Actuator mechanism for end effector

Abstract

To provide a tissue fastening device provided with a securing mechanism for securing an anvil in a closed position.SOLUTION: A tissue fastening device includes: an anvil pivotally coupled to the body and having a plurality of sidewalls defining a channel, a proximal end and a distal end, the anvil moving between an open position and a closed position; and a securing mechanism securing the anvil in the closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to minimally invasive (endoscopic and / or laparoscopic) medical instruments and associated methods of use. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to one or more fixation mechanisms of tissue fastening devices, such as, for example, stapler devices, and associated methods of use, among other aspects. [Background technology]

[0002] Technological developments provide users of medical systems and devices and methods with the ability to perform increasingly complex surgeries on subjects. For example, joining of tissue in the gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere in the body of a subject is a type of surgery that may be of increasing difficulty. Surgical instruments are known that grasp or hold tissue between opposing jaw structures and then join the tissue with a surgical fastener. The fastener may include a surgical staple. In some surgeries, a cutting instrument may be provided to cut the tissue that is joined by the fastener. Difficulties with these systems include, for example, maintaining the jaws of the tissue fastener in a closed configuration to adequately compress the tissue during cutting and / or stapling of the tissue and / or during additional medical procedures. For example, proximal movement alone of a flexible retraction mechanism, such as a wire, may not adequately compress the tissue during stapling. Thus, the tissue may not be properly stapled and / or cut, which may increase treatment time and / or cost, may cause undesired or incomplete fastening of the tissue, and / or may require additional treatment / intervention at the target site. This disclosure may solve one or more of these problems, or other problems in the art, but the scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, rather than the ability to solve any particular problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to aspects, the tissue fastening device includes a body including a plurality of sidewalls defining a channel, an anvil having proximal and distal ends and pivotally coupled to the body, the anvil configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a locking mechanism configured to lock the anvil in the closed position.

[0004] The fixation mechanism may include (1) a beveled surface having an angled slope toward the proximal end of the body and (2) a top surface parallel to the bottom surface of the body. When the anvil is moved proximally, the proximal end of the anvil may be configured to engage and slide along the ramp surface.

[0005] When the proximal end of the anvil is disposed on the upper surface of the beveled surface, the anvil may be secured in the closed position. The anvil may include an anvil notch extending into a surface of the anvil, and the anvil notch may be configured to engage the locking mechanism to lock the anvil in the closed position.

[0006] The securing mechanism may include a clip on the body, and the clip may be configured to engage a notch in the anvil. The clip may include a clip projection extending from a top surface of the clip, the clip projection may be configured to engage a notch in the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position.

[0007] The tissue fastening device may further include a clip wire coupled to a bottom surface of the clip and extending proximally of the clip, and may be configured such that proximal movement of the clip wire moves the clip away from the anvil to space the clip projections from the anvil notches.

[0008] The fixation mechanism may include a proximally extending pin wire having a fixation pin attached to a distal end thereof, which may engage a notch in the anvil in the closed position.

[0009] When the anvil is in the locked position, the notch in the anvil may face proximally. The tissue fastening device may further include a pulley, and the pin wire may be configured to engage the pulley.

[0010] The tissue fastening device may further include a biasing mechanism extending within the body and coupled to the fixation pin, the biasing member being configured to bias the fixation pin towards the anvil.

[0011] The body may include slots in opposing sidewalls of the body and the anvil may include pins extending from the opposing sidewalls, each pin may be configured to engage a corresponding slot in the body and may slide relative to the body within the slot.

[0012] When the anvil is secured in the closed position by the securing member, the anvil may be substantially parallel to the body. The body may include a slot extending along the longitudinal axis in one of a plurality of side walls of the body and a distally facing recess disposed distal to the slot on the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of pins may extend from the anvil, a first pin from the plurality of pins may engage with the slot, and a second pin from the plurality of pins may be configured to engage with the recess to secure the anvil in the closed position.

[0013] According to another aspect, a tissue fastening device includes a body including a plurality of side walls defining a channel, one of the plurality of side walls including a slot extending along a longitudinal axis, an anvil having a proximal end, a distal end and a pin pivotally coupling the anvil to the body through the slot, the anvil configured to move between an open position and a closed position, a first projection extending from a top wall of the slot toward the longitudinal axis, and a second projection extending from a bottom wall of the slot toward the longitudinal axis, the first projection and the second projection configured to engage the pin to secure the anvil in the closed position.

[0014] The first and second protrusions may include ball nose spring plungers, and the pin may be configured to move the first and second protrusions away from the longitudinal axis when the pin moves proximally or distally of the first and second protrusions.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a method of fastening tissue includes advancing a tissue fastening device including an anvil pivotally coupled to a body to a target location within a patient, moving a wire coupled to the anvil proximally to pivot the anvil from an open position to a closed position, and advancing a fixation pin into an anvil notch extending into the anvil to secure the anvil in the closed position.

[0016] The method may further include performing one or more of stapling or cutting tissue after the anvil is placed in the closed position, and withdrawing the fixation pin from the anvil slot after performing the one or more of stapling or cutting.

[0017] The extraction may include overcoming a biasing force of a biasing member coupled to the fixation pin. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tissue fastening system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 along line ZZ according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 along line ZZ according to an embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 along line ZZ according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 10C] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 11B]FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 12C] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 13A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 13B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 13C] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 14C] 14C is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening mechanism and the mounting location of the fastening mechanism of the fastening device of FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIG. [Figure 14D] 14C is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening mechanism and the mounting location of the fastening mechanism of the fastening device of FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIG. [Figure 14E] 14C is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening mechanism and the mounting location of the fastening mechanism of the fastening device of FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIG. [Figure 14F] 14C is a diagram of a fastening device of the fastening mechanism and the mounting location of the fastening mechanism of the fastening device of FIGS. 14A and 14B. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present disclosure is described with reference to exemplary medical systems and tools for accessing a target site, for example, to grasp, cut, and / or staple tissue. This may provide improved medical tool functionality and / or may improve aiding medical personnel in cutting and / or fastening tissue. In some instances, improved stapling of tissue may be provided by ensuring proper alignment between the anvil and the body of the stapler. However, it should be noted that reference to any particular instrument and / or any particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concepts underlying the disclosed instruments and application methods may be used in any suitable surgical, medical or otherwise procedure. The present disclosure may be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals.

