Staple cartridge assembly and surgical stapler

Abstract

The application provides a staple cartridge assembly and a surgical stapler. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a staple cartridge frame provided with an axially extending knife slot; a staple cartridge body loaded in the staple cartridge frame, the staple cartridge body comprising a first side wall and a second side wall oppositely arranged, and a slot, the proximal end of the slot defining an avoiding space; and a driving member preassembled at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body and configured to be driven to move distally along the slot; wherein the transverse width of the avoiding space is greater than the width of the knife slot when the driving member moves to the distal end of the slot. By arranging the avoiding space at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body, even if the driving member moves to the distal end of the staple cartridge body, the proximal end of the staple cartridge body still has enough space for the knife to pass smoothly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a staple cartridge assembly and a surgical stapler. Background Technology

[0002] Surgical staplers generally include an instrument platform and an actuator mounted distal to the instrument platform. The actuator includes a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil, both positioned opposite each other. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge body, a staple cartridge holder housing the staple cartridge body, and a drive mechanism and a cutter that are axially slidable relative to the staple cartridge body. The staple cartridge body has a slot, and its proximal end forms two cantilever structures symmetrically positioned relative to the slot. In the initial state, the drive mechanism is positioned proximal to the staple cartridge body, extending the cantilever structures outwards to provide sufficient space for the cutter to pass through the slot. At this point, the cutter is in the first position proximal to the staple cartridge holder and is not engaged with the staple cartridge body.

[0003] During surgery, the cutting blade is first driven distally to the second position proximal to the staple cartridge body. The cutting blade then drives the jaws of the actuator to close, clamping the tissue. As the cutting blade moves from the first position to the second position, sufficient space remains in the proximal end of the slot in the staple cartridge body, allowing the cutting blade to smoothly enter the slot. After the jaws close, the cutting blade continues to move distally along the slot, driving the actuator to push the staples out and suture them to the tissue, while simultaneously cutting the tissue. After firing, the cutting blade retracts to the first position proximal to the staple cartridge frame, while the actuator remains distal to the staple cartridge body. At this point, the proximal end of the staple cartridge loses the opening force of the actuator, and the cantilever structure naturally tightens inward, reducing the passage space in the proximal end of the slot.

[0004] When removing the fired surgical stapler from the body, the jaws need to be closed again, and the cutter needs to be driven from the first position to the second position again. Because the space for passage at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body narrows at this point, the proximal end of the staple cartridge body will block the path of the cutter towards the second position, making it difficult for the jaws to close. If the closing driving force is continued at this time, the cutter will press against the proximal end of the staple cartridge body and move distally, potentially pushing the staple cartridge body out of the staple cartridge holder. This poses a risk of the staple cartridge body falling out of the staple cartridge holder and the jaws becoming stuck. In severe cases, the jaws cannot close properly, and the surgical stapler cannot be removed from the body. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a staple cartridge assembly and a surgical stapler, in which even if the drive unit moves to the distal end of the staple cartridge body, there is still enough space at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body for the cutter to pass smoothly.

[0006] This application provides a pinning device component, including:

[0007] The staple cartridge rack is equipped with a tool groove extending along the axial direction;

[0008] The staple cartridge body is installed inside the staple cartridge frame. The staple cartridge body includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other, and a slot extending along the axial direction. The slot is located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the proximal end of the slot defines a clearance space.

[0009] The drive unit is pre-assembled at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body and is configured to be driven to move distally along the slot; wherein, when the drive unit moves to the distal end of the slot, the lateral width of the clearance space is greater than the width of the tool groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first clearance portion is provided at the proximal end of the first sidewall, and a second clearance portion is provided at the proximal end of the second sidewall, with a clearance space defined between the first clearance portion and the second clearance portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first clearance portion is a first inclined surface located at the proximal end of the first sidewall, and the second clearance portion is a second inclined surface located at the proximal end of the second sidewall. The lateral distance between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first sidewall further includes a first guide surface disposed at the distal end of the first inclined surface, and the second sidewall further includes a second guide surface disposed at the distal end of the second inclined surface, wherein the lateral distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first transition surface is provided between the first inclined surface and the first guide surface, and a second transition surface is provided between the second inclined surface and the second guide surface, wherein the first transition surface and the second transition surface are straight surfaces.

