposite sides of the central portion 48a. The central portion 48a is received in the housing 43. Figure 2 ) tool groove 56 ( Figure 2The cam member 48b defines ramps 404a, which are positioned to engage the support in the housing 43 as the actuated slider 48 moves from the slider retracted position toward the slider advance position. Figure 2 The actuator 46 inside Figure 3 ), so as to remove nail 44 from the chamber 43 ( Figure 3 They pop up sequentially.

[0081] The tool holder 50 is positioned near the actuating slider 48 and is movable within the tool groove 56 of the housing 43 between a tool retracted position and a tool forward position. The tool holder 50 includes a cutting edge 50a, which, when the tool assembly 16 ( Figure 1 When in the clamping position, the cutting edge is positioned in the gap (e.g., tissue gap “G1”) defined between the tissue engagement surface 54 of the chamber 43 and the anvil 20. Figure 5 The shank 50 is used to cut tissue held between the staple cartridge 38 and the anvil 20. The shank 50 also includes a flange 51 positioned on the lower end of the shank 50 opposite to the cutting edge 50a. When the shank 50 moves from the retracted position to the forward position, the flange 51 of the shank 50 is positioned to move along the inner surface of the bottom wall of the staple guard 52. An actuating slider 48 is positioned distal to the shank 50 and engages with the shank 50 when the shank 50 moves from the retracted position to the forward position within the cartridge 43. This actuating slider 48 moves from the retracted position to the forward position within the cartridge 43, thereby sequentially engaging with the pusher 46 to push the pusher 46 upward and eject the staple 44 from the staple receiving recess 58 of the cartridge 43.

[0082] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fastening device 10 was shown. Figure 1 The distal portion of the drive assembly 60 includes a flexible drive beam 62 and a working member 64. The flexible drive beam 62 has a distal portion fixed to the proximal portion of the working member 64. The working member 64 has an I-shaped configuration and includes a first beam 66, a second beam 68, and a vertical support 70. The first beam 66 is received within a channel defined in the anvil 20, and the second beam 68 engages with a channel 34 of the bin assembly 22. The vertical support 70 defines a vertical axis “Z”. Figure 3 It also has a first end fixed to the first beam 66, a second end fixed to the second beam 68, and a sidewall 71 defining a recess 71a extending from the distal end of the vertical support 70 to the proximal end of the vertical support 70. In various aspects of this disclosure, the recess 71a is partially defined by a guide surface 71b angled upward toward the first beam 66 in a proximal direction.

[0083] The drive assembly 60 is movable between a drive retracted position and a drive forward position via a drive clamping position. When the drive assembly 60 moves from the drive retracted position to the drive clamping position, the first beam 66 engages the anvil 20, and the second beam 68 engages the channel 34 to hold the tool assembly 16 ( Figure 1 The drive assembly 60 moves from the non-clamping position to the clamping position. When the drive assembly 60 moves from the drive clamping position to the drive forward position, the distal portion of the vertical support 70 of the working member 64 of the drive assembly 60 abuts the cutter bar 50, so that the cutter bar 50 advances to engage the actuated slider 48, and the cutter bar 50 and the actuated slider 48 advance from their retracted position to their forward position to eject the staple 44 from the chamber 43 and cut the tissue clamped between the anvil 20 and the chamber assembly 22. When the staple engaging device 10 is fired and the drive assembly 60 moves from the drive forward position to the drive retracted position, the actuated slider 48 remains in the slider forward position.

[0084] The shank 50 supports a latch 72, which is fixed to the vertical support 70 and includes a proximal end with a hook portion 74. The latch 72 is formed of an elastic material (e.g., spring steel) and is movable from an undeformed state to a deformed state. In the undeformed state, the proximal portion of the latch 72 bends outward from the slot 56 of the housing 43, such that the hook portion 74 of the latch 72 is spaced outward from the vertical support 70 of the drive assembly 60. In the deformed state, the proximal portion of the latch 72 is positioned within a recess 71a of the vertical support 70 of the working member 64 of the drive assembly 60 to engage the shank 50 to the working member 64 of the drive assembly 60. The width "A" of the latch 72 ( Figure 3 The height “B” of the recess 71a in the vertical support 70 of the working member 64 of the drive assembly 60 is less than that of the drive assembly 60. Figure 3 This allows the latch 72 to slide within the recess 71a of the working member 64. This allows the tool holder 50 to slide relative to the working member 64 along a vertical axis “Z” parallel to the vertical support 70. Figure 3 (It can float or move in the direction of)

[0085] In all aspects of this disclosure, as the tool holder 50 moves from the tool retracted position toward the tool advance position, the latch 72 moves into the tool groove 56 of the housing 43 to move the latch 72 from the undeformed state to the deformed state. An angled surface 71b of the distal portion of the recess 71a defining the vertical support 70 can act as a guide surface to guide the latch 72 into the recess 71a. In the deformed state, the tool 50 is engaged with the working member 50 such that movement of the drive assembly 60 between the drive retracted position and the drive advance position moves the tool 50 between the tool retracted position and the tool advance position.

