Reload cover for surgical stapling system

Abstract

To provide reliable stapling of clamped tissue without complex mechanisms.SOLUTION: Surgical stapler systems can include a jaw assembly with one jaw defining a reload support capable of receiving and firing multiple disposable reload cartridges in a single surgical procedure. The reload cartridge can be protected by a reload cover engageable therewith. The reload cover can include snap features configured to prevent manual removal of the reload cover from the reload cartridge before proper positioning and installation in the reload support. The reload cover can desirably maintain a plurality of staples within staple pockets in the reload cartridge and can maintain a staple deployment mechanism in an unfired position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,194, filed March 29, 2019, entitled "Reloading Cover for Surgical Stapling System," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates generally to surgical closure instruments, and more particularly to a surgical stapler having reloading with a removable cover. [Background technology]

[0003] Surgical staplers are used to approximate or clamp tissue and staple the clamped tissue together. Accordingly, surgical staplers have mechanisms for ensuring that the tissue is properly positioned and captured, and for driving the staples through the tissue. As a result, for example, this has produced multiple triggers and handles along with complex mechanisms to provide proper stapling of the clamped tissue. Due to these complex mechanisms, surgical staplers can be a significant manufacturing burden and a potential source of device failure and confusion for the user. That is, reliable stapling of clamped tissue without complex mechanisms is desirable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,668,732 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 485,620 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 486,227 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 486,008 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 287,748 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The surgical stapler may further include a replaceable reload cartridge so that multiple cartridges can be used with the stapler within a single surgical procedure. Further improvements to the reload cartridge are desirable to facilitate proper placement of the initial and each subsequent reload cartridge for use in the surgical stapler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling device is provided herein. The surgical stapling device includes an elongate shaft, a jaw assembly, a reload cartridge, and a reload cover. The jaw assembly includes a reload support configured to receive the reload cartridge. The reload cover is releasably positionable on the reload cartridge. The reload cartridge includes at least one protruding boss extending laterally outward therefrom. The reload cover includes at least one snap feature extending therefrom, each snap feature engageable with a corresponding protruding boss. The at least one snap feature is not manually disengageable from the at least one protruding boss. Installation of the reload cartridge and the reload cover on the reload support disengages the at least one snap feature from the at least one protruding boss.

[0007] In certain embodiments, a reload cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler is provided herein. The reload cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body and a reload cover. The cartridge body has a generally elongated profile extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The cartridge body includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a pair of outer surfaces. The upper tissue-contacting surface has a plurality of rows of staple pockets formed therein and at least one seating boss protruding upward from the upper surface at the proximal end. Each of the pair of outer surfaces includes a protruding boss extending laterally outward at the distal end of the cartridge body. The reload cover is removably positionable on the upper surface. The reload cover has a generally planar configuration and a generally elongated profile extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The reload cover includes a pair of latch arms extending downward from its distal end. Each of the latch arms is engageable with a corresponding protruding boss to hold the reload cover against the upper surface of the cartridge body so that the reload cover cannot be manually removed.

[0008] In certain embodiments, a method of installing a reload cartridge on a reload support is provided herein. The surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly including a reload support, and the reload cartridge includes a reload cover engaged therewith. The method includes positioning a proximal end of the reload cartridge within the proximal end of the reload support. The method further includes advancing a protruding boss adjacent to a distal end of the reload cartridge into an engagement notch in the reload support such that the engagement notch releases a snap feature in the reload cover. The method further includes removing the reload cover with the snap feature released. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surgical stapling device with the jaws in an open configuration; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reload shaft for the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 with the jaws in an open configuration; [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the jaw assembly, reload cartridge, and reload cover of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an end view of the reload cartridge and reload cover of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reload cartridge and reload cover of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional end view of the jaw assembly of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 with a reload cartridge and reload cover partially installed; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reload cartridge of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reload cover of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the reload cover of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the reload cover of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a side view of the reload cover of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the reload cover of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] With reference to Figures 1-2, an embodiment of a surgical stapling device is shown. The embodiment of the stapling device shown in Figures 1-3 includes a mechanical handle assembly 40, however, various aspects of the reload cartridge and reload cover described herein can be used with a powered handle assembly. An exemplary embodiment of a surgical stapler 10 includes an elongated shaft 20, a jaw assembly 30, and a handle assembly 40. Various aspects of the elongated shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 described herein can be used interchangeably with either a mechanical handle assembly 40 or a powered handle assembly. Figure 1 illustrates the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in an open configuration. Figure 2 illustrates a removable reload shaft assembly including the elongated shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 of the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in an open configuration.