[0014] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the staple cartridge is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, the first limiting part restricting the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the first sidewall, and the second limiting part restricting the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the second sidewall.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion includes a first protrusion, the second limiting portion includes a second protrusion, the first protrusion is disposed on the outer side of the proximal end of the first sidewall and is located in the clearance space, and the second protrusion is disposed on the outer side of the proximal end of the second sidewall and is located in the clearance space.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion each include a recessed arcuate surface, and the areas of the first sidewall and the second sidewall corresponding to the clearance space respectively include a convex arcuate surface, with the recessed arcuate surface and the convex arcuate surface cooperating.

[0017] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the staple cartridge is provided with a first stop and a second stop. The first stop stops at the proximal end of a first sidewall, and the second stop stops at the proximal end of a second sidewall. The first stop has a first fitting portion on the side facing the first sidewall, and the second stop has a second fitting portion on the side facing the second sidewall. The proximal end of the first sidewall is provided with a third fitting portion, and the proximal end of the second sidewall is provided with a fourth fitting portion. The first and third fitting portions restrict the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the first sidewall, and the second and fourth fitting portions restrict the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the second sidewall.

[0018] This application also provides a surgical stapler, including the above-described staple cartridge assembly.

[0019] The staple cartridge assembly and surgical stapler provided in this application have the following advantages:

[0020] By adopting the staple cartridge body design of this application, an avoidance space is set at the proximal end of the slot of the staple cartridge assembly. That is, when the drive unit moves to the distal end of the staple cartridge body, the lateral width of the avoidance space is still greater than the width of the blade groove of the staple cartridge frame. This allows the proximal avoidance space of the staple cartridge body to still have enough space for the cutter to pass smoothly. Thus, after the stapler is fired, the cutter can still pass smoothly through the proximal end of the slot and close the jaws, avoiding the cutter directly acting on the proximal end of the staple cartridge body and pushing the staple cartridge body out of the staple cartridge frame, so that the surgical stapler can be smoothly removed from the body. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the staple cartridge assembly according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the staple cartridge assembly according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the staple cartridge body according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the staple cartridge body according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the staple cartridge assembly according to the third embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the staple cartridge rack according to the third embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a partial structural diagram of the staple cartridge assembly according to the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1-Stick cartridge frame; 11-Bottom wall; 12-Side wall; 13-Cutter groove; 141-First protrusion; 1411-Third arc-shaped surface; 142-Second protrusion; 1421-Fourth arc-shaped surface; 151-First stop; 152-Second stop; 161-First boss; 162-Second boss;

[0033] 2-Stick cartridge body; 21-First sidewall; 22-Second sidewall; 23-Slot; 241-First inclined surface; 242-Second inclined surface; 243-First arcuate surface; 244-Second arcuate surface; 25-Avoidance space; 271-First guide surface; 272-Second guide surface; 281-First transition surface; 282-Second transition surface; 291-First groove; 292-Second groove. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The words “or” and “or” in the specification may mean “and” or “or”. Although the terms “upper,” “lower,” “between,” etc., may be used in this specification to describe different exemplary features and elements of this application, these terms are used herein only for convenience, such as the orientation according to the examples described in the accompanying drawings. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of the structure to fall within the scope of this application. Although “first” or “second,” etc., are used in this specification to denote certain features, they are merely indicative of function and not as a limitation on the number or importance of specific features.

[0035] In this application, axial direction refers to the axis of the actuator of the surgical stapler, that is, the direction from proximal to distal or vice versa, such as... Figure 2 In the context of D1 direction, the horizontal direction refers to the width direction, such as... Figure 2 The D2 direction in the diagram. Vertical refers to the height direction, such as... Figure 7In the D3 direction. "Distal" and "proximal" are relative to the operator; "proximal" refers to the end closer to the operator, such as... Figure 2 The right end in the field of view; the "far end" refers to the end furthest from the operator, such as... Figure 2 The left end in the viewpoint. "Inner" and "outer" are relative to the axis of the staple cartridge assembly. Figure 3 In terms of D0), the side closer to the axis is the inner side, and the side farther from the axis is the outer side.

[0036] This application provides a staple cartridge assembly and a surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes an instrument platform and an actuator mounted at the distal end of the instrument platform. The actuator includes a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil disposed opposite each other, with an openable and closable jaw formed between the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil.

