Actuator retainer for surgical stapler

Abstract

To provide an actuator retainer for a surgical stapler.SOLUTION: A surgical stapler comprises a firing assembly comprising (i) a slider 214 that includes a first coupling feature 224, and (ii) an actuator 216 configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The actuator includes a second coupling feature 226 configured to generally surround the first coupling feature of the slider when the actuator moves relative to the slider. The second coupling feature is a C-shaped coupling feature. The C-shaped coupling feature includes a first retention feature 266 and a second retention feature 268 that oppose to each other, are configured to securely receive and maintain the first coupling feature within a cavity 232, and protrude at parts corresponding to two tips of a character C of the C-shaped coupling feature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] In some surgical procedures, such as gastrointestinal anastomosis, it may be desirable to clamp one or more tissue layers, cut the clamped layers, and simultaneously drive staples through the layers to substantially seal the cut tissue layers together near the cut ends. One such instrument that may be used in such procedures is a linear surgical stapler, also referred to as a "linear cutter." Linear surgical staplers generally include a first half (referred to as a "cartridge half" or "reload half") having a distal jaw configured to support a staple cartridge (or "reload"), and a second half (referred to as an "anvil half") having a distal jaw supporting an anvil surface having a staple forming mechanism. The stapler further includes a movable clamp lever configured to releasably clamp the stapler halves together. The stapler halves are configured to pivot relative to one another to receive and clamp tissue between the two distal jaws when the clamp lever is closed. The stapler firing assembly is configured to operate to sever the clamped layers and simultaneously drive staples through the tissue on either side of the cut line. After firing the stapler, the clamp lever can be released and the stapler halves can be separated to release the cut and stapled tissue.

[0002] While many different types of surgical stapling instruments and related components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the present inventors has made or used the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1]1 depicts a distal perspective view of an exemplary linear surgical stapler, showing the cartridge and anvil halves of the stapler coupled to one another with the clamp lever of the cartridge half in a fully closed position; [Diagram 2] 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1; [Figure 4A] 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing the stapler halves coupled together at their proximal ends with the clamp lever in an open position; FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing the stapler halves joined together with the clamp lever in a partially closed position; [Figure 4C] 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing the stapler halves interlocked with the clamp lever in a fully closed position; [Figure 5A] 2 depicts a distal perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing the stapler actuator in a proximal, pre-fired position; [Figure 5B] 2 depicts a distal perspective view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 showing the actuator in a distal firing position; [Figure 6] 2 depicts a perspective view of a firing assembly of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1, including a central body portion, an upper body portion, a lower body portion, and an actuator. [Figure 7] 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of the firing assembly of FIG. 6; [Figure 8] 2 depicts a proximal perspective view of a proximal portion of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 1 with the actuator in a proximal-most position; [Figure 9] 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8, showing the firing assembly of FIG. 6 as including a central body portion including a C-shaped coupling mechanism that engages with a distal coupling mechanism of an actuator. [Figure 10]10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the linear surgical stapler of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8, showing the upper and lower body portions which collectively form a C-shaped coupling mechanism that engages with a distal coupling mechanism of an actuator. [Figure 11] 1 depicts a perspective view of an alternative exemplary firing assembly including a central body portion, an upper body portion, a lower body portion, and an actuator. [Figure 12] 12 depicts an exploded perspective view of the firing assembly of FIG. 11; [Figure 13] 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but depicting a linear surgical stapler including the firing assembly of FIG. 11 with a proximal linkage of the central body portion engaged with a distal linkage of the actuator; [Figure 13A] 13 depicts an enlarged portion 13A of FIG. 13 showing the linkage of the central body portion engaged with the distal linkage of the actuator. [Figure 14] 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8, but depicting a linear surgical stapler including the firing assembly of FIG. 11, in which a proximal linkage mechanism collectively formed by the upper body portion and the lower body portion is engaged with a distal linkage mechanism of an actuator. [Figure 14A] 14A depicts an enlarged portion 14A of FIG. 13 with the proximal linkage of the upper and lower body portions engaged with the distal linkage of the actuator. [Figure 15] 1 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of a second exemplary alternative firing assembly including an upper body portion and a lower body portion, the upper body portion and the lower body portion including a first substrate and a second substrate overmolded with a first casing and a second casing. [Figure 16A] 16 depicts an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of enlarged portion 16A of FIG. 15, showing a first substrate and a second substrate overmolded with a first casing and a second casing. [Figure 16B] 16 depicts an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of enlarged portion 16B of FIG. 15, showing a fastening mechanism disposed between the upper and lower body portions.

[0004] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any manner, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other various ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] The following description of specific examples of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which illustrates one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present invention. As will be understood, the present invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the present invention. Thus, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

[0006] For clarity of this disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a surgeon or other operator gripping a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" refers to the location of an element disposed closer to the surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to the location of an element disposed closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and farther from the surgeon. Also, to the extent that spatial terms such as "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be understood that such terms are used for illustrative descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that surgical instruments such as those disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positions that are not limited to those shown and described herein.

[0007] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" of any numerical value or range is intended to indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that enables a portion or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

[0008] I. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler A. Overview of Linear Surgical Stapler 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary linear surgical stapler (10) (also referred to as a "linear cutter") suitable for use in various cutting and stapling procedures, such as gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures. The linear surgical stapler (10) includes a cartridge half (12) (also referred to as a "reload half") and an anvil half (14) configured to releasably couple together to clamp tissue therebetween. The cartridge half (12) includes an elongated cartridge channel (16) having a proximal frame portion (18) that slidably retains a portion of a firing assembly (34), a distal jaw portion (20) that supports a staple cartridge (80) (or "reload"), and a pair of upstanding side flanges (22) disposed inwardly therebetween.

