Surgical staple cartridge having installation error-proofing features

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a surgical staple cartridge having an installation error-proofing feature, wherein the surgical staple cartridge is configured to be installed between a pair of closure plates of a surgical instrument, the closure plates being configured to urge the surgical staple cartridge toward a staple anvil portion of the surgical instrument to clamp tissue between the surgical staple cartridge and the staple anvil portion, the surgical staple cartridge having two opposing side walls extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to a direction of installation of the surgical staple cartridge, and protrusions and / or slots being provided on an outer surface of at least one of the side walls, the protrusions and slots being configured to cooperate with corresponding features on the closure plates to prevent improper installation of the surgical staple cartridge.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of surgical instruments, and more particularly to the field of surgical staplers / anastomates. [Background technology]

[0002] Surgical staplers / anastomats are often used to deploy staples into tissue to reduce or eliminate tissue bleeding, and are often required to seal tissue as it is cut, for example to promote healing. Surgical staplers / anastomats (linear staplers / anastomats, right angle staplers / anastomats, etc.) may include an end effector assembly having a staple cartridge portion and a staple anvil portion, the end effector assembly configured to secure tissue between the staple cartridge portion and the staple anvil portion, the staple cartridge portion including an exchangeable staple cartridge configured to removably store surgical staples therein, and the staple anvil portion including staple forming pockets for forming the staples. Such surgical staplers / anastomats generally include a closure system for moving one of the staple cartridge portion and the staple anvil portion relative to the other, and a staple driver for firing the staples.

[0003] In use, the staple cartridge portion and the staple anvil portion of the end effector assembly of the surgical stapler / anastomat are closed to form a closed configuration to capture tissue between the staple cartridge portion and the staple anvil portion. The staple drivers then push the staples to deploy from the staple cartridge, pass through the tissue and form against the staple forming pockets of the staple anvil portion to seal the tissue layers together. The staples are typically deployed in the form of several staple lines or rows to more securely secure the tissue layers. The end effector assembly may or may not include a cutting member that can be advanced between the staple lines to cut the tissue after the tissue layers are sealed together.

[0004] Staple cartridges and surgical instruments are typically provided in a variety of models for different tissue sites and situations. A particular model of staple cartridge may be used for one or more models of surgical instruments. If a mismatched staple cartridge is installed in a surgical instrument, or if a matching staple cartridge is installed in the wrong orientation in a surgical instrument, it can affect tissue seal quality, cause the surgical instrument to malfunction, or even damage the surgical instrument and staple cartridge.

[0005] Therefore, a staple cartridge with installation error-proofing features is needed to avoid the above-mentioned situations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a surgical staple cartridge having installation poka-yoke features configured to prevent an incorrect model staple cartridge from being installed on a surgical instrument or a correct model staple cartridge from being installed on a surgical instrument along an incorrect installation direction and to prompt a user to install the correct model staple cartridge along the correct installation direction. Further, with a particular model surgical instrument, the staple driver of the surgical instrument is locked by a locking device, which can be unlocked with the staple cartridge installed in place. Thus, when a surgical staple cartridge with installation poka-yoke features provided by the present disclosure is installed on an incompatible surgical instrument, the locking device will not be unlocked and, as a result, the surgical instrument cannot be fired.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a surgical staple cartridge configured to be removably installed between a pair of closure plates of a surgical instrument, the closure plates configured to press the surgical staple cartridge toward a staple anvil portion of the surgical instrument to clamp tissue between the surgical staple cartridge and the staple anvil portion, the surgical staple cartridge comprising: a first side wall extending along a longitudinal direction parallel to a direction of installation of the surgical staple cartridge, the first side wall having a first protrusion provided on an outer surface of the first side wall at a position adjacent an upper end of the first side wall; and a second side wall disposed parallel to and opposite the first side wall, the first protrusion configured to mate with a first notch on an upper end of the first closure plate to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be properly installed.

[0008] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first projection has a substantially triangular profile with an apex of the triangular profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0009] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first projection has a substantially arcuate or trapezoidal profile, with a tapered end of the arcuate or trapezoidal profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the profile of the first notch of the first closure plate substantially matches the profile of the first protrusion.