[0037] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in the first embodiment of this application, the staple cartridge assembly includes: a staple cartridge frame 1, having an axially extending blade groove 13, the blade groove 13 providing a channel for the blade to move axially and guiding the movement of the blade; the staple cartridge frame 1 includes a bottom wall 11 and two laterally opposite side walls 12, the bottom wall 11 and the side walls 12 jointly defining the loading space of the staple cartridge body 2; the staple cartridge body 2, loaded within the staple cartridge frame 1, the staple cartridge body 2 including a first side wall 21 and a second side wall 22 oppositely arranged, and a slot 23 located between the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22, so that the staple cartridge body 2 forms two cantilever structures symmetrically arranged relative to the slot 23; the proximal end of the slot 23 defines a clearance space 25; and a drive member (not shown in the figure), pre-assembled at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2 and configured to be driven to move axially toward the distal end of the slot 23. Wherein, when the drive member moves to the distal end of the slot 23, the lateral width of the clearance space 25 is greater than the width of the blade groove 13.

[0038] By adopting the staple cartridge body design of this application, in the initial state, the drive unit is located at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2, and the cutter is located at the first position at the proximal end of the staple cartridge frame 1. The cutter is located on one side of the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2 and does not cooperate with the staple cartridge body 2 and the drive unit. At this time, the drive unit pushes the cantilever structure at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2 outward, so that the slot 23 has sufficient passage space. During surgery, the cutter is first driven to move distally to the second position, which corresponds to the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2. The cutter passes through the proximal end of the slot 23 and enters the slot 23, cooperating with the proximal end of the drive unit. The cutter drives the jaws to close. The cutter continues to move distally, moving distally along the cutting groove 13 and the slot 23, and causing the drive unit to move distally. The drive unit pushes the staples outward and sutures them onto the tissue, while the cutter cuts the tissue.

[0039] After the stapler is fired, the cutter retracts to the first position proximal to the staple cartridge holder 1, while the drive mechanism remains at the distal end of the staple cartridge body 2. Because a clearance space 25 is provided proximal to the slot 23 of the staple cartridge assembly, and the lateral width of the clearance space 25 is still greater than the width of the cutting groove 13 of the staple cartridge holder 1, sufficient space remains in the clearance space 25 proximal to allow the cutter to pass smoothly. At this point, the cutter can be driven again in the second direction, passing through the clearance space 25 and entering the slot 23 to reach the second position to close the jaws. This prevents the cutter from directly impacting the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2 and pushing it out of the staple cartridge holder 1, allowing the surgical stapler to be smoothly removed from the body.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a first clearance portion is provided at the proximal end of the first sidewall 21, and a second clearance portion is provided at the proximal end of the second sidewall 22. A clearance space 25 is defined between the first clearance portion and the second clearance portion. In this embodiment, the first clearance portion is a first inclined surface 241 provided at the proximal end of the first sidewall 21, and the second clearance portion is a second inclined surface 242 provided at the proximal end of the second sidewall 22. The lateral distance between the first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242 gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end. The first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242 can be inclined planes or curved surfaces. The first inclined surface 241 gradually extends outward from its distal side to its proximal side, and the second inclined surface 242 gradually extends outward from its distal side to its proximal side. By setting the first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242, a conical clearance space 25 with a large opening angle is formed at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2, so that the cutter can pass smoothly through the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2. The first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242 can provide a guiding effect when the cutter passes through, making the axial movement of the cutter smoother.

[0041] It is understood that the first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242 refer to the inclined surfaces located at the closest ends of the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22. Moreover, the first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242 only have the function of avoiding interference and do not have the function of guiding, thereby avoiding interference between the first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242 during the movement of the cutter.

[0042] Figure 5This is a partial structure of the staple cartridge body 2 according to the second embodiment of this application. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the first sidewall 21 further includes a first guide surface 271 disposed at the distal end of the first inclined surface 241, and the second sidewall 22 further includes a second guide surface 272 disposed at the distal end of the second inclined surface 242. The lateral distance between the first guide surface 271 and the second guide surface 272 gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end. The first guide surface 271 and the second guide surface 272 can be inclined planes or arc-shaped surfaces. When the cutter moves from the first position to the second position, when the cutter passes through the clearance space 25 defined between the first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242, it does not contact the first inclined surface 241 and the second inclined surface 242. When the cutter moves to the slot 23 space defined between the first guide surface 271 and the second guide surface 272, the first guide surface 271 and the second guide surface 272 can provide guidance for the axial movement of the cutter. In this embodiment, a first transition surface 281 is provided between the first inclined surface 241 and the first guide surface 271, and a second transition surface 282 is provided between the second inclined surface 242 and the second guide surface 272. Optionally, the first transition surface 281 and the second transition surface 282 are flat surfaces, where flat surfaces mean that the first transition surface 281 and the second transition surface 282 are parallel to the axial direction.

