Anvil buttress attachment for surgical stapling apparatus

Abstract

To provide anvil buttress attachment for a surgical stapling apparatus.SOLUTION: An anvil buttress loading system includes an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress is retainable on each of the anvil buttress loading tool and the anvil buttress, and is transferrable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil plate and an anvil tip. The anvil plate has a tissue-facing surface defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein, and a proximal end portion of the tissue-facing surface includes a hook assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 073,545, filed October 19, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present application relates generally to a surgical stapling apparatus, and more particularly to an anvil assembly including an anvil buttress, an anvil buttress mounting assembly, and an anvil buttress loading tool for releasably securing the anvil buttress to the surgical stapling apparatus. [Background technology]

[0003] Surgical stapling devices are used by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, such as staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue to join body tissue segments together. Such devices generally include a pair of jaws or finger-like structures between which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the surgical stapling device is actuated or "fired," a longitudinally moving firing bar contacts a staple drive member in one of the jaws. The staple drive member drives the surgical staples through the body tissue and into the anvil of the opposite jaw, where they form the staples. When the body tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided within the jaws of the device to cut the body tissue between the lines of staples.

[0004] A surgical support, such as a mesh or buttress material, can be used in combination with a surgical stapling apparatus to fill, reconstruct, and / or reinforce tissue defects within a patient. A clinician may manually attach the buttress material to the surgical stapling apparatus in the operating room during a surgical procedure, or may utilize a surgical stapling apparatus that includes the buttress material pre-inserted therein, for example, by an expensive automated attachment process. The buttress material reinforces the staples or sutures as well as covers the tissue joints to reduce pre-healing leakage. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to the attachment of an anvil-side buttress material to a loading unit of a surgical stapling apparatus. The anvil buttress, an anvil assembly including an anvil buttress attachment assembly, and an anvil buttress loading tool are designed to make attachment of the anvil buttress in an operating room a simple, easy, and cost-effective procedure. For example, the anvil buttress, anvil assembly, and anvil buttress loading tool are configured to mechanically engage the anvil buttress with either the anvil assembly or the anvil buttress loading tool, and to transfer the anvil buttress from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly by sliding the anvil buttress-loaded anvil buttress loading tool onto and off the anvil assembly. Such a configuration reduces the number of components and / or assembly steps required to use a surgical stapling apparatus with an anvil buttress, compared to attachment systems that require the use of, for example, adhesives, thereby simplifying setup and / or use of the surgical stapling apparatus and reducing time and / or costs for the user. As another example, the anvil buttress loading tool may be pre-loaded with the anvil buttress (e.g., by the manufacturer or prior to use in the operating room), such that the user only needs to load the anvil buttress onto the anvil assembly via the loading tool, again simplifying the setup and / or use of the surgical stapling apparatus and reducing the time and / or cost of the surgical procedure.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an anvil buttress loading system including an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil assembly includes an anvil plate and an anvil tip. The anvil plate has a tissue-facing surface defining a plurality of staple-forming pockets therein, and a proximal end portion of the tissue-facing surface includes a hook assembly. The anvil buttress loading tool includes a carrier defining a cavity therein. The carrier has a support surface, and the proximal end portion of the carrier includes a pair of proximal protrusions, and the distal end portion of the carrier includes a distal protrusion. The anvil buttress includes a body, a pair of proximal tabs extending proximally from the body, and a distal tab extending distally from the body. The body of the anvil buttress is positionable on the support surface of the anvil buttress loading tool such that the pair of proximal tabs engage the pair of proximal protrusions and the distal tab engages the distal protrusions to hold the anvil buttress on the anvil buttress loading unit. The anvil buttress has a body positionable on the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly, a proximal end portion of the body engaging the hook assembly, and a distal end portion engaging the anvil tip to retain the anvil buttress on the anvil assembly. The anvil buttress is transferable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly.

[0007] The hook assembly of the anvil assembly may include a pair of hooks disposed on either side of a central longitudinal slot defined through the tissue-facing surface. Each hook may include an arm having a first end anchored to the tissue-facing surface and a second end including a finger extending therefrom. The first end of the arm may be anchored at its proximal end to the tissue-facing surface, and the second end of the arm may be disposed distally thereto. The distal ends of the fingers may be biased against and movable relative to the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly.

[0008] The anvil buttress may have a proximal window defined in a proximal end portion of the body. The proximal window may be configured to receive the fingers of the pair of hooks therethrough. The anvil buttress may have a distal window defined through a distal end portion of the anvil buttress. The distal window may be configured to receive the anvil tip therethrough.

[0009] The carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool may include longitudinal rails extending from opposite sides of the support surface. The anvil assembly may be positionable between the longitudinal rails, with the tissue-facing surface adjacent the support surface. The carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool may include lateral rails extending across distal ends of the longitudinal rails and above the support surface to define a distal opening to the cavity.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an anvil buttress loading assembly including an anvil buttress loading tool and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress loading tool includes a carrier defining a cavity therein. The carrier has a support surface, a proximal end portion of the carrier including a pair of proximal projections, and a distal end portion of the carrier including a distal projection. The anvil buttress includes a body, a pair of proximal tabs extending proximally from the body, and a distal tab extending distally from the body. The body of the anvil buttress is positioned on the support surface, and the pair of proximal tabs are engaged with the pair of proximal projections and the distal tab is engaged with the distal projections.

[0011] The carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool may include longitudinal rails extending from opposite sides of the support surface. A plurality of axially spaced, opposing tabs may extend from the longitudinal rails and above the support surface. The carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool may include lateral rails extending across distal ends of the longitudinal rails and above the support surface defining a distal opening to the cavity. Distal projections may extend from the lateral rails. The anvil buttress may include a distal window defined through a distal end portion of the body, the distal window aligned with the distal opening of the carrier.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a loading unit including a staple cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and an anvil buttress. The anvil assembly includes an anvil plate and an anvil tip. The anvil plate has a tissue-facing surface defining a plurality of staple-forming pockets therein, a proximal end portion of the tissue-facing surface including a hook assembly. The anvil buttress includes a body having a proximal end portion removably coupled to the anvil assembly by the hook assembly.

[0013] The hook assembly may include a pair of hooks disposed on opposite sides of a central longitudinal slot defined through the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly. Each hook may have an arm having a first end anchored to the tissue-facing surface and a second end including a finger extending therefrom. The first end of the arm may be anchored to the tissue-facing surface at its proximal end, and the second end of the arm may be disposed distally. The distal ends of the fingers may be biased against and movable relative to the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly.