[0020] For ease of description, some of the disclosed devices and / or their components are referred to as proximal and distal portions. It should be noted that the term "proximal" is intended to refer to the portion of the device closer to the user, and the term "distal" is used herein to refer to the portion further away from the user. Similarly, "extends distally" indicates that a component extends in a distal direction, and "extends proximally" indicates that a component extends in a proximal direction. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the stated or suggested value. In addition, terms indicating the geometry of a component / surface refer to exact and approximate shapes.

[0021] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to cut and / or fasten tissue in an intraluminal space or to facilitate their processing. By way of example, the fastening instrument may be a tissue stapling device, which may include a cutting or cutting mechanism (e.g., an integrated knife) and a stapling mechanism (e.g., a stapler). The stapling instrument may be delivered to a target tissue site through an endoscope working channel. All or a portion of the tissue stapling instrument and retraction mechanism may be metal, plastic, or may include shape memory metals (e.g., Nitinol), shape memory polymers, polymers, or any combination of materials. Although reference is made herein to a stapling instrument, the described fastening may be used with any instrument having opposing jaws designed to grasp tissue therebetween.

[0022] 1 illustrates a surgical device 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. Device 10 may be a surgical stapling device configured to engage body tissue and apply a plurality of surgical fasteners thereto during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, such as a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure. In some embodiments, device 10 may be a suturing device for delivering sutures to close tissue during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Device 10 may be used to apply sutures, surgical clips, or other fasteners, but will be described primarily in the context of grasping tissue in preparation for performing additional operations on the tissue, such as, for example, stapling and / or cutting the tissue.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , the device 10 includes a proximal portion 20 and a distal portion, such as an end effector 100. The surgical device 10 also includes a handle assembly 30, an elongated body 50, and a stapler instrument 110 in the end effector 100. The elongated body 50 may extend to any length suitable for endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery and may be configured to be disposed within a working channel of an endoscope. The elongated body 50 may be removable from the handle assembly 30 to facilitate insertion of the elongated body 50 into a channel of an endoscope or a channel of another instrument, such as by backloading the elongated body 50 into the working channel. In some embodiments, the elongated body 50 may be flexible, steerable, and / or rotatable about its axis. The elongated body 50 may include a lumen for disposing an actuation wire therein for actuating the stapler instrument 110 through the handle assembly 30 or for actuating any other portion of the device 10. The elongate body 50 may be configured to accept multiple actuation wires or a single actuation wire (e.g., actuation wire 40). In some embodiments, the elongate body 50 may be fixedly coupled to the stapler instrument 110, while in other instances, the elongate body 50 may be detachably or releasably coupled to the stapler instrument 110. Unless otherwise stated, any wire or actuation device described herein may extend from the handle assembly 30 through a lumen in the elongate body 50 to the end effector 100.

[0024] The handle assembly 30 may include a handle 32 and a body 34. The handle 32 may include a fixed portion 32a and an actuator portion 32b. The fixed portion 32a of the handle 32 may be fixedly coupled to the body 34. The actuator portion 32b may include a circular or oval portion or ring for placement of a user's fingers therein, which may aid the user in gripping the handle assembly 30. In some embodiments, the actuator portion 32b of the handle 32 may be an actuator that is pivotally coupled to the body 34 and may be movable relative to the fixed portion 32a of the handle 32. In some embodiments, the actuator portion 32b of the handle 32 may be coupled to a proximal portion of an actuation wire, such as actuation wire 40, by an adjustable coupler 36. The anvil (e.g., anvil 120) of the stapler instrument 110 may be actuated by an actuation wire 40 extending between the stapler instrument 110 and the handle assembly 30. In other examples, actuator portion 32b of handle 32 may be configured to control any other mechanism of device 100, such as actuation of the deployment of staples from stapler instrument 110. It will be appreciated that wire 40 has sufficient stiffness to be pushed distally and pulled proximally.

[0025] In some examples, the handle assembly 30 may include a movable cover 38 pivotally coupled to the housing 34 at a pivot point 38b. In FIG. 1, the cover 38 is shown in an open position exposing an inner portion of the body 34. The cover 38 may be coupled to a proximal portion of the body 34 and may cover the inner components of the handle assembly 30 when in a closed configuration, such as when a distal-most end 38a of the cover 38 faces a surface 34a of the body 34. The cover 38 may be temporarily fixedly coupled in position to cover the inner components of the body 34 by a coupling mechanism, such as a snap-fit ​​mechanism, at a distal portion of the cover 38 and a distal portion of the handle assembly 30. When in the closed configuration, the cover 38 may form a pair of slots in the body 34 (not shown). When the distal portion of the cover 38 is separated from the distal portion of the body 34, a user may rotate (or pivot) the cover 38 at the pivot point 38b to access the inner components of the handle assembly 30.

[0026] The handle assembly 30 may include one or more adjustable couplers 36, 39 that may be configured to receive a portion of an actuation wire, such as an actuation wire 40. Any of the adjustable couplers 36, 39 may be in a vice that is held over the actuation wire 40 and movable to fixedly couple the actuation wire to the adjustable coupler 36, 39. In some examples, the adjustable couplers 36, 39 may be movable via a screw to adjust the coupler 36, 39 and couple or decouple the actuation wire 40 to the coupler 36, 39. The couplers 36, 39 may be used in the movement of additional wires as described herein.

[0027] The adjustable coupler 39 may be coupled to the longitudinal actuator 31 and may be longitudinally movable by moving the longitudinal actuator 31 within the body 34. The longitudinal actuator 31 may be partially disposed within the housing 34 and may be longitudinally slidable within two slots formed when the cover 38 is disposed on the inner component of the handle assembly 30. The longitudinal actuator 31 may include a pair of opposing circular or elliptical portions or rings, each circular portion defining an opening for a user to place a finger therein. In some examples, the longitudinal actuator 31 may be coupled to an actuation wire (not shown), such as by the adjustable coupler 39 or by a different coupler within the body 34, and may be configured to control the deployment of staples from the stapler device 110. In other examples, the longitudinal actuator 31 may be configured to control any other mechanism of the apparatus 10, such as the actuation of the anvil 120 of the stapler device 110.