[0086] Figures 4 to 7 The fastening device 10 was shown. Figure 1The tool assembly 16 is positioned in a clamping position around the thin tissue "T1". When the tool assembly 16 clamps around the thin tissue "T1", the conformable material 36 remains substantially undeformed to maintain the staple cartridge 38 in its uppermost position within the cavity 34a. In the uppermost position of the staple cartridge 38, a tissue gap "G1" is defined between the tissue engagement surface 20a of the anvil 20 and the tissue engagement surface 54 of the staple cartridge 38 of the cartridge assembly 22. Figure 5 The minimum position is such that tissue "T1" is held between the anvil 20 and the staple cartridge 38. As described above, the shank 50 is supported on the staple guard 52 of the staple cartridge 38. When the staple cartridge 38 is in its uppermost position within the cavity 34a of the channel 34 of the cartridge assembly 22, the shank 50 is positioned at its uppermost position relative to the vertical support 70 of the working member 64 of the drive assembly 60. In the uppermost position of the shank 50, the flange 51 of the shank 50 is positioned above the second beam 68 of the working member 64, and the latch 72 is positioned in the upper end of the recess 71a of the vertical support 70 of the working member 64 of the drive assembly 66.

[0087] Figures 8 to 11 The fastening device 10 was shown. Figure 1 The tool assembly 16 clamps around the thick tissue "T2". When the tool assembly 16 clamps around the thick tissue "T2", the compliant material 36 deforms or compresses to allow the staple cartridge 38 to move downward to its lowest position within the cavity 34a of the channel 34. At the lowest position of the staple cartridge 38, a tissue gap "G2" is defined between the tissue engagement surface 20a of the anvil 20 and the tissue engagement surface 54 of the staple cartridge 38 of the cartridge assembly 22. Figure 9 The maximum is designed to accommodate thick tissue “T2”. As described above, the shank 50 is supported on the staple guard 52 of the staple cartridge 38. When the staple cartridge 38 moves downward within the cavity 34a of the channel 34 of the cartridge assembly 22, the shank 50 moves downward relative to the vertical support 70 of the working member 64 of the drive assembly 60, such that the flange 51 of the shank 50 moves downward toward the second beam 68 of the working member 64, and the latch 72 moves downward to its lowest position within the recess 71a of the vertical support 70 of the working member 64 of the drive assembly 66.

[0088] Figures 12 to 30 Tool assembly 16 of fastening device 10 is shown. Figure 1 An alternative form of ), which is generally shown as working component 116. Figure 12 A tool assembly 116 is shown, including an anvil 120 and a storage container 122. The anvil 120 has a tissue engagement surface 120a. Figure 5 In all respects of this disclosure, the storage assembly 122 is coupled to the anvil 120 to pivot toward the anvil 120 and facilitates the tool assembly 116 in the unclamped position. Figure 1The anvil 120 can move between the clamping position and the holding position. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the anvil 120 can be coupled to the bin assembly 122 to pivot toward the bin assembly 122.

[0089] Figures 13 to 15 A cartridge assembly 122 including a channel member 134 and a staple cartridge 138 is shown. The channel member 134 includes a sidewall 140 and a bottom wall 142 defining a cavity 134a that receives the staple cartridge 138. In all aspects of this disclosure, the staple cartridge 138 can be removably received within the cavity 134a of the channel member 134 to allow for insertion of staples into the staple fitting device 10 ( Figure 1 The staple cartridge 138 is replaced after each firing, which helps to reuse the staple engagement device 10. Figure 1 The bottom wall 142 of the channel member 134 defines a knife groove 142a. Although not shown, the cartridge assembly 122 may include a conforming member to allow the staple cartridge 138 to float within the cavity 134a of the channel 134.

[0090] The staple cartridge 138 includes a cartridge body 143, staples 144, a pusher 146, an actuating slider 148, a distal staple guard 150, a proximal staple guard 152, and a biasing member 154. The cartridge body 143 of the staple cartridge 138 is received within a cavity 134a defined by the channel member 134 and includes an upper tissue engagement surface 138a. The cartridge body 143 defines a blade groove 156 and a plurality of staple receiving recesses 158 arranged in rows on each side of the blade groove 156. Although two rows are shown, each side of the blade groove 156 may include one or more rows of staple receiving recesses 158. Each of the staple receiving recesses 158 receives a staple 144 and at least a portion of one of the pushers 146. The cartridge body 143 includes a blade guard 157 positioned on each side of the proximal end of the blade groove 156. The blade guard 157 extends upward from the tissue-joining surface 138a of the cartridge body 143 of the staple cartridge 138.