[0014] The anvil buttress may have a proximal window defined in a proximal end portion of the body with the pair of hook fingers extending therethrough for positioning against the tissue-facing surface, and the anvil buttress may have a distal window defined through a distal end portion of the body with the distal end portion of the anvil buttress engaged to the anvil assembly by engagement of the distal window about the anvil tip.

[0015] The details of one or more aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects described in the present disclosure, as well as features, objects, and advantages of the aspects, will be apparent from the specification and drawings, and from the claims. The present invention provides, for example, the following items. (Item 1) 1. An anvil buttress loading system comprising: an anvil assembly including an anvil plate and an anvil tip, the anvil plate having a tissue-facing surface defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein, a proximal end portion of the tissue-facing surface including a hook assembly; an anvil buttress loading tool including a carrier defining a cavity therein, the carrier having a support surface, a proximal end portion of the carrier including a pair of proximal projections, and a distal end portion of the carrier including a distal projection; an anvil buttress including a body, a pair of proximal tabs extending proximally from the body, and a distal tab extending distally from the body; the body of the anvil buttress is positionable against the support surface of the anvil buttress loading tool so that the pair of proximal tabs engage the pair of proximal projections and the distal tab engages the distal projections to retain the anvil buttress in an anvil buttress loading unit; the body of the anvil buttress is positionable on the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly, a proximal end portion of the body engages with the hook assembly and a distal end portion engages with the anvil tip to retain the anvil buttress on the anvil assembly; An anvil buttress loading system, wherein the anvil buttress is transferable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly. (Item 2) Item 2. The anvil buttress loading system of item 1, wherein the hook assembly of the anvil assembly includes a pair of hooks disposed on either side of a central longitudinal slot defined through the tissue-facing surface, each hook including a first end anchored to the tissue-facing surface and a second end arm including a finger extending therefrom. (Item 3) 3. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 2, wherein the first end of the arm is anchored to the tissue-facing surface at a proximal end thereof and the second end is disposed distally thereof. (Item 4) 3. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 2, wherein distal ends of the fingers are biased against and movable relative to the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly. (Item 5) 3. The anvil buttress loading system of claim 2, wherein the anvil buttress has a proximal window defined in the proximal end portion of the body, the proximal window configured to receive the fingers of the pair of hooks therethrough. (Item 6) Item 1. The anvil buttress loading system of item 1, wherein the anvil buttress includes a distal window defined through a distal end portion of the anvil buttress, the distal window configured to receive the anvil tip therethrough. (Item 7) Item 1. The anvil buttress loading system of item 1, wherein the carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool includes longitudinal rails extending from opposite sides of the support surface, the anvil assembly is positionable between the longitudinal rails, and the tissue-facing surface is adjacent to the support surface. (Item 8) Item 8. The anvil buttress loading system of item 7, wherein the carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool includes a lateral rail that traverses a distal end of the longitudinal rail and extends above the support surface that defines a distal opening to the cavity. (Item 9) 1. An anvil buttress loading assembly comprising: an anvil buttress loading tool including a carrier defining a cavity therein, the carrier having a support surface, a proximal end portion of the carrier including a pair of proximal projections, and a distal end portion of the carrier including a distal projection; an anvil buttress including a body, a pair of proximal tabs extending proximally from the body, and a distal tab extending distally from the body; an anvil buttress loading assembly, wherein the body of the anvil buttress is positioned on the support surface, the pair of proximal tabs engaged with the pair of proximal projections, and the distal tab engaged with the distal projection. (Item 10) 10. The anvil buttress loading assembly of claim 9, wherein the carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool includes longitudinal rails extending from opposite sides of the support surface. (Item 11) Item 11. The anvil buttress loading assembly of item 10, wherein a plurality of axially spaced and opposed tabs extend from the longitudinal rail and above the support surface. (Item 12) Item 11. The anvil buttress loading assembly of item 10, wherein the carrier of the anvil buttress loading tool includes a lateral rail that traverses a distal end of the longitudinal rail and extends above a support surface that defines a distal opening to the cavity. (Item 13) Item 13. The anvil buttress loading assembly of item 12, wherein the distal projection extends from the lateral rail. (Item 14) Item 13. The anvil buttress loading assembly of item 12, wherein the anvil buttress includes a distal window defined through a distal end portion of the body, the distal window aligned with the distal opening of the carrier. (Item 15) A loading unit comprising: a staple cartridge assembly; an anvil assembly including an anvil plate and an anvil tip, the anvil plate having a tissue-facing surface defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein, a proximal end portion of the tissue-facing surface including a hook assembly; an anvil buttress including a body having a proximal end portion removably coupled to the anvil assembly by the hook assembly. (Item 16) Item 16. The loading unit of item 15, wherein the hook assembly includes a pair of hooks disposed on either side of a central longitudinal slot defined through the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly, each hook having an arm having a first end anchored to the tissue-facing surface and a second end including a finger extending therefrom. (Item 17) Item 17. The loading unit of item 16, wherein the first end of the arm is anchored to the tissue-facing surface at its proximal end and the second end is disposed distally thereof. (Item 18) Item 17. The loading unit of item 16, wherein distal ends of the fingers are biased against and movable relative to the tissue-facing surface of the anvil assembly. (Item 19) Item 17. The loading unit of item 16, wherein the anvil buttress has a proximal window defined in the proximal end portion of the body, and the fingers of the pair of hooks extend through the proximal window to be positioned against the tissue-facing surface. (Item 20) Item 16. The loading unit of item 15, wherein the anvil buttress includes a distal window defined through a distal end portion of the body, the distal window binding around the anvil tip such that the distal end of the anvil buttress is engaged with the anvil assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG.

[0018] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil assembly of the tool assembly of FIG. 2;

[0019] [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an anvil buttress loading tool with an anvil buttress loaded, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0020] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the anvil assembly of FIG. 3 and the anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 4;

[0021] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 5 advanced into the anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 5;

[0022] [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly and anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 6 taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0023] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a proximal portion of the anvil assembly and anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 7, showing the hook assembly of the anvil assembly engaged with the anvil buttress.