[0009] The cartridge half (12) further includes a clamp lever (24) pivotally coupled to the underside of the cartridge channel (16) in general alignment with the side flanges (22). The clamp lever (24) includes an elongated lever arm (26) having a free proximal end and a distal end pivotally coupled to the cartridge channel (16) using a pivot pin (28). A pair of opposing jaws (30) extend distally from the distal end of the lever arm (26) along the flanges (22) of the cartridge channel (16). Each jaw (30) has a closed proximal end and an open distal end and includes a corresponding elongated slot (32) defining upper and lower camming surfaces configured to engage a corresponding latch protrusion (56) on the anvil half (14). As described below, the clamp lever (24) is operable to pivot relative to the cartridge channel (16) between open and closed positions to releasably clamp the anvil half (14) to the cartridge half (12), thereby capturing a layer of tissue therebetween.

[0010] As best shown in FIG. 2, the firing assembly (34) of the cartridge half (12) includes a slide (36), shown generally as a slide, slidably retained within the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16), an actuator (38) (or "firing knob") movably coupled to the slide (36), and an elongated actuation beam (not shown) extending distally from the slide (36) and configured to couple with a sled (100) (see FIG. 3) contained within the staple cartridge (80). The actuator (38) in this example is configured to pivot about the proximal end of the cartridge half (12) to provide "double-sided firing" of the stapler (10). Specifically, the actuator (38) may be positioned along either outer side of the cartridge half (12) to execute a distal firing stroke, such that the stapler (10) may be conveniently fired in a variety of orientations during a surgical procedure.

[0011] The slider (36) is configured to be translatably driven within the proximal frame portion (18) by an actuator (38) between a proximal home position, shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, and a distal fired position, shown in FIG. 5B. In the proximal home position, the slider (36) abuts a post (40) fixed to the proximal end of the cartridge channel (16). The free end of the post (40) supports a laterally extending pivot pin (42). As described below, the actuator (38) can be driven distally when the stapler halves (12, 14) are fully coupled together and the clamp lever (24) is closed. Distal advancement of the actuator (38) along either outer side of the stapler (10) drives the slider (36) and the elongated actuation beam distally, which in turn drives the sled (100) distally through the staple cartridge (80). As described below, distal translation of sled (100) through staple cartridge (80) results in the simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue clamped between stapler halves (12, 14).

[0012] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the anvil half (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) includes an elongated anvil channel (50) having a proximal frame portion (52) and a distal jaw portion (54). The anvil channel (50) further includes a latch mechanism in the form of a pair of projections (56) extending laterally from an inner portion of the anvil channel (50) in a direction toward the cartridge half (12). Each latch projection (56) may include a circular rotating cap configured to be captured within a slot (32) of a respective clamp lever jaw (30) when the anvil half (14) is coupled with the cartridge half (12) and the clamp lever (24) is pivoted from an open position to a closed position, as described below. A pair of hooks (58) extend proximally from a proximal end of the frame portion (52) and are configured to releasably capture opposite outer ends of the proximal pivot pin (42) of the cartridge half (12). Distal jaw portion (54) supports an anvil surface in the form of an anvil plate (60) having a plurality of staple forming pockets (not shown), which in turn supports a distal tip member (62). In other variations of stapler (10), the anvil surface may be integrally formed with, or otherwise rigidly connected to, distal jaw portion (54) of anvil channel (50).

[0013] The anvil half (14) of this embodiment further includes a staple height adjustment mechanism (64) mounted to an inner portion of the anvil channel (50). The staple height adjustment mechanism (64) includes a pair of protrusions (66) operably coupled to the anvil plate (60) via, for example, one or more cam mechanisms (not shown) and engageable by a user. By longitudinally adjusting the protrusions (66) between a plurality of predetermined positions, the anvil plate (60) moves laterally relative to the distal jaw portion (54) of the anvil channel (50). This allows adjustment of the lateral gap distance between the anvil plate (60) and the deck (94) of the staple cartridge (80), which defines the height of the staples to be formed. A larger gap distance, and therefore a larger staple height, can be set when stapling thicker tissue. Conversely, a smaller gap distance, and therefore a smaller staple height, can be set when stapling thinner tissue. It will be appreciated that the staple height adjustment mechanism (64) may be omitted in some variations, in which case the anvil surface may be fixed relative to the anvil channel (50). For example, the anvil surface may be integrally formed with or otherwise fixed to the distal jaw portion (54).

[0014] As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the linear surgical stapler (10) further includes a number of shrouds (70, 72, 74) that cover select portions of the stapler (10) and facilitate effective gripping and manipulation of the stapler (10) by an operator during use. In this embodiment, the cartridge half (12) includes a first shroud (70) that covers an outwardly facing side of the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16). The cartridge half (12) further includes a second shroud (72) that covers an outwardly facing side of the clamp lever (24) and is configured to pivot with the clamp lever (24) relative to the cartridge channel (16) and the first shroud (70). The anvil half (14) includes a third shroud (74) that covers an outwardly facing side of the proximal frame portion (52) of the anvil channel (50), including the proximal hook (58). Each shroud (70, 72, 74) may be coupled to its respective component of stapler (10) by any suitable means apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, each shroud (70, 72, 74) may be formed of one or more materials and may be provided with suitable texturing to facilitate effective grasping of shroud (70, 72, 74) by an operator to enable safe and efficient use of stapler (10) during a surgical procedure.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the staple cartridge (80) of this embodiment is an assembly including a cartridge body (82), a pan (84) covering an open underside of the cartridge body (82), and a plurality of staple cartridges (86) housed within the cartridge body (82), each configured to drive a corresponding staple (88). The cartridge body (82) includes a proximal end having a coupling mechanism (90) configured to releasably engage a corresponding coupling mechanism (not shown) of the distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16), and a distal end defining a tapered nose (92). The upper side of the cartridge body (82) defines a generally planar deck (94) having a longitudinal slot (96) and a plurality of staple cavities (98) extending therethrough. Each staple cavity (98) houses a respective staple driver (86) and staple (88). As shown in FIG. 3, the interior of the cartridge body (82) slidably houses a sled (100) including a sled body (102) and a knife member (104). The exterior of the sled body (102) supports a plurality of distally tapering cam ramps (106). The proximal end of the sled body (102) includes a downwardly extending tab (108) configured for locking engagement with a distal end of an elongated actuation beam (not shown) of the firing assembly (34) when the staple cartridge (80) is attached to the cartridge half (12) of the stapler (10). The knife member (104) extends upwardly from the top side of the sled body (102) and has a distally facing cutting edge (110) configured to cut tissue.