[0028] The end effector 100 of the apparatus 10 includes a stapler instrument 110 coupled to a distal portion of an elongated body 50. A connector 102 of the stapler instrument 110 may couple the elongated body 50 to the stapler instrument 110. In some examples, the connector 102 may be offset from a longitudinal axis of a body 130 of the stapler instrument 110. The body 130 of the stapler instrument 110 may include a cartridge 132 disposed within a channel of the body 130. The cartridge 132 may be fixedly coupled to the body 130 or may be detachable from the body 130. In some examples, the cartridge 132 may be integrally formed with the body 130. At a proximal portion of the body 130, an anvil 120 may be rotatably or pivotally coupled to the body 130 by a pin 120a (which may define a pivot axis) and may extend distally toward a distal end of the stapler instrument 110. In some examples, the anvil 120 may be pivotally biased, such as by using a spring or the like to bias the anvil 120 away from the body 130 and cartridge 132, in an open configuration, thereby creating a space between a distal portion of the anvil 120 and the distal portions of the body 130 and cartridge 132. The anvil 120 may be pivotable about a pin 120a to contact the body 130 or to hold tissue between the anvil 120 and the body 130, and may provide a surface against which the staples may be driven when ejected from the cartridge 132. For ease of understanding, the pin 120a and corresponding openings or slots will be described herein in the singular, i.e., with reference to only a single side of the stapler instrument. Unless otherwise stated, the opposite side of the stapler instrument will have the same elements oriented in the same manner as described in each example (i.e., the opposite side of the stapler instrument may be a mirror image of the disclosed elements). For example, as a pin extends from the anvil and moves within a slot on a first side of the stapler instrument, a second pin is positioned on the opposite side of the anvil and slides within a slot similarly positioned on the opposite side of the stapler instrument.

[0029] In some examples, the body 130 may include a channel that supports the cartridge 132. The cartridge 132 may include a plurality of surgical fasteners, such as staples, which may be deployed from the cartridge 132 when under the influence of a driving force applied by an actuation sled. A plurality of spaced longitudinal slots 134 in the cartridge 132 allow the staples to pass through the cartridge 132 and penetrate tissue. In some examples, the actuation sled, when actuated, moves longitudinally proximally from a distal end of the cartridge 132 and / or the body 130, contacting the fasteners in the cartridge 132 and pushing the fasteners through the longitudinal slots 134 to couple the fasteners to the tissue. In some examples, a single fastener may extend through each slot 134. Each fastener may reside partially within the slot 134 prior to deployment to aid in alignment of the fastener with the slot 134. In some examples, the actuation sled may actuate two different longitudinal rows of fasteners in the cartridge 132. To aid in providing a proper fastening of tissue, a fastening mechanism may be provided on the stapler instrument 110. For ease of understanding, reference will be made generally to the cartridge 132 and the slots 134 will not be shown. Each of the fastening mechanisms described herein may maintain a substantially parallel alignment between the anvil 120 and the body 130 during stapling, suturing, etc., which may improve the connection between tissue.

[0030] FIG. 2A shows an example of a fixation mechanism for maintaining the position of the anvil 120 during the fastening procedure. The anvil 120 may include a pin 120a extending from a side thereof. The pin 120a may extend from a sidewall of the anvil 120 and be disposed in a slot 136 on the side of the body 130. The pin 120a of the anvil 120 may move within each slot 136, which is generally oval-shaped and extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis A. The anvil 120 may also rotate about the pin 120a. For example, when the pin 120a is disposed at the distal end of the slot 136, the anvil 120 may be disposed in an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 3B, and when the pin 120a is disposed at the proximal end of the slot 136, the anvil 120 may be in a closed position. The wire 40 may be attached to the proximal end 122 of the anvil 120 by an attachment mechanism 122a. Proximal movement of wire 40 can cause anvil 120 to move proximally and / or rotate about pin 120a. The diameter of pin 120a is about 1.59 mm (about 1 / 16") The length of slot 136 is about 6.35 mm (about 1 / 4") and the height of slot 136 is about 1.59 mm (about 1 / 16"), but large enough to allow pin 120a to slide therein (e.g., the height of slot 136 is approximately equal to but greater than the diameter of pin 120a). Slot 136 may be disposed in an upper extension of body 130. In some embodiments, the upper extension may extend upward and to the right, i.e., toward the distal end of body 130. In other embodiments, the upper extension of body 130 may extend only upward. In yet other embodiments, a space may be disposed between the upper extension and body 130. The upper extension may be used with any of the stapler bodies described in the examples herein.

[0031] The body 130 of the stapler instrument 110 may include a bevel 138 having a rounded or curved distal end such that the proximal end of the bevel 138 is higher than the distal end of the bevel 138. The bevel 138 may include two parallel bevels forming a channel 139 therebetween, as shown in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, a single bevel 138 may be provided and the attachment mechanism 122a may be offset to allow the wire 40 to move without being impeded by the bevel 138. The wire 40 may move proximally and / or distally within the slot 139 to move the anvil 120 proximally and / or distally. For example, as the anvil 120 moves proximally, the proximal end 122 may contact the curved distal end of the bevel 138, causing the proximal end 122 to move upward along the bevel 138. As the anvil 120 is moved proximally, the pin 120a moves proximally along the longitudinal axis A within the slot 136. At the same time, the anvil 120 pivots about the pin 120a to force the distal end 124 of the anvil 120 toward the cartridge 132. When the pin 120a is at the distal end of the slot 136, the anvil 120 has fully pivoted toward the cartridge 132 into the closed configuration. The contact between the proximal end 122 and the beveled surface 138 provides sufficient frictional force to maintain the anvil 120 in the closed configuration. For example, this may allow tissue to be grasped between the anvil 120 and the body 130, allowing additional medical procedures to be performed.

[0032] A method of operating the anvil 120 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 2B, the anvil 120 may be in an open configuration when the pin 120a resides at the distal end of the slot 136. In the open configuration, tissue may be inserted between the anvil 120 and the body 130 of the stapler instrument 110. The user may then move the wire 40 in a proximal direction, moving the proximal end 122 proximally to contact the bevel 138. Continued proximal movement of the wire 40 causes the proximal end 122 to move up the curved / inclined surface 138a of the bevel 138. This proximal movement causes the pin 120a to move proximally within the slot 136 along the longitudinal axis A. Movement of the proximal end 122 up the inclined surface 138a of the bevel 138 causes the anvil 120 to pivot about the pin 120a. Pivoting the anvil 120 about pin 120a causes the distal end 124 of the anvil 120 to move toward the cartridge 132, gripping tissue and / or other material between the anvil 120 and the cartridge 132. In this manner, the anvil 122 may be secured against tissue to help provide precise fastening during a fastening procedure.