[0024] [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 6 loaded with anvil buttress;

[0025] [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged view of the proximal portion of the anvil assembly and the anvil buttress of FIG. 9, showing the hook assembly of the anvil assembly engaged with the proximal window defined through the anvil buttress; FIG.

[0026] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an anvil assembly with anvil tip and anvil buttress loaded thereon, and an anvil loading tool, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0027] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the anvil loading tool, anvil tip, and anvil buttress of FIG.

[0028] [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 11 taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 11.

[0029] [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the proximal end portion of the anvil assembly of FIG. 11 ;

[0030] [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the anvil tip of FIG.

[0031] [Figure 16] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a distal end portion of the anvil buttress loading tool of FIG.

[0032] [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 16 taken along section line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

[0033] [Figure 18] 12 is a perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 11 advanced into the anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 11; FIG.

[0034] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil assembly and anvil buttress loading tool of FIG.

[0035] [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the anvil assembly and anvil buttress loading tool of FIG. 18, showing the retainer of the anvil buttress loading tool removed from the anvil plate;

[0036] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 20 with anvil buttress loaded thereon;

[0037] [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the anvil assembly of FIG. 21 taken along section line 22-22 of FIG. 21. FIG.

[0038] [Figure 23] 22 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1, including the anvil assembly and anvil buttress of FIG. 21, during the firing stroke of the surgical stapling apparatus;

[0039] [Figure 24] FIG. 22 is a top view of the distal end portion of the anvil assembly of FIG. 21 ;

[0040] [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of an anvil assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0041] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view, with parts separated, of the anvil assembly and anvil buttress of FIG. 25;

[0042] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil buttress of FIG. 26 loaded into the anvil assembly;

[0043] [Figure 28] FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 25 with the cover plate removed, illustrating the spring assembly disposed within the anvil assembly.

[0044] [Figure 29] 29 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 28 showing the spring assembly disposed in the unclamped position;

[0045] [Figure 30] 29 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 28 showing the spring assembly disposed in a clamping position;

[0046] [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a distal end portion of the anvil assembly of FIG. 30;

[0047] [Figure 32] 30 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the anvil assembly of FIG. 29 during the firing stroke of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0048] [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an anvil loading tool with parts separated, the anvil assembly and anvil buttress loaded thereon, according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0049] [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the proximal end portion of the anvil assembly of FIG. 33;

[0050] [Figure 35] FIG. 34 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the anvil buttress loading tool and anvil buttress of FIG.

[0051] [Figure 36] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil buttress loading tool and anvil buttress of FIG.

[0052] [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of the proximal end portion of the anvil buttress loading tool and the anvil buttress of FIG.

[0053] [Figure 38] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 33 with anvil buttress loaded thereon;

[0054] [Figure 39] FIG. 34 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly and anvil loading tool of FIG. 33 showing the anvil buttress being loaded into the anvil assembly; [Figure 40] FIG. 34 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly and anvil loading tool of FIG. 33 showing the anvil buttress being loaded into the anvil assembly; [Figure 41] FIG. 34 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly and anvil loading tool of FIG. 33 showing the anvil buttress being loaded into the anvil assembly;

[0055] [Figure 42] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 33 with anvil buttress loaded thereon; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. Throughout this specification, the term "proximal" refers to a portion of a structure or a component thereof that is closer to the user, and the term "distal" refers to a portion of a structure or a component thereof that is farther from the user.

[0057] 1 , an exemplary surgical stapling apparatus or surgical stapler 1 for use in stapling tissue in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Surgical stapling apparatus 1 generally includes a handle assembly 10, an elongate tubular body 20 extending distally from handle assembly 10, and a loading unit 30 extending distally from elongate tubular body 20. Loading unit 30 includes a housing portion 32 and a tool or jaw assembly 34 including a first jaw member 34 a and a second jaw member 34 b. First jaw member 34 a and / or second jaw member 34 b are pivotable relative to housing portion 32 such that tool assembly 34 is movable between an open position in which first jaw member 34 a and second jaw member 34 b are spaced apart from one another and a closed position in which first jaw member 34 a and second jaw member 34 b are substantially adjacent one another.

[0058] The handle assembly 10 includes a fixed handle member 12a, a movable handle member 12b, and a barrel portion 14. Actuation of the movable handle member 12b applies a line of staples 70 (FIG. 2) to tissue captured between the first and second jaw members 34a, 34b of the tool assembly 34. An articulation lever 16 is mounted to the forward end of the barrel portion 14 to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly 34. A rotation member 18 is also mounted to the forward end of the barrel portion 14 adjacent the articulation lever 16. Rotation of the rotatable member 18 relative to the barrel portion 14 rotates the elongate tubular body 20 and the loading unit 30 relative to the handle assembly 10 to properly orient the tool assembly 34 relative to the tissue being stapled. A pair of knobs 19 are movably positionable along the barrel portion 14. The pair of knobs 19 are advanced distally to move the first jaw member 34a and the second jaw member 34b of the tool assembly 34 closer to or close them relative to each other, and are retracted proximally to move the first jaw member 34a and the second jaw member 34b of the tool assembly 34 away from or open them relative to each other.

[0059] Loading unit 30 is a disposable loading unit (“DLU”) that is releasably secured to elongate tubular body 20 and is therefore replaceable with a new loading unit 30. Loading unit 30 may be a single-use loading unit (“SULU”) that is used once and then replaced to facilitate multiple uses of surgical stapling apparatus 1 on a patient. For example, during a surgical procedure, surgical stapling apparatus 1 may be used to staple and cut tissue, with the entire SULU being replaced after each stapling and cutting operation of surgical stapling apparatus 1. Loading unit 30 may be a multi-use loading unit (“MULU”) that is reusable a predetermined number of times. For example, during a surgical procedure, surgical stapling apparatus 1 may be used to staple and cut tissue, with the MULU's reloading assembly (e.g., staple cartridge 64 seen in FIG. 2) being replaced a predetermined number of times after each stapling and cutting operation of surgical stapling apparatus 1 before the entire MULU needs to be replaced. Alternatively, loading unit 30 may be permanently secured to elongate tubular body 20.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first jaw member 34a of tool assembly 34 includes an anvil assembly 40, and second jaw member 34b of tool assembly 34 includes a staple cartridge assembly 60. Anvil assembly 40 includes an anvil plate 42 and a cover plate 44 secured over anvil plate 42. As seen in FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, anvil plate 42 has a central longitudinal slot 41 formed therein and a plurality of staple-forming pockets or cavities 43 defined in an inward, or tissue-facing, surface 46 thereof, with an anvil tip 48 extending distally of staple-forming pockets 43. Tissue-facing surface 46 is substantially planar along its length with staple-forming pockets 43 defined therein and angled or tapered outwardly through anvil tip 48 toward an outer surface 45 of anvil assembly 40. Anvil tip 48 has a curved tip 48a and a pair of shoulders 48b disposed on opposite sides of anvil tip 48. Shoulders 48b face distally and are configured to provide stop surfaces for securing the distal end portion of a surgical buttress thereto. Proximal portion 42a of anvil plate 42, extending proximally of staple forming pocket 43, includes a hook assembly 50 configured to secure the proximal end portion of a surgical buttress thereto.