[0016] The sled (100) is configured to translate distally through the cartridge body (82) in response to distal actuation of the firing assembly (34), causing the knife member (104) to translate distally through the longitudinal slot (96) to cut the tissue clamped between the stapler halves (12, 14). Simultaneously, the cam ramps (106) translate distally through corresponding internal slots (not shown) in the cartridge body (82) to actuate the staple drivers (86) and staples (88) upwardly through the staple cavities (98) such that the free ends of the staples (88) penetrate the clamped tissue and deform against the staple-forming pockets of the anvil plate (60). In this manner, distal actuation of the firing assembly (34) effects the simultaneous cutting and stapling of the tissue clamped between the distal end effector portions of the stapler halves (12, 14).

[0017] The linear surgical stapler (10) and staple cartridge (80) may further be configured and operative in accordance with one or more of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 7,905,381, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument with Cutting Member Arrangement," issued March 15, 2011, U.S. Patent No. 7,954,686, entitled "Surgical Stapler with Apparatus for Adjusting Staple Height," issued June 7, 2011, U.S. Patent No. 8,348,129, entitled "Surgical Stapler Having A Closure Mechanism," issued January 8, 2013, and / or U.S. Patent No. 8,789,740, entitled "Linear Cutting and Stapling Device with Selectively Disengageable Cutting Member," issued July 29, 2014. The disclosures of each of these references are incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] B. Exemplary Uses of a Linear Surgical Stapler 4A-4C illustrate an exemplary coupling of the stapler halves (12, 14) during a surgical procedure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the proximal end of the anvil half (14) is aligned with the proximal end of the cartridge half (12) such that the proximal pivot pin (42) of the cartridge half (12) is received by the proximal hook (58) of the anvil half (14). With the clamp lever (24) in the open position, the anvil half (14) is then pivoted about the proximal pivot pin (42) toward the cartridge half (12) to orient the latch protrusion of the anvil half (14) into the slot (32) of the clamp lever jaw (30). Once the latch protrusion (56) is received by the clamp lever jaw (30), the clamp lever (24) is pivoted toward the partially closed position shown in FIG. 4B. In this partially closed position of the clamp lever (24), the anvil half (14) is partially clamped with the cartridge half (12), such that the stapler (10) may be held with one hand without the halves (12, 14) unnecessarily separating from one another. Additionally, in this state, the distal portions of the stapler halves (12, 14) remain spaced apart from one another to allow positioning of tissue between the distal portions. It will be appreciated that tissue may be positioned between the distal portions of the stapler halves (12, 14) prior to or upon achieving this partially clamped state.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4C, the clamp lever (24) is then pivoted further toward its fully closed position such that the cam surface of the clamp lever jaw (30) draws the latch protrusion of the anvil half (14) in a proximal direction against the closed proximal end of the slot (32) of the clamp lever jaw (30), thereby fully clamping the stapler halves (12, 14) with the tissue securely positioned therebetween. Once the halves (12, 14) of the stapler (10) are in a fully clamped state, the actuator (38) may be operated to fire the staple cartridge (80). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the actuator (38) pivots about the proximal end of the stapler (10) so as to overlap one of the outer sides of the stapler (10). The actuator (38) is then driven distally to actuate the firing assembly (34) in the manner described above, thereby simultaneously cutting and stapling the clamped tissue. Once the distal firing stroke is complete, the actuator (38) may be returned to its proximal home position, shown in FIG. 2, and the clamp lever (24) may then be released to separate the stapler halves (12, 14) from one another and release the stapled and severed tissue.

[0020] C. Exemplary Launch Assembly Figures 6-10 show details of the firing assembly (34) of the linear surgical stapler (10) of Figure 2. As previously described with reference to Figures 5A-5B, the firing assembly (34) is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire a staple cartridge (80) when a first elongated member (shown as anvil half (14)) is clamped against a second elongated member (shown as cartridge half (12)). Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the firing assembly (34) of Figure 2. As shown, the firing assembly (34) includes a slider (36) and an actuator (38).

[0021] The slide (36) includes a central body portion (118) and first and second body portions, shown as upper and lower body portions (120, 122). As shown in FIG. 6, the central body portion (118) includes a C-shaped linkage (124) that engages a distal linkage (126) of the actuator (38). The C-shaped linkage (124) includes opposing first and second retention features (128, 130), which are shown as being vertically oriented. The C-shaped linkage (124) forms a cavity (132) that receives the distal linkage (126) of the actuator (38).