[0033] Thereafter, an additional medical procedure may be performed on the tissue or material grasped between the anvil 120 and the cartridge 132, such as, for example, tissue may be fastened together with one or more staples. As another example, the tissue may be cut or other medical procedures may be performed on the grasped tissue. Once the additional medical procedure is completed, the wire 40 may be moved distally, thereby moving the proximal end 122 of the anvil 120 down the beveled surface 138. As the proximal end 122 moves down the beveled surface 138, the pin 120a slides distally along the longitudinal axis A within the slot 136 and the anvil 120 pivots about the pin 120a, such that the distal end 124 rotates away from the cartridge 132.

[0034] Another example of a fastening mechanism for a stapler instrument 310 is shown in Figures 3A-3C. A body 330 of the stapler instrument 310 includes a slot 336 having a longitudinal axis A. A pin 320a extends from the anvil 320 into the slot 336. The pin 320 is configured to slide along the longitudinal axis A in the slot 336, and the anvil 320 is configured to rotate about the pin 320a. The anvil 320 includes a distal end 324 and a proximal end 322, the proximal end 324 being attached to the wire 40 by an attachment mechanism 322a. A slot 325 extends into the anvil 320 from a bottom surface of the proximal end 322 and may extend through the anvil 320 to a top surface of the proximal end 322. As with other stapler instruments, a cartridge 332 is disposed within the body 330.

[0035] The clip 350 is shown in FIG. 3A with a protrusion 352 extending perpendicularly from a distal end of the clip 350. The clip 350 may form part of the body 330 from the distal end of the elongate member 50, or the clip 350 may extend from the proximal end of the surgical device 10 along another lumen, such as a catheter or a lumen of the elongate body 50. As will be described herein, the protrusion 352 is configured to be inserted into the slot 325 and secure the anvil 320 in a closed configuration. The actuation wire 42 is attached to the distal end of the clip 350 on the bottom side of the clip 350, i.e., opposite the protrusion 352. The actuation wire 42 is configured to be moved in a proximal and distal direction. The clip 350 may be biased to the position shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, for example, by a spring or other biasing element. Proximal movement of the actuation wire 42 causes the clip 350, including the protrusions 352, to bend downwardly and away from the anvil 320 based on the material of the clip 350, e.g., plastic. However, it will be appreciated that the distal end of the clip 350, including the protrusions 352, may be hinged such that proximal movement of the actuation wire 42 causes the distal end of the clip 350 to pivot downwardly and distal movement of the actuation wire 42 causes the distal end of the clip 350 to pivot upwardly to the position shown in Figures 3A and 3C.

[0036] A method of operating the stapler instrument 310 will now be described. The stapler instrument 310 may be advanced to the target site in any manner described herein. The wire 40 is moved proximally, causing the pin 320 (and anvil 320) to move proximally along the longitudinal axis A, pivoting the anvil about the pin 320a. Moving the wire 40 proximally may, for example, move the wire 40 upward toward the pin 320a, moving the proximal end 322 upward and pivoting the anvil 320. The anvil 320 may also be pivoted by sliding the proximal end 322 upward along the angled portion of the projection 352 of the clip 350. Additionally or alternatively, the anvil 320 may be pivoted about the pin 320a when the pin 320a is at the proximal end of the slot 336. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, proximal movement and rotation of the anvil 320 may move the proximal end 322 proximally so that the projection 352 of the clip 350 engages the slot 325. This rotation moves the distal end 324 toward the body 330 to the closed configuration. Once the projection 352 engages the slot 325, the anvil 320 may be fixed in a stationary position, such as the closed configuration. To release the anvil 320, a user may move the actuation wire 42 proximally, moving the clip 350 downward, thereby moving the projection 352 away from the slot 325. At the same time, a user may push the wire 40 in a distal direction, which moves the pin 320a distally along the longitudinal axis A, thereby moving the slot 325 distal to the projection 352 to release the anvil 320. By releasing the anvil 320, the anvil 320 is allowed to move freely to the open configuration.

[0037] 4A and 4B show another locking mechanism according to another example of the present disclosure. The anvil 420 includes a first pin 420a and a second pin 420b extending from the same side wall of the anvil 420. The wire 40 is attached to the proximal end 422 of the anvil 420 by an attachment mechanism 422a. The anvil 420 may pivot about the first pin 420a, which may move proximally and distally along the longitudinal axis A within a slot 436 in the body 430. A recess 438 is formed in the body 430 distal to the slot 436 along the longitudinal axis A. In the open configuration, the second pin 420b may be spaced apart from the recess 438. In the closed configuration, the second pin 420b may slide into and engage the recess 438, thereby locking the anvil 420 in the closed configuration.

[0038] The stapler instrument 410 operates similarly to the other exemplary stapler instruments described herein. Proximal movement of the wire 40 causes the pin 420a to slide proximally along the longitudinal axis A in the slot 436, causing the anvil 420 to move proximally. Proximal movement of the wire 40 also causes the anvil 420 to pivot about the pin 420a. Proximal movement of the anvil 420 and the pivoting of the anvil 420 about the pin 420a causes the distal end 424 to pivot toward the body 430, approaching the body 430 and aligning the second pin 420b with the recess 438, generally along the longitudinal axis A. The pin 420b may slide into the recess 438, thereby securing the anvil 420 in a closed position. In some cases, the pin 420b may run along the wall of the recess 438 until the pin 420b is engaged in the recess 438. Distal movement of the elongate member 40 may move the anvil 420 distally, releasing the second pin 420b from the recess 438. The bias and / or force on the proximal end 422a allows the anvil to pivot about the first pin 420a into the open configuration.

[0039] An example of another stapler instrument 510 having a locking mechanism is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The anvil 520 includes a pin 520a extending from a sidewall of the anvil 520, a distal end 524, and a proximal end 522. The pin 520a may move within a slot 536 in a body 530 of the stapler instrument 510. The slot 536 extends from a proximal end toward a distal end of the body 530. A pair of protrusions 536a extend into the slot 536 at their proximal end portions. For example, a first protrusion 536a extends into the slot 536 from a bottom surface of the slot 536, and a second protrusion 536a extends into the slot 536 from a top surface of the slot 536 opposite the first protrusion 536a. The protrusions 536a may be formed such that they do not move and / or may be formed from a material that can partially deform when the pin 522a passes through a space formed between the two opposing protrusions 536a. Alternatively, projection 536a may include a ball nose spring plunger that may be biased toward the center of slot 536 and may be pushed toward the sidewall of slot 536 as pin 522a moves through projection 536a. Wire 40 is attached to attachment point 522a at proximal end 522 of anvil 520. A cartridge 532, similar to other cartridges described herein, may be disposed within body 530.