[0061] 3 , hook assembly 50 includes a pair of hooks 52, each disposed on either side of central longitudinal slot 41. Each hook 52 includes an arm 54 having a first or proximal end portion 54a anchored or fixed to tissue-facing surface 46 of anvil plate 42 and a second or distal end portion 54b including a finger 56 extending therefrom. Finger 56 is bent or curved relative to arm 54 such that distal end 56a of finger 56 is biased against (e.g., in direct contact with) tissue-facing surface 46 of anvil plate 42. Each hook 52 is hingedly or spring-biasedly connected to anvil plate 52 at its proximal end portion 54a such that finger 56 is movable away from (e.g., can lift off of) tissue-facing surface 46 when a force is applied thereto. In embodiments, the pair of hooks 52 are leaf spring hooks, although other cantilever hook configurations are contemplated, including, for example, flexible arms and rigid fingers.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 2 , staple cartridge assembly 60 includes a cartridge carrier 62 defining an elongated support channel 61 configured and dimensioned to selectively receive and support a staple cartridge 64 therein. Staple cartridge 64 may be removably and / or replaceably attached to carrier cartridge 62 by, for example, a snap-fit ​​connection, a detent, a latch, or other types of connectors within the purview of those skilled in the art. Staple cartridge 64 includes a cartridge body 66 having an inwardly or tissue-facing surface 68 defining staple pockets or retention slots 65 formed therein for receiving a plurality of fasteners or staples 70 and a staple pusher 72. A central longitudinal slot 67 is formed in and extends the substantial length of cartridge body 66 to facilitate passage therethrough of knife blade 82 of drive assembly 80.

[0063] Knife blade 82 is defined at a distal edge of central wall portion 84a of I-beam 84, which is operatively associated with tool assembly 34. Central wall portion 84a of I-beam 84 is slidably disposed between the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies 40, 60, with upper and lower rails 84b, 84c of I-beam 84 supported within anvil assembly 40 and staple cartridge assembly 60, respectively. I-beam 84 is coupled to elongated drive beam 86, which is configured to engage a drive member (not shown) of elongated tubular body 20 (FIG. 1) of surgical stapling apparatus 1 when the drive member is engaged with loading unit 30. The drive member imparts axial movement from handle assembly 10 to elongated drive beam 86, and therefore to I-beam 84. Thus, during operation of the surgical stapling apparatus 1, distal advancement of the I-beam 84 translates the actuation sled 74 through the staple cartridge 64 and advances the cam wedges 76 of the actuation sled 74 into successive contact with the staple pushers 72, which in turn translates the staple pushers 72 vertically within the staple pockets 65 and urges the staples 70 from the staple pockets 65 toward the tissue-facing surface 46 of the anvil plate 42 of the anvil assembly 40.

[0064] For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary surgical stapling apparatuses, reference may be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 6,241,139, 6,330,965, and 7,819,896, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. It should be recognized that the principles of the present disclosure are equally applicable to surgical stapling apparatuses having other configurations, such as the types described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,964,394, 7,128,253, and 7,334,717, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, it should be understood that a variety of surgical stapling apparatuses may be utilized with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized with laparoscopic or open staplers, such as the GIA™, Endo GIA™, TA™, and Endo TA™ staplers, available, for example, through Medtronic (North Haven, CT), and / or linear and radial reloading with, for example, Tri-Staple™ technology.

[0065] 4, an anvil buttress 90 (also generally referred to herein as a surgical buttress) is shown loaded into an anvil buttress loading tool 100 (also referred to herein as a loading tool). The anvil buttress 90 includes a body 92 having a first or proximal window 93 defined through a proximal end portion 92a of the body 92 and a second or distal window 95 (FIG. 5) defined through a distal end portion 92b of the body 92. A pair of proximal tabs 94 extend proximally from the proximal end portion 92a of the body 92, each tab 94 defining an opening 97 therethrough. A distal tab 96 extends distally from the distal end portion 92b of the body 92 and defines an opening 99 therethrough.

[0066] The anvil buttress 90 is fabricated from a biocompatible material, which may be a bioabsorbable or non-absorbable natural or synthetic material. It should be understood that the anvil buttress 90 may be formed using a single or combination of natural, synthetic, bioabsorbable, and / or non-bioabsorbable materials. In embodiments, the anvil buttress 90 is formed from a single sheet of material that is cut and shaped. In other embodiments, the anvil buttress 90 is formed from multiple sheets of material fabricated from the same or different materials, and / or the components of the anvil buttress 90 (e.g., body, tabs, etc.) are formed from the same or different materials that are attached to one another by, for example, welding, the use of adhesives, suture ties, etc.

[0067] The anvil buttress 90 can be porous, non-porous, or a combination thereof. Suitable porous structures include, for example, fibrous structures (e.g., braided, woven, and non-woven structures) and / or foams (e.g., open-cell or closed-cell foams). Suitable non-porous structures include, for example, films. The anvil buttress 90 can be a single porous or non-porous layer, or can include multiple layers, including any combination of porous and non-porous layers. For example, the anvil buttress can include multiple porous and non-porous layers stacked in an alternating manner. In another example, the anvil buttress can be formed in a “sandwich” manner, where an outer layer is porous and an inner layer is non-porous, or vice versa.

[0068] A porous layer within a surgical buttress may enhance the surgical buttress's ability to absorb fluids, reduce bleeding, and / or seal wounds. The porous layer may also allow tissue ingrowth to secure the surgical buttress in place. A non-porous layer of a surgical buttress may enhance the surgical buttress's ability to resist tearing and perforation during manufacturing, shipping, handling, and / or the stapling process. The non-porous layer may also retard or prevent tissue ingrowth from surrounding tissue, thereby acting as an adhesion barrier and preventing the formation of unwanted scar tissue.

