Linear surgical stapler

Abstract

The device includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member having a first staple - retaining surface and a second staple - retaining surface and configured to be releasably coupled together. The clamp member is movable from a first position to a second position to bring the staple - retaining surfaces into proximity for clamping tissue. The latch member is movable from an unlatched state to a latched state to releasably hold the clamp member in the second position. The firing assembly is operable from a home position to fire staples into the clamped tissue. The latch member is movable from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is in the home position. The latch member is prevented from moving from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Priority) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 352,093, filed Jun. 16, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 423,300, filed Nov. 7, 2022, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] In some surgical procedures, such as gastrointestinal anastomosis, it may be desirable to clamp down one or more layers of tissue, cut the clamped layers, and simultaneously drive staples through the layers to seal the cut layers together near their cut ends. One such instrument that can be used in such procedures is a linear surgical stapler, also referred to as a “linear cutter.” A linear surgical stapler generally includes a first half (referred to as the “cartridge half” or “reload half”) having a distal jaw configured to support a staple cartridge (or “reload”), and a second half (referred to as the “anvil half”) having a distal jaw that supports an anvil surface with staple-forming features. The stapler further includes a movable clamp lever configured to releasably clamp the stapler halves together. The stapler halves are configured to be releasably coupled together and pivot relative to each other to clamp tissue positioned between the two distal jaws when the clamp lever is closed. The stapler's firing assembly is configured to operate to cut the clamped layers and simultaneously drive staples through the tissue on one side of the cut line. After the stapler is fired, the clamp lever can be opened and the stapler halves can be separated to release the cut and stapled tissue.

[0003] A variety of types of surgical stapling instruments and related components have been manufactured and used, but none of the inventors prior to the present inventors is believed to have made or used the invention described in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention above and the detailed description of the embodiments below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

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[0005] The drawings are not intended to limit in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in various other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate some aspects of the present invention and serve to explain the principles of the present invention together with the specification. However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact arrangements shown.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0006] The following description of specific embodiments of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present invention by way of example. As will be understood, the present invention is capable of other different and distinct aspects without departing from the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature.

[0007] For the purposes of clarity of this disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein with respect to a surgeon or other operator holding a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" refers to the position of an element located closer to the surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to the position of an element located closer to and farther from the surgeon than the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument. Further, to the extent that spatial terms such as "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be understood that such terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that a surgical instrument such as that disclosed herein may be used in various orientations and positions not limited to those illustrated and described herein.

[0008] Furthermore, as used herein in connection with any numerical values or ranges, the terms "about" and "approximately" denote a reasonable dimensional tolerance that allows the referenced feature to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

[0009] I. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler A. Overview of the Linear Surgical Stapler Figures 1-2 illustrate an exemplary linear surgical stapler (10) (also referred to as a "linear cutter") suitable for use in various cutting and stapling procedures, such as gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures. The linear surgical stapler (10) includes a cartridge half (12) (also referred to as a "reload half") and an anvil half (14) that are releasably coupled together to clamp tissue therebetween for simultaneous cutting and stapling of the clamped tissue.

[0010] The cartridge half (12) includes a first elongate member in the form of an elongate cartridge channel (16) having a proximal frame portion (18) and a distal jaw portion (20). The proximal frame portion (18) slidably holds the firing assembly (110) and includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (22). Each side flange (22) includes a vertical slot (24) disposed at its distal end and a tapered notch (26) disposed at its proximal end. Reinforcing ribs (28) projecting outwardly extend longitudinally between the distal slot (24) and proximal notch (26) of each side flange (22) and are configured to provide a side flange (22) with increased rigidity. An outwardly flared upper segment (30) defines the upper edge of the proximal portion of each side flange (22) and is configured to facilitate receipt of the anvil half (14) by the cartridge half (12). Each side flange (22) further includes an elongate firing slot (32) extending longitudinally along the underside of the side flange (22) between the proximal notch (26) and the distal slot (24). The elongate firing slot (32) is configured to guide the firing assembly (110) between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing assembly (110) is described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 8.

[0011] The distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16) is configured to releasably receive a staple cartridge (140) (or “reload”). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9-16, the staple cartridge (140) includes a cartridge body (142) having an upper side that defines a first staple retaining surface in the form of a deck (156) having a plurality of staple openings (166) that receive a plurality of staples (168) and corresponding staple drivers (172) (see FIG. 16). Exemplary features of the staple cartridge (140) are described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 9-16.

[0012] The cartridge half (12) further includes a clamping member in the form of a clamp lever (40) (also referred to as a "clamp arm" or "latch lever") pivotally coupled to the cartridge channel (16) using a clamp lever pivot pin (42), and the clamp lever pivot pin (42) is disposed generally aligned with the distal slot (24) of the cartridge channel side flange (22). The clamp lever (40) includes an elongate lever arm (44) having a free proximal end (46) and a distal end pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the cartridge channel (16) using the pivot pin (42). A pair of opposing jaws (48) extend distally from the distal end of the lever arm (44) in proximity to the cartridge channel side flange (22). Each jaw (48) includes a curved slot (50) having a closed proximal end and an open distal end configured to receive a latch pin (68) of the anvil half (14) as described below.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 19A - 19C described below, the clamp lever (40) is operable to pivot with respect to the cartridge channel (16) between an open position where the proximal end (46) of the lever arm (44) is spaced from the cartridge channel frame portion (18), and a closed position where the proximal end (46) faces the cartridge channel frame portion (18) as shown in FIG. 9D described below. As illustrated and described below in connection with FIGS. 19C - 19D, the actuation of the clamp lever (40) from the open position to the closed position captures the lateral ends on both sides of the latch pin (68) within the J - slot (50) of the clamp lever, thereby operating to clamp the anvil half (14) against the cartridge half (12). In that regard, the curvature of each J - slot (50) defines respective upper and lower cam surfaces configured to engage the respective lateral ends of the latch pin (68) and pull it toward the cartridge channel (16) when the clamp lever (40) is pivotally closed. An elastic member shown in the form of a leaf spring (52) biases the lever arm (44) toward the open position. Thereby, the leaf spring (52) facilitates the release of engagement of the anvil half latch pin (68) from the clamp lever jaw (48) during the initial forward movement of the clamp lever (40) from the closed position to the open position.

[0014] As best shown in FIG. 2, the clamp lever (40) further includes a latch member (54) disposed at the proximal end (46) of the lever arm (44). The clamp lever latch member (54) elastically and releasably engages the proximal end of the frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel, thereby being configured to releasably hold the clamp lever (40) in the closed position, for example, while the stapler (10) is fired. The clamp lever latch member (54) may be further configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 11,278,285, titled "Clamping Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued on March 22, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary variations of the clamp lever latch member (54) are described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 20-23.