[0011] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, exemplary embodiments of the surgical stapler 10 can be sized and configured for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. For example, the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured for introduction into a surgical field through an access port or trocar cannula. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured for insertion through a trocar cannula having a relatively small working channel diameter, such as, for example, less than 8 mm. In other embodiments, the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured for insertion through a trocar cannula having a larger working channel diameter, such as, for example, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that certain aspects of the surgical staplers described herein can be incorporated into a surgical stapling device for use in open surgical procedures.

[0012] 1 and 2 , as shown, elongated shaft 20 comprises a generally tubular member. Elongated shaft 20 extends from a proximal end 22 to a distal end 24. Elongated shaft 20 defines a central longitudinal axis L of surgical stapler 10 extending between proximal end 22 and distal end 24. Jaw assembly 30 and reload cartridge 50 similarly have a generally elongated configuration, each extending along the central longitudinal axis from their respective proximal ends to their respective distal ends when aligned with elongated shaft 20.

[0013] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the exemplary embodiment, a jaw assembly 30 is coupled to the elongate shaft 20 at the distal end 24 thereof. The jaw assembly 30 includes a first jaw 34 pivotally coupled to a second jaw 32. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 , the jaw assembly is articulably coupled to the elongate shaft such that the jaw assembly can be selectively positioned in an articulated position relative to the central longitudinal axis L and an aligned position relative to the central longitudinal axis L. The handle assembly of FIG. 1 includes an articulation knob 190 and an articulation mechanism configured to provide continuously selectable articulation of the jaw assembly of the elongate shaft assembly through an articulation range. In an initial configuration, the second jaw 32 includes a plurality of staples positioned within a reload cartridge 50 positioned therein. That is, the second jaw 32 defines a reload support.

[0014] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in an exemplary embodiment, the jaw assembly 30 can be actuated from an open configuration ( FIG. 1 ) to a closed configuration, a stapling configuration, by an actuation member or beam longitudinally slidable within the elongate shaft. In an initial position, the beam can be positioned at the distal end 24 of the elongate shaft 20. With the beam in the initial position, the first jaw 34 is pivoted away from the second jaw 32 so that the jaw assembly 30 is in the open configuration. The second jaw 32 has an elongate configuration extending from the distal end of the elongate shaft. The actuation beam engages the first jaw 34 upon translation of the actuation member or beam distally along the longitudinal axis L. Translation of the actuation beam distally from the initial position a first distance can actuate the jaw assembly from the open configuration to the closed configuration. With the jaw assembly 30 in the closed configuration, the actuation beam can be moved proximally a first distance to return the jaw assembly 30 to the open configuration. The distal end of the actuation beam can advance a staple slider configured to deploy staples 36 from the second jaw 32 such that further translation of the actuation beam distally past the first distance deploys a plurality of staples 36 from the second jaw 32.