[0011] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a recessed area is provided within the first projection, the profile of the recessed area being designed to indicate the installation orientation of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the profile of the recessed area is substantially the same as the profile of the first protrusion.

[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a second protrusion is provided on an outer surface of the second side wall adjacent an upper end of the second side wall, the second protrusion being configured to mate with a second notch on the upper end of a second closure plate of a surgical instrument to guide proper placement of a surgical staple cartridge.

[0014] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the second projection has a substantially triangular profile with an apex of the triangular profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0015] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the second projection has a substantially arcuate or trapezoidal profile, with a tapered end of the arcuate or trapezoidal profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the profile of the second notch of the second closure plate substantially matches the profile of the second protrusion.

[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a recessed area is provided within the second projection, the profile of the recessed area being designed to indicate the installation orientation of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the profile of the recessed area is substantially the same as the profile of the second protrusion.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protrusion and the second protrusion have the same or different profiles.

[0020] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a first longitudinally extending slot is further provided on an outer surface of the first side wall, the first slot being configured to receive one or more ribs provided on an inner surface of the first closure plate.

[0021] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a second longitudinally extending slot is further provided on the outer surface of the second side wall, the second slot being configured to receive one or more ribs provided on the inner surface of the second closure plate.

[0022] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first slot and the second slot are asymmetrically disposed on a side of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the first side wall is further provided with a first slot extending in the longitudinal direction, the first slot including a first partial slot adjacent an upper end of the first side wall and a second partial slot adjacent a lower end of the first side wall, the second partial slot being wider than the first partial slot.

[0024] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, one side of the second part slot is aligned with the same side of the first part slot, and when the surgical staple cartridge is installed between the first and second closure plates along the installation direction, the first part slot is configured to receive one or more first ribs provided on an inner surface of the first closure plate and the second part slot is configured to receive one or more second ribs provided on an inner surface of the first closure plate, the one or more second ribs being offset from the one or more first ribs.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first slot further comprises a flared portion located at a lower end of the second partial slot.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the second side wall is further provided with a second slot extending in the longitudinal direction, the second slot including a third partial slot adjacent an upper end of the second side wall and a fourth partial slot adjacent a lower end of the second side wall, the fourth partial slot being wider than the third partial slot.

[0027] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, one side of the fourth portion slot is aligned with the same side of the third portion slot, and when the surgical staple cartridge is installed between the first and second closure plates in an installation orientation, the third portion slot is configured to receive one or more third ribs provided on an inner surface of the second closure plate, and the fourth portion slot is configured to receive one or more fourth ribs provided on an inner surface of the second closure plate, the one or more fourth ribs being offset from the one or more third ribs.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the second slot further comprises a flared portion located at a lower end of the fourth partial slot.

[0029] In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides a closure member for a surgical instrument, the closure member configured to removably retain a surgical staple cartridge and urge the surgical staple cartridge toward a staple anvil portion of the surgical instrument to clamp tissue between the surgical staple cartridge and the staple anvil portion, the closure member comprising a first closure plate and a second closure plate disposed opposite the first closure plate, the surgical staple cartridge configured to be removably mounted between the first closure plate and the second closure plate, and an upper end of the first closure plate is provided with a first notch for receiving a first protrusion on a first side wall of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0030] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first notch of the first closure plate has a substantially triangular profile with an apex of the triangular profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0031] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first notch of the first closure plate has a substantially arcuate or trapezoidal profile, with a tapered end of the arcuate or trapezoidal profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0032] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper end of the second closure plate is provided with a second notch for receiving a second protrusion on a second side wall of the surgical staple cartridge opposite the first side wall.

[0033] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the second notch of the second closure plate has a substantially triangular profile with an apex of the triangular profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0034] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the second notch of the second closure plate has a substantially arcuate or trapezoidal profile, with the tapered end of the arcuate or trapezoidal profile facing toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first notch and the second notch have the same or different profiles.