[0040] The operation of the stapler instrument 510 will now be described. The anvil 520 is in an open position in FIG. 5A where the distal end 524 has been pivoted away from the body 530. The wire 40 is moved distally, which causes the pin 520a to move proximally in the slot 536 and the anvil 520 to move proximally. The anvil 520 may also pivot about the pin 520a, pivoting the distal end 524 towards the body 530 to a closed position. The pin 520a may move proximally towards and through the projection 536a. For example, the projection 536a may move towards a sidewall of the slot 536 and / or the projection 536a may be deformed so that the pin 520a passes through. Once the pin 520a is located proximally of the projection 536a, the anvil 520 is secured in the closed position. To release the anvil 520, a distal force is applied to the wire 40 sufficient to move the pin 520a distal to the projection 536a. Once the pin 520a is distal to the projection 536a, the anvil 530 may be moved distally and may be pivoted to an open position.

[0041] An example of another stapler instrument 610 having a locking mechanism is shown in Figures 6A and 6B. The anvil 610 includes a first pin 620a and a second pin 620b extending from the same side wall of the anvil 610, a proximal end 622, and a distal end 624. The pins 620a, 620b may move within a slot 636 in a body 630 of the stapler instrument 610. The slot 636 extends along a longitudinal axis A from the proximal end to the distal end of the body 630. Approximately halfway along the longitudinal axis A, the top wall of the slot A is angled upward and extends away from the bottom wall of the slot 136, increasing the surface area of ​​the distal end of the slot 636. The angle between the top wall of the slot A and the bottom wall of the slot A may be from about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees. The angled portion of the slot 636 allows the anvil 620 to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Wire 40 is attached to attachment point 622a at proximal end 622 of anvil 620. A cartridge 632, similar to other cartridges described herein, may be disposed within body 630.

[0042] A method of operating the stapler instrument 610 will now be described. The wire 40 can be moved proximally to pivot the distal end 624 towards the body 630. At the same time, the first pin 620a slides proximally along the longitudinal axis A while the second pin 620b advances along the angled portion of the slot 636. This moves the anvil 620 towards the closed configuration. That is, the distal end 624 of the anvil 620 approaches the body 630 of the stapler instrument 610. FIG. 6B shows both the first pin 620a and the second pin 620b restricted to a portion of the slot 636 disposed only along the longitudinal axis A, which portion of the slot 636 secures the anvil 620 in the closed configuration. To release the instrument, the wire 40 can be moved distally, thereby allowing the second pin 620b to advance up the angled portion of the slot 636, opening the anvil 620.

[0043] An example of another stapler instrument 710 is shown in Figures 7A and 7B. The body 730 of the stapler instrument 710 includes a first slot 736 extending along a longitudinal axis A above a second slot 738. A first portion of the second slot 738 extends along a longitudinal axis B parallel to the longitudinal axis A the length of the first slot 736. The second slot 738 curves upwardly at a location distal to the first slot 736, with the second slot 738 terminating at approximately the longitudinal axis A. Depending on the desired angle between the anvil 720 and the body 730, the second slot 738 may terminate above or below the longitudinal axis A. By way of example, the radius of curvature of the curve of the second slot 738 may be equal to the distance between the center of the first pin 720a and the center of the second pin 720b. The anvil 720 includes a first pin 720a and a second pin 720b extending from the same sidewall of the anvil 720 as the first pin 720a. The first pin 720a extends into a first slot 736 and the second pin 720b extends into a second slot 738. The pin and slot arrangement allows the anvil 720 to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The wire 40 is attached to an attachment mechanism 722a on the proximal end 722 of the anvil 720.

[0044] A method of operating the stapler instrument 710 will now be described. Proximal movement of the wire 40 causes the pin 720a to move proximally along the longitudinal axis A within the first slot 736. At the same time, the second pin 720b moves along the curved portion of the second slot 738 to approach the longitudinal axis B, causing the distal end 724 of the anvil 720 to approach the body 730. When the second pin 720b reaches the longitudinal axis B, the pin 720b moves proximally along the longitudinal axis B within the second slot 738. Positioning the pin 720b along the longitudinal axis B of the second slot 738 secures the anvil 720 in a closed configuration. As with the other stapler instruments described herein, distal movement of the wire 40 causes the anvil 720 to move to an open configuration. For example, by moving the wire 40 distally, the anvil 720 is pushed distally and the second pin 720b is advanced along the curved portion of the second slot 730 to an open position, thereby releasing any tissue grasped between the anvil 720 and the body 730.

[0045] Another securing mechanism for the stapler device 810 is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The stapler device 810 includes a body 830 having a cartridge 832 and a slot 836 extending along a longitudinal axis A. A support member 838 extends from a top surface of the body 830 approximately perpendicular to the top surface of the body 830, the support member 838 being proximal to the slot 836. The anvil 820 includes a proximal end 822 and a distal end 824 and includes a pin 820a extending from a side wall thereof. The pin 820a is configured to slide along the longitudinal axis A within the slot 836, and the anvil 820 is configured to pivot about the pin 820a. The wire 40 is attached to an attachment mechanism 822a at the proximal end 822. A notch 821 extends from a top surface of the proximal end 822 into the anvil 820.

[0046] The support member 838 includes a pulley-like circular member 870 mounted on an end of the support member 838 distal to the body 810. The circular member 870 may rotate about an axis or may be fixed. The actuation wire 42 extends from the proximal end of the surgical device 10 and contacts a surface of the circular member 870. A fixed pin 862 may be attached at the distal end of the actuation wire 42. A biasing member 860, such as a spring, is also attached to the fixed pin 862. The biasing member 860 is attached at its distal end to the same surface of the fixed pin 862 as the actuation wire 42 and is attached at its proximal end to the support member 838. The biasing member 860 biases the fixed pin 862 away from the proximal end of the biasing member 860. As shown in FIG. 8B, a locking pin 862 is configured to extend through the notch 821 to lock the anvil 820 in the closed configuration, as will be described herein.