[0043] Figures 6-8 A partial structure of the staple cartridge assembly according to a third embodiment of this application is shown. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that the proximal end of the staple cartridge frame 1 is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first limiting part restricts the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the first sidewall 21, and the second limiting part restricts the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the second sidewall 22. In this embodiment, a clearance space 25 is defined between the proximal ends of the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22. After the stapler is fired, the drive member remains at the distal end of the staple cartridge body 2. Under the limiting action of the first and second limiting parts, the proximal cantilever structure of the staple cartridge body 2 will not tighten inward and reduce the width of the slot 23 at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2, so that the clearance space 25 at the proximal end of the slot 23 still maintains a large width, providing sufficient space for the cutter to pass through.

[0044] In this embodiment, the proximal ends of the two side walls 12 of the tool groove 13 are respectively provided with a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion. The first limiting portion is at least partially located inside the proximal end of the first side wall 21, and the second limiting portion is at least partially located inside the proximal end of the second side wall 22. The first limiting portion includes a first protrusion 141, and the second limiting portion includes a second protrusion 142. The first protrusion 141 is disposed outside the proximal end of the first side wall 21 and is located in the clearance space, and the second protrusion 142 is disposed outside the proximal end of the second side wall 22 and is located in the clearance space.

[0045] In this embodiment, the proximal end of the first sidewall 21, corresponding to the clearance space, includes a protruding first arcuate surface 243, and the proximal end of the second sidewall 22, corresponding to the clearance space, includes a protruding second arcuate surface 244. The outer side of the first protrusion 141 (the side away from the tool groove 13) includes a recessed third arcuate surface 1411, which conforms to and fits the shape of the first arcuate surface 243. The outer side of the second protrusion 142 (the side away from the tool groove 13) includes a recessed fourth arcuate surface 1421, which conforms to and fits the shape of the second arcuate surface 244. The inner side of the first protrusion 141 (the side near the tool groove 13) is flush with the side wall 12 of the tool groove 13, and the inner side of the second protrusion 142 (the side near the tool groove 13) is flush with the side wall 12 of the tool groove 13. In other embodiments, the proximal ends of the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22 may not have arcuate surfaces, and the outer surfaces of the first protrusion 141 and the second protrusion 142 match the shapes of the proximal portions of the first side wall 21 and the second side wall 22.

[0046] In this embodiment, the proximal end of the staple cartridge frame 1 is provided with a first stop portion 151 and a second stop portion 152. The first stop portion 151 and the second stop portion 152 stop against the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2. The first stop portion 151 and the second stop portion 152 are respectively provided on both sides of the lateral side of the feed groove 13. A first limiting portion is connected to the inner side of the first stop portion 151, and a second limiting portion is connected to the inner side of the second stop portion 152. The first stop portion 151 and the first limiting portion are both provided on the first side portion of the bottom wall 11 of the staple cartridge frame 1 located in the feed groove 13, and the first stop portion 151 and the first limiting portion extend longitudinally upward relative to the bottom wall 11 of the feed groove 13. The second stop portion 152 and the second limiting portion are both provided on the second side portion of the bottom wall 11 of the staple cartridge frame 1 located in the feed groove 13, and the second stop portion 152 and the second limiting portion extend longitudinally upward relative to the bottom wall 11 of the feed groove 13.

[0047] Figure 9 A partial structure of the staple cartridge assembly according to the fourth embodiment of this application is shown. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that: the proximal end of the staple cartridge frame 1 is provided with a first stop portion 151 and a second stop portion 152. The first stop portion 151 stops at the proximal end of the first sidewall 21, and the second stop portion 152 stops at the proximal end of the second sidewall 22. The first stop portion 151 has a first fitting portion on the side facing the first sidewall 21, and the second stop portion 152 has a second fitting portion on the side facing the second sidewall 22. The proximal end of the first sidewall 21 has a third fitting portion, and the proximal end of the second sidewall 22 has a fourth fitting portion. The first and third fitting portions restrict the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the first sidewall 21, and the second and fourth fitting portions restrict the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the second sidewall 22.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first fitting portion includes at least one first boss 161 protruding from the first stop portion 151 toward the staple cartridge body 2, and the third fitting portion includes at least one first groove 291, with the first boss 161 and the first groove 291 engaging with each other. The second fitting portion includes at least one second boss 162 protruding from the second stop portion 152 toward the staple cartridge body 2, and the fourth fitting portion includes at least one second groove 292, with the second boss 162 and the second groove 292 engaging with each other. In other alternative embodiments, the first and second fitting portions may also include at least one groove, while the third and fourth fitting portions include at least one boss protruding from the staple cartridge body 2 toward the proximal end. The number of bosses and grooves can be set as needed and is not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0049] In this embodiment, a clearance space 25 is defined between the proximal ends of the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22. After the stapler is fired, the drive unit remains at the distal end of the staple cartridge body 2. Under the constraint of the first and second fitting portions, the proximal cantilever structure of the staple cartridge body 2 will not tighten inward and reduce the width of the slot 23 at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body 2, so that the clearance space 25 at the proximal end of the slot 23 still maintains a large width, providing sufficient space for the cutter to pass through. The proximal ends of the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22 can be respectively provided with a first inclined surface 241 and a second inclined surface 242 to provide greater clearance and guidance for the cutter; or, the proximal ends of the first sidewall 21 and the second sidewall 22 can also be straight surfaces parallel to the axial direction.