[0015] The anvil half (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) includes a second elongate member in the form of an elongate anvil channel (60) having a proximal frame portion (62) and a distal jaw portion (64). The proximal frame portion (62) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (66) configured to be received between the cartridge channel side flanges (22) when the anvil half (14) is coupled to the cartridge half (12). A distal latch projection in the form of a latch pin (68) extends laterally through the distal end of the anvil channel side flange (66), and a proximal pivot projection in the form of a proximal pin (70) extends laterally through the proximal end of the anvil channel side flange (66). The anvil half pins (68, 70) are configured to facilitate the coupling of the anvil half (14) and the cartridge half (12) as described below.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) supports an anvil plate (72) that defines a second staple-retaining surface in the form of an anvil surface having a plurality of staple-forming pockets (74) configured to deform the legs of staples ejected by a staple cartridge (140) when the stapler (10) is fired. The staple-forming pockets (74) of the present embodiment can be formed via a coining process, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433, entitled "Linear Surgical Stapler," issued on January 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, to provide formed staples having a non-planar shape, and are configured to form each staple of a staple cartridge (140) having a three-dimensional shape in which the legs of each formed staple are laterally offset from each other. The anvil channel (60), anvil plate (72), and staple-forming pockets (74) can be formed by one or more of the methods disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433, U.S. Patent No. 11,045,193, entitled "Anvil Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued on June 29, 2021, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0142641, entitled "System and Method for Forming Pockets in Anvil of Surgical Stapler," issued on May 12, 2022, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) can be pre-formed with a curvature along its length to accommodate deflection of the distal jaw portion (64) and anvil plate (72) when the stapler halves (12, 14) are clamped together by a clamp lever (40). The distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) further supports a tapered distal tip member (76).In some variations, the distal tip member (76) may be selectively extendable relative to the distal jaw portion (64) according to the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 11,033,266, titled "Decoupling Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued on June 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the linear surgical stapler (10) further includes a pair of shrouds (56, 78) that cover selected portions of the stapler (10) and facilitate effective grasping and manipulation of the stapler (10) by an operator during use. In this embodiment, the clamp lever shroud (56) is affixed to and covers the outward-facing side of the clamp lever (40) such that the clamp lever shroud (56) is configured to pivot with the clamp lever (40) relative to the cartridge channel (16). Additionally, the anvil shroud (78) is affixed to and covers the outward-facing side of the anvil channel (60). In some variations, the anvil shroud (78) may be connected to the anvil channel (60) via an interaction between pins (68, 70) and one or more tabs, ribs, or other structures disposed within the anvil shroud (78), including openings, slots, keyholes, or other features configured to receive one of each of the pins (68, 70). By way of example only, the shrouds (56, 78) may be attached using one or more of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 11,278,285, incorporated herein by reference. In other variations, the shrouds (56, 78) may be connected to the clamp lever (40) and the anvil channel (60) in various other suitable ways that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0018] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-7, the proximal end of the cartridge half (12) includes a retaining assembly (80) configured to releasably hold portions of the anvil half (14) and the firing assembly (110). The retaining assembly (80) of the present embodiment includes a first movable retaining member in the form of an anvil latch member (82) and a second movable retaining member in the form of a detent member (84). The anvil latch member (82) and the detent member (84) are rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the cartridge channel (16) via a laterally extending pin (85) disposed proximal to the firing slot (32), and the members (82, 84) are elastically biased in opposite rotational directions by an elastic member in the form of a torsion spring (86) positioned between the members (82, 84).

[0019] The anvil latch member (82) includes a central body (88), a latch finger (90) extending upwardly from the central body (88), and a release button (92) extending downwardly from the central body (88) through the base wall of the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16). The upper end of the latch finger (90) is distally tapered and is configured to releasably capture the proximal anvil pin (70) of the anvil half (14) using an angled latch surface (94) that covers the proximal anvil pin (70) once captured. The anvil latch member (82) further includes a pin release feature in the form of an angled protrusion (96) that extends distally from the base portion of the latch finger (90) and defines a release cam inclined surface (98) that faces proximally toward the latch finger (90).

[0020] The detent member (84) of the proximal retention assembly (80) includes a generally cylindrical central body (100), a distal finger portion (102) extending distally from the central body (100), and a proximal hook portion (104) extending proximally from the central body (100). The distal finger portion (102) is configured to releasably engage the proximal end of the firing assembly (110) and thereby hold the firing assembly (110) in the proximal home position. The proximal hook portion (104) overlaps and captures the upward tip of the clamp latch member (54), for example, as described in detail by U.S. Patent No. 11,278,285, which is incorporated by reference above, when the clamp lever (40) is fully closed and the firing assembly (110) is translated distally from its proximal home position, thereby preventing the clamp lever (40) from opening during the firing stroke.

[0021] In use, the stapler halves (12, 14) are connected together at their proximal ends such that the proximal anvil pin (70) is held by the anvil latch member (82), and with the clamp lever (40) in the open position, the lower release button (92) is actuated distally so that the release cam ramp (98) advances proximally to drive the proximal anvil pin (70) upwardly out of the proximal tapered notch (26) of the cartridge channel (16), causing the anvil latch member (82) to rotate about the pin (85). The cartridge half (12) of this variant further includes a fixed finger gripping protrusion (106) that extends downwardly from the base wall of the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16) at the distal position of the lower release button (92) and is configured to facilitate actuation of the release button (92). Specifically, the user can place their thumb on the proximal side of the release button (92) and one or more fingers on the distal side of the finger gripping protrusion (106), then rotate the latch finger portion (90) to disengage it from engagement with the proximal anvil pin (70) and squeeze the release button (92) distally towards the fixed finger gripping protrusion (106) to release the pin (70) upwardly from the cartridge channel (16) by the release cam ramp (98).

[0022] The related components of the retainer assembly (80) and the cartridge half (12) may be further configured and operable in accordance with one or more teachings of U.S. Patent No. 10,898,187, titled "Firing System for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued on January 26, 2021, and / or U.S. Patent No. 11,033,266, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 8, the firing assembly (110) of the cartridge half (12) includes a sliding block (112), a pair of actuators (114, 116) (or "firing knobs") pivotally coupled to the sliding block (112), and a set of elongated beams (118, 122) extending distally from the sliding block (112). The pair of side beams (118) are connected at their proximal ends to the distal end of the sliding block (112) and terminate distally within a pair of cam inclined surfaces (120). The cam inclined surfaces (120) engage the lower surface of a staple driver (172) (see FIGS. 10 and 15) housed within the staple cartridge (140), actuating the staple driver (172) upwardly, thereby configured to drive (or "fire") staples into tissue clamped between the cartridge (130) and the anvil plate (72) and the staple cartridge (140). The central beam (122) is connected to the side beams (118) via a bridge member (124) (or "knife block") spaced distally from the sliding block (112). The central beam (122) terminates distally with a distally angled knife member (126) having a distal cutting edge (128) configured to cut tissue clamped between the distal portions of the staple halves (12, 14).

[0024] Each actuator (114, 116) of the firing assembly (110) is configured and rotatable relative to the sliding block (112) between a deployed position and a retracted position such that only one of the actuators (114, 116) is deployed at a time, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 10,898,187, which is incorporated by reference above. In the deployed position, the actuator (114, 116) is driven distally by an operator to actuate the firing assembly (110) distally through the stapler (10), thereby simultaneously cutting and stapling tissue clamped between the stapler halves (12, 14).

[0025] B. Exemplary Staple Cartridge Figures 9-16 illustrate an exemplary staple cartridge assembly (130) configured for use with a linear surgical stapler (10). The staple cartridge assembly (130) includes a staple cartridge (140) and a retainer (132) configured to releasably couple to the staple cartridge (140) to hold staples (168) within the staple cartridge (140) prior to use.