[0047] A method of securing the stapler instrument 810 will now be described. FIG. 8A shows the anvil 820 in an open configuration, with the distal end 824 extending away from the body 830. The user may move the wire 40 proximally, sliding the pin 820a (including the anvil 820) proximally along the longitudinal axis A. Proximal movement of the wire 40 also causes the anvil 820 to pivot about the pin 820a, bringing the distal end 824 closer to the body 830. When the proximal end 822 of the anvil 820 is moved sufficiently proximally, the securing pin 862 is forced into the notch 821 by the biasing member 860, thereby securing the anvil 820 in the closed configuration.

[0048] To release the anvil 820, a force is applied to the actuation wire 42, forcing the actuation wire 42 along the curved surface of the circular member 870. This causes the actuation wire 42 to pull the fixation pin 862 up and out of the notch 821. A force may then be applied distally to the wire 40, pivoting the anvil 820 about pin 820a to move the pin 820a (and anvil 820) distally along the longitudinal axis A, thereby moving the anvil 820 to the open configuration.

[0049] 9A and 9B show yet another example of a fastening mechanism for a stapler instrument 910. The stapler instrument 910 includes a body 930 having a cartridge 932 and a circular opening 936. A pin 920a extending from an anvil 924 may be received in the opening 936, and the anvil 920 may pivot about the pin 920a, moving a proximal end 922 and a distal end 924 of the anvil 920 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. While the stapler instrument 910 is shown with a circular opening 936, the stapler instrument 910 may instead include a slot (such as the slots described in the examples herein) that allows the anvil 920 to move proximally and / or distally within the slot in addition to pivoting about the pin 920a. The wire 40 is attached to an attachment mechanism 922a at the proximal end 922. The proximal end 922 also includes a notch 921, which faces proximally when the anvil 920 is in the closed configuration (FIG. 9B). The notch 921 may receive a locking pin 42a attached to a distal end of the actuation wire 42 to lock the anvil 920 in the closed configuration. A user may move the actuation wire 42 proximally and distally. Alternatively, or in addition, the actuation wire 42 may be biased in the distal direction by a biasing member (e.g., a spring). Proximal movement of the actuation wire 42 may overcome a biasing mechanism and withdraw the locking pin 42a from the notch 921.

[0050] The operation of the stapler instrument 910 will now be described. In the open configuration shown in FIG. 9A, the distal end 924 of the anvil 920 is pivoted away from the body 930. Proximal movement of the wire 40 causes the anvil 920 to pivot about the pin 920a, moving the distal end 924 towards the body 930 to the closed configuration. The pivoting of the anvil 920 also allows the proximal end 922 to move upward and proximally, aligning the notch 921 with the locking pin 42a. Once the notch 921 and locking pin 42a are aligned, the actuation wire 42 may be moved distally, as shown in FIG. 9B, engaging the locking pin 42a with the notch 921 and locking the anvil 920 in the closed configuration. The position of the locking pin 42a may be maintained by frictional forces. Alternatively, while the fixation pin 42a is positioned in the notch 921, the actuation wire 42 may be moved simultaneously and in the same direction as the stapler instrument 910 to maintain the position of the fixation pin 42a in the notch 921. To release the stapler instrument 910, the user may move the actuation wire 42 proximally, moving the fixation pin 42a out of the notch 921. The user may then move the wire 40 distally, pivoting the anvil 920 about the pin 920a to move the anvil 920 to the open configuration.

[0051] Another example of a fastening mechanism of a stapler instrument 1010 is shown in Figures 10A-10C. The stapler instrument 1010 includes a body 1030 having a slot 1036, and an anvil 1020 having a pin 1020a slidable within the slot 1036. The slot 1036 includes a first arm 1036a extending longitudinally and a second arm 1036b extending from a distal end of the first arm 1036a. The angle formed between the first arm 1036a and the second arm 1036b is between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees or about 135 degrees. As with the other stapler instruments described herein, the wire 40 extends from an attachment mechanism 1022a of the anvil 1020. Proximal and distal movement of the wire 40 may cause the pin 1020a to slide within the slot 1036 to move the anvil 1020 proximally or distally.

[0052] The T-shaped member 1039 protrudes vertically from the bottom of the body 1030 toward the anvil 1020. The T-shaped member 1039 may be proximal to the cartridge 1032 disposed within the body 1030, or the T-shaped member 1039 may protrude through the cartridge 1032. The anvil 1020 includes a vertical slot 1037a coupled to a longitudinal slot 1037b. The vertical slot 1037a is disposed proximal to the longitudinal slot 1037b, and the longitudinal slot 1037b extends distally from the vertical slot 1037a. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the vertical slot 1037a extends inwardly of the anvil 1020 along the length of the longitudinal slot 1037b. For example, the longitudinal slot 1037b and the vertical slot 1037a form a T-shaped slot to receive the T-shaped member 1039. The top of the T-shaped member 1039 is configured to engage with the vertical slot 1037a. After the T-shaped member 1039 is engaged with the vertical slot 1037a, proximal movement of the anvil 1020 may cause the vertical slot 1037a to move proximally of the T-shaped member 1039, causing the legs of the T-shaped member 1039 to protrude through and slide along the longitudinal slots 1037b. In this manner, the anvil 1020 may be fixed relative to the T-shaped member 1039.

[0053] Manipulation of the anvil 1020 includes moving the anvil 1020 to the open configuration in a manner similar to that described herein. For example, a force applied to the wire 40 may cause the anvil 1020 to move in a proximal direction. As the pin 1020a moves along the second arm 1036b of the slot 1036, the anvil 1020 is pushed upward and the T-shaped member 1039 separates the vertical slot 1037a, thereby moving the anvil 1020 to the open configuration.

[0054] Yet another securing mechanism for the stapler instrument 1110 is shown in Figures 11A and 11B. The stapler instrument 1110 is similar to the stapler instrument 1010 and includes a body 1130 having a cartridge 1132, a circular opening 1136, and two support members 1138a, 1138b extending from a top surface of the body 1130 proximal to the opening 1136. The anvil 1120 includes a proximal end 1122 and a distal end 1124 and includes a pin 1120a extending from a sidewall of the anvil 1120. The anvil 1120 is configured to pivot about the pin 1120a. The wire 40 is attached to an attachment mechanism 1122a at the proximal end 1122. While the stapler instrument 1110 is shown with a circular opening 1136, the stapler instrument 1110 may instead include a slot (such as the slots described in the examples herein) that allows the anvil 1120 to move proximally and / or distally in addition to pivoting about the pin 1120a. A notch 1121 extends into the anvil 1120 from a top surface of the proximal end 1122.