[0091] The distal staple protector 150 is secured to the distal portion of the cartridge 143 opposite to the tissue engagement surface 138a, and the proximal staple protector 152 is secured to the proximal portion of the cartridge 143 opposite to the tissue engagement surface 138a. The proximal and distal staple protectors 150 and 152 cover the bottom of the cartridge 143 to retain the staples 44 and pusher 46 within the cartridge 143 during transport and handling of the staple cartridge 38. In various aspects of this disclosure, the proximal and distal staple protectors 150 and 152 define side openings 160 that receive tabs 162 formed on the cartridge 143 to secure the proximal and distal staple protectors 150 and 152 to the cartridge 143 in a snap-fit ​​manner. In some aspects of this disclosure, the distal staple protector 150 has a bottom wall 166, and the proximal staple protector 152 has a bottom wall 168. Figure 13Bottom walls 166 and 168 define cutting grooves 166a and 168a, which are longitudinally aligned with cutting groove 156 in housing 143. In some aspects of this disclosure, the bottom wall 166 of the distal nail guard 150 is longer than that of the proximal nail guard 152. Figure 14 The bottom wall 168 of the staple cartridge 138 is spaced further from the bottom of the cartridge 143 to allow the actuated slider 148 to pivot downward when the actuated slider 148 is positioned in the slider forward position, as described below. In some aspects of this disclosure, when the staple cartridge 138 is received within the channel member 134, the proximal surface of the distal staple protector 150 is flush with the channel 134. Figure 15 The far surface of ) is in an adjacent relationship.

[0092] Figure 16 and Figure 17 An actuated slider 148 is shown, which includes a body 170 having a central portion 172 and cam members 174 positioned on opposite sides of the central portion 172 of the body 170. The central portion 172 is received in a cutter groove 156 of a housing 143. Figure 13 The cam member 174 defines ramps 174a, which are positioned to engage the pusher 146 when the actuated slider 148 moves from the slider retracted position toward the slider advance position, so as to disengage the pin 144 from the housing 143. Figure 13 The actuator slider 148 pops out sequentially. The central portion 172 of the body 170 includes a vertical portion 176 that extends upward from the proximal portion of the central portion 172 of the actuator slider 148 through the housing 143. Figure 6 The central cutter groove 156 is located in the actuated slider 148. The vertical portion 176 of the actuated slider 148 includes a cutter 178 having a distally facing cutting edge 178a. In all aspects of this disclosure, the cutter 178 is formed of metal and overmolded into the vertical portion 176 of the actuated slider 148. Alternatively, the cutter 178 may be machined into the vertical portion 176 of the actuated slider 148. Each of the cam members 174 includes a sidewall comprising a first structure configured to engage a second structure on the housing 143 to hold the actuated slider 148 in a slider advance position while allowing the actuated slider 148 to move to a position that shields the cutting edge 178a of the cutter 178. In all aspects of this disclosure, the cam member 174 of the actuating slider 148 defines cavities 180 longitudinally aligned with each other on the distal portion of the actuating slider 148, and the second structure includes protrusions 182 longitudinally aligned with each other on the distal portion of the housing 143. When the actuating slider 148 is in the slider forward position, the cavity 180 receives the protrusions 182. Figure 19 ( ), so that the actuated slider 148 is pivotally fixed to the chamber 143 when the slider is in the forward position.

[0093] The central portion 172 of the actuated slider 148 defines a recess 184 that receives and supports a resilient latch 186. The recess 184 extends through a proximal portion of the central portion 172 of the actuated slider 148 and has a height greater than the width of the latch 186 to allow the latch 186 to move within the recess 184. The latch 186 has a proximal portion including a hook 186a.

[0094] Figure 18 The fastening device 10 was shown. Figure 1 The driving component 60 ( Figure 2 An alternative form of the drive assembly 190 is shown generally as a drive assembly 190. The drive assembly 190 includes a flexible drive beam 192 and a working member 194. The flexible drive beam 192 has a distal portion fixed to a proximal portion of the working member 194 and is adapted to engage with the stapling device 10. Figure 1 The proximal portion (not shown) of the drive member within the adapter assembly 14. The working member 194 has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam 196, a second beam 198, and a vertical support 200. The first beam 196 is received within a channel defined in the anvil 120, and the second beam 198 engages with a channel 134 of the bin assembly 122. The vertical support 200 defines a vertical axis “Z” (…). Figure 3 It has a first end fixed to a first beam 196, a second end fixed to a second beam 198, and a sidewall 202 defining a recess 204. The recess 204 receives a proximal end of a latch 186 and includes a proximal portion defining a cavity 206 that receives a hook 186a of the latch 186 to engage an actuated slider 148 to a working member 194 of the drive assembly 190.