[0015] 1-3 , in an exemplary embodiment, a handle assembly is coupled to the elongate shaft 20 at its proximal end 22. As shown, the handle assembly 40 has a pistol-grip configuration with a housing defining a fixed handle 42 and a movable handle 44, or trigger, pivotally coupled to the fixed handle 42. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that surgical stapler devices including aspects described herein may have handle assemblies with other configurations, such as a scissor-grip configuration or an in-line configuration. The handle assembly 40 houses an actuation mechanism configured to selectively advance the actuation shaft in response to movement of the movable handle 44 to actuate an actuation beam within the elongate shaft a first distance in an opening / closing stroke to close the jaw assembly from an initial open position, a second distance beyond the first distance in a firing stroke to fire staples, and a second distance back to the initial position by returning the actuation beam the second and first distances. In certain embodiments, a sliding selector 72 on the handle assembly can allow a user to select whether the handle assembly is actuated to actuate the jaw assembly in an opening / closing stroke or a firing stroke. Various embodiments of handle assemblies and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,668,732, entitled "Surgical Stapler Handle Assembly Having an Actuation Mechanism With a Longitudinal Rotatable Shaft," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 485,620, filed April 12, 2017, entitled "Surgical Stapler Having an Articulating Mechanism," both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0016] 1-3 , in some embodiments, the surgical stapler 10 can include a plurality of staples positioned in a disposable reload cartridge 50, while the handle assembly 40 and elongate shaft 20 are configured to be reused with multiple staple reload cartridges within a surgical procedure. The surgical stapler can include one or more grip and firing lockout mechanisms that can limit the functionality of the handle assembly to alert a user and enhance patient safety when a reload cartridge is not present in the jaw assembly or when a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. In certain embodiments, a staple deploying member, such as a translatable sled or slider within the reload cartridge 50, can override the one or more lockout mechanisms when the staple deploying member is in a proximal position of the jaw assembly, corresponding to the presence of an unfired reload cartridge in the surgical stapler 10.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 , the handle assembly 40 includes a coupler 46 at its distal end. The coupler 46 is adapted to engage the elongated shaft 20 of the surgical stapler 10. The coupler 46 may have a bayonet connection having an outer connector that can removably couple the handle assembly 40 to the elongated shaft 20 and an inner connector that can removably couple the actuation shaft 42 of the handle assembly 42 to the actuation member of the elongated shaft 20. Thus, the surgical stapler 10 may be configured so that the handle assembly 40 can be reused with multiple disposable shafts and / or reloadable cartridges during a surgical procedure. In other embodiments, some portions of the handle assembly and elongated shaft may be reusable, while the remainder of the elongated shaft and jaw assembly are considered to define a disposable cartridge. In certain other embodiments, the handle assembly and elongated shaft may be reusable, while the jaw assembly defines a disposable cartridge. In still other embodiments, a jaw insert that houses a plurality of staples may define a disposable cartridge, while the remainder of the surgical stapler is reusable.

[0018] As mentioned above, the elongate shaft, jaw assembly, reload cartridge, and reload cover described herein can also be used with a powered stapler handle assembly. Various embodiments of powered handle assemblies and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 486,227, filed April 12, 2017, entitled "Reload Shaft Assembly for a Surgical Staplers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 486,008, filed April 12, 2017, entitled "Surgical Stapler with Powered Handle," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 287,748, filed February 27, 2019, entitled "Surgical Stapler with Powered Handle," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0019] 3, a respective view of the jaw assembly of the elongate shaft 20 is shown with the reload cartridge 50 and reload cover 150 removed from the second jaw 32. As shown, the reload cover 150 rests on the reload cartridge 50, which is positionable in the reload support defined by the second jaw 32. As described further herein, the reload cover 152 may include one or more snap features 152 engageable with one or more corresponding protrusions or bosses 52 on the reload cartridge 50. The snap features 152 and bosses 52 are alignable with engagement notches 132 or release recesses formed in the second jaw 32 when the reload cartridge 50 is properly positioned and seated within the second jaw 32. In the illustrative embodiment, the reload cartridge 50 includes a plurality of staples disposed therein, each positioned in its own staple pocket formed through the body of the reload cartridge. In the exemplary embodiment, the staple pockets are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows. The top surface of the reloading cartridge 50 defines a tissue-contacting surface, which in certain embodiments may be substantially planar. The reloading cartridge further includes a blade channel formed therein. As shown, the blade channel extends longitudinally between two adjacent rows of staple pockets such that translation of a cutting blade through the blade channel transversely cuts tissue between the rows of staples deployed in the tissue positioned in the jaws as the staples are fired.