[0050] In summary, the staple cartridge assembly and surgical stapler of this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0051] By adopting the staple cartridge body design of this application, an avoidance space is set at the proximal end of the slot of the staple cartridge assembly. That is, when the drive unit moves to the distal end of the staple cartridge body, the lateral width of the avoidance space is still greater than the width of the blade groove of the staple cartridge frame. This allows the proximal avoidance space of the staple cartridge body to still have enough space for the cutter to pass smoothly. Thus, after the stapler is fired, the cutter can still pass smoothly through the proximal end of the slot and close the jaws, avoiding the cutter directly acting on the proximal end of the staple cartridge body and pushing the staple cartridge body out of the staple cartridge frame, so that the surgical stapler can be smoothly removed from the body.

[0052] The structures of the above embodiments can be used individually or in combination, and all fall within the protection scope of this application. The above description is a further detailed explanation of this application in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A staple cartridge assembly, characterized in that, include: The staple cartridge rack is equipped with a tool groove extending along the axial direction; The staple cartridge body is installed inside the staple cartridge frame. The staple cartridge body includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other, and a slot extending axially. The slot is located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the proximal end of the slot defines an avoidance space. A drive unit, pre-assembled at the proximal end of the staple cartridge body, is configured to be driven to move distally along the slot; wherein, when the drive unit moves to the distal end of the slot, the lateral width of the clearance space is greater than the width of the tool path groove.

2. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sidewall has a first clearance portion at its proximal end, and the second sidewall has a second clearance portion at its proximal end, with the clearance space defined between the first clearance portion and the second clearance portion.

3. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first clearance portion is a first inclined surface located at the proximal end of the first sidewall, and the second clearance portion is a second inclined surface located at the proximal end of the second sidewall. The lateral distance between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end.

4. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first sidewall also includes a first guide surface disposed at the far end of the first inclined surface, and the second sidewall also includes a second guide surface disposed at the far end of the second inclined surface. The lateral distance between the first guide surface and the second guide surface gradually increases from the far end to the near end.

5. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first transition surface is provided between the first inclined surface and the first guide surface, and a second transition surface is provided between the second inclined surface and the second guide surface. The first transition surface and the second transition surface are straight surfaces.

6. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The staple cartridge rack is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part at its proximal end. The first limiting part restricts the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the first sidewall, and the second limiting part restricts the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the second sidewall.

7. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first limiting portion includes a first protrusion, and the second limiting portion includes a second protrusion. The first protrusion is disposed on the outer side of the proximal end of the first sidewall and is located in the clearance space, and the second protrusion is disposed on the outer side of the proximal end of the second sidewall and is located in the clearance space.

8. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first protrusion and the second protrusion each include a recessed arcuate surface, and the proximal ends of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, corresponding to the areas of the clearance space, each include a convex arcuate surface, and the recessed arcuate surface and the convex arcuate surface cooperate with each other.

9. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The staple cartridge has a first stop and a second stop at its proximal end. The first stop stops at the proximal end of the first sidewall, and the second stop stops at the proximal end of the second sidewall. The first stop has a first fitting portion on the side facing the first sidewall, and the second stop has a second fitting portion on the side facing the second sidewall. The proximal end of the first sidewall has a third fitting portion, and the proximal end of the second sidewall has a fourth fitting portion. The first fitting portion and the third fitting portion restrict the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the first sidewall, and the second fitting portion and the fourth fitting portion restrict the lateral inward displacement of the proximal end of the second sidewall.

10. A surgical stapler, characterized in that, Includes the staple cartridge assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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