[0036] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the first closure plate is provided with one or more first ribs extending along an installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the second closure plate is provided with one or more third ribs extending along the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rib and the third rib are asymmetrically disposed relative to each other on the inner surface of the closure member.

[0039] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the first closure plate is further provided with one or more second ribs extending along the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge, the one or more second ribs being staggered with the one or more first ribs.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the second closure plate is further provided with one or more fourth ribs extending along the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge, the one or more fourth ribs being staggered with the one or more third ribs.

[0041] In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a surgical instrument comprising a staple cartridge according to the aforementioned embodiments and a closure member according to the aforementioned embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] The present disclosure and its features and advantages will be better understood by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals in the following description and drawings, in which the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some parts may be omitted for clarity and conciseness, and some drawings may be drawn in an exaggerated or sketchy manner. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary side view of a surgical staple cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates an exemplary side view of the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 exemplarily illustrates a bottom view of the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 illustrates an exemplary side view of the surgical staple cartridge of FIG. 1 when installed within a surgical stapler in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the surgical stapler shown in FIG. 4 with a surgical staple cartridge installed; [Figure 6] 10 is an exemplary illustration of a surgical stapler without a surgical staple cartridge. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary side view of a surgical staple cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 8] 8 is an exemplary illustration of another side of the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. 7; [Figure 9] 8 is an exemplary perspective view of the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. 7; [Figure 10] 7A and 7B are exemplary illustrations of enlarged views of the end effector portion of the surgical stapler shown in FIG. 6, where the surgical stapler is not equipped with a surgical staple cartridge; [Figure 11] 7 exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of an end effector portion of the surgical stapler shown in FIG. 6, the surgical stapler being equipped with a surgical staple cartridge according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12]7 is an exemplary enlarged perspective view of an end effector portion of the surgical stapler of FIG. 6; FIG. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an exemplary cooperation between a surgical staple cartridge of the present disclosure and a compatible surgical instrument; [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an exemplary interference between a surgical staple cartridge of the present disclosure and a non-compatible surgical instrument. [Figure 15] 13A-13C are exemplary illustrations of interference between a surgical instrument compatible with the surgical staple cartridge of the present disclosure and an otherwise conventional surgical staple cartridge. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates, by way of example, a side view of one side of a surgical staple cartridge in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 17] 17 is an exemplary bottom view of the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. 16; [Figure 18] 17A and 17B are exemplary illustrations of enlarged views of an end effector portion of a surgical instrument that is compatible with the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. 16, the surgical instrument comprising the surgical staple cartridge shown in FIG. 16; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. What is described in this specification is only an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, and a person skilled in the art may imagine other ways to implement the present disclosure based on the exemplary embodiments described in this specification, which are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] 1 to 3 exemplarily show a surgical staple cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surgical staple cartridge having side walls 20, 30 extending along a longitudinal direction L (the installation direction of the staple cartridge in the surgical instrument), the two side walls 20, 30 being arranged parallel to and facing each other. A first protrusion 21 is provided on the outer surface of the first side wall 20 at a position adjacent to the upper end of the first side wall 20, the first protrusion 21 being used to match a notch on the upper end of a first closure plate of a surgical instrument in order to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be installed correctly while preventing an incorrect model of surgical staple cartridge from being installed in the surgical instrument.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, a second protrusion 31 is provided on the outer surface of second side wall 30 adjacent to the upper end thereof, and second protrusion 31 is used to mate with a notch on the upper end of a second closure plate of a surgical instrument to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be properly installed while preventing an incorrect model of surgical staple cartridge from being installed on the surgical instrument.

[0046] The protrusions 21, 31 shown in the figures have a generally inverted triangular profile with the apex of the triangular profile facing the installation direction of the staple cartridge, which helps guide the staple cartridge to be properly installed in the surgical instrument. The first protrusion 21 is further provided with a recessed area 22 having substantially the same profile as the profile of the first protrusion 21, which may be used to indicate the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge. Thus, the recessed area 22 may have other profiles as long as it is capable of indicating to the user the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge. A similar recessed area 32 is provided in the second protrusion 31.