[0020] 4-5, a view of the reload cartridge 50 and a reload cover 150 engaging the reload cartridge 50 is shown. As shown, the reload cover 150 engages the reload cartridge 50 to abut, contact, or spaced adjacently against the top surface of the reload cartridge. Thus, the reload cover 150 can protect the tissue-contacting surface of the reload cartridge 50 from impacts that could cause scratches or damage during shipping and handling of the reload cartridge 50. Desirably, with the reload cover 150 positioned directly on the top surface of the reload cartridge 50, the staples are retained in the staple pockets of the reload cartridge 50. Thus, prior to and during installation of the reload cartridge within the jaw assembly, the staples are unlikely to be inadvertently dislodged from their unfired position by any impact or other vibration forces during shipping or operation of the reload cartridge.

[0021] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 4-5 , it may be desirable for the reload cover 150 to be maintained on the reload cartridge in a manner that is not easily manually removable, such that the user may be unlikely to be able to remove the reload cover before installing it on the jaw assembly. Advantageously, such an arrangement may require the user to properly position and install the reload cartridge on the jaw assembly before the reload cover can be removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the reload cover 150 may include at least one snap feature 152 configured to engage with at least one corresponding boss 52 protruding from the reload cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, the reload cover 150 includes two snap features 152 positioned laterally outward adjacent the distal end of the reload cover 150. It is contemplated that other embodiments may include more than two snap features and / or may include a snap feature positioned adjacent the proximal end of the reload cover. Each snap feature includes an arm 154 extending downwardly from the generally planar cover surface of the reload cover. The arms 154 include latch teeth 156 positioned at their ends opposite the cover surface of the reload cover. The snap features 152 are flexible so that, upon initial assembly with a reload cartridge, the snap features 152 flex laterally outward to allow the latch teeth to advance over bosses 52 projecting laterally from the cartridge body of the reload cartridge. Desirably, in some embodiments, the arms 154 can be biased laterally inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal centerline of the reload cover. In some embodiments, the arms 154 do not join the cover surface of the reload cover at a perpendicular angle, but rather can extend slightly laterally inward such that the end of each arm is positioned laterally inward of the opposite end of the arm at the cover surface. That is, in these embodiments, when the reload cover 150 is positioned on the reload cartridge 50, each latch tooth 156 securely engages the outer surface of the reload cartridge and is not easily manually removable.