[0095] The drive assembly 190 is movable between a drive retracted position and a drive forward position via a drive clamping position. When the drive assembly 190 moves from the drive retracted position to the drive clamping position, the first beam 196 of the working member 194 engages the anvil 120, and the second beam 198 engages the channel 134 to hold the tool assembly 116 ( Figure 12 The drive assembly 190 moves from the non-clamping position to the clamping position. When the drive assembly 190 moves from the drive clamping position to the drive forward position, the distal portion of the vertical support 200 of the working member 194 of the drive assembly 190 abuts the actuated slider 148 and advances the actuated slider 148 from the slider retracted position to the slider forward position to eject the pin 144 from the chamber 143 and cut the tissue clamped between the anvil 120 and the chamber assembly 122. When the drive assembly 190 engages the actuated slider 148, the hook 186a of the latch 186 engages in the recess 206 of the vertical support 200 to connect the actuated slider 148 to the drive assembly 190.

[0096] Figure 19A biasing member 154 is shown fixed to the distal portion of the cartridge 143. The biasing member 154 (which may be in the form of a leaf spring) is fixed to the distal portion of the cartridge 143 of the staple cartridge 138, and extends into the distal portion of the cutter groove 156 at a position where the actuated slider 148 is in the slider forward position. In various aspects of this disclosure, the biasing member 154 is cantilevered to the cartridge 143 and has a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the biasing member 154 is fixed to the cartridge 143, and the proximal portion of the biasing member 154 extends proximally and upward to a position adjacent to the distal portion of the cutter groove 156 of the cartridge 143. In some aspects of this disclosure, the biasing member 154 bends upward from its distal end toward its proximal end.

[0097] Figure 20 and Figure 21 The proximal portion of the staple cartridge 138 is shown, wherein the actuated slider 148 is in the retracted position before the staple cartridge 138 is inserted into the cavity 134a of the insertion channel 134. As shown, a latch 186 protrudes from the proximal portion of the blade groove 156 and is confined within a recess 184 in the central portion 172 of the actuated slider 148 by the inner wall of the cartridge body 143. It should be noted that the latch 186 is not fixedly attached to the actuated slider 148 within the recess 184 and can float within the recess 184. When the actuated slider 148 is in the retracted position, the blade 178, including the cutting edge 178a, is concealed between the blade guards 157 of the cartridge body 143.

[0098] Figures 22 to 24 This demonstrates when the drive component 190 along Figure 22 Move the direction of arrow "A" in the middle to the drive clamping position to engage the fastening device 10 ( Figure 1 Tool assembly 116 is moved to the clamping position. In the clamping position, the proximal portion of latch 186 is partially received within a recess 204 in the sidewall 202 of the vertical support 200 of the working member 194 of drive assembly 190. As shown, the working member 194 of drive assembly 190 is spaced proximal to the actuating slider 148 such that the hook 186a of latch 186 is positioned distal to the recess 206 in the vertical support 200 of working member 194. Therefore, the actuating slider 148 is not engaged with the working member 194 of drive assembly 190.

[0099] Figure 25 and Figure 26 Demonstrates the use of fastening device 10 ( Figure 1 During the firing stroke of the engagement device 10 ( Figure 1The tool assembly 116 moves from the drive clamping position toward the drive forward position in the direction of arrow "B" when the drive assembly 190 moves in the direction of arrow "B". As the drive assembly 190 moves in the direction of arrow "B", the latch 186 moves further into the recess 204 in the vertical support 200 until the hook 186a on the proximal portion of the latch 186 aligns with the recess 206 in the vertical support 200 of the working member 194. When the hook 186a of the latch 186 aligns with the recess 206, the latch 186 moves along... Figure 26 The actuated slider 148 is engaged inward in the direction indicated by arrow "C" to connect the actuated slider 148 to the working member 194 of the drive assembly 190. As the drive assembly 190 continues to move towards the drive forward position in the direction of arrow "B", the actuated slider 148 moves from the slider retracted position to the slider forward position to engage the pin 144 (…). Figure 13 The tissue engagement surface 120a of the anvil 120 and the tissue engagement surface 138a of the staple cartridge 138 are ejected from the cartridge 143 and cut. Figure 12 Organizations between ( ).

[0100] As mentioned above regarding tool component 16 ( Figure 1 As described, the warehouse assembly may include compliant material 36 ( Figure 2 The compliant material allows the staple cartridge 138 to float within the channel 134 to compensate for tissues of varying thicknesses. The height of the recess 184 in the actuating slider 148 is greater than the width of the latch 186 to allow the actuating slider 148, together with the staple cartridge 138, to move vertically relative to the latch 186 along the direction of the vertical axis “Z” of the vertical strut 200 of the working member 194 of the drive assembly 190, as the staple cartridge 138 moves between the raised and lowered positions within the channel 134.