[0022] The upper and lower body portions (120, 122) are configured to slide longitudinally within the central body portion (118) to collectively form the slide (36). The upper body portion (120) includes a longitudinal slot (134) (shown in FIG. 7) configured to receive a distal projection (136) of the central body portion (118). The upper body portion (120) includes a lower distal projection (138) (shown in FIG. 7) configured to be received within a distal slot (140) of the lower body portion (122). The upper body portion (120) includes first and second arms (142, 144) separated by the longitudinal slot (134). The longitudinal slot (134) is configured to receive the central body portion (118). The first and second arms (142, 144) of the upper body portion (120) include a retention mechanism (146) configured to securely receive and retain a distal linkage mechanism (126) of the actuator (38).

[0023] Similarly, the lower body portion (122) includes first and second arms (148, 150) separated by a longitudinal slot (152) (shown in FIG. 7). The longitudinal slot (152) is configured to receive the central body portion (118). The first and second arms (148, 150) of the lower body portion (122) include a retention feature (154) configured to securely receive and retain a distal linkage of the actuator (38). The retention features (146, 154) of the upper and lower body portions (120, 122) define a cavity (156) that captures the distal linkage (126) of the actuator (38). As shown in FIGS. 7-8, the lower body portion (122) includes a lower rail (158) and the central body portion (118) includes a lower rail (160). The lower rails (158, 160) are configured to slide along a track (not shown) to vertically guide the slide (36) when moved distally.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the actuator (38) includes a body (162) that may include a clamping mechanism (164). As previously described, the actuator (38) may transmit a user-applied force to the firing assembly (34) to effect tissue resection. The distal linkage (126) of the actuator (38) extends distally from the body (162) of the actuator (38). The distal linkage (126) includes opposing first and second distal curved protrusions (166, 168) and opposing first and second proximal protrusions (170, 172). As shown, the opposing first and second distal curved protrusions (166, 168) and the opposing first and second proximal protrusions (170, 172) extend perpendicularly. Actuator (38) may be rotated relative to slide (36) until actuator (38) contacts stop features (174) on upper body portion (120) and stop features (176) on lower body portion (122).

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a proximal perspective view of a proximal portion of the linear surgical stapler (10) of FIG. 1, with the actuator (38) in a proximal-most position. FIGS. 9-10 illustrate two respective cross sections of the linear surgical stapler (10). Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of the linear surgical stapler (10) of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8, with the C-shaped linkage (124) of the central body portion (118) engaged with the distal linkage (126) of the actuator (38). Similarly, FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section of the linear surgical stapler (10) of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8, with the C-shaped linkage (178) collectively formed by the upper and lower body portions (120, 122) engaged with the distal linkage (126) of the actuator (38). Thus, the C-shaped coupling mechanism (124) of the central body portion (118) and the C-shaped coupling mechanism (178) collectively formed by the upper and lower body portions (120, 122) create cavities (132, 156) that are aligned to provide a track to prevent the distal coupling mechanism (126) of the actuator (38) from disengaging. As shown, the first shroud (70) includes a retention mechanism (180) disposed proximal to the first proximal projection (170) to prevent the first proximal projection (170) of the actuator (38) from moving in a proximal direction. Similarly, the third shroud (74) includes a retention mechanism (182) disposed proximal to the second proximal projection (172) to prevent the second proximal projection (172) of the actuator (38) from moving in a proximal direction.

[0026] II. EXEMPLARY LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER HAVING AN EXEMPLARY ALTERNATIVE FIRING ASSEMBLY In situations where a user applies an eccentric load to the actuator (38) of the linear surgical stapler (10), high torsional forces are applied to the individual components of the firing assembly (34). The high torsional forces may cause deflection of the individual components of the firing assembly (34), which may allow the individual components to separate from one another. For example, these individual components may include the upper and lower body portions (120, 122). Specifically, the high torsional forces may cause deflection of the first and second arms (142, 144) of the upper body portion (120) and / or the first and second arms (148, 150) of the upper body portion (120). This deflection may provide an opportunity for the actuator (38) to disengage from the slide (36), which is undesirable. As a result, it may be desirable to reinforce the interface between slider (36) and actuator (38) to prevent, or at least minimize, deflection of the individual components of firing assembly (34).

[0027] As described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 11-16B, the exemplary firing assemblies (212, 312) and associated reinforcement methods can limit local stresses and associated deflections within the firing assemblies (212, 312) that create torsional loads within the firing assemblies (212, 312) when a surgeon applies an eccentric load. These firing assemblies (212, 312) and associated reinforcement methods allow the individual components of the firing assemblies (212, 312) to remain in close proximity to one another and behave as an integrated system rather than individual components during high firing force scenarios. For example, as described below with reference to FIGS. 11-14, the interfaces of the individual components of the firing assembly (34) can be modified to strengthen the firing assembly (212), thus minimizing undesirable deflections of the firing assembly (212). More specifically, as described below with reference to Figures 15-16B, the firing assembly (312) can reinforce the interfaces between individual components of the firing assembly (34) by adding one or more strengthening features.

[0028] A. First Exemplary Alternate Launch Assembly 11-14A, an exemplary linear surgical stapler (210) (or "linear cutter") is shown that includes a first exemplary alternative firing assembly (212) in place of firing assembly (34). Linear surgical stapler (210) is generally similar to linear surgical stapler (10) described above, except as otherwise described below. Like linear surgical stapler (10), linear surgical stapler (210) includes a first elongated member (previously shown as anvil half (14)), a second elongated member (previously shown as cartridge half (12)), and a clamping member (previously shown as clamp lever (24)). As previously described with reference to linear surgical stapler (10), anvil half (14) has a distal portion (previously shown as distal jaw portion (54)) that supports an anvil surface (previously shown as anvil plate (60)), which includes a plurality of staple forming pockets. As described above with reference to linear surgical stapler (10), cartridge half (12) includes a distal portion (shown as distal jaw portion (20)) configured to receive a staple cartridge (80), and clamp lever (24) is operable to releasably clamp anvil half (14) to cartridge half (12).