[0047] Additionally, the surgical staple cartridge of the present disclosure may further comprise slots 23, 33 positioned on the outer surfaces of the two side walls 20, 30, respectively. The slots 23, 33 are located below the protrusions 22, 32, respectively, and extend along the installation direction L of the staple cartridge. The slots 23, 33 are disposed asymmetrically to one another on the side surface of the surgical staple cartridge, with the slot 23 being positioned distally (i.e., away from the operator) than the slot 33, as shown in FIG. 3. Of course, in alternative embodiments, the slot 23 may be positioned proximally (i.e., closer to the operator) than the slot 33. The slots 23 and 33 may also be disposed symmetrically to one another on the side surface of the surgical staple cartridge. The slots may cooperate with inner ribs of the closure plate of the surgical instrument, thus allowing the ribs to be received within the slots, which may be used, on the one hand, to prevent the staple cartridge from being installed in an incompatible model of surgical instrument (i.e., the position of the inner ribs of the closure plate of the surgical instrument does not match the position of the slots on the staple cartridge), and, on the other hand, to assist the closure plate in pushing the staple cartridge.

[0048] 4 and 5 show the staple cartridge of FIG. 1 installed on a matching model surgical instrument, with the protrusions 21, 31 respectively received in corresponding notches in the closure plate and the inner ribs of the two closure plates of the surgical instrument slidably received in corresponding slots 23, 33.

[0049] In some embodiments, misplacement of a staple cartridge may be further prevented by varying the locations of the closure plate protrusions and notches described above. For example, when protrusions 21, 31 and corresponding closure plate notches are positioned in a more proximal position along the proximal direction (i.e., closer to the operator and to the right as shown in FIG. 4), a staple cartridge having a protrusion located in a more distal position cannot be placed because the distal end of the closure plate abuts or interferes with the corresponding portion of the staple cartridge such that the protrusion of the staple cartridge is not aligned with and cannot be received within the closure plate notch positioned proximally relative to the protrusion.

[0050] In some models of surgical instruments, the surgical instrument includes a locking device for locking the staple driver, which may be unlocked by the staple cartridge being installed in place, for example, by engagement between the locking device and the bottom of the staple cartridge. Thus, when a surgical staple cartridge having installation error-proofing features provided by the present disclosure is installed in an incompatible surgical instrument, the staple cartridge cannot be installed in place along the installation orientation, so the locking device will not be unlocked and, as a result, the surgical instrument cannot be fired.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the open ends of the slots 23, 33 may further include funnel-shaped flared portions 26, 36 to aid in alignment of the slots with the ribs to facilitate installation of the staple cartridge.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustratively illustrates a surgical stapler 100 according to the present disclosure, and FIGS. 7 and 8 illustratively illustrate side views of both sides of a surgical staple cartridge 10 according to the present disclosure, which can be removably installed in a surgical stapler such as the surgical stapler 100 of FIG. 6.

[0053] 7, the surgical staple cartridge 10 includes side walls 20, 30 extending along a longitudinal direction L (the direction in which the staple cartridge is installed in the surgical instrument), and the side walls 20, 30 are arranged parallel to and opposite one another. A first protrusion 21 is provided on an outer surface of the first side wall 20 at a position adjacent to an upper end of the first side wall 20, and the first protrusion 21 is used to match with a first notch 51 on an upper end of a first closure plate 50 of the surgical instrument 100 to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be installed correctly while preventing an incorrect model of surgical staple cartridge from being installed in the surgical instrument 100 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0054] As further shown in FIG. 8, a second protrusion 31 is provided on the outer surface of the second side wall 30 adjacent to the upper end of the second side wall 30, and the second protrusion 31 is used to mate with a second notch 61 at the upper end of the second closure plate 60 of the surgical instrument to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be properly installed while preventing an incorrect model of surgical staple cartridge from being installed in the surgical instrument 100 (see FIG. 12).

[0055] It will be understood that in the staple cartridge of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to provide protrusions on both side walls, and the objectives of the present disclosure can be achieved by providing a protrusion on only one of the side walls.