[0055] The proximal support member 1138a includes a pulley-like circular member 1170. The circular member 1170 is mounted at a distal end of the body 1130. The circular member 1170 may rotate about an axis or may be fixed. The actuation wire 42 extends from the proximal end of the surgical device 10 and contacts a surface of the circular member 1170. A fixation pin 1162 may be attached at a distal end of the actuation wire 42. The fixation pin 1162 may extend into and move along a channel 1139 defined between the support members 1138a and 1138b. As shown in FIG. 11B, the fixation pin 1162 is configured to extend into the notch 1121 to fix the anvil 1120 in a closed configuration, as will be described herein.

[0056] A method of securing the stapler instrument 1110 will now be described. Figure 11A shows the anvil 1120 in an open configuration as described herein. The user may move the wire 40 proximally, causing the anvil 1120 to rotate about the pin 1120a, which in turn brings the distal end 1124 closer to the body 1130 and moves the proximal end 1122 upwardly, aligning the slot 1121 with the channel 1139. The user may then move the actuation wire 42 distally, engaging the locking pin 42a with the slot 1121, thereby securing the anvil 1120 in a closed position.

[0057] To release the anvil 1120, a proximal force is applied to the actuation wire 42, causing the actuation wire 42 to follow the curved surface of the circular member 1170 and move the locking pin 1162 into the channel 1139 and out of the slot 1121. A distal force may then be applied to the wire 40, causing the anvil 1120 to move around the pin 1120a, thereby moving the anvil 1120 to the open configuration.

[0058] Alternatively, the fixation pin 1162 may be introduced from the bottom of the body 1130. For example, the channel 1139 may extend into the body 1130 from the bottom surface of the body 1130. In other words, the circular surface 1170 and the support members 1138a, 1138b may extend from the bottom surface of the body 1130. Operation of the actuation wire 42 and fixation pin 1162 is the same as in a configuration in which the support members 1138a, 1138b extend from the top surface of the body 1130.

[0059] An example of another stapler instrument 1210 having a locking mechanism is shown in FIGS. 12A-12C. The anvil 1220 includes a pin 1220a extending from a sidewall of the anvil 1210, a distal end 1224, and a proximal end 1222. The pin 1220a may move within a slot 1236 in the body 1230 of the stapler instrument 1210. The slot 1236 may include a second portion that extends from the proximal end toward the distal end of the body 1230 and is angled upward. It will be appreciated that this additional portion may provide additional range of motion for the anvil 1230. The proximal end 1222 may include a distally facing hook 1222b that may mate with an opening 1238 in the bottom surface of the body 1230. The release mechanism 1242 may extend from below the body 1230 toward the bottom surface of the body 1230. The release mechanism 1242 may be a planar element that functions as a ramp, as shown in FIG. 12C. The wire 40 is attached to an attachment point 1222a at the proximal end 1222 of the anvil 1220. A cartridge 1232, similar to other cartridges described herein, may be disposed within the body 1230.

[0060] The operation of the stapler instrument 1210 will now be described. The anvil 1220 is in an open position in FIG. 12A where the distal end 1224 is pivoted away from the body 1230. The wire 40 is moved distally, which causes the pin 1220a to move proximally in the slot 1236 and the anvil 1220 to move proximally. The anvil 1220 may also pivot about the pin 1220a, pivoting the distal end 1224 towards the body 1230 to a closed position. As the anvil 1230 moves proximally, the hook 1222b may engage the opening 1238 and the bottom surface of the body 1230, thereby securing the anvil 1230 in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 12B. To release the anvil 1230, the wire 40 is moved proximally, moving the hook 1238 away from the bottom surface of the body 1230. The release mechanism 1242 may then be moved into the opening 1238 distal to the hook 1222b, as shown in FIG. 12C. The wire 40 may then be moved distally, moving the anvil 1220 distally and sliding the hook 1222b along the top surface of the release mechanism 1242. This may allow the hook 1222b to move distal to the opening 1238 without engaging the opening 1238, thereby releasing the anvil 1220. Once the hook 1222b is distal to the opening 1238, the anvil 1220 may be moved distally and rotated to an open position.

[0061] Another example of a fastening mechanism for a stapler instrument is shown in Figures 13A-13C. The stapler instrument 1310 of the surgical apparatus 10 is similar to the other stapler instruments described herein and includes a body 1330 having a cartridge 1332 and an anvil 1320 pivotally coupled thereto. A pin 1320a extends from the side of the anvil 1320 and slides in a slot 1336 in the body 1330. The slot 1336 may be curved as shown in Figure 13A, but is not limited to this configuration. A wire 40 extends from a proximal end of the gear slider 1321 (see Figure 13B), and the wire 40 is configured to extend from the proximal end of the body 1330 and move proximally and distally.

[0062] 13B, a plurality of teeth 1322a extend circumferentially from a circular proximal end 1322 of the anvil 1320. The teeth 1322a may contact and cooperate with the gear slider 1321, with corresponding teeth 1321a extending from a surface of the gear slider 1321. The wire 40 may extend from the proximal end of the gear slider 1321, and movement of the wire 40 may allow the gear slider 1321 to move proximally and distally. For example, the teeth 1321a of the gear slider 1321 and the teeth 1322a of the proximal end 1322 may form a rack and pinion configuration to move the anvil 1320.

[0063] To operate the stapler instrument 1310, a user may move the wire 40 proximally and distally. Distal movement of the wire 40 moves the anvil 1320 to an open configuration. Proximal movement of the wire 40 moves the anvil 1320 to a closed configuration. The anvil 1320 may be secured in the open or closed configuration by frictional forces between the teeth 1322a of the anvil 1320 and the teeth 1321a of the gear slider 1321.