[0101] Figure 27 and Figure 28 This illustrates the distal portion of tool assembly 116 when the actuated slider 148 moves to the slider forward position in the direction of arrow "D". When the actuated slider 148 reaches the slider forward position, the protrusion 182 on the inner surface of the housing 143 is received within the actuated slider 148. Figure 28 The actuated slider 148 is pivotally fixed in the slider forward position within the cavity 180. When the actuated slider 148 reaches the slider forward position, the center portion 172 of the actuated slider 148 moves below the bias member 154 and causes the bias member to move along... Figure 27 The arrow "E" in the diagram is deformed upwards. When the bias member 154 is pushed upwards, it applies a downward force to the center portion 172 of the actuating slider 148. In the slider forward position, the latch 186 remains engaged with the working member 194 of the drive assembly 190.

[0102] Figure 29and Figure 30 The tool assembly is shown when the drive assembly 190 moves from the drive forward position to the drive retracted position in the direction of arrow "F". As the drive assembly 190 moves from the drive forward position toward the drive retracted position, the latch 186 is withdrawn from the recess 184 in the central portion 172 of the actuated slider 148. As shown, the distal portion of the latch 186, angled downwards toward the bottom of the housing 143, engages the upwardly angled surface 184a defining the recess 184, causing the actuated slider 148 to move along... Figure 29 The arrow "F" in the diagram pivots from the raised position to the lowered position around the transverse axis defined by the protrusion 182, thereby moving the blade from the exposed position to the concealed position. Even after the latch 186 disengages from the actuation slider 148, the biasing member 154 biases the actuation slider 148 toward the lowered position in the direction of the arrow "F". In the lowered position, the cutting edge 178a of the blade 178 of the actuation slider 148 is recessed or substantially recessed within the housing 143, below the tissue engagement surface 138a, to conceal the cutting edge 178a of the blade 178.

[0103] Figures 31 to 36 The fastening device 10 was shown. Figure 1 An alternative form of the staple cartridge 138 is shown generally as staple cartridge 238. Staple cartridge 238 includes a cartridge body 243, staples and actuators (not shown), an actuating slider 248, distal and proximal staple guards (not shown), and a biasing member 254. The cartridge body 243 of staple cartridge 238 is received in a space formed by channel member 134 (…). Figure 12 The cavity 134a is defined and includes an upper tissue engagement surface 238a. The housing 243 defines a stab groove 256 and a plurality of stab receiving recesses 258 arranged in a row on each side of the stab groove 256. The stab, pusher, distal stab guard, and proximal stab guard are described above (…). Figure 13 The nail 144, pusher 146, distal nail guard 150 and proximal nail guard 152 described in relation to nail cartridge 138 are the same and will not be described in further detail herein.

[0104] Figure 32 An actuated slider 248 is shown, which is similar to actuated slider 148 and includes a body 270 having a central portion 272 and cam members 274 positioned on opposite sides of the central portion 272 of the body 270. The central portion 272 is received in a cutter groove 256 of a housing 243. Figure 31 The cam member 274 defines ramps 274a, which are positioned to engage a pusher (not shown) as the actuated slider 248 moves from the slider retracted position toward the slider forward position to dislodge the pin (not shown) from the housing 243. Figure 31The actuator slider 248 pops out sequentially. The central portion 272 of the body 270 includes a vertical portion 276 that extends from the proximal portion of the central portion 272 of the actuator slider 248 toward the anvil 220. Figure 34 Extending upwards through the 243 compartment ( Figure 31 The central cutter groove 256 is located in the actuated slider 248. The vertical portion 276 of the actuated slider 248 includes a cutter 278 having a distally facing cutting edge 278a. In all aspects of this disclosure, the cutter 278 is formed of metal and overmolded into the vertical portion 276 of the actuated slider 248. Each of the cam members 274 includes a sidewall defining a first structure configured to engage a second structure on the housing 243 to hold the actuated slider 248 in a slider forward position while allowing the actuated slider 248 to move to a position that shields the cutting edge 278a of the cutter 278. In all aspects of this disclosure, the cam members 274 of the actuated slider 148 define elongated cavities 280 longitudinally aligned with each other on the distal portion of the actuated slider 248, and the second structure includes ribs 282 longitudinally aligned with each other on the distal portion of the housing 243. When the actuated slider 248 is in the slider forward position, the cavity 280 receives the rib 282 ( Figure 33 The actuated slider 248 is secured in the slider forward position. Rib 282 is received within cavity 280 to facilitate the movement of actuated slider 228 along a linear path from the raised position to the lowered position when actuated slider 248 is in the slider forward position. In the lowered position, actuated slider 248 is positioned against distal nail guard 150. Figure 14 Above, this provides additional space below the housing 243 to allow the actuating slider 228 to move downward toward the distal nail guard 150. Figure 14 )move.