[0069] With continued reference to FIG. 4, anvil buttress loading tool 100 includes a handle 110 and a carrier 120 fixedly secured to handle 110. Handle 110 is configured to be grasped by a user, and carrier 120 is configured to receive anvil assembly 40 ( FIG. 3 ) for releasably retaining anvil buttress 90 therein and loading anvil buttress 90 thereon. Carrier 120 includes a housing 122 having a support surface 124 ( FIG. 7 ), longitudinal rails 126 extending from opposite sides of support surface 124, and a plurality of axially spaced, opposed tabs 128 extending from longitudinal rails 126 and extending above support surface 124. A cavity 121 is defined in carrier 120 by support surface 124, longitudinal rails 126, and tabs 128. The lateral rail 130 extends across the distal end 126a of the longitudinal rail 126 and onto the support surface 124. The lateral rail 130 is disposed in a spaced-apart relationship relative to the support surface 124 to define a distal opening 125 (FIG. 5) to the cavity 121. A pair of proximal projections 132 extend proximally from the proximal end 124a of the support surface 124, and a distal projection 134 extends outward from the outer surface 130a of the lateral rail 130.

[0070] In a method of loading the anvil buttress 90 into the loading tool 100, the body 92 of the anvil buttress 90 is positioned against the support surface 124 of the carrier 120. With the body 92 of the anvil buttress 90 positioned on the support surface 124, the pair of proximal tabs 94 on the proximal end portion 92a of the body 92 is aligned or registered with the pair of proximal protrusions 132 on the proximal end 124a of the support surface 124, and the distal tab 96 on the distal end portion 92b of the body 92 is aligned or registered with the distal protrusion 134 of the lateral rail 130. The proximal and distal end portions 92a, 92b of the anvil buttress 90 are manipulated to engage the pair of proximal tabs 94 with the pair of proximal protrusions 132 and the distal tab 96 with the distal protrusion 134. 5, in the loading configuration, the distal window 95 defined through the anvil buttress 90 is aligned with the distal opening 125 of the loading tool 100. It should be understood that other attachment features are contemplated for securing the tabs of the anvil buttress to the carrier of the loading tool.

[0071] 5-8 , in a method of loading the anvil buttress 90 onto the anvil assembly 40, the anvil tip 48 of the anvil assembly 40 is aligned with the proximal end 120a of the carrier 120 of the loading tool 100. The anvil assembly 40 is slid distally into the cavity 121 of the carrier 120 so that the tissue-facing surface 46 of the anvil assembly 40 abuts or contacts the anvil buttress 90. The anvil assembly 40 is guided through and retained within the cavity 121 of the carrier 120 by the support surface 124, the longitudinal rails 126, and the plurality of tabs 128. The anvil assembly 40 is slid distally until the anvil tip 48 extends through the distal window 95 defined through the anvil buttress 90, as seen in FIG. 6 , with the pair of shoulders 48b ( FIG. 3 ) of the anvil tip 48 acting as a stop surface for distal movement. During this sliding movement, hook assembly 50 slides into opening 127 (FIG. 5) defined in proximal end 124a of bearing surface 124 to capture proximal end portion 92a of anvil buttress 90 through the arrangement of fingers 56 within proximal window 93 of anvil buttress 90, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. It should be understood that, additionally or alternatively, loading tool 100 may be slid proximally relative to anvil assembly 40.

[0072] 6 , once the anvil assembly 40 is fully advanced into the carrier 120 of the loading tool 100, the loading tool 100 may be separated from the anvil assembly 40 by sliding the loading tool 100 and / or the anvil assembly 40 apart from one another. As the anvil assembly 40 and the loading tool 100 are moved apart from one another, the proximal and distal end portions 92 a, 92 b of the body 92 of the anvil buttress 90 disengage from the proximal and distal protrusions 132, 134 of the carrier 120.

[0073] 9 and 10 , a proximal end portion 92a of anvil buttress 90 is retained on anvil assembly 40 by engagement of hook assembly 50 through proximal window 93, and a distal end portion 92b of anvil buttress 90 is retained on anvil assembly 40 by engagement with distal tab 96 of anvil tip 48 through distal window 95. Surgical stapling apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) is ready for use once anvil assembly 40 is loaded with anvil buttress 90. In embodiments, as seen in FIG. 1 , staple cartridge assembly 60 is preloaded and / or loaded with cartridge buttress 91.

[0074] In operation, with the anvil buttress 90 loaded into the loading unit 30, as described above, the surgical stapling apparatus 1 is used in accordance with methods known to those skilled in the art. Once the anvil assembly 40 and staple cartridge assembly 60 are clamped onto tissue, the surgical stapling apparatus 1 is fired, thereby stapling the anvil buttress 90 to the tissue. During firing, the knife blade 82 of the I-beam 84 advances distally through the tool assembly 34, substantially simultaneously cutting and dividing the tissue, with the anvil buttress 90 disposed between the rows of formed staples 70. Once firing is complete and the anvil assembly 40 and staple cartridge assembly 60 are unclamped, the anvil buttress 90, which is currently stapled to the tissue, is pulled away from the anvil assembly 40, allowing the tool assembly 34 to be removed from the surgical site. The spent staple cartridge 64 can then be removed from the tool assembly 34 and replaced with a new staple cartridge 64. A new anvil buttress 90 may be installed onto the anvil assembly 40 as needed or desired, as described above.

[0075] 11 , anvil assembly 240 and anvil buttress loading tool 200 loaded with anvil buttress 290, and anvil tip 248 are shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Anvil tip 248 is releasably coupleable to anvil assembly 240, and anvil buttress 290 coupled thereto is loaded onto anvil assembly 240 by loading tool 200.

[0076] 11 in conjunction with FIGS. 14 and 15 , anvil assembly 240 includes an anvil plate 242 and a cover plate 244 secured over anvil plate 242. Anvil tip 248 is separable from anvil plate 242. Anvil plate 242 has a central longitudinal slot 241 formed therein and a plurality of staple forming pockets or cavities 243 defined in an inward or tissue-facing surface 246 thereof. A proximal end portion 242a of anvil plate 242 extending proximally of staple forming pockets 243 includes a hook assembly 250 configured to secure a proximal end portion of a surgical buttress thereto.