[0056] The protrusions 21, 31 shown in the figures generally have an inverted triangular profile, with the apex of the triangular profile facing the installation direction of the staple cartridge, which helps guide the staple cartridge to be properly installed in the surgical instrument. As further shown in FIG. 9, the first protrusion 21 is further provided with a recessed area 22 having substantially the same profile as the first protrusion 21, which may be used to indicate the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge. Thus, the recessed area 22 may have other profiles, so long as it can indicate to the user the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge. A similar recessed area 32 is provided in the second protrusion 31.

[0057] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, protrusions 21, 31 may have other profiles, such as a substantially arcuate profile or a trapezoidal profile, and it is believed that the tapered end of the arcuate or trapezoidal profile is preferably oriented toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge to facilitate guiding proper installation of the staple cartridge.

[0058] 10 and 12, the upper ends of the first and second closure plates 50, 60 of the end effector of the surgical instrument 100 are provided with notches 51, 61, respectively, for receiving the projections 21, 31. FIG. 11 illustrates the staple cartridge 10 properly installed on the surgical instrument with the projections 21, 31 received in the notches 51, 61, respectively. As noted above, the illustrated notches 51, 61 have a generally triangular profile, however the notches 51, 61 may have other profiles as long as they match the profile of the projections 51, 61.

[0059] It is contemplated that the protrusions 21, 31 may have different profiles and correspondingly the notches 51, 61 may also have different profiles.

[0060] Additionally, the surgical staple cartridge of the present disclosure may further comprise slots 23, 33 provided on the outer surfaces of side walls 20, 30, respectively. Slots 23, 33 are located below protrusions 22, 32, respectively, and extend along a staple cartridge installation direction L. The slots may cooperate with inner ribs of a closure plate of a surgical instrument, which may be used, on the one hand, to prevent the staple cartridge from being installed on an incompatible model of surgical instrument, and, on the other hand, to assist the closure plate in pushing the staple cartridge.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the slot 23 includes two portions 24 and 25, the slot 25 being wider than the slot 24, and one side of the slot 25 being aligned with the same side of the slot 24. Similarly, the slot 33 includes two portions 34 and 35, the slot 35 being wider than the slot 34, and one side of the slot 35 being aligned with the same side of the slot 34. Correspondingly, the inner surfaces of the closure plates 50, 60 of the surgical instrument 100 are provided with two ribs or two rows of ribs, respectively, extending along the installation direction L (longitudinal direction) of the staple cartridge and staggered along the drive direction (lateral direction) of the closure plates. As shown in the figures, the inner surface of the closure plate 50 is provided with ribs 54, 55 laterally offset from one another, and the inner surface of the closure plate 60 is provided with ribs 64, 65 laterally offset from one another. When a surgical staple cartridge is installed between closure plates 50 and 60 along installation direction L, slot 24 receives rib 54 and slot 25 receives rib 55 laterally offset relative to rib 54, and similarly, on the other side, slot 34 receives rib 64 and slot 35 receives rib 65 laterally offset relative to rib 64, thereby allowing the staple cartridge to be installed in a fixed position on the surgical instrument. Although only one rib 54, 55, 64, 65 is shown in the figures, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that two or more ribs 54, 55 arranged in multiple rows may be provided on the inner surface of closure plate 50 and two or more ribs 64, 65 arranged in multiple rows may be provided on the inner surface of closure plate 60.

[0062] 13 exemplarily illustrates cooperation between a surgical staple cartridge according to the present disclosure and a compatible surgical instrument. When the staple cartridge is installed along the installation direction L, the rib 54 slides first through the slot portion 25 and then into the slot portion 24, and the rib 54 and the laterally offset rib 55 slide into the laterally offset portion of the slot portion 25, and on the other side, the rib 64 slides first through the slot portion 35 and then into the slot portion 34, and the rib 64 and the laterally offset rib 65 slide into the laterally offset portion of the slot portion 35.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the open ends of the slots 25, 35 may further include funnel-shaped flared portions 26, 36 to assist in aligning the slots with the ribs to facilitate installation of the staple cartridge.