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a firing assembly (212), and FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the firing assembly of FIG. 11. Similar to firing assembly (34), firing assembly (212) is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position for firing a staple cartridge (80) when anvil half (14) is clamped against cartridge half (12). Firing assembly (212) includes a slider (214) and an actuator (216). As shown in FIGS. 11-12, slider (214) includes a central body portion (218) and first and second body portions (shown as upper and lower body portions (220, 222)).

[0030] The central body portion (218) is similar to the central body portion (118) and will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 11-13A. The central body portion (218) includes a proximal linkage (224) that engages with a distal linkage (226) of the actuator (216). In Figures 12-13B, the proximal linkage (224) is shown to include opposing first and second protrusions (228, 230). In Figure 13, a cross-sectional view of the linear surgical stapler (210) similar to Figure 7 but including the firing assembly (212) of Figure 11 is shown. As shown, the proximal linkage (224) of the central body portion (218) engages with the distal linkage (226) of the actuator (216). Unlike the C-shaped linkage (124) of the central body portion (118) described above, the proximal linkage (224) of the central body portion (218) is not C-shaped. In FIG. 13A, a close-up portion 13A of FIG. 13 is shown. Instead, the distal linkage (226) of the actuator (216) is shown as C-shaped, forming the C-shaped linkage of the actuator (216). As shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the opposing first and second protrusions (228, 230) of the proximal linkage (224) are oriented vertically. More specifically, the first protrusion (228) of the central body portion (218) faces in a first direction (e.g., upward) and the second protrusion (230) of the central body portion (218) faces in a second direction (e.g., downward) opposite the first direction. Alternatively, the opposing first and second protrusions (228, 230) may be disposed at an angle from vertical. The proximal linkage (224) may be integrally formed as a single piece with the central body portion (218).

[0031] Actuator (216) is similar to actuator (38) and will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 11-14A. Actuator (216) is configured to be selectively actuated by a user to slide slider (214). Actuator (216) includes a body (262) that may include a clamping mechanism (264). Actuator (216) may be used to transfer a user-applied force to firing assembly (212) to effect tissue resection. It is envisioned that firing assembly (212) may include, among other mechanisms, slider (214) and a pair of actuators (not shown) pivotally coupled to slider (214) to provide bi-lateral firing of linear surgical stapler (210). The firing assembly (212) may be further configured in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 102,164, entitled "Firing System for Linear Surgical Stapler," filed on the same day herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] The actuator (216) includes a distal linkage (226) configured to limit vertical movement of opposing first and second protrusions (228, 230). The distal linkage (226) of the actuator (216) extends distally from a body (262) of the actuator (216). The distal linkage (226) forms a cavity (232), shown as generally enclosed, that receives the proximal linkage (224) of the central body portion (218). As shown, the distal linkage (226) includes opposing first and second retention features (266, 268), shown as being vertically oriented. The relative spacing between the opposing first and second retention features (266) and (268) can ensure that the cavity (232) receives the proximal linkage (224) within the cavity (232) and prevent the proximal linkage (224) from exiting the cavity (232). Specifically, the cavity (232) receives the opposing first and second protrusions (228, 230) of the central body portion (218). It is also envisioned that the distal linkage (226) of the actuator (216) may have a different shape and / or size such that the distal linkage (226) still generally surrounds the proximal linkage (224) as the actuator (216) moves (e.g., rotates about a vertical axis) relative to the slide (214). The distal linkage (226) may be integrally formed with the actuator (38) as a single piece, or may be formed separately from multiple pieces and then assembled together. For example, the distal linkage (226) or the entire actuator (38) may be formed from a polymeric material, such as Ultem HU1000. The actuator (216) may be rotated relative to the slider (214) until the actuator (216) contacts the stop features (274, 276) of the upper and lower body portions (220, 222).

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 11-12 , the upper and lower body portions (220, 222) are configured to slide longitudinally into the central body portion (218) to collectively form the slide portion (214). The upper body portion (220) includes a longitudinal slot (234) configured to receive a distal projection (236) of the central body portion (218). The upper body portion (220) includes first and second arms (242, 244) separated by the longitudinal slot (234), which is configured to receive the central body portion (218). The first and second arms (242, 244) of the upper body portion (220) include a retention feature (246) that is received and retained within the cavity (232) of the distal linkage (226) of the actuator (216) by the distal linkage (226). However, unlike retention feature (146), which faces towards lower body portion (122), retention feature (246) faces away from lower body portion (222).

[0034] The lower body portion (222) includes first and second arms (248, 250) separated by a longitudinal slot (252) (shown in FIG. 12) that is configured to receive a central body portion (218) similar to the central body portion (118) and lower body portion (122) shown in FIGS. 6-10. The first and second arms (248, 250) of the lower body portion (222) include a retention feature (254) that is received and retained within a cavity (232) of a distal linkage (226) of the actuator (216). Unlike the retention feature (154), which faces toward the upper body portion (120), the retention feature (254) faces away from the upper body portion (220). In other words, unlike the retention features (146, 154) of the upper and lower body portions (120, 122) described above with reference to Figures 6-10, which define a cavity (156) that captures the distal linkage (126) of the actuator (38), the retention features (246, 254) of the upper and lower body portions (220, 222) abut one another and face one another in a spaced apart relationship to collectively form the proximal linkage (225). For example, the proximal linkage (225), or the entire upper and lower body portions (220, 222) may be formed from a polymeric material, such as Ultem HU1000. As shown, the retention feature (246) of the upper body portion (220) faces in a first direction (e.g., upward) and abuts the retention feature (254) of the lower body portion (222) facing in a second direction (e.g., downward) opposite the first direction. In other words, the retention features (246, 254) of the upper and lower body portions (220, 222) collectively form the proximal linkage mechanism (225), which is shown to form a rib / spine that is captured within cavity (256) by opposing first and second retention features (266, 268) of the actuator (216).