[0105] In all respects of this disclosure, the actuated slider 248 includes a blade guard 284 that extends from the vertical portion 276 of the actuated slider along the elongated body 14 parallel to the engagement device 10. Figure 1 The longitudinal axis “X” of the actuating slider 248 extends distally. The blade guard 284 is positioned above the central portion 272 of the actuating slider 248 to shield the cutting edge 278a of the blade 278 of the actuating slider 248.

[0106] Figure 33The distal portion of the cartridge 243 and the biasing member 254 are shown. The biasing member 254 (which may be in the form of a leaf spring) is fixed to the distal portion of the cartridge 243 of the staple cartridge 238, and the biasing member is aligned with the distal portion of the tool slot 256 at a position where the actuated slider 248 is in the slider forward position. In all aspects of this disclosure, the biasing member 254 is cantilevered to the cartridge 243 and has a distal portion 254a and a proximal portion 254b. The distal portion of the biasing member 254 has a stepped configuration and is fixed to the cartridge 243, and the proximal portion of the biasing member 254 extends to a position aligned with the distal portion of the tool slot 256 of the cartridge 243.

[0107] Figure 34 and Figure 35 This demonstrates how the drive assembly 190 actuates the slider 248 along... Figure 34 The direction of the arrow "K" indicates the movement of the actuated slider 248 from the retracted position to the forward position. When the actuated slider 248 moves to the forward position, the protrusion 282 is received within the elongated cavity 280 to hold the actuated slider 248 in the forward position. When the center portion 272 of the actuated slider 248 moves below the bias member 254, the bias member 254 moves along... Figure 35 The arrow "F" in the diagram points upwards toward the anvil 220. When the bias member 254 is pushed upwards, it applies a downward force to the center portion 272 of the actuated slider 248. The engagement of the drive assembly 190 with the actuated slider 248 retains the actuated slider 248 in the raised position.

[0108] Figure 36 Demonstrates the use of fastening device 10 ( Figure 1 After being fired, the drive assembly 190 moves from the drive forward position back to the drive retracted position in the direction indicated by arrow "G". As the drive assembly 190 moves back towards the drive retracted position, the drive assembly 190 disengages from the actuation slider 248, and the biasing member 254 pushes the actuation slider 248 downward along a linear path (vertically) towards the distal nail guard 150 to the lowered position in the direction of arrow "H". In the lowered position, the cutting edge 278a of the blade 278 is concealed within the housing 243.

[0109] Figures 37 to 40 Showing Figure 1 An alternative form of the actuating slider, blade, and working member of the drive assembly of the pinning device 10 shown is generally shown as an actuating slider 348, a blade assembly 350, and a working member 352. Although not shown, the working member 352 is coupled to a flexible beam (not shown) that is fixed to the proximal surface of the working member 352.

[0110] The working member 352 has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam 354, a second beam 356, and a vertical support 358 connecting the first beam 354 to the second beam 356. The vertical support 358 defines an elongated groove 360 ​​having a first transverse groove portion 362 and a second transverse groove portion 364. The first transverse groove portion 362 and the second transverse groove portion 364 are spaced apart from each other along the length of the elongated groove 360. The working member 352 is connected to the anvil 20 and the bin assembly 22. Figure 1 The working component is engaged, and its function is similar to that of the working component 64 described above. Figure 11 Therefore, this article will not describe the working component 352 in further detail.

[0111] The blade assembly 350 includes a blade 366 and a blade holder 368. The blade 366 includes an elongated body 370 and an elongated cutting edge 372 facing distally. The elongated body 370 of the blade 366 includes a first protrusion 374, a second protrusion 376, and a cam member 378 extending from opposite sides of the elongated body 370. The elongated body 370 of the blade 366 is received within an elongated groove 360 ​​of a vertical support 358 of the working member 352 to securely fasten the blade 366 to the working member 352. In this respect, the first protrusion 374 is received within a first transverse groove portion 362, and the second protrusion 376 is received within a second transverse groove portion 364. In all aspects of this disclosure, the first protrusion 374 has a rectangular configuration, and the second protrusion 376 has a circular configuration. Other protrusion configurations are also contemplated.

[0112] The tool holder 368 includes a base portion 380, a central portion 382, ​​and guide members 384 positioned on opposite sides of the central portion 382 in a spaced-apart relationship. The central portion 382 of the tool holder 368 includes an inner surface 386 defining a cavity 388. Each of the inner surfaces 386 of the central portion 382 of the tool holder 368 defines a cam groove 390. Figure 39 The cam groove receives one of the cam members 378 of the cutter 366. In all aspects of this disclosure, the cam groove 390 has a stepped configuration and defines a horizontal portion 392 that defines an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vertical support 358 of the working member 352. A central portion 382 also supports a resilient arm 394 that extends above the actuated slider 348 and defines a cavity 396 facing the actuated slider 348. Figure 39 The cavity 396 is partially defined by a curved distal wall or an angled distal wall 396a.