[0064] After the surgical staple cartridge 10 is properly positioned between the pair of closure plates 50, 60 of the surgical instrument 100, the surgical staple cartridge 10 may be moved under the pressure of the closure plates toward the staple anvil portion 70 (see FIG. 10) of the surgical instrument to clamp tissue between the surgical staple cartridge and the staple anvil portion for subsequent stapling and cutting operations.

[0065] It will be understood that the staple cartridge of the present disclosure need not have slots 23, 33 in both side walls 20, 30, and that the objectives of the present disclosure may be accomplished by providing a slot in only one side wall. Also, the shape of slot 23 may be different than the shape of slot 33 and may be asymmetrically disposed.

[0066] FIG. 14 illustratively illustrates a staple cartridge according to the present disclosure being installed on an incompatible surgical instrument, where L indicates the left side wall of the staple cartridge and the left closure plate of the surgical instrument, and R indicates the right side wall of the staple cartridge and the right closure plate of the surgical instrument. In example (a) of FIG. 14, the upper rib on the left closure plate of the incompatible surgical instrument cannot be received within the slot in the left side wall 20 of the staple cartridge of the present disclosure, and the upper rib on the right closure plate of the incompatible surgical instrument cannot be received within the slot in the right side wall 30 of the staple cartridge of the present disclosure. In example (b), neither the upper nor the lower rib of the left closure plate of the incompatible surgical instrument can be received within the slot in the left side wall 20 of the staple cartridge of the present disclosure. In example (c), neither the upper nor the lower rib of the right closure plate of the incompatible surgical instrument can be received within the slot in the right side wall 30 of the staple cartridge of the present disclosure. In example (d), the upper rib of the left closure plate of the incompatible surgical instrument cannot be received within the slot in the left side wall 20 of the staple cartridge of the present disclosure. Due to the various interferences discussed above, a surgical staple cartridge according to the present disclosure cannot be installed on an incompatible surgical instrument.

[0067] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary interference between a surgical instrument compatible with the surgical staple cartridge of the present disclosure and another conventional surgical staple cartridge, where L indicates the left side wall of the staple cartridge and the left closure plate of the surgical instrument, and R indicates the right side wall of the staple cartridge and the right closure plate of the surgical instrument. As shown, the slots on the left and right side walls of the conventional surgical staple cartridge have a constant width along their length. In example (a) of FIG. 15, all of the ribs of the left closure plate 50 and the right closure plate 60 of the surgical instrument cannot be received into the slots of the incompatible surgical staple cartridge. In example (b), the upper rib 54 of the left closure plate 50 of the surgical instrument cannot be received into the slots of the incompatible surgical staple cartridge, and the lower rib 65 of the right closure plate 60 of the surgical instrument cannot be received into the slots of the incompatible surgical staple cartridge. In example (c), the lower rib 55 of the left closure plate 50 of the surgical instrument cannot be received within the slot of the incompatible surgical staple cartridge, and the upper rib 64 of the right closure plate 60 of the surgical instrument cannot be received within the slot of the incompatible surgical staple cartridge. In example (d), neither the upper rib 54 nor the lower rib 55 of the left closure plate 60 of the surgical instrument can be received within the slot of the incompatible surgical staple cartridge, and the lower rib 65 of the right closure plate 60 of the surgical instrument cannot be received within the slot of the incompatible surgical staple cartridge. Due to the above-mentioned interference, surgical instruments that are compatible with the surgical staple cartridge of the present disclosure cannot be installed with other conventional surgical staple cartridges.