[0035] Thus, the opposing first and second retention features (266, 268) are configured to securely receive and maintain the proximal linkage feature (224) of the central body portion (218) and the proximal linkage features (225) (including the retention features (246, 254) of the upper and lower body portions (220, 222)) within the cavity (232. The relative spacing between the opposing first and second retention features (266) and (268) securely receives and maintains the proximal linkage features (224) and (225). In other words, as shown in FIGURE 13A, proximal linkage (224) includes a neck portion (284) and a head portion (286), where the neck portion (284) has a combined cross-sectional area that is less than the spacing between opposing first and second retention features (266) and (268), and the head portion (286) has a combined cross-sectional area that is greater than the spacing between opposing first and second retention features (266) and (268). Similarly, proximal linkage (225) includes a neck portion (288) and a head portion (290), where the neck portion (288) has a combined cross-sectional area that is less than the spacing between opposing first and second retention features (266) and (268), and the head portion (290) has a combined cross-sectional area that is greater than the spacing between opposing first and second retention features (266) and (268).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 12 , the upper body portion (220) includes a lower distal projection (238) configured to be received within a distal slot (240) of the lower body portion (222). Alternatively, or in addition to the connection between the lower distal projection (238) and the distal slot (240), the upper and lower body portions (220, 222) may be connected together using at least one of an adhesive, a press pin mechanism, or an ultrasonic weld. At least one of the upper and lower body portions (220, 222) includes a metal substrate and a polymer overmolding. At least one of the upper and lower body portions (220, 222) may be reinforced using metal injection molding (MIM). At least one of the upper and lower body portions (220, 222) is reinforced by including a reinforcement mechanism. For example, as shown in Figures 11-12, lower body portion (222) includes a lower rail (258) and central body portion (218) includes a lower rail (260). The lower rails (258, 260) are configured to slide along a track (not shown) to vertically guide the slider (214) when moved distally.

[0037] B. Second Exemplary Alternative Launch Assembly 15-16B, a second exemplary alternative firing assembly (312) is shown that may be incorporated in place of firing assembly (34). Although not shown, firing assembly (312) may include actuator (38) and central body portion (118) described above. Similar to firing assembly (34), firing assembly (312) is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position for firing a staple cartridge (80) when a first elongated member (previously shown as anvil half (14)) is clamped against a second elongated member (previously shown as cartridge half (12)).

[0038] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a firing assembly (312) including a slider (314). The slider (314) includes a first body portion and a second body portion, shown as upper and lower body portions (320, 322). FIG. 16A shows an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 15. At least one of the upper and lower body portions (320, 322) includes a metal substrate and a polymer overmolding. As shown, the upper body portion (320) includes a first substrate (324) overmolded with a first casing (326). Similarly, the lower body portion (322) includes a second substrate (328) overmolded with a second casing (330). For example, the first substrate (324, 328) can be formed from a metal material, and the first casing and the second casing can be formed from a polymer material. The upper and lower body parts (320, 322) are fixably coupled together. The slide includes a first coupling mechanism. At least one of the upper and lower body parts (320, 322) is strengthened using metal injection molding (MIM). Metal injection molding (MIM) refers to any metal processing process in which fine powder metal is mixed with a binder material to produce a feedstock that is then formed and solidified using a molding process (such as injection molding). Metal injection molding allows large quantities of complex parts to be formed. In addition, the geometry of the upper and lower body parts (320, 322) can be optimized to further increase strength.

[0039] 16B shows an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view in which the upper and lower body portions (320, 322) are reinforced using at least one reinforcement feature. In other words, the interface between the upper and lower body portions (320, 322) may be reinforced, including but not limited to, gluing the upper and lower body portions (320, 322) together using an adhesive, adding one or more pre-pin features between the upper and lower body portions (320, 322), and / or adding one or more welding features to the upper and lower body portions (320, 322) to facilitate ultrasonic welding. As shown, the upper and lower body portions (320, 322) are reinforced together using an adhesive (332) and a pre-pin feature (334). For example, upper body portion (320) is shown as including a press pin (336) that is fixably received by a corresponding cavity (338) disposed within lower body portion (322).

[0040] III. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive methods in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in a later filing of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be configured and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the following examples. Thus, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered as critical unless expressly indicated to be so at a later date by the inventors or by the inventors' successors in interest. If any claim is presented in this application or in a later filing related to this application that includes additional features other than those mentioned below, those additional features should not be presumed to have been added for any reason related to patentability. EXAMPLES

[0041] 1. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, the anvil surface including a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongated member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member operable to releasably clamp the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and (d) a firing assembly, the firing assembly being translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongated member is clamped against the second elongated member, the firing assembly including: (i) a slider including a first linkage mechanism; and (ii) an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user, the actuator including a second linkage mechanism configured to generally surround the first linkage mechanism of the slider when the actuator moves relative to the slider. EXAMPLES

[0042] The surgical stapler of Example 1, wherein the second coupling mechanism is a C-shaped coupling mechanism including a cavity, the cavity being configured to receive the first coupling mechanism. EXAMPLES

[0043] A surgical stapler as described in Example 2, wherein the C-shaped connecting mechanism includes opposing first and second retaining mechanisms configured to securely receive and maintain the first connecting mechanism within the cavity. EXAMPLES

[0044] A surgical stapler as described in Example 3, wherein the relative spacing between the opposing first and second retaining mechanisms of the C-shaped connecting mechanism is configured to securely receive and maintain the first connecting mechanism within the cavity. EXAMPLES