[0113] The actuated slider 348 includes a body 400 having a central portion 402 and cam members 404 positioned on opposite sides of the central portion 402 of the body 400. The central portion 402 is received in a housing 43. Figure 2 ) tool groove 56 ( Figure 2 The cam member 404 defines ramps 404a, which are positioned to engage the support in the housing 43 as the actuated slider 348 moves from the slider retracted position toward the slider advance position. Figure 2 The actuator 46 inside Figure 2A ), to nail 44 ( Figure 2A From the 43rd compartment ( Figure 2 The slide block 348 pops out sequentially. The central portion 402 of the actuating slider 348 includes a pawl 408, which is received within a cavity 396 of the resilient arm 394 of the tool holder 368 of the tool assembly 350. The pawl 408 includes an angled distal surface 408a that engages with an angled distal wall 396a, thereby defining a cavity 396 in the resilient arm 394 of the tool holder 368.

[0114] As mentioned above Figure 2 As described in the cartridge assembly 22 shown, the staple cartridge 38 can move between an elevated position and a lowered position within the cavity 34a of the channel 34 to compensate for tissues of different thicknesses. Figure 41 The knife assembly 350 is shown when the staple cartridge 38 is in the raised position. When the staple cartridge 38 is in the raised position, for example when a thin tissue is held between the anvil 20 and the staple cartridge 38 (… Figure 1 When the cutter 366 of the cutter assembly 350 is in contact with the tool, the cam member 378 of the cutter 366 is supported on the horizontal portion 392 of the cam groove 390 of the tool holder 368, such that the base portion 380 of the tool holder 368 is positioned above the second beam 356 of the working member 352.

[0115] Figure 42 This demonstrates when thicker tissue is clamped in tool assembly 16 ( Figure 1 The knife assembly 350 is used when the anvil 20 and the cartridge 38 are positioned between the anvil 20 and the cartridge 38. When thicker tissue is held between the anvil 20 and the cartridge assembly 22 ( Figure 1 When the staple cartridge 38 is between the staples, the tool holder 368 and the actuating slider 348 move downward relative to the vertical support 358 and the tool 366 toward the second beam 356 of the working member 352, causing the cam member 378 to move downward within the cam groove 390. It should be noted that, depending on the thickness of the tissue clamped between the anvil 20 and the staple cartridge 38, the tool holder 368 and the actuating slider 348 can be positioned from the raised position (…). Figure 41 ) to lower position ( Figure 42 (any location)

[0116] Although not shown, when the actuated slider 348 moves to the actuated slider forward position and the working member 352 returns to the retracted position, the cutter 366 (which is fixedly attached to the working member 352) and the tool holder 368 (which is connected to the cutter 372 via receiving the cam member 378 in the cam groove 390 of the tool holder 368) move together with the working member 352 to their retracted positions. When the tool holder 368 returns to its retracted position, the angled surface 396a of the elastic arm 394 and the angled surface 408a of the pawl 408 disengage the elastic arm 394 from the actuated slider 348, thereby holding the actuated slider 348 in the slider forward position.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of this disclosure. It is contemplated that elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspect of this disclosure may be combined with elements and features of another exemplary aspect without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of this disclosure based on the various aspects of this disclosure described above. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tool component, comprising: Anvil; A cartridge assembly coupled to the anvil to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an unclamped and clamped positions, the cartridge assembly including a channel, a compliant member, and a staple cartridge, the channel including sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a cavity, the staple cartridge being received within the cavity of the channel and including a cartridge body, a staple, an actuating slider, a blade, and a latch, the cartridge body defining a blade groove and a staple receiving recess, the staple being received within the staple receiving recess, the actuating slider being movable from a slider retracted position to a slider forward position to eject the staple from the cartridge body, the blade being movable together with the actuating slider from a blade retracted position to a blade forward position, the compliant member being positioned on the channel to support the staple cartridge within the cavity of the channel to move between a cartridge raised position and a cartridge lowered position, the latch having a width; as well as A drive assembly includes a flexible drive beam and a working member. The flexible drive beam has a distal portion fixed to the working member. The working member has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support. The vertical support has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a recess extending from the distal end across the vertical support to the proximal end. The height of the recess is greater than the width of the latch to facilitate movement of the latch within the recess. The drive assembly is movable between a drive retracted position and a drive forward position to move an actuated slider from the slider retracted position to the slider forward position and to move the blade between the blade retracted position and the blade forward position. The latch extends through the recess and is configured to engage the blade with the vertical support of the working member. The latch is movable within the recess of the vertical support to facilitate movement of the blade relative to the working member when the cartridge moves between the cartridge raised position and the cartridge lowered position.

2. The tool component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The recess is defined by a guide surface that extends from the distal end of the vertical support toward the proximal end of the vertical support and extends upward toward the first beam in a proximal direction.

3. The tool component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The compliant component includes a wave spring positioned on the bottom wall of the channel.