[0077] Hook assembly 250 includes a pair of hooks 252, each disposed on either side of central longitudinal slot 241. Each hook 252 includes an arm 254 having a first or distal end portion 254a anchored or secured to tissue-facing surface 246 of anvil plate 242 and a second or proximal end portion 254b including fingers 256 extending therefrom. Arm 254 extends upwardly and away from tissue-facing surface 246 of anvil assembly 240 such that fingers 256 extend proximally of and in spaced-apart relation relative to tissue-facing surface 246.

[0078] Cover plate 244 includes a notch 247a defined in a distal end 244a thereof and an opening 247b defined therethrough that aligns with a groove 242c (FIG. 22) defined through anvil plate 242.

[0079] The anvil tip 248 has a curved tip 248a and a pair of legs 248c extending proximally from the curved tip 248a. The pair of legs 248c are configured to receive the anvil plate 242 therebetween. A pocket 260 is defined in the anvil tip 248. The pocket 260 includes a curved surface 262 and longitudinal side slots 263 defined on either side of the pocket 260. An opening 265 extends through the curved surface 262 and includes a spherical distal region 265a and a slotted proximal region 265b.

[0080] A cantilever beam 266 extends proximally from curved surface 262 between a pair of legs 248c. Cantilever beam 266 includes a fastener 268 disposed at a proximal end 266a thereof. Fastener 268 includes an engagement surface 268a for connecting anvil tip 248 to anvil plate 242 and a cam surface 268b for laterally deflecting cantilever beam 266 to disconnect anvil tip 248 from anvil plate 242.

[0081] 12 , anvil tip 248 includes a retention assembly 270 configured to secure distal end portion 292b of anvil buttress 290 thereto. Retention assembly 270 includes a plate 272 and an elongated bar 274 extending proximally from plate 272. Elongated bar 274 terminates in a curved tail 276. Plate 272 is contoured (e.g., curved) for positioning within pocket 260 defined in anvil tip 248. Plate 272 is positionable against curved surface 262 of anvil tip 248 with longitudinal edges of plate 272 received in longitudinal side slots 263 of pocket 260 and is slidable therein between a proximal position and a distal position. Plate 272 includes a slot 273 defined therethrough that is configured to align with slotted proximal region 265b of opening 265 extending through curved surface 262 of anvil tip 248 when plate 272 is moved to a distal position. Elongated bar 274 is configured to be engaged by I-beam 84 ( FIG. 2 ) of drive assembly 80 during the firing stroke to slide retention assembly 270 from a proximal position (biased position, see FIG. 16 ) to a distal position (see FIG. 23 ). Curved tail 276 of retention assembly 270 may be deformable to enable movement of retention assembly 270 between the proximal and distal positions.

[0082] 11-13, anvil buttress 290 includes a body 292 having a proximal end portion 292a including a proximal window 293 defined therethrough and a stepped proximal tab 294 extending therefrom. Stepped proximal tab 294 includes an opening 297 defined therethrough. Body 292 has a distal end portion 292b including a distal tab 296 extending therefrom. Distal tab 296 has a generally C-shaped configuration including a lip 296a extending substantially parallel to and in spaced relation to body 292.

[0083] 11-13, anvil buttress loading tool 200 includes a carrier 220, a retainer 231, and a tether 239 interconnecting the carrier 220 and the retainer 231. The tether 239 may be a flexible strap, cord, band, rope, cable, or the like, about which the retainer 231 can move relative to the carrier 220. The retainer 231 has a base 233 and a peg 235 (FIG. 16) extending from the base 233. The carrier 220 includes a housing 222 having a support surface 224 and longitudinal rails 226 extending from opposite sides of the support surface 224, each of the longitudinal rails 226 including a flange 228. A cavity 221 is defined in the carrier 220 by the support surface 224 and the longitudinal rails 226. Support surface 224 includes a proximal end portion 224a that extends proximally beyond longitudinal rail 226. Proximal end portion 224a includes a window 230 defined therethrough and a proximal protrusion 232 extending proximally therefrom.

[0084] In a method of loading the anvil buttress 290 and anvil tip 248 into the loading tool 200, the body 292 of the anvil buttress 290 is positioned against the support surface 224 of the carrier 220 so that the opening 297 defined through the proximal tab 294 engages the proximal projection 232 of the support surface 224. The anvil tip 248 is positioned in the distal end portion 220b of the carrier 220 by sliding the anvil tip 248 through the cavity 221 of the carrier 220 so that the longitudinal edge of the anvil tip 248 engages the flange 228 of the longitudinal rail 226, as seen in FIG. While positioning the anvil tip 248 within the carrier 220, the distal tab 296 of the anvil buttress 290 is inserted through the slotted proximal region 265b of the opening 265 defined in the anvil plate 248, such that the end 296a of the distal tab 296 rests against the curved surface 262. Then, as shown in FIG. 16 , the retention assembly 270 is placed within the pocket 260 of the anvil tip 248, and the plate 272 is positioned over the curved surface 262 to capture the distal tab 296 of the anvil buttress 290 therebetween. The retainer 231 of the loading tool 200 is then placed over the anvil tip 248, such that the peg 235 of the retainer 231 engages the spherical distal region 265a of the opening 265 defined through the anvil tip 248 to retain the anvil buttress 290 and the anvil tip 248 on the loading tool 200. In the loaded configuration, the proximal end portion 292a of the anvil buttress 290 is engaged with the proximal projection 232 extending from the support surface 224 of the carrier 220, and the distal end portion 292b of the anvil buttress 290 is captured within the anvil tip 248 by the retention assembly 270.

[0085] In a method of loading the anvil buttress 290 and the anvil tip 248 onto the anvil assembly 240, the anvil plate 242 and the anvil cover 244 are slid distally into the cavity 221 of the carrier 220 so that the tissue-facing surface 246 of the anvil plate 242 abuts or contacts the anvil buttress 290. The anvil assembly 240 is guided through and retained within the cavity 221 of the carrier 220 by the support surface 224, the longitudinal rails 226, and the flanges 228. The anvil assembly 240 is slid distally until it is fully advanced with the carrier 220, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, and the catch 268 of the beam 266 engages the groove 242c defined in the anvil plate 242, as seen in FIG. 22, locking the anvil tip 248 to the anvil plate 242. As seen in FIG. 19 , the proximal window 293 of the anvil buttress 290 is aligned with the hook assembly 250 of the anvil plate 242 when fully inserted into the loading tool 200 such that the hook 252 extends through the proximal window 293 to hold the proximal end portion 292 a of the anvil buttress 290 to the anvil assembly 240.