[0022] 4-5, latch teeth 156 can extend laterally inward from the ends of the arm members of snap features 152, and can include latch surfaces 158 on their upper or top sides and tapered edges 160 below them. Tapered edges 160 are configured with a transverse extent relative to the generally flat surface of the reload cover such that tapered edges 160 engage various features, such as bosses 52 of the reload cartridge 50, to flex arms 154 laterally outward during initial assembly of the reload cover 150 onto the reload cartridge 50. Latch surfaces 158 can engage engagement surfaces below bosses 52 to maintain the reload cover 150 on the reload cartridge. During installation and proper fitting of the reload cartridge 50 and reload cover 150 assembly onto the jaw assembly of a surgical stapler, the tapered edge 160 engages with the jaw assembly, as further described below and shown in FIG. 6, and the snap feature 152 can be deflected laterally outward such that the latch surface 158 engages with the lower engagement surface of the boss 52 and the reload cover 150 is separated from the reload cartridge 50.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 5 , an opening 162 can be formed through the reload cover 150 adjacent each snap feature 152. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, each opening 162 can be positioned at the distal end of the reload cover in a laterally outward position. As shown, each snap feature 152 is positioned laterally outward of the opening 162. In certain embodiments, the reload cover can have a generally rectangular profile sized to cover multiple rows of staple pockets on a reload cartridge, and the snap features can be located on laterally outwardly positioned lateral extensions and wings of the generally rectangular profile. An opening 162 can be formed in each lateral extension. The openings 162 can provide localized flexibility in the reload cover 150, allowing for flexure of the snap features 152 relative to the body of the reload cover 150. Additionally, openings 162 can enable a user to deflect snap features 152 and release reload cover 150 from reload cartridge 50 with a hand tool, such as a small screwdriver, inserted through openings 162. That is, although the assembly of reload cover 150 with the reload cartridge can be difficult to remove manually to prevent, for example, inadvertent exposure of the staple pockets, in certain instances the reload cover can be removed through the use of a hand tool.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional end view of the jaw assembly 30 of an embodiment of a surgical stapler is shown. As shown, a reload cartridge 50 and a reload cover 150 are positioned and partially installed in the second jaw 32. To position the reload cartridge 50 in the reload support of the second jaw 32, a user first positions the proximal end of the reload cartridge 50 at its proximal end in the reload support. Next, the user pivots the distal end of the reload cartridge downward onto the distal end of the reload support. The reload support of the second jaw 32 can include a channel sized and configured to receive the reload cartridge. The reload support includes at least one engagement notch 132 or release recess that corresponds to at least one boss 52 and snap feature 152. When the reload cartridge 50 is properly positioned on the reload support such that the boss 52 on the cartridge body seats in the engagement notch 132 of the reload support, the tapered edge 160 of the latch tooth 156 of the snap feature 152 engages the surface of the engagement notch 132. In certain embodiments, the engagement notch 132 may be rounded or tapered to facilitate engagement with the latch tooth 156. Thus, when the reload cartridge 50 is properly positioned on the reload support, the snap feature 152 flexes laterally outward such that the latch surface 158 of the latch tooth 156 disengages from the boss 52, allowing removal of the reload cover 150. Furthermore, when the distal end of the reload cartridge seats on the reload support, the reload cover 150 is separated from the reload cartridge. 6 illustrates the initial engagement of tapered edge 160 with engagement notch 132 such that further downward movement of reload cartridge 50 and reload cover 150 relative to the reload support would further deflect snap feature 152. Thus, desirably, the tissue-contacting surface of reload cartridge 50 cannot be readily exposed for use until the reload cartridge is properly positioned on the reload support of jaw assembly 30. Failure to properly install a reload cartridge in a surgical stapler can result in incomplete or misshapen staple lines.With the reload cartridge installed in the reload support and the reload cover separated and removed from the reload cartridge, the user can complete a staple firing actuation. The fired reload cartridge can then be removed from the reload support, and a second reload cartridge assembly including the reload cartridge and reload cover can be inserted into the reload support as described above for use in a subsequent firing actuation.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 7 , a perspective view of a reload cartridge 50 of an embodiment of a surgical stapler is shown. As shown, the reload cartridge 50 has a generally elongated profile extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The reload cartridge 50 includes an upper, tissue-contacting surface and a pair of outer surfaces. The upper surface of the reload cartridge 50 can include a plurality of longitudinally extending rows of staple pockets with blade channels extending therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface can further include at least one seating boss 56 projecting upward from the proximal end of the reload cartridge 50. The seating boss 56 can facilitate maintaining a desired spacing between the jaws of the jaw assembly and the seating of the reload cartridge when the staples are closed and fired. As shown, the reload cartridge also includes a protruding boss 52 extending laterally outward from the outer surface adjacent the distal end of the reload cartridge 50. The reloading cartridge 50 may also include at least one notch 54 or recess formed on a laterally projecting rail 58 at a location proximal to the boss 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the reloading cartridge is substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis, with each outer surface including a protruding boss 52 and a laterally projecting rail 58.

[0026] 8-12, various views of an embodiment of a reload cover 150 of an embodiment of a surgical stapler are shown. As shown, the reload cover 150 includes a body having a generally planar configuration with a first surface configured to abut, contact, or be positioned adjacent to the top surface of a reload cartridge. The reload cover body can have an elongated configuration with a generally rectangular profile sized to cover the multiple rows of staple pockets of the reload cover. The proximal end of the reload cover body can be sized and configured to contact or abut seating bosses at the proximal end of the reload cartridge. The body further includes a second surface opposite the first surface. The reload cover includes a tongue extending distally from the generally planar surface of the body. In an exemplary embodiment, the tongue can extend distally along a plane transverse to the plane defined by the generally planar surface of the body. The tongue can be configured to rest on the tapered distal end of the reload cartridge and extend further distally to a user-graspable distal tip.