4. The tool component as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The bottom wall of the channel defines a cutting groove, which is longitudinally aligned with the cutting groove of the chamber, and the wave spring is positioned on the bottom wall of the channel on the opposite side of the cutting groove.

5. The tool component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The blade is positioned between the actuating slider and the working member of the drive assembly, and is capable of moving together with the working member between a blade retracted position and a blade forward position.

6. The tool component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The blade includes a cutting edge and is movable through the blade groove of the housing between the blade retracted position and the blade forward position.

7. The tool component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The latch is capable of moving from an undeformed state spaced apart from the vertical support of the working member of the drive assembly to a deformed state engaged with the vertical support of the working member.

8. The tool assembly of claim 7, wherein, The latch is movable through the tool slot of the chamber, and the latch is movable from the undeformed state to the deformed state in response to the latch moving into the tool slot of the chamber.

9. The tool component of claim 6, wherein, The chamber includes a tissue-joining surface and a blade guard extending upward from the tissue-joining surface toward the anvil, wherein when the blade is in the retracted position, the cutting edge of the blade is positioned between the blade guards.

10. The tool component of claim 1, wherein, The blade includes a distal surface that is adjacent to the actuating slider.

11. A fastening device, comprising: Handle assembly; An adapter assembly having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the adapter assembly being coupled to the handle assembly; as well as A tool component, coupled to the distal portion of the adapter component, the tool component comprising: Anvil; A cartridge assembly coupled to the anvil to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an unclamped and clamped positions, the cartridge assembly including a channel, a compliant member, and a staple cartridge, the channel including sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a cavity, the staple cartridge being received within the cavity of the channel and including a cartridge body, a staple, an actuating slider, a blade, and a latch, the cartridge body defining a blade groove and a staple receiving recess, the staple being received within the staple receiving recess, the actuating slider including a cam member and capable of moving from a slider retracted position to a slider forward position to eject the staple from the cartridge body, the blade being capable of moving together with the actuating slider from a blade retracted position to a blade forward position, the compliant member being positioned on the channel to support the staple cartridge within the cavity of the channel for movement between a cartridge raised position and a cartridge lowered position, the latch having a width; and A drive assembly includes a flexible drive beam and a working member. The flexible drive beam has a distal portion fixed to the working member. The working member has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support. The vertical support has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a recess extending from the distal end across the vertical support to the proximal end. The height of the recess is greater than the width of the latch to facilitate movement of the latch within the recess. The drive assembly is movable between a drive retracted position and a drive forward position to move an actuated slider from the slider retracted position to the slider forward position and to move the blade between the blade retracted position and the blade forward position. The latch extends through the recess and is configured to engage the blade with the vertical support of the working member. The latch is movable within the recess of the vertical support to facilitate movement of the blade relative to the working member when the cartridge moves between the cartridge raised position and the cartridge lowered position.

12. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein, The recess is defined by a guide surface that extends from the distal end of the vertical support toward the proximal end of the vertical support and extends upward toward the first beam in a proximal direction.

13. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein, The compliant component includes a wave spring positioned on the bottom wall of the channel.

14. The fastening device according to claim 13, wherein, The bottom wall of the channel defines a cutting groove, which is longitudinally aligned with the cutting groove of the chamber, and the wave spring is positioned on the bottom wall of the channel on the opposite side of the cutting groove.

15. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein, The blade is positioned between the actuating slider and the working member of the drive assembly, and is capable of moving together with the working member between a blade retracted position and a blade forward position.

16. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein, The blade includes a cutting edge and is movable through the blade groove of the housing between the blade retracted position and the blade forward position.

17. The fastening device according to claim 11, wherein, The latch is capable of moving from an undeformed state spaced apart from the vertical support of the working member of the drive assembly to a deformed state engaged with the vertical support of the working member.

18. The fastening device according to claim 17, wherein, The latch is movable through the tool slot of the chamber, and the latch is movable from the undeformed state to the deformed state in response to the latch moving into the tool slot of the chamber.

19. The fastening device according to claim 16, wherein, The chamber includes a tissue-joining surface and a blade guard extending upward from the tissue-joining surface toward the anvil, wherein when the blade is in the retracted position, the cutting edge of the blade is positioned between the blade guards.

20. A tool component, comprising: An actuated slider, the actuated slider comprising a central portion and cam members positioned on opposite sides of the central portion; A knife, the knife including a cutting edge and a supporting latch, the latch having a width; as well as A drive assembly includes a flexible drive beam and a working member. The flexible drive beam has a distal portion fixed to the working member. The working member has an I-beam configuration and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support. The vertical support has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a recess extending from the distal end across the vertical support to the proximal end. The height of the recess is greater than the width of the latch to facilitate movement of the latch within the recess. The latch extends through the recess and is configured to engage the knife with the vertical support of the working member. The latch is movable within the recess of the vertical support to facilitate movement of the knife relative to the working member.

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