[0068] 16 and 17 exemplarily show a surgical staple cartridge according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the surgical staple cartridge shown in Fig. 7-9, the surgical staple cartridge shown in Fig. 16 also comprises a protrusion 41 provided on at least one side wall to cooperate with a notch on the upper end of a closure plate of a surgical instrument to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be correctly installed while preventing an incorrect model of surgical staple cartridge from being installed in the surgical instrument, a recessed area 22 indicating the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge, and slots 43a, 43b located on the outer surface of at least one side wall of the staple cartridge, which are configured to cooperate with an inner rib of the closure plate of the surgical instrument, and which may be used on the one hand to prevent the staple cartridge from being installed in a surgical instrument of an incompatible model, and on the other hand to assist the closure plate in pushing the staple cartridge. Compared to the surgical staple cartridge shown in Figures 7-9, the difference is that the width of the slots 43a, 43b is constant along their length, except for the flared portion at the tip of the slots 43a, 43b. Rather than receiving multiple staggered ribs or multiple rows of ribs, the slots 43a or 43b are used to receive only one rib or one row of ribs on the inside of the closure plate of the surgical instrument. Figure 17 shows the slots 43a, 43b symmetrically positioned on both sides of the surgical staple cartridge. Of course, as mentioned above, the slots 43a, 43b may be asymmetrically positioned on the sides of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0069] Figure 18 illustratively illustrates an enlarged view of an end effector portion of a surgical instrument that is compatible with the surgical staple cartridge shown in Figure 16, with the surgical instrument installed with the surgical staple cartridge of Figure 16. As shown in the figure, protrusions 41 of the surgical staple cartridge are received in notches 81 in the upper end of a closure plate 80 of the surgical instrument, with slots 43a slidably receiving rows of ribs 84. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although three ribs 84 are shown in the figure, one, two, or more than three ribs 84 may be possible.

[0070] The scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined only by the claims. In this specification, reference to "various embodiments", "several embodiments", "one embodiment", or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as "various embodiments", "some embodiments", "one embodiment", or "in an embodiment" in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner. Thus, without any inconsistency, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part with a feature, structure, or characteristic of one or more other embodiments, and the resulting modifications and variations are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A surgical staple cartridge configured to be removably installed between a pair of closure plates of a surgical instrument, wherein the closure plates are configured to push the surgical staple cartridge toward the staple anvil portion of the surgical instrument, thereby clamping tissue between the surgical staple cartridge and the staple anvil portion, and the surgical staple cartridge is A first side wall extending along a longitudinal direction parallel to the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge, wherein a first projection is provided on the outer surface of the first side wall at a position adjacent to the upper end of the first side wall, The first side wall is positioned opposite to the second side wall, and the second side wall is positioned parallel to the first side wall. A surgical staple cartridge, wherein the first projection is configured to coincide with a first notch at the upper end of a first closure plate in order to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be properly installed.

2. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first projection has a substantially triangular profile, and the vertices of the triangular profile face toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

3. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first projection has substantially an arc profile or a trapezoidal profile, and the tapered end of the arc profile or the trapezoidal profile faces the direction of installation of the surgical staple cartridge.

4. A surgical staple cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a recessed area is provided within the first protrusion, and the profile of the recessed area is designed to indicate the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

5. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the profile of the recessed region is substantially the same as the profile of the first protrusion.

6. A surgical staple cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second projection is provided on the outer surface of the second side wall at a position adjacent to the upper end of the second side wall, and the second projection is configured to coincide with a second notch on the upper end of the second closing plate of the surgical instrument in order to guide the surgical staple cartridge to be properly installed.

7. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the second projection has a substantially triangular profile, and the vertices of the triangular profile face toward the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

8. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the second projection has substantially an arc profile or a trapezoidal profile, and the tapered end of the arc profile or the trapezoidal profile faces the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

9. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 6, wherein a recessed area is provided within the second protrusion, and the profile of the recessed area is designed to indicate the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

10. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the profile of the recessed region is substantially the same as the profile of the second protrusion.

11. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the first projection and the second projection have the same or different profiles.

12. The surgical staple cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the longitudinally extending first slot is further provided on the outer surface of the first side wall, and the first slot is configured to receive one or more ribs provided on the inner surface of the first closure plate.

13. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinally extending second slot is further provided on the outer surface of the second side wall, and the second slot is configured to receive one or more ribs provided on the inner surface of the second closure plate.

14. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the first slot and the second slot are arranged asymmetrically on the side surface of the surgical staple cartridge.