[0086] The loading tool 200 is separated from the anvil assembly 240 by removing (e.g., inverting) the retainer 231 from the anvil tip 248 and sliding the loading tool 200 and / or the anvil assembly 240 apart, as shown in FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 21, the proximal end portion 292a of the anvil buttress 290 is retained on the anvil assembly 240 by engagement of the hook assembly 250 through the proximal window 293, and the distal end portion 292b of the anvil buttress 290 is retained on the anvil assembly 240 by the anvil tip 248. Specifically, the distal end portion 292b of the anvil buttress 290 is retained on the anvil assembly 240 by engagement with the distal tab 296 of the retention assembly 270, as described above.

[0087] The surgical stapling apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) is ready for use with the anvil assembly 240 loaded with the anvil buttress 290. In use, as shown in FIG. 23, at the end of the firing stroke, the I-beam 84 cams the retaining assembly 270 distally, aligning the slot 273 in the plate 272 with the slotted proximal region 265b of the anvil tip 248 to release the distal tab 296 of the anvil buttress 290. After use, as seen in FIG. 24, the peg 244 (FIG. 20) on the loading tool 200 can be utilized through the opening 247b defined through the cover plate 244 to move the fastener 268 out of the groove 242c in the anvil plate 242, releasing the anvil tip 248 from the anvil assembly 240.

[0088] 25 and 26 , an anvil assembly 340 according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The anvil assembly 340 includes an anvil plate 342 and a cover plate 344 secured over the anvil plate 342. The anvil plate 342 has a central longitudinal slot 341 formed therein and a plurality of staple-forming pockets or cavities 343 defined in an inward-facing or tissue-facing surface 346 thereof, with an anvil tip 348 extending distally of the staple-forming pockets 343. A pair of recesses 349 are defined in side edges of the anvil assembly 340 between the anvil plate 342 and the anvil tip 348. A proximal portion 342a of the anvil plate 342 extending proximally of the staple-forming pockets 343 includes a hook assembly 350 configured to secure a proximal end portion of a surgical buttress thereto. Anvil tip 348 includes a spring assembly 380 configured to secure a distal end portion of a surgical buttress thereto.

[0089] Hook assembly 350 includes a pair of hooks 352, each disposed on either side of central longitudinal slot 341. Each hook 352 includes an arm 354 having a first or distal end portion 354a anchored or secured to tissue-facing surface 346 of anvil plate 342 and a second or proximal end portion 354b including fingers 356 extending therefrom. Arm 354 extends upwardly and away from tissue-facing surface 346 of anvil assembly 340 such that fingers 356 extend proximally of and in spaced-apart relation relative to tissue-facing surface 346.

[0090] A cavity 360 is defined in the anvil tip 348 and distal end portion 342b of the anvil plate 342. The cavity 360 opens to the outer surface 345 of the anvil assembly 340 at the anvil tip 348 and is covered by a cover plate 344 at the distal end portion 342b of the anvil plate 342. A dimension or width of a distal portion 360a of the cavity 360 defined in the anvil tip 348 is smaller than a dimension or width of a proximal portion 360b of the cavity 360 defined in the anvil plate 342. The anvil tip 348 includes a sloped surface 348d extending from the outer surface 345 into the cavity 360.

[0091] Spring assembly 380 includes a slider 382 and a spring 384. Slider 382 includes a body 386 and a pair of wings 388 extending laterally from a proximal portion 386a of body 386. Spring 384 has a rigid structure (e.g., a wire frame) having a proximal end portion 384a including a pair of legs 390 configured to extend around proximal portion 386a of body 386 of slider 382, ​​and a distal end portion 384b including a bridge 392 interconnecting the pair of legs 390.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 28 , spring 384 is positioned within cavity 360 of anvil assembly 340, with proximal end portion 384 a disposed within proximal portion 360 b of cavity 360. Portions of a pair of legs 390 extend through a pair of recesses 349 defined in anvil plate 342 such that distal end portion 384 b of spring 384 is disposed outside cavity 360 and across tissue-facing surface 346 of anvil plate 342 ( FIG. 29 ). Slider 382 is positioned within cavity 360, with a pair of wings 388 positioned within proximal portion 360 b of cavity 360 on pair of legs 390 of spring 384 and a body 386 extending distally into distal portion 360 a of cavity 360.

[0093] 29 , in which the slider 382 is disposed in a distal position and a pair of wings 388 of the slider 382 cam the spring 384 distally so that the bridge 392 extends away from and in spaced-apart relation to the tissue-facing surface 346 of the anvil assembly 340. The spring assembly 380 also has a clamped or loaded position, as shown in FIG. 30 , in which the slider 382 is disposed in a proximal position and the pair of wings 388 cam the spring 384 upward within the cavity 360 to move the bridge 392 into contact with the tissue-facing surface 346 of the anvil assembly 340.

[0094] 27, anvil buttress 390 includes a body 392 having a proximal end portion 392a including a proximal window 393 defined therethrough and a distal end portion 392b including a distal tab 396 extending therefrom. Distal tab 396 has a smaller dimension or width than body 392.

[0095] In a method of loading the anvil buttress 390 onto the anvil assembly 340, the spring assembly 380 is positioned in the unloaded position, as shown in FIGS. 26, 27, and 29. The body 392 of the anvil buttress 390 is positioned against the tissue-facing surface 346 of the anvil assembly 340 such that the proximal window 393 engages the hook assembly 350 and the distal tab 396 is positioned between the tissue-facing surface 346 and the bridge 392 of the spring 384. Then, as seen in FIGS. 30 and 31, the slider 382 is moved to the loaded position by accessing the slider 382 through the open distal portion 360a of the cavity 360 and pushing the slider 382 proximally, for example, with a loading tool (not shown).

[0096] Surgical stapling apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) is ready for use with anvil assembly 340 loaded with anvil buttress 390. In use, as shown in FIG. 32 , at the end of the firing stroke, I-beam 84 cams spring assembly 380 distally to the unloaded position, releasing anvil buttress 390 at distal tab 396 from anvil assembly 340. As explained above, spring assembly 380 remains in the unloaded position until a new anvil buttress 390 is loaded into anvil assembly 340.