[0027] 8-12, the reload cover 150 includes at least one snap feature 152 that is engageable with a boss on the reload cartridge and releasable when installed in the jaw assembly. As shown, the reload cover 150 includes a pair of snap features 152 extending transversely to a generally flat face adjacent opposite outer edges at its distal end. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the snap features 152 includes an arm 154 having a latch surface 158 and a latch tooth 156 with a tapered edge 160. The reload cover may further include an opening 162 formed adjacent the snap feature 152.

[0028] 10-12 , in certain embodiments, the reload cover may include one or more guide or retention tabs 164 positioned along the outer edge of the body of the reload cover 150 proximal to the snap features 152. The retention tabs 164 may be positioned to engage notches 54 on the laterally extending rails of the reload cartridge ( FIG. 7 ) to facilitate positioning and retention of the reload cover 150 on the reload cartridge 50. In certain embodiments, the guide or retention tabs may each include a tip member, such as a bulbous edge or a laterally inwardly extending flange, configured to engage recesses or notches 54 on the rails of the reload cartridge in a snap-fit ​​engagement. In the exemplary embodiment, the reload cover includes a pair of distal retention tabs 164 positioned adjacent to and proximal to the snap features 152 and a pair of proximal retention tabs 164 positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the reload cover 150 and proximal to the distal retention tabs. In other embodiments, the reload cover may include more or fewer retention tabs, such as, for example, one pair of retention tabs or three pairs of retention tabs.

[0029] 11-12 , in certain embodiments, the reload cover 150 can include a fin 170 or alignment fin extending downward from a first surface of the reload cover 150 and positioned to locate in the blade channel of a reload cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, the fin 170 has an elongated configuration such that it can extend longitudinally into the blade channel to maintain a longitudinally aligned orientation of the reload cover relative to the reload cartridge. In other embodiments, the fin 170 can have a shortened length and include a post or arm positionable in the blade channel of the reload cartridge. The fin 170 can be positioned such that a proximal end of the fin 170 prevents distal movement of a staple deploying mechanism, such as a sled or slider, within the reload cartridge when the reload cover 150 is positioned on the reload cartridge 50. That is, desirably, the fin 170 of the reload cover can prevent distal movement of the staple deploying mechanism prior to installation of the reload cartridge within the jaw assembly. Furthermore, in certain instances, an unfired cartridge will not defeat various fire-reload lockout mechanisms that may be included in the stapling assembly if the staple deployment mechanism or slider were to translate distally prior to installation of the reloaded cartridge 50. In certain embodiments, the fire-reload lockout mechanism can include a lockout lever positioned adjacent the stapler's firing member, and the fin 170 can maintain the staple deployment mechanism in a position that engages the lockout lever. That is, desirably, the reload cover 150 can prevent inadvertent activation of the stapler's fire-reload lockout mechanism by an unfired reloaded cartridge.

[0030] While this application discloses certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the invention. Moreover, various features of these inventions can be used alone or in combination with other features of these inventions other than those expressly described above. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the particularly disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair interpretation of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 20 Thin shaft 50 Reload Cartridges 132 engagement notch 150 Reloading Cover 152 Snap Features

Claims

1. 1. A surgical stapling device comprising: An elongated shaft; a jaw assembly including a reload support configured to receive a reload cartridge; a reloading cartridge having at least one protruding boss extending laterally outwardly therefrom; a reload cover releasably positionable on the reload cartridge, the reload cover including at least one snap feature extending therefrom, each snap feature engageable with a corresponding protruding boss; Including, the at least one snap feature is not manually disengageable from the at least one protruding boss; installation of the reload cartridge and reload cover onto the reload support disengages the at least one snap feature from the at least one protruding boss; A surgical stapling device comprising:

2. 2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the reload support includes at least one release recess formed therein, the at least one release recess positioned and configured to engage the at least one snap feature to release the snap feature from the protruding boss when the reload cartridge is seated on the reload support.