[0026] The staple cartridge (140) includes a cartridge body (142) that extends linearly along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end having a cartridge channel coupling feature in the form of a plurality of downwardly extending coupling legs (144, 146) (also known as "fangs") and a distal end having a tapered nose (150). The coupling legs (144, 146) are configured to releasably capture the clamp lever pivot pin (42) when the staple cartridge (140) is seated within the distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16) and to extend downwardly through corresponding openings formed in the floor of the cartridge channel (16). A pair of wing tabs (152) disposed near the proximal end of the outer portion of the cartridge body (142) are configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the staple cartridge (140) with respect to the distal jaw portion (20). As shown in FIG. 20, the inner side of each wing tab (152) includes a chamfer (154) at its proximal end that functions as a relief feature to provide clearance for the side walls of the distal jaw portion (20) to facilitate attachment and removal of the staple cartridge (140) without interference.

[0027] The upper side of the cartridge body (142) defines a deck (156). The elongated knife slot (158) extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge (140) through the deck (156) as described above and is configured to slidably receive the knife member (126) of the firing assembly (110) through the knife slot in response to distal actuation of the knife slot. The firing lockout bypass feature in the form of a swing tab (160) is rotatably coupled to the cartridge body (142) at the proximal end of the knife slot (158). The swing tab (160) is configured to rotate between a deployed position in which the swing tab (160) extends perpendicularly across the proximal end of the knife slot (158) and a stowed position in which the swing tab (160) extends parallel to the knife slot (158). The swing tab (160) in the deployed position biases the firing assembly (110) from a lockout state to a firing state such that the firing beams (118, 122) can translate distally through the staple cartridge (140) to staple and cut tissue clamped by the stapler (10).

[0028] A rigid tissue clearance post (162) is fixed to the distal end of the knife slot (158) and projects upwardly away from the cartridge deck (156). The rounded upper end of the tissue clearance post (162) contacts the distal end of the anvil plate (72) such that a tissue clearance of a predetermined size is defined between the cartridge deck (156) and the anvil plate (72) when the stapler halves (12, 14) are clamped together in the manner described above.

[0029] A pair of elongated ribs (164) extend along both sides of the knife slot (158) to define a raised surface and project away from the deck (156). The elongated ribs (164) terminate at the proximal and distal ends of the knife slot (158) and are configured to facilitate enhanced gripping of tissue along the knife slot (158), thereby stabilizing the tissue during cutting by the knife member (126).

[0030] The cartridge body (142) of the staple cartridge (140) further includes a plurality of staple openings (166) that extend transversely through the cartridge body (142) and open to the deck (156). In this embodiment, the staple openings (166) are arranged in a first parallel row and a second parallel row along each side of the knife slot (158), whereby the staple openings (166) in each row are staggered longitudinally with respect to the staple openings (166) in the adjacent row. It will be appreciated that various suitable arrangements and amounts of staple openings (166) may be provided in other variations of the staple cartridge (140). Each staple opening (166) is configured to receive a respective staple (168) and staple driver (172). As described above, the cam inclined surface (120) of the firing assembly (110) engages the lower surface of the staple driver (172) to drive (or "fire") the staple (170) from the staple opening (166) into the tissue and against the anvil plate (72), and is configured to actuate the staple driver (172) upwardly within the staple opening (166).

[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 13-14, the staple cartridge (140) is disposed on the cartridge deck (156) and further includes a plurality of tissue grasping members (180) that project upwardly from the cartridge deck (156). The tissue grasping members (180) are aligned with and open relative to respective one or more staple apertures (166), are distributed along the length of the deck (156), and are laterally offset from the knife slot (158) and the elongate rib (164). The tissue grasping members (180) are configured to optimize tissue compression at the staple location to grasp tissue when the deck (156) and anvil plate (72) are clamped together, thereby stabilizing the tissue and further facilitating effective stapling and cutting of the tissue. The tissue grasping members (180) of the present variant are integrally connected to the cartridge body (142).

[0032] Each tissue gripping member (180) includes a first end feature (182) that partially wraps around a first end portion of the staple opening (166), and an opposing second end feature (182) that partially wraps around an opposing second end portion of the same staple opening (166). A pair of bridge elements (184) extend between the first end feature (182) and the second end feature (182) along opposing outer sides of the staple opening (166), and are recessed with respect to the first end feature and the second end feature. Thereby, each bridge element (184) has a maximum height with respect to the deck (156) that is lower than the maximum height of each of the first end feature and the second end feature (182). Each pair of bridge elements (184) compresses and grips the tissue around its respective staple opening (166) and is configured to cooperate with its respective end feature (182) to direct its respective staple driver (172) toward the anvil plate (72) without contacting the legs of its respective staple (168) during staple leg formation. Such compression of the tissue by the end features (182) and the bridge elements (184) aids in gripping and stabilizing the tissue while also minimizing compression of the tissue by the staple driver (172) itself, thereby minimizing the user input force required to fire the stapler (10). Additionally, at least one end feature (182) associated with each staple opening (166) is integrally connected to an adjacent end feature (182) associated with a longitudinally adjacent staple opening (166), and a recessed region (186) is located between each pair of integrally connected end features (182).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 15, each pair of staple drivers (172) of staple cartridge (140) is integrally formed as a staple driver unit (170) having a bridge feature (174) that interconnects the staple drivers (172) at their lower ends. The staple drivers (172) of driver unit (170) are arranged in an alternating pattern such that the staple drivers (172) are offset from each other both laterally and longitudinally with respect to the longitudinal axis of staple cartridge (140), whereby the staple drivers (172) are configured to align with respective staple apertures (166) of cartridge body (142). Each staple driver (172) includes, at its upper end, a groove (176) configured to receive and support the crown of a respective staple (168). Additionally, each staple driver (172) includes, at its upper end, a staple leg receiving feature in the form of a pocket (178) defined by respective chamfered surfaces and configured to receive the tip of the staple leg of a respective staple (168) when the stapler (10) is fired during forming of the staple (168) by anvil plate (72). Such features are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433, which is incorporated by reference above.

[0034] As described above, the connecting leg portions (144, 146) formed at the proximal end of the staple cartridge (140) facilitate the connection between the staple cartridge (140) and the distal joe portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16). More specifically, each outer side of the staple cartridge (140) includes a longer distal connecting leg portion (144) and a shorter proximal connecting leg portion (146) separated by a gap (148). The gap (148) is suitably positioned and shaped, for example, in an elliptical shape, to provide the proximal connecting leg portion (146) with a minimum longitudinal thickness smaller than that of the distal connecting leg portion (144), thereby making the proximal connecting leg portion (146) suitably flexible with respect to the cartridge body (142). Thereby, during installation of the staple cartridge (140) into the distal joe portion (20), the proximal connecting leg portion (146) is configured to deflect with respect to the distal connecting leg portion (144) such that the clamp lever pivot pin (42) can be received within the gap (148) with a snap fit engagement and a suitable degree of installation force by the user.

[0035] The distal connecting leg portion (144) of the staple cartridge (140) functions as an anti-misuse feature sized and shaped to enable the staple cartridge (140) to be used only with a predetermined type of linear surgical stapler, such as a stapler configured to apply a staple pattern and a cutting line of a predetermined length (e.g., 60 mm) to tissue. FIG. 17 shows another exemplary staple cartridge (190) that is generally similar to the staple cartridge (140), except that the staple cartridge (190) is longer and has a unique-shaped distal connecting leg portion (192) sized and shaped to enable the staple cartridge (190) to be used only with another predetermined type of linear surgical stapler, such as a stapler configured to apply a longer (e.g., 80 mm) staple pattern and a cutting line to tissue. FIG. 18 shows yet another exemplary staple cartridge (200) that is generally similar to the staple cartridges (140, 190), except that the staple cartridge (200) is even longer and has a unique-shaped distal connecting leg portion (202) sized and shaped to enable the staple cartridge (200) to be used only with another predetermined type of linear surgical stapler, such as a stapler configured to apply an even longer (e.g., 100 mm) staple pattern and a cutting line to tissue.