[0097] 33 , an anvil assembly 440 and anvil buttress loading tool 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The anvil assembly 440 includes an anvil plate 442 and a cover plate 444 secured over the anvil plate 442. As shown in FIG. 34 in conjunction with FIG. 33 , the anvil plate 442 has a central longitudinal slot 441 formed therein and a plurality of staple forming pockets or cavities 443 defined in an inward or tissue-facing surface 446 thereof, with an anvil tip 448 extending distally of the staple forming pockets 443. A proximal portion 442a of the anvil plate 442 extending proximally of the staple forming pockets 443 includes a spring and hook assembly 450 configured to secure a proximal end portion of a surgical buttress thereto.

[0098] Spring and hook assembly 450 includes a pair of spring and hook members 452, each disposed on either side of central longitudinal slot 441. Each spring and hook member 452 includes an arm 454 having a first or proximal end portion 454a anchored or fixed to tissue-facing surface 446 of anvil plate 442 and a second or distal end portion 454b including a first finger 456 and a second finger 458 extending therefrom. First finger 456 is bent or curved relative to arm 454 downward toward tissue-facing surface 446 such that distal end 456a ( FIG. 39 ) of first finger 456 is biased into a notch 446a defined in tissue-facing surface 446. Second fingers 458 are disposed laterally inward of first fingers 456 and are bent or curved upwardly away from tissue-facing surface 446 such that distal ends 458a of second fingers 458 are biased in spaced-apart relation against tissue-facing surface 446. Each arm 454 is hingedly or spring-biasedly connected at its proximal end portion 454a to anvil plate 452 such that when a force is exerted on second finger 458, second finger 458 lifts off tissue-facing surface 446 and first finger 456 moves out of notch 446a.

[0099] 35 , the anvil buttress 490 includes a body 492 having a pair of wings 491 extending laterally from a proximal end portion 492a thereof. A first or proximal window 493 is defined through the proximal end portion 492a of the body 492 proximally of the pair of wings 491. A pair of proximal tabs 494 extend proximally from the proximal end portion 492a of the body 492, each proximal tab 494 defining an opening 497 therethrough. A distal tab 496 extends distally from the distal end portion 492b of the body 492 and defines an opening 499 therethrough.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 35-37 , the anvil buttress loading tool 400 includes a carrier 420 configured to releasably hold an anvil buttress 490 therein and to receive an anvil assembly 440 ( FIG. 33 ) for loading the anvil buttress 490 thereon. The carrier 420 includes a housing 422 having a support surface 424 and a cover 423 extending over the support surface 424. A cavity 421 is defined in the carrier 420 by the support surface 424 and the cover 423. A pair of slits 426 are defined between the support surface 424 and the cover 423 at a proximal end portion 420 a of the carrier 420. The support surface 424 extends proximally beyond the cover 423 and includes a pair of proximal protrusions 432 extending proximally from the proximal end 424 a of the support surface 424. A ramp 429 is disposed between the pair of proximal protrusions 432. Cover 423 includes an opening 423a defined therethrough at distal end portion 420b of carrier 420 and includes a distal protrusion 434 extending proximally into opening 423a.

[0101] In a method of loading the anvil buttress 490 into the loading tool 400, the body 492 of the anvil buttress 490 passes through the cavity 421 of the carrier 420 and is positioned against the support surface 424 of the carrier 420, with the pair of wings 491 received in the pair of slits 426. With the body 492 of the anvil buttress 490 positioned on the support surface 424, the pair of proximal tabs 494 are aligned or registered with the pair of proximal projections 432 of the support surface 424, and the distal tab 496 is aligned or registered with the distal projection 434 of the cover 423. Thus, the proximal end portion 492a and the distal end portion 492b of the anvil buttress 490 are manipulated to engage the pair of proximal tabs 494 with the pair of proximal and distal tabs 432 and 496 through the openings 423a and engage the distal projections 434.

[0102] 33 , in a method of loading the anvil buttress 490 onto the anvil assembly 440, the anvil tip 448 of the anvil assembly 440 is aligned with the proximal end 420a of the carrier 420 of the loading tool 400. The anvil assembly 440 is slid distally into the cavity 421 of the carrier 420 so that the tissue-facing surface 446 of the anvil assembly 440 abuts or contacts the anvil buttress 490. The anvil assembly 440 is guided through and retained within the cavity 421 of the carrier 420 by the support surface 424 and the cover 423. The anvil assembly 440 is slid distally until the anvil tip 448 extends through a distal window 495 defined through the anvil buttress 490. 39 and 40 , during this sliding movement, the ramp 429 of the carrier 420 contacts the second finger 548 of the spring and hook assembly 450, lifting the second finger 548 off the tissue-facing surface 446 of the anvil plate 442 and lifting the first finger 456 out of the notch 446a defined in the tissue-facing surface 446. As shown in FIG. 41 , once the ramp 429 clears the second finger 458, the arm 454 springs downward and the first finger 456 extends through the proximal window 493 and re-enters the notch 446a, thereby capturing the proximal end portion 492a of the anvil buttress 490 in the anvil assembly 440.

[0103] 38 , once the anvil assembly 440 is fully advanced into the carrier 420 of the loading tool 400, the loading tool 400 can be separated from the anvil assembly 440 by sliding the loading tool 400 and / or the anvil assembly 440 in opposite directions. As the anvil assembly 440 and the loading tool 400 are separated from one another, the arms 454 of the spring and hook assembly 450 resiliently deform downward into the ramps 429 until they clear the tissue-facing surface 446 of the anvil assembly 440. 42 , a proximal end portion 492a of anvil buttress 490 is retained on anvil assembly 440 by engagement of spring and hook assembly 450 through proximal window 493, and a distal end portion 492b of anvil buttress 490 is retained on anvil assembly 440 by engagement of distal tab 496 with anvil tip 448 through distal window 495. The surgical stapling apparatus 1 (FIG. 1) is ready for use once anvil buttress 490 is loaded onto the anvil assembly 440.

[0104] While embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to these embodiments, as the disclosure should be interpreted as broadly as the art permits, and the specification should be read in the same manner. It is therefore to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Additionally, elements and features shown and described in connection with particular embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with elements and features of specific other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications and variations are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as illustrative of embodiments of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should therefore be determined not by the given examples, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described in this specification.

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