15. A surgical staple cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer surface of the first side wall is further provided with a first slot extending in the longitudinal direction, the first slot includes a first partial slot adjacent to the upper end of the first side wall and a second partial slot adjacent to the lower end of the first side wall, the second partial slot being wider than the first partial slot.

16. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 15, wherein one side of the second partial slot is aligned with the same side of the first partial slot, and when the surgical staple cartridge is installed between the first closure plate and the second closure plate along the installation direction, the first partial slot is configured to receive one or more first ribs provided on the inner surface of the first closure plate, and the second partial slot is configured to receive one or more second ribs provided on the inner surface of the first closure plate, and the one or more second ribs are offset from the one or more first ribs.

17. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the first slot further comprises a flared portion located at the lower end of the second partial slot.

18. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the outer surface of the second side wall is further provided with a second slot extending in the longitudinal direction, the second slot including a third partial slot adjacent to the upper end of the second side wall and a fourth partial slot adjacent to the lower end of the second side wall, the fourth partial slot being wider than the third partial slot.

19. One side of the fourth partial slot is aligned with the same side of the third partial slot, and when the surgical staple cartridge is installed between the first closure plate and the second closure plate along the installation direction, the third partial slot is configured to receive one or more third ribs provided on the inner surface of the second closure plate, and the fourth partial slot is configured to receive one or more fourth ribs provided on the inner surface of the second closure plate, and the one or more fourth ribs are offset from the one or more third ribs, as described in claim 18.

20. The surgical staple cartridge according to claim 18, wherein the second slot further comprises a flared portion located at the lower end of the fourth partial slot.

21. A closure member for a surgical instrument, wherein the closure member is configured to removably hold a surgical staple cartridge and push the surgical staple cartridge toward the staple anvil portion of the surgical instrument, thereby clamping tissue between the surgical staple cartridge and the staple anvil portion, and the closure member is configured to The first closing plate and The device comprises a second closing plate positioned opposite the first closing plate, A surgical staple cartridge is configured to be removablely installed between a first closure plate and a second closure plate, and the upper end of the first closure plate is provided with a first notch for receiving a first projection on the first side wall of the surgical staple cartridge.

22. The closing member according to claim 21, wherein the first notch has a substantially triangular profile, and the vertices of the triangular profile face toward the direction in which the surgical staple cartridge is installed.

23. The closing member according to claim 21, wherein the first notch substantially has an arc profile or a trapezoidal profile, and the tapered end of the arc profile or the trapezoidal profile faces the direction in which the surgical staple cartridge is installed.

24. The closing member according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the upper end of the second closing plate is provided with a second notch for receiving a second projection on the second side wall of the surgical staple cartridge that is opposite to the first side wall.

25. The closing member according to claim 24, wherein the second notch has a substantially triangular profile, and the vertices of the triangular profile face toward the direction in which the surgical staple cartridge is installed.

26. The closing member according to claim 24, wherein the second notch substantially has an arc profile or a trapezoidal profile, and the tapered end of the arc profile or the trapezoidal profile faces the direction in which the surgical staple cartridge is installed.

27. The closing member according to claim 24, wherein the first notch and the second notch have the same or different profiles.

28. The closure member according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the inner surface of the first closure plate is provided with one or more first ribs extending in the direction in which the surgical staple cartridge is installed.

29. The closure member according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the inner surface of the second closure plate is provided with one or more third ribs extending along the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge.

30. The closure member according to claim 28, wherein the inner surface of the second closure plate is provided with one or more third ribs extending along the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge, and the first rib and the third rib are arranged asymmetrically on the inner surface of the closure member.

31. The closure member according to claim 28, wherein the inner surface of the first closure plate is further provided with one or more second ribs extending along the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge, and the one or more second ribs are arranged alternately with the one or more first ribs.

32. The closure member according to claim 29, wherein the inner surface of the second closure plate is further provided with one or more fourth ribs extending along the installation direction of the surgical staple cartridge, and the one or more fourth ribs are arranged alternately with the one or more third ribs.

33. A surgical staple cartridge according to claim 1, A surgical instrument comprising the closing member described in claim 21.

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