[0036] The staple cartridges (140, 190, 200) may be further configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application [Attorney Docket No. END9456USDP1] entitled "Staple Cartridge for Linear Surgical Stapler" filed concurrently herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] C. Exemplary Use of a Linear Surgical Stapler Figures 19A - 19E show exemplary connection of stapler halves (12, 14) during a surgical procedure and subsequent firing of the assembled stapler (10). As shown in Figure 9A, the clamp lever (40) of the cartridge half (12) is provided in an open position such that the jog slot (50) aligns with the vertical slot (24) of the cartridge channel side flange (22). Additionally, the firing assembly (110) is maintained in its proximal home position by the detent member (84) of the retaining assembly (80) as shown in Figure 5 above. At this stage, the portion of tissue to be stapled and cut (not shown) can be positioned over the upper portion of the staple cartridge (140) disposed within the distal jog portion (20) of the cartridge half (12). Alternatively, the tissue can be positioned over the staple cartridge (140) after connecting the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14) as described below.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 19A-19B, the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14) are aligned with each other, and the proximal anvil pin (70) is directed downwardly into the proximal tapered notch (26) of the cartridge channel (16) so as to engage the latch finger (90) of the anvil latch member (82). This engagement elastically rotates the anvil latch member (82) clockwise, whereby the latch finger (90) captures the anvil pin (70), thereby enabling the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14) to be releasably connected together as seen in FIG. 19B. As shown in FIG. 19B, with the clamp lever (40) still in the open position, the stapler (10) is provided in a "hang open" state such that the stapler (10) can be held alone by the anvil half (14) while the cartridge half (12) remains connected to the anvil half (14). As shown in FIG. 9C, with the clamp lever (40) in the open position, rotation of the anvil half (14) toward the anvil half (14) about the proximal anvil pin (70) causes the distal latch pin (68) of the anvil half (14) to be received within the vertical slot (24) of the cartridge channel side flange (22) and the jog slot (50) of the clamp lever (40). At this point, the distal jog portions (20, 64) of the stapler halves (12, 14) are in a partially proximate state so that they can be finally adjusted before clamping the tissue received therebetween.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 19D, the clamp lever (40) is closed, pulling the anvil latch pin (68) towards the closed proximal end of the jaw slot (50), thereby fully clamping the anvil half (14) against the cartridge half (12), and tissue (not shown) is clamped between the staple retaining surfaces defined by the staple cartridge (140) and the anvil plate (72). A slight lateral gap is defined between the staple cartridge (140) and the anvil plate (72) by the tissue gap posts (162) of the staple cartridge (140), thereby accommodating tissue therebetween at a predetermined tissue compression. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the tissue gap posts (162) are disposed at the distal end of the staple cartridge (140) and are configured to contact the distal end of the anvil plate (72) when the stapler (10) is in the fully clamped state shown in FIG. 19D. In response to the clamp lever (40) reaching the fully closed position, the clamp lever latch member (54) rotates to capture the proximal end of the base wall of the cartridge channel (16), whereby the clamp lever latch member (54) can assume a latched state that maintains the clamp lever (40) in the closed position.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 19E, when reaching the fully clamped state, the stapler (10) can be fired by driving the deployed actuators (114, 116) of the firing assembly (110) distally along the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge half (12). By this operation, the elongated beams (118, 122) of the firing assembly (110) translate distally through corresponding channels formed within the staple cartridge (140), thereby firing staples into the tissue clamped by the cam inclined surface (120) and the staple driver (172), and simultaneously cutting the tissue clamped by the knife member (126). After completion of the firing stroke, the firing assembly (110) is returned to its proximal home position via the actuators (114, 116). Then, by pushing in the clamp lever latch member (54), the proximal end of the clamp lever (40) is released from the cartridge channel (16), thereby enabling the clamp lever (40) to be opened again. Next, the stapler halves (12, 14) are separated from each other, and the release button (92) of the holding assembly (80) can be depressed to release the anvil half (14) from the cartridge half (12) so as to release the newly stapled and cut tissue. In some variations, it will be understood that the stapler (10) may include features that facilitate disconnection of the stapler halves (12, 14) disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 11,033,266 incorporated by reference above.

[0041] D. Linear surgical stapler having hang-open features and clamp lever latch blocking features As described above in connection with the surgical stapler (10), when the anvil pin (70) is captured by the anvil latch member (82), a pivotable connection is established between the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14). Additionally, the clamp lever latch member (54) is configured to releasably capture the proximal end of the base wall of the cartridge channel (16) so as to hold the clamp lever (40) in its closed position during firing.

[0042] In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a linear surgical stapler having the ability to assume an open state in which each elongate member of the stapler half is at a predetermined maximum angular orientation relative to one another and remains releasably connected together at their proximal ends (also referred to as the "hang open" or "open aperture" state), whereby the assembled but open stapler can be easily manipulated by the operator with one hand. Further, it may be desirable to prevent the latch of the clamp lever latch member when the firing assembly is displaced from its proximal home position, such that the staple cartridge has already been at least partially fired, thereby serving to indicate to the user that it is not suitable for use in a surgical procedure. The following description provides exemplary embodiments of a variant of a linear surgical stapler (210) that provides such functionality.