[0045] The surgical stapler according to any one or more of Examples 2-4, wherein the C-shaped interlocking mechanism is integrally formed together as a single part. EXAMPLES

[0046] The surgical stapler according to any one or more of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the first coupling mechanism of the sliding portion is configured to induce a C-shaped coupling mechanism between the first outer portion of the sliding portion and the second outer portion of the sliding portion. EXAMPLES

[0047] The surgical stapler according to any one or more of Examples 1-6, wherein the sliding portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion. EXAMPLES

[0048] 8. The surgical stapler of Example 7, wherein the first body portion is an upper body portion and the second body portion is a lower body portion. EXAMPLES

[0049] The surgical stapler of any one or more of Examples 7 to 8, wherein the first connecting mechanism includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion of the first body portion and the second body portion. EXAMPLES

[0050] A surgical stapler as described in Example 9, wherein the second connecting mechanism is a C-shaped connecting mechanism that forms a cavity, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion include opposing first and second retaining mechanisms that are received within the cavity of the second connecting mechanism. EXAMPLES

[0051] The surgical stapler of Example 10, wherein the C-shaped coupling mechanism is configured to limit vertical movement of opposing first and second retaining mechanisms. EXAMPLES

[0052] The surgical stapler of any one or more of Examples 7-11, wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises a metal substrate and a polymer overmold. EXAMPLES

[0053] The surgical stapler of any one or more of Examples 7-12, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are connected together using at least one of an adhesive, a press-pin mechanism, or ultrasonic welding. EXAMPLES

[0054] The surgical stapler of any one or more of Examples 7-12, wherein at least one ultrasonic weld is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion. EXAMPLES

[0055] The surgical stapler of any one or more of Examples 7-12, wherein at least one pre-pin mechanism is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion. EXAMPLES

[0056] 1. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongated member including a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, the anvil surface including a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongated member including a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member operable to releasably clamp the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and (d) a firing assembly, the firing assembly translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongated member is clamped to the second elongated member, the firing assembly comprising: (i)(A) ​​a first retention member facing a first direction; and (ii) an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user, the actuator comprising a C-shaped coupling mechanism, the C-shaped coupling mechanism comprising (A) a cavity, (B) a first retention mechanism facing the second direction, and (C) a second retention mechanism facing the first direction, the first and second body portions being retained within the cavity using the first and second retention mechanisms of the C-shaped coupling mechanism. EXAMPLES

[0057] 1. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongated member including a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, the anvil surface including a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongated member including a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member operable to releasably clamp the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and (d) a firing assembly, the firing assembly being translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongated member is clamped against the second elongated member, the firing assembly including: (i) a slide including a first body portion and a second body portion fixably coupled together, the slide including a first coupling mechanism; and (ii) an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user, the actuator including a second coupling mechanism configured to be retained by the first coupling mechanism of the slide. EXAMPLES

[0058] A surgical stapler as described in Example 17, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are fixably connected together using at least one of an adhesive, a press pin mechanism, or ultrasonic welding. EXAMPLES

[0059] The surgical stapler of any one or more of Examples 17-18, wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises a metal substrate and a polymer overmold. EXAMPLES

[0060] 20. The surgical stapler of any one or more of Examples 17-19, wherein an adhesive or pre-spin mechanism is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion.

[0061] IV.Other It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Thus, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation with respect to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0062] Additionally, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described below: U.S. Application No. 15 / 889,363, filed February 6, 2018, and entitled "Release Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler," U.S. Application No. 15 / 889,370, filed February 6, 2018, and entitled "Lockout Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler," U.S. Application No. 15 / 889,374, filed February 6, 2018, and entitled "Features to Align and Close Linear Surgical Stapler," U.S. Application No. 15 / 889,376, filed February 6, 2018, and entitled "Releasable Coupling Features for Proximal Portions of Linear Surgical Stapler," No. 15 / 889,388, filed Feb. 6, 2018, entitled "Firing Lever Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler," U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 889,390, filed Feb. 6, 2018, entitled "Clamping Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler," and / or U.S. application Ser. No. [Attorney Reference No. END9093USNP1], filed even date herewith, entitled "Actuator Support Structure for Surgical Stapler," the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure referred to herein as being incorporated by reference should be understood to be incorporated herein, in whole or in part, only to the extent that the incorporated content does not contradict the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosures described in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures explicitly described herein shall take precedence over any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portions thereof, that is referred to herein as being incorporated by reference but that contradicts the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosures described herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict occurs between the incorporated content and the current disclosures.

[0064] Variations of the above described devices may have application in robotic-assisted treatments and procedures as well as in traditional treatments and procedures performed by medical professionals. By way of example only, the various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California).

[0065] The device variations described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple times. The variations may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some device variations may be disassembled and any number of the particular parts or pieces of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacement of particular parts, some device variations may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility or by a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0066] By way of example only, the variations described herein may be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use. The device may be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0067] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, further adaptations of the method and system described herein may be realized by those skilled in the art through appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although some of such possible modifications have been described, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the above examples, embodiments, shapes, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. are illustrative and not essential. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and should not be understood to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0068] [Embodiment] (1) A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, the anvil surface including a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member operable to releasably clamp the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and (d) a firing assembly, the firing assembly translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongated member is clamped against the second elongated member, the firing assembly comprising: (i) a sliding part including a first coupling mechanism, and (ii) a firing assembly including an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user, the actuator including a second linkage configured to generally surround the first linkage of the slider when the actuator moves relative to the slider. (2) The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the second connecting mechanism is a C-shaped connecting mechanism including a cavity, the cavity being configured to receive the first connecting mechanism. (3) The surgical stapler of claim 2, wherein the C-shaped coupling mechanism includes opposing first and second retaining mechanisms configured to securely receive and maintain the first coupling mechanism within the cavity. (4) The surgical stapler of claim 3, wherein the relative spacing between the opposing first and second retaining mechanisms of the C-shaped coupling mechanism is configured to securely receive and maintain the first coupling mechanism within the cavity. (5) A surgical stapler as described in embodiment 2, wherein the C-shaped connecting mechanism is integrally formed together as a single part.