3. 3. The surgical stapling device of claim 2, wherein the at least one snap feature includes at least one latch arm including an arm member extending from the reload cover to an end and a latch tooth extending laterally inward from the arm member at the end, the latch tooth having a release surface positioned to engage the release recess to displace the latch tooth laterally outward upon installation of the reload cartridge on the reload support.

4. 2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the reloading cartridge includes a top surface including a plurality of longitudinally extending rows of staple pockets and a blade channel extending longitudinally between two adjacent rows of the plurality of rows of staple pockets, and the reloading cover includes alignment fins positionable in the blade channel when the reloading cover is positioned on the reloading cartridge.

5. The surgical stapling device of claim 4, wherein the reload cover is positioned over the reload cartridge so that the reload cover contacts the top surface of the reload cartridge.

6. 2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the reload cover includes at least one opening therethrough that corresponds to the at least one snap feature, the at least one opening sized and configured to receive a tool therethrough to selectively release the at least one snap feature from the at least one protruding boss.

7. the reloading cartridge extends generally longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end; the protruding boss is positioned at the distal end; The surgical stapling device of claim 1 .

8. 1. A reload cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler, comprising: a cartridge body having a generally elongated profile extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an upper tissue contacting surface having a plurality of rows of staple pockets formed therein, said upper tissue contacting surface having at least one seating boss projecting upwardly from said upper surface at said proximal end; a pair of outer surfaces each including a protruding boss extending laterally outward at the distal end of the cartridge body; a cartridge body including: a reload cover removably positionable on the upper surface, the reload cover having a generally planar configuration and a generally elongated profile extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the reload cover including a pair of latch arms extending downwardly from the distal end thereof; Including, each of the latch arms is engageable with a corresponding protruding boss to retain the reload cover on the upper side of the cartridge body so that the reload cover is not manually removable; A reloadable cartridge assembly comprising:

9. 9. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein each latch arm is laterally inwardly biased.

10. 9. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein each latch arm includes an arm member extending downwardly from said reload cover to an end and a latch tooth extending laterally inward from said end of said arm member.

11. 11. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 10, wherein the latch tooth has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface configured to engage one of the protruding bosses, and the lower surface including a tapered edge.

12. 9. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 8, wherein the reload cover includes a pair of openings corresponding to the pair of latch arms, each latch arm being positioned laterally outward of one of the pair of openings.

13. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 8 , wherein the proximal end of the reload cover is configured to abut the seating boss of the cartridge body.

14. 9. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of guide tabs extending downwardly from said reload cover.

15. the cartridge body includes a lateral rail extending along at least one of the outer surfaces and having a plurality of recesses formed therein; each of the plurality of guide tabs configured to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of recesses; 15. The reloading cartridge assembly of claim 14.

16. 16. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 15, wherein each guide tab includes a leading member engageable with said corresponding recess in a snap-fit ​​engagement.

17. 15. The reload cartridge assembly of claim 14, wherein the plurality of guide tabs include a pair of distal guide tabs adjacent the latch arms and a pair of proximal guide tabs at the proximal end of the reload cover.

18. 1. A method of installing a reload cartridge into a reload support of a surgical stapler, comprising: the surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly including a reload support, and the reload cartridge includes a reload cover engaged therewith; positioning a proximal end of the reload cartridge within a proximal end of the reload support; advancing a protruding boss adjacent a distal end of the reload cartridge into an engagement notch of the reload support, whereby the engagement notch releases a snap feature of the reload cover to separate the reload cover from the reload cartridge; removing the reload cover with the snap features released; A method comprising:

19. firing the reload cartridge; removing the reload cartridge from the reload support; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

20. providing a second reload cartridge having a second reload cover engaged therewith; positioning a proximal end of the second reload cartridge within a proximal end of the reload support; advancing a second protruding boss adjacent the distal end of the second reload cartridge into an engagement notch of the reload support, whereby the engagement notch releases a second snap feature of the second reload cover to separate the second reload cover from the second reload cartridge; removing the second reload cover with the second snap feature released; 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

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