[0043] FIG. 20 shows a proximal portion of another exemplary linear surgical stapler (210) including a cartridge half (212) and an anvil half (214), which are similar to the cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) described above, except as otherwise described below. Specifically, the cartridge half (212) includes a clamp lever (240) having a clamp lever latch member (254), which is configured to prevent the proximal end of the clamp lever (240) from latching to the proximal end of the cartridge channel (216) when the clamp lever (240) is closed, unless the firing assembly (310) is in its proximal home position. As shown in FIG. 21, the clamp lever latch member (254) includes a latch member body (256) pivotally connected to the clamp lever (240), and a tapered projection (258) extending upwardly from the latch member body (256). The tapered projection (258) engages the proximal end of the base wall of the cartridge channel (216) of the cartridge half (212), thereby including a lower edge (260) configured to hold the clamp lever (240) in a closed state. The tapered projection (258) further includes a distally facing convexly curved cam surface (262).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 22, when the firing assembly (310) is displaced distally from its proximal home position, the proximal end of the firing assembly sliding block (312) is disengaged from the distal finger (302) of the detent member (284). Through the biasing of the torsion spring (286), the detent member (284) rotates clockwise to a rotational position where its proximal hook portion (304) is lowered. Then, while the firing assembly (310) is in this distally displaced state, when the clamp lever (240) moves from the open position to the closed position, the proximal end of the proximal hook portion (304) contacts the cam surface (262) of the clamp lever latch member (254). This cam interaction drives the tapered projection (258) of the clamp lever latch member (254) away from the cartridge channel (216), thereby preventing the clamp lever latch member (254) from latching onto the proximal end of the cartridge channel (216). As a result, the firing assembly (310) is displaced from its proximal home position such that the staple cartridge (140) may already be partially fired, thereby warning the user that it is not suitable for use on a patient. In response, the user can then return the firing assembly (310) to its proximal home position, replace it with a new staple cartridge (140), and proceed with the surgical procedure. As shown in FIG. 23, with the firing assembly (310) in its proximal home position, the detent member (284) is maintained by the sliding block (312) in a counterclockwise rotational position where the proximal hook portion (104) is lifted. Thereby, the clamp lever latch member (254) avoids contact with the proximal hook portion (304) when the clamp lever (240) is closed and can latch onto the proximal end of the cartridge channel (216).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 24, the anvil half (214) of the stapler (210) further includes an anvil shroud (278) having a protrusion in the form of a rib (279) that extends downward from the proximal end of the anvil shroud (278). The rib (279) includes a rounded tip configured to contact the proximal surface of the proximal hook portion (304) of the retaining assembly (280) of the cartridge half (212) when the stapler (210) is held by the anvil half (214) in a hang-open state similar to the hang-open state shown in FIG. 19B. The engagement between the rib (279) and the proximal hook portion (304) of the detent member (284) in the hang-open state provides resistance to the disconnection of the stapler halves (212, 214). More specifically, in the hang-open state, the proximal anvil pin (270) applies an upward prying force against the lower latch surface (294) of the latch finger portion (290) of the anvil latch member (282), whereby the anvil latch member (282) rotates clockwise to release the anvil pin (270) and disconnect the stapler halves (212, 214). The interaction between the rib (279) and the proximal hook portion (304) of the detent member (284) effectively counteracts this upward prying force and reduces it, thereby providing resistance to the disconnection of the stapler halves (212, 214) and enabling the stapler (210) to remain more securely in the hang-open state without unintentionally disconnecting. Such a configuration can be particularly beneficial in a variant of the stapler (210) where the weight of the cartridge half (212) increases due to the choice of size and / or material, resulting in an increase in the prying force applied between the proximal anvil pin (270) and the anvil latch member (282) in the hang-open state.

[0046] E. Linear surgical stapler having a clamp lever with a latch misindexing function As described above in connection with the linear surgical stapler (10), when the latch pin (68) is properly aligned with the jaw slot (50), the actuation of the clamp lever (40) from the open position to the closed position (see FIGS. 19C - 19D) causes the opposing lateral ends of the latch pin (68) to be driven proximally and wobble within the jaw slot (50), thereby operating to clamp the stapler halves (12, 14) together to bring the staple - applying surfaces (72, 140) closer. In some cases, such as when clamping thick tissue, it may be difficult for the surgeon to bring the stapler halves (12, 14) close enough so that the latch pin (68) is properly aligned with the jaw slot (50). The surgeon may inadvertently close the clamp lever (40) without properly capturing the latch pin (68), thereby preventing the stapler halves (12, 14) from properly latching together. Thus, it may be desirable to provide the stapler (10) with one or more features configured to provide the surgeon with a clear indication that the latch pin (68) is not properly captured within the jaw slot (50) and that readjustment of the clamp lever (40) is necessary to achieve proper clamping of the tissue.

[0047] FIGS. 25A - 25C show another exemplary linear surgical stapler (410) which, except as otherwise described below, is similar to the cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14) of the above - described linear surgical stapler (10). Specifically, the clamp lever (440) of the cartridge half (412) includes a pair of laterally - opposed jaws (448) that are uniquely shaped to provide the surgeon with a clear indication when the latch pin (68) is not properly aligned with and thereby not captured by the jaw slot (450) during closure of the clamp lever (440).

[0048] Referring briefly to FIG. 25C, each jaw (448) includes a first pin engagement feature in the form of a curved slot (450) having a closed proximal end and an open distal end configured to receive respective side ends of the latch pin (68). Each jaw slot (450) divides its respective jaw (448) into an upper jaw portion (452) and a lower jaw portion (454) interconnected along the proximal side of the jaw (448). Each upper jaw portion (452) has, at its distal end, a second pin engagement feature in the form of a recess (456) having a generally semi-circular shape and sized to releasably capture respective side ends of the latch pin (68) when the latch pin (68) is misaligned with the jaw slot (450), as further described below. In addition, the upper jaw portion (452) has an angled outer profile such that the width of the upper jaw portion (452) measured laterally between the jaw slot (450) and the outer surface (458) increases proximally toward the apex (460) of the upper jaw portion (452) that is substantially aligned with the midpoint of the length of the slot (450) from the distal end of the jaw (448) and then decreases. Thereby, such maximum width of the upper jaw portion (452) is defined at the apex (460). As described in more detail below, each of the recess (456) and the outer surface (458) is configured to engage the latch pin (68) when the latch pin (68) is misaligned with the jaw slot (450) to indicate to the surgeon that the latch pin (68) is not properly captured by the jaw slot (450) and that readjustment of the stapler halves (412, 414) is required.

[0049] Figure 25A shows an exemplary scenario where the staple halves (412, 414) are sufficiently close such that the latch pin (68) is properly aligned with the jaw slot (450) and can be captured by the jaw slot (450). The staple - retaining surfaces (472, 474) are positioned in a partially - proximate state that defines a gap (G1) at the mid - point of the length of the staple cartridge. In this scenario, the clamp lever (440) can then be closed, as shown in FIGS. 19C - 19D in relation to the linear surgical stapler (10), to properly clamp the staple halves (412, 414) together and fully close the staple - retaining surfaces (472, 474).

[0050] Figure 25B shows an alternative scenario where the latch pin (68) is slightly misaligned with the jaw slot (450) and the surgeon has failed to bring the staple halves (412, 414) sufficiently close during clamping so that they cannot be captured by the jaw slot. When the surgeon then attempts to close the clamp lever (440), the latch pin (68) is captured by the jaw recess (456) such that the closing of the clamp lever (440) is blocked and it is constrained to an intermediate position between its open and closed positions. As a result, the staple - retaining surfaces (472, 474) are placed in a separated state that defines a second gap (G2) at the mid - point of the length of the staple cartridge, and the second gap (G2) is significantly larger than the first gap (G1) of FIG. 25A. This provides the surgeon with a visual and tactile indication that the clamp lever (440) is not properly aligned with the latch pin (68) and that the staple halves (412, 414) must be reopened and adjusted in order to properly clamp them together.

[0051] Figure 25C shows yet another alternative scenario where the latch pin (68) is more substantially misaligned with the jaw slot (450) and cannot be captured by the jaw slot, because the surgeon failed to bring the stapler halves (412, 414) close enough during clamping. In this scenario, the clamp lever (440) is enabled to pivot to its closed position while the latch pin (68) simultaneously follows proximally along the outer surface (458) of each upper jaw portion (452) via the rotation of the jaw (448) relative to the latch pin (468) and ultimately comes to rest at the apex (460) when the clamp lever (440) is fully closed. The angled outer profile of the upper jaw portion (452) acts as a cam feature that biases the distal end of the anvil half (412) away from the distal end of the cartridge half (412) when the clamp lever (440) is closed, and the latch pin (68) approaches the apex (460) along the outer surface (458). As a result, the staple-forming surfaces (472, 474) are placed in a further spaced-apart state defining a third gap (G3) at the midpoint of the length of the staple cartridge, and the third gap (G3) is significantly larger than the second gap (G2) of Figure 25B. This provides the surgeon with a visual indication that the stapler (410) is not properly latched and that the clamp lever (440) must be reopened to properly bring the stapler halves (412, 414) closer so that the latch pin (68) can be properly aligned with and received by the jaw slot (450) before the clamp lever (440) is reclosed.

[0052] II. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings of this specification may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit any claims that may be presented at any point in this application or in subsequent applications of this application. No waiver of any rights is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings of this specification may be configured and applied in many other ways. Also, in some variations, it is contemplated that certain features mentioned in the following examples may be omitted. Accordingly, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered important unless so explicitly indicated later by the inventors or their successors in interest. If the claims presented in this application or in subsequent applications related to this application include additional features other than those mentioned below, those additional features should not be considered to have been added for any reason related to patentability.

Example

[0053] An apparatus, comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple retaining surface; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to provide a second staple retaining surface, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamp member movable relative to the first elongate member and the second elongate member from a first position to a second position to bring the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface closer together to clamp the tissue; (d) a latch member configured to transition from an unlatched state to a latched state to releasably hold the clamp member in the second position; and (e) a firing assembly operable from a home position to fire staples into the clamped tissue, wherein the latch member is configured to transition from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is in the home position, and the latch member is prevented from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position.

Example

[0054] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the latch member is coupled to the clamp member such that the latch member is movable with the clamp member between the first position and the second position.

Example

[0055] The apparatus according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the latch member is selectively operable from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the clamp member from the second position and allow the clamp member to move toward the first position.

Example

[0056] The clamping member comprises a clamping lever pivotally connected to a second elongate member, the clamping lever being pivotable from a first position to a second position towards the second elongate member, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 3.

Example

[0057] The distal portion of the clamping lever is pivotally connected to the second elongate member, and the latch member is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the clamping lever, the apparatus according to Example 4.

Example

[0058] The latch member is configured to releasably capture the proximal end feature of the second elongate member when the clamping lever is in the second position, thereby assuming a latched state, and the latch member is selectively operable from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the proximal end feature and allow movement of the clamping lever from the second position towards the first position, the apparatus according to Example 4 or 5.

Example

[0059] The latch member is configured to transition from the latched state to the unlatched state only when the firing assembly is in the home position, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 6.

Example

[0060] The latch member is pivotable between the unlatched state and the latched state, and the latch member includes a cam surface configured to contact a part of the apparatus such that the latch member pivots in a direction away from the latched state when the clamping member moves to the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 7.

Example

[0061] The apparatus according to embodiment 8, further comprising a retaining feature operable to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position, the retaining feature being configured to contact the cam surface of the latch member when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position, thereby preventing the latch member from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state.

Example

[0062] The apparatus according to embodiment 9, wherein the cam surface is defined on the distal side portion of the latch member, and the proximal end of the retaining feature is configured to contact the cam surface.

Example

[0063] The apparatus according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the retaining feature is configured to prevent the latch member from transitioning from the latched state to the unlatched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position.

Example

[0064] The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the latch member is disposed at the proximal end of the clamp member, the retaining feature is disposed at the proximal end of one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, and the home position of the firing assembly includes the proximal position.

Example

[0065] The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 9 to 12, wherein the retaining feature includes (i) a first movable member configured to releasably couple the proximal end of the first elongate member to the proximal end of the second elongate member, and (ii) a second movable member configured to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position, the first movable member and the second movable member being movable relative to each other.

Example

[0066] The device comprises a surgical stapler including an anvil having a plurality of staple-forming pockets and a removable staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, the anvil defining a first staple-retaining surface and the staple cartridge defining a second staple-retaining surface, the device according to any one of Examples 1 to 13.

Example

[0067] The staple cartridge includes a deck having a plurality of interconnected protrusions configured to grip tissue clamped between the first staple-retaining surface and the second staple-retaining surface, the device according to Example 14.

Example

[0068] A device comprising: (a) a cartridge body; (b) a deck defined by the cartridge body and configured to compress tissue against an anvil of a surgical stapler; (c) a plurality of staple apertures formed in the deck and configured to receive a plurality of staples; (d) an elongate slot formed in the deck and configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough; and (e) a plurality of tissue gripping members protruding from the deck along each side of the elongate slot, each tissue gripping member being associated with and configured to grip tissue with one of each of the staple apertures, each tissue gripping member including: (i) a first end feature that wraps around a first end of the staple aperture; (ii) a second end feature that wraps around a second end of the staple aperture; and (iii) a pair of bridge elements extending between the first end feature and the second end feature along opposing outer sides of the staple aperture, each of the bridge elements having a maximum height that is less than the maximum height of each of the first end feature and the second end feature with respect to the deck.

Example

[0069] The apparatus according to Example 16, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers disposed within the staple opening, the staple drivers being operable to drive staples through tissue and against an anvil, and the bridge element of each tissue gripping member being configured to direct each one of the staple drivers toward the anvil without contacting the respective staple during forming of the staple by the anvil.

Example

[0070] The apparatus according to Example 16 or 17, wherein each first end feature is integrally connected to a second end feature of an adjacent tissue gripping member in the longitudinal direction.

Example

[0071] An apparatus comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple retaining surface; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second staple retaining surface, the first elongate member and the second elongate member being configured to be releasably coupled together at their proximal ends such that the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple it with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamp member movable from an open position to a closed position with respect to the first elongate member and the second elongate member to move the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface closer together to clamp tissue; (d) a first shroud covering a proximal portion of the first elongate member; (e) a second shroud covering a proximal portion of the second elongate member; and (f) a protrusion extending from a proximal end of one of the first shroud or the second shroud, the protrusion being configured to contact a feature supported by a proximal end of the opposing first elongate member or second elongate member when the apparatus is held by a user while the clamp member is in the open position, thereby resisting disconnection of the proximal ends.

Example

[0072] (a) A firing assembly operable from a home position to fire staples into clamped tissue; (b) a first movable member operable to releasably hold the proximal ends of a first elongate member and a second elongate member in a coupled state; and (c) a second movable member operable to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position. The feature is the proximal end of the second movable member. The device according to Example 19.

Example

[0073] A device comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first stapling surface; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to provide a second stapling surface, the first elongate member and the second elongate member being configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first stapling surface and the second stapling surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple it with a plurality of staples; (c) a latch projection extending from one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member; and (d) a clamp member movably coupled to the other of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, the clamp member including: (i) a first engagement feature configured to releasably capture the latch projection as the clamp member advances from a first position to a second position, thereby bringing the first stapling surface and the second stapling surface closer together to clamp tissue; and (ii) a second engagement feature offset from the first engagement feature and having a recess, the second engagement feature being configured to engage the latch projection when the latch projection is misaligned with the first engagement feature, thereby providing an indication to the user that the latch projection is misaligned with the first engagement feature.

Example

[0074] The first engagement feature comprises a slot having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, and the second engagement feature is configured to releasably capture the latch projection when the latch projection is misaligned with the slot, thereby preventing the clamp member from taking the second position, the apparatus according to Example 21.

Example

[0075] The clamp member is configured to take an intermediate position between the first position and the second position when the second engagement feature engages the latch projection, the apparatus according to Example 21 or 22.

Example

[0076] The latch projection comprises a pin extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 23.

Example

[0077] The clamp member comprises a lever pivotally connected to one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 24.

Example

[0078] The clamp member comprises a jaw, and the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are offset from each other on the jaw, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 25.

Example

[0079] The jaw includes a first jaw, and the clamp member further comprises a second jaw facing transversely from the first jaw, and each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature, the apparatus according to Example 26.

Example

[0080] The recess is configured to releasably capture the latch projection, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 27.

Example

[0081] The slot extends along a curved path, the apparatus according to Example 22.

Example

[0082] When the latch projection is misaligned with each of the first engaging feature and the second engaging feature, the latch projection is configured to follow along the outer edge of the jaw so that the gap between the first stapling surface and the second stapling surface increases as the clamping member advances from the first position toward the second position, the apparatus according to any one of Examples 21 to 29.

[0083] III. Others It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation from each other. Various suitable ways of combining the teachings of this specification will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the teachings of this specification. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0084] Furthermore, any one or more of the teachings described herein are incorporated by reference into U.S. Patent No. 10,631,866, issued on April 28, 2020, entitled "Release Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 10,667,818, issued on June 2, 2020, entitled "Lockout Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 10,932,781, issued on March 2, 2021, entitled "Features to Align and Close Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 10,898,197, issued on January 26, 2021, entitled "Releasable Coupling Features for Proximal Portions of Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 10,874,398, issued on December 29, 2020, entitled "Firing Lever Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 10,687,819, issued on June 23, 2020, entitled "Clamping Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 10,898,187, issued on January 26, 2021, entitled "Firing System for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 11,033,266, issued on June 15, 2021, entitled "Decoupling Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 11,045,193, issued on June 29, 2021, entitled "Anvil Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 10,905,419, issued on February 2, 2021, entitled "Closure Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler", and U.S. Patent No. 11,278, issued on March 22, 2022,No. 285, titled "Clamping Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 11,229,433 issued on January 25, 2022, titled "Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0142641 issued on May 12, 2018, titled "System and Method for Forming Pockets in Anvil of Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent No. 11224425 issued on January 18, 2022, titled "Surgical Linear Cutter Wishbone Separation Mechanism with Detent", U.S. Patent No. 11219454 issued on January 11, 2022, titled "Pin Trap Mechanism for Surgical Linear Cutter", U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0369272 issued on December 2, 2021, titled "Separation Mechanism for Surgical Linear Cutter", U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 17 / 489,879 filed on September 30, 2021, titled "Lockout Feature for Linear Surgical Stapler Cartridge", U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 29 / 842,580 filed on June 16, 2022, titled "Staple Cartridge for Linear Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 29 / 842,581 filed on June 16, 2022, titled "Linear Surgical Stapler", can be combined with any one or more of the teachings disclosed therein. The disclosure of each of these references is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.,

[0085] All or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure that is hereby incorporated by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated content does not conflict with existing definitions, opinions, or other disclosure in this disclosure. The disclosure clearly set forth herein shall, in itself and to the extent necessary, supersede any conflicting disclosure incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portion thereof, that is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference but that conflicts with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosure in this specification is incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated content and the current disclosure.

[0086] The variations of the device described above are applicable not only to conventional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also to robot-assisted medical procedures and robot-assisted surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein can be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as the DAVINCI (trademark) system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California.

[0087] The variants of the device described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they may be designed for multiple uses. The variants may, in either or both cases, be readjusted for reuse after at least one use. Readjustment may include any combination of a device disassembly process, followed by a cleaning or replacement process of specific parts, and subsequent reassembly. Specifically, some variants of the device may be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or components of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. When cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, some variants of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use in a readjustment facility or by the user immediately prior to treatment. One skilled in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be utilized in the readjustment of the device. The use of such techniques, and the resulting readjusted device, are all within the scope of this application.

[0088] Merely by way of example, the variants described herein may be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a sealed container and a sealed container such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. Next, the container and the device may be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation can kill bacteria on the device and within the container. Next, the sterilized device may be stored in the sterilized container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique well known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma rays, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0089] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention through appropriate modifications. Some of such possible modifications have been described, but other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometric shapes, materials, dimensions, ratios, processes, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not essential. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered with respect to the following claims, and it is understood that it is not limited to the details of the structures and operations shown and described in this specification and the drawings.

[0090] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) An apparatus, (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple - retaining surface; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second staple - retaining surface, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first staple - retaining surface and the second staple - retaining surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple it with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamp member movable from a first position to a second position with respect to the first elongate member and the second elongate member so as to bring the first staple - retaining surface and the second staple - retaining surface closer together to clamp tissue; (d) a latch member configured to transition from an unlatched state to a latched state so as to releasably hold the clamp member in the second position; (e) a firing assembly operable from a home position to fire the staples into the clamped tissue, the latch member is configured to transition from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is in the home position, The latch member is prevented from transitioning from the latched release state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position. (2) The latch member is connected to the clamp member such that the latch member is movable between the first position and the second position together with the clamp member, the apparatus according to Embodiment 1. (3) The latch member is selectively operable from the latched state to the latched release state to release the clamp member from the second position and allow the clamp member to move towards the first position, the apparatus according to Embodiment 1 or 2. (4) The clamp member includes a clamp lever pivotally connected to the second elongated member, the clamp lever being pivotable from the first position to the second position towards the second elongated member, the apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. (5) The distal portion of the clamp lever is pivotally connected to the second elongated member, and the latch member is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the clamp lever, the apparatus according to Embodiment 4.

[0091] (6) The latch member is configured to releasably capture the proximal end feature of the second elongated member when the clamp lever is in the second position, thereby assuming the latched state, and the latch member is selectively operable from the latched state to the latched release state to release the proximal end feature and allow the clamp lever to move from the second position to the first position, the apparatus according to Embodiment 4 or 5. (7) The latch member is configured to transition from the latched state to the latched release state only when the firing assembly is in the home position, the apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6. (8) The latch member is pivotable between the latch release state and the latch state, and the latch member is configured to pivot in a direction away from the latch state when the clamping member moves to the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position, and includes a cam surface configured to contact a part of the device, according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7 of the device. (9) The device further includes a retaining feature operable to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position, and the retaining feature is configured to contact the cam surface of the latch member when the clamping member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position, thereby preventing the latch member from transitioning from the latch release state to the latch state, according to the device of Embodiment 8. (10) The cam surface is defined at a distal side portion of the latch member, and a proximal end of the retaining feature is configured to contact the cam surface, according to the device of Embodiment 9.

[0092] (11) The retaining feature is configured to prevent the latch member from transitioning from the latch state to the latch release state when the clamping member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position, according to the device of Embodiment 9 or 10. (12) The latch member is disposed at a proximal end of the clamping member, the retaining feature is disposed at a proximal end of one of the first elongated member or the second elongated member, and the home position of the firing assembly includes a proximal position, according to any one of Embodiments 9 to 11 of the device. (13) The retaining feature is (i) a first movable member configured to releasably couple the proximal end of the first elongated member to the proximal end of the second elongated member; (ii) A second movable member configured to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position, wherein the first movable member and the second movable member are movable relative to each other, the second movable member, and the device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 12. (14) The device comprises a surgical stapler including an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pockets and a removable staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, the anvil defining the first staple retaining surface, and the staple cartridge defining the second staple retaining surface, the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13. (15) The staple cartridge includes a deck having a plurality of interconnected protrusions configured to grip tissue clamped between the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface, the device according to embodiment 14.

[0093] (16) Further comprising a latch protrusion extending laterally from one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, the clamp member being movably coupled to the other of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, the clamp member (i) a first engagement feature configured to engage the latch protrusion while the clamp member advances from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface to approach to clamp tissue; (ii) a second engagement feature configured to engage the latch protrusion when the latch protrusion is misaligned with the first engagement feature, thereby preventing the clamp member from taking the second position and preventing the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface from approaching, the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15. (17) A device, (a) a cartridge body, (b) A deck defined by the cartridge body, the deck being configured to compress tissue against an anvil of a surgical stapler, and the deck; (c) A plurality of staple apertures formed in the deck, the plurality of staple apertures being configured to receive a plurality of staples, and the plurality of staple apertures; (d) An elongate slot formed in the deck, the elongate slot being configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough, and the elongate slot; (e) A plurality of tissue grasping members protruding from the deck along each side of the elongate slot, each tissue grasping member being associated with one of the staple apertures and being configured to grasp tissue, and each tissue grasping member; (i) A first end feature that wraps around a first end of the staple aperture, and the first end feature; (ii) A second end feature that wraps around a second end of the staple aperture, and the second end feature; (iii) A pair of bridge elements extending between the first end feature and the second end feature along opposing outer sides of the staple aperture, and the plurality of tissue grasping members including the pair of bridge elements; Each of the bridge elements has a maximum height that is less than the maximum height of each of the first end feature and the second end feature with respect to the deck, the device. (18) The apparatus according to embodiment 17, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers disposed within the staple apertures, the staple drivers being operable to drive the staples through tissue and against the anvil, and the bridge element of each tissue grasping member being configured to direct one of the staple drivers toward the anvil without contacting the respective staple during formation of the staple by the anvil. (19) The apparatus according to embodiment 17 or 18, wherein each first end feature is integrally connected to the second end feature of an adjacent tissue grasping member in the longitudinal direction. (20) An apparatus, (a) A first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple - retaining surface; (b) A second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second staple - retaining surface, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to be releasably connected together at their proximal ends such that the first staple - retaining surface and the second staple - retaining surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple it with a plurality of staples; (c) A clamp member movable from an open position to a closed position relative to the first elongate member and the second elongate member so as to bring the first staple - retaining surface and the second staple - retaining surface closer together for clamping tissue; (d) A first shroud covering a proximal portion of the first elongate member; (e) A second shroud covering a proximal portion of the second elongate member; (f) A protrusion extending from a proximal end of one of the first shroud or the second shroud, the protrusion being configured to contact a feature supported by the proximal end of the opposing first elongate member or the second elongate member when the device is held by a user while the clamp member is in the open position, thereby resisting disconnection of the proximal ends. A device comprising the above.

[0094] (21) (a) A firing assembly operable from a home position to fire the staples into the clamped tissue; (b) A first movable member operable to releasably hold the proximal ends of the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a connected engagement state; (c) A second movable member operable to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position. The device according to embodiment 20, wherein the feature comprises a proximal end of the second movable member. (22) An apparatus comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple retaining surface; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second staple retaining surface, the first elongate member and the second elongate member being configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a latch projection extending from one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member; (d) a clamp member movably coupled to the other of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, the clamp member comprising: (i) a first engagement feature configured to releasably capture the latch projection as the clamp member advances from a first position to a second position, thereby causing the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface to approach each other to clamp tissue; and (ii) a second engagement feature offset from the first engagement feature and comprising a recess, the second engagement feature being configured to engage the latch projection when the latch projection is misaligned with the first engagement feature, thereby providing an indication to the user that the latch projection is misaligned with the first engagement feature. (23) The apparatus of embodiment 22, wherein the first engagement feature comprises a slot having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, and the second engagement feature is configured to releasably capture the latch projection when the latch projection is misaligned with the slot, thereby preventing the clamp member from assuming the second position. (24) The apparatus of embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the clamp member is configured to assume an intermediate position between the first position and the second position when the second engagement feature engages the latch projection. (25) The latch projection comprises a pin extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device, the device according to any one of embodiments 22 to 24.

[0095] (26) The clamp member comprises a lever pivotally connected to one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, the device according to any one of embodiments 22 to 25. (27) The clamp member comprises a jaw, and the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are offset from each other on the jaw, the device according to any one of embodiments 22 to 26. (28) The jaw includes a first jaw, and the clamp member further comprises a second jaw laterally opposed to the first jaw, and each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature, the device according to embodiment 27. (29) The recess is configured to releasably capture the latch projection, the device according to any one of embodiments 22 to 28. (30) The slot extends along a curved path, the device according to any one of embodiments 22 to 29.

[0096] (31) When the latch projection is misaligned with each of the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature, the latch projection is configured to follow along the outer edge of the jaw as the clamp member advances from the first position towards the second position such that the gap between the first stapling surface and the second stapling surface increases, the device according to any one of embodiments 22 to 30.

Claims

Claim 1 An apparatus comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple - engaging surface; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second staple - engaging surface, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first staple - engaging surface and the second staple - engaging surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamp member movable relative to the first elongate member and the second elongate member from a first position to a second position to bring the first staple - engaging surface and the second staple - engaging surface closer to clamp tissue; (d) a latch member configured to transition from an unlatched state to a latched state to releasably hold the clamp member in the second position; (e) a firing assembly operable from a home position to fire the staples into the clamped tissue; and the latch member is configured to transition from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is in the home position; the latch member is prevented from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position. Claim 2 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the latch member is coupled to the clamp member such that the latch member is movable with the clamp member between the first position and the second position. Claim 3 The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the latch member is selectively operable from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the clamp member from the second position and allow the clamp member to move towards the first position. Claim 4 The clamping member comprises a clamp lever pivotally connected to the second elongate member, the clamp lever being pivotable from the first position towards the second elongate member to the second position, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The distal portion of the clamp lever is pivotally connected to the second elongate member, and the latch member is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the clamp lever, the apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The latch member is configured to releasably capture a proximal end feature of the second elongate member when the clamp lever is in the second position, thereby assuming the latched state, and the latch member is selectively operable from the latched state to the unlatched state to release the proximal end feature and enable movement of the clamp lever from the second position towards the first position, the apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The latch member is configured to transition from the latched state to the unlatched state only when the firing assembly is in the home position, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The latch member is pivotable between the unlatched state and the latched state, and the latch member is configured to pivot in a direction away from the latched state when the clamp member moves to the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position, the apparatus including a cam surface configured to contact a part of the apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The apparatus further comprises a retaining feature operable to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position, the retaining feature being configured to contact the cam surface of the latch member when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position, thereby preventing the latch member from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state, the apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The cam surface is defined on a distal side portion of the latch member, and the proximal end of the retaining feature is configured to contact the cam surface, the apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the holding feature is configured to prevent the latch member from transitioning from the latched state to the unlatched state when the clamping member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the latch member is disposed at a proximal end of the clamping member, the holding feature is disposed at a proximal end of one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, and the home position of the firing assembly includes a proximal position.

13. The holding feature is (i) a first movable member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongate member to a proximal end of the second elongate member; and (ii) a second movable member configured to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position, wherein the first movable member and the second movable member are movable relative to each other. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising a second movable member.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a surgical stapler including an anvil having a plurality of staple-forming pockets and a removable staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, the anvil defining the first staple-retaining surface, and the staple cartridge defining the second staple-retaining surface.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the staple cartridge includes a deck having a plurality of interconnected protrusions configured to grip tissue clamped between the