[0069] (6) The surgical stapler of claim 2, wherein the first coupling mechanism of the slider is configured to guide the C-shaped coupling mechanism between a first outer portion of the slider and a second outer portion of the slider. (7) A surgical stapler as described in embodiment 1, wherein the sliding portion includes a first body portion and a second body portion. (8) The surgical stapler of embodiment 7, wherein the first body portion is an upper body portion and the second body portion is a lower body portion. (9) The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein the first connecting mechanism includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion of the first body portion and the second body portion. (10) The surgical stapler of claim 9, wherein the second connecting mechanism is a C-shaped connecting mechanism that defines a cavity, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion include opposing first and second retaining mechanisms that are received within the cavity of the second connecting mechanism.

[0070] (11) The surgical stapler of claim 10, wherein the C-shaped coupling mechanism is configured to limit vertical movement of the opposing first and second retaining mechanisms. (12) The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises a metal substrate and a polymer overmold. (13) The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are coupled together using at least one of an adhesive, a press-pin mechanism, or ultrasonic welding. (14) The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein at least one ultrasonic weld is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion. (15) The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein at least one press pin mechanism is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion.

[0071] (16) A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, the anvil surface including a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member operable to releasably clamp the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and (d) a firing assembly, the firing assembly translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongated member is clamped against the second elongated member, the firing assembly comprising: (i) a sliding portion, (A) a first body portion including a first retention feature facing a first direction; (B) a second body portion including a second retention feature facing a second direction opposite the first direction; (ii) an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user, the actuator including a C-shaped linkage, the C-shaped linkage comprising: (A) A cavity; (B) a first retention feature facing the second direction; and and (C) a second retention mechanism facing the first direction, wherein the first retention mechanism and the second retention mechanism of the first body portion and the second body portion are retained within the cavity using the first retention mechanism and the second retention mechanism of the C-shaped coupling mechanism. (17) A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, the anvil surface including a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member operable to releasably clamp the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and (d) a firing assembly, the firing assembly translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongated member is clamped against the second elongated member, the firing assembly comprising: (i) a slide including a first body portion and a second body portion fixably coupled together, the slide including a first coupling mechanism; and (ii) a firing assembly including an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user, the actuator including a second linkage configured to be retained by the first linkage of the slide. (18) The surgical stapler of claim 17, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are securably coupled together using at least one of an adhesive, a press-pin mechanism, or ultrasonic welding. (19) The surgical stapler of embodiment 17, wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises a metal substrate and a polymer overmold. (20) The surgical stapler of embodiment 17, wherein an adhesive or pre-spin mechanism is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion.

Claims

1. 1. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a first elongated member having a distal portion supporting an anvil surface, the anvil surface including a plurality of staple forming pockets; (b) a second elongated member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge; (c) a clamping member operable to releasably clamp the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and (d) a firing assembly, the firing assembly translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongated member is clamped against the second elongated member, the firing assembly comprising: (i) a sliding part including a first coupling mechanism, and (ii) a firing assembly including an actuator configured to be selectively actuated by a user, the actuator including a second linkage configured to generally surround the first linkage of the slider when the actuator moves relative to the slider; the second coupling mechanism is a C-shaped coupling mechanism, the C-shaped coupling mechanism being a solid portion including a cavity surrounded by the letter C, the cavity being configured to receive the first coupling mechanism; the C-shaped coupling mechanism includes opposing first and second retaining mechanisms that protrude at portions of the C-shaped coupling mechanism that correspond to two ends of the letter C and are configured to securely receive and maintain the first coupling mechanism within the cavity.

2. 2. The surgical stapler according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling mechanism of the sliding portion includes a first protruding portion that protrudes upward and a second protruding portion that protrudes downward and faces the first protruding portion.

3. 3. The surgical stapler of claim 2, wherein the first and second opposing protrusions are sized and configured to fit within upper and lower portions of the cavity of the C-shaped linkage of the actuator.

4. 2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein a relative spacing between opposing first and second retaining features of the C-shaped coupling mechanism is configured to securely receive and maintain the first coupling mechanism within the cavity.

5. The surgical stapler of claim 1 , wherein the C-shaped interlocking mechanism is integrally formed together as a single piece.

6. 2. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the first linkage of the slide is configured to guide the C-shaped linkage between a first outer side of the slide and a second outer side of the slide.

7. The surgical stapler of claim 1 , wherein the slider includes a first body portion and a second body portion.

8. The surgical stapler of claim 7 , wherein the first body portion is an upper body portion and the second body portion is a lower body portion.

9. The surgical stapler of claim 7 , wherein the first coupling mechanism includes first and second coupling portions of the first and second body portions.

10. 10. The surgical stapler of claim 9, wherein the first and second connecting portions include opposing first and second retaining mechanisms received within the cavity of the second connecting mechanism.

11. The surgical stapler of claim 10 , wherein the C-shaped interlocking mechanism is configured to limit vertical movement of the opposing first and second retaining mechanisms.

12. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion comprises a metallic substrate and a polymer overmold.

13. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein the first body portion and the second body portion are coupled together using at least one of an adhesive, a press-pin mechanism, or an ultrasonic weld.

14. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein at least one ultrasonic weld is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion.

15. The surgical stapler of claim 7, wherein at least one pre-pin mechanism is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion.

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