[0064] Another stapler instrument 1410 is shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The stapler instrument 1410 includes a body 1430, a cartridge 1432, and a hood 1435. The body 1430 may include an extension portion extending upwardly from the body 1430 and formed to receive the hood 1435. The hood 1435 may be attached to the body 1430 by any mechanism including welding, gluing, and the like. Alternatively, the hood 1435 may be formed as a unitary piece with the body 1430. The hood 1435 includes a slot 1436 extending in a proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis A. In some forms, for example if the hood 1435 is not integrally formed with the body 1430, the slot 1436 is not disposed in the body 1430 until the hood 1435 is attached to the body 1430. The anvil 1420 includes a proximal end 1422, a distal end 1424, a pin 1420a extending from a side of the anvil 1420, and an attachment point 1422a at the proximal end 1422. The wire 40 is attached to the attachment point 1422a. The anvil 1420 is configured to pivot about the pin 1420a, and the pin 1420a and the anvil 1420 may move along the longitudinal axis A. The hood 1435 includes a top 1437 coupled to a sidewall 1439 and defining a channel 1438 (see FIG. 14C). As will be described herein, the channel 1438 may receive the anvil 1420 and the top 1437 may contact the anvil 1420 and urge the anvil 1420 into a closed configuration.

[0065] A method of operating the stapler instrument 1410 will now be described. When the pin 1420a is located at the distal end of the slot 1436, the anvil 1420 is in the open configuration in FIG. 14A. Movement of the wire 40 in a proximal direction moves the proximal end 1422 upward and proximally. The anvil 1420 contacts the inner surface of the top 1437 of the hood 1435 and pushes the distal end 1424 towards the body 1430 into the closed configuration. Continued proximal movement of the wire 40 moves the pin 1420a to the proximal end along the longitudinal axis A and fully rotates the anvil 1420 towards the body 1430. The top 1437 of the hood 1435 contacts the anvil 1420 in the closed configuration and helps secure the anvil 1420 in the closed position.

[0066] To open the anvil 1420, the wire 40 is moved distally, causing the pin 1420a to slide distally within the slot 1436 along the longitudinal axis A. As the anvil 1420 slides distally of the hood 1435, the anvil 1420 pivots about the pin 1420a and the distal end 1424 pivots upwardly, away from the body 1430, to an open configuration.

[0067] 14C-14F show various hood designs and attachment locations of the hood to the body of the stapler device 1430. For example, as described herein, FIG. 14C shows a hood 1435 according to an example. The hood 1435 includes a top 1437 connecting side walls 1439, which define a channel 1438. When the hood 1435 is connected to the body 1430 (see FIG. 14D), the slot 1436 extends in a proximal-distal direction. A vertical slot 1436a extends vertically downward from a distal end of the slot 1436. The vertical slot 1436a may receive the pin 1420a during assembly. When the hood is attached to the wall 1431 of the body 1430, the open end of the vertical slot 1436a may be closed. For example, the side walls 1438 may be disposed on an outer surface of the wall 1431. The hood 1435 may be positioned and attached such that an upper surface 1431 a of each of the walls 1431 covers the vertical slots 1436 a , thereby protecting the pins 1420 a in the slots 1436 .

[0068] An alternative hood 1435' is shown in FIG. 14E. The hood 1435' does not include the vertical slot 1436a. The pin 1420a may engage the slot 1436 by pushing the side walls apart during assembly. The hood 1435' may be attached to the wall 1431 using any method described herein.

[0069] FIG. 14F shows a hood 1435″ according to yet another example. Side walls 1439 of the hood 1435″ are connected by both top 1437a and bottom 1437b. The hood 1435″ may slide over the body 1430 during assembly or may be attached to the side walls 1431 using any method described herein.

[0070] It will be understood that any of the fixation mechanisms described herein may be used in conjunction with one or more of the other fixation mechanisms described herein or in combination with one or more of the other fixation devices described herein.

[0071] Although various medical systems are described, it will be understood that the particular arrangement of elements in these fastening systems is not limited. Furthermore, the size, shape, and / or material of the fastening system is not limited. As described herein, various locking mechanisms maintain the closed configuration of the anvil during the fastening procedure. For example, performing various medical procedures in certain procedures can be improved by ensuring proper fastening of tissue.

[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A tissue fastening device, comprising: a body including a slot and a plurality of sidewalls defining a channel; an anvil having a proximal end and a distal end and pivotally coupled to the body, the anvil including a pin extending from a sidewall of the anvil and configured to move between an open position and a closed position by moving a wire coupled to a proximal end of the anvil; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the anvil in the closed position, the locking mechanism including a slot formed in a portion of the body, the anvil being locked in the closed position when the pin is disposed in a proximal end of the slot.

2. 2. The tissue fastening device of claim 1, wherein the pin is a first pin and the anvil further includes a second pin extending from the side wall of the anvil, the second pin engaging a recess formed in the body when the anvil is secured in the closed position.

3. The tissue fastening device of claim 2 , wherein the recess is formed distal to the slot.

4. The tissue fastening device of claim 2 , wherein the second pin is released from the recess when the anvil moves from the closed position to the open position.

5. The tissue fastening device of claim 1 , wherein the slot includes two protrusions formed on either side of the slot.

6. The tissue fastening device of claim 5 , wherein the pin moves proximally through the slot and past the two prongs when the anvil moves from the open position to the closed position.

7. The tissue fastening device of claim 6 , wherein the two prongs elastically deform as the pin moves proximally past the two prongs.

8. The tissue fastening device of claim 1 , wherein a distal portion of the top wall of the slot is angled upwardly relative to a bottom wall of the slot.

9. 9. The tissue fastening device of claim 8, wherein the pin is a first pin and the anvil further includes a second pin extending from the side wall of the anvil, the second pin traveling along the distal portion of the top wall of the slot as the anvil moves toward the closed position.

10. The tissue fastening device of claim 9, wherein the second pin is positioned along the bottom wall of the slot when the anvil is in the closed position.

11. 2. The tissue fastening device of claim 1, wherein the slot is a first slot, the pin is a first pin, and the fastening mechanism includes a second slot below the first slot into which a second pin is disposed extending from the side wall of the anvil.

12. The tissue fastening device of claim 11 , wherein the second slot includes a curved distal portion.

13. The tissue fastening device of claim 12, wherein the second slot is curved upwardly and the second pin is positioned in the curved distal portion when the anvil is in the open position.

14. 14. The tissue fastening device of claim 13, wherein the second pin is disposed in a proximal portion of the second slot in the closed position, the proximal portion of the second slot being parallel to the first slot.

15. The tissue fastening device of claim 14 , wherein the curved distal portion is distal to the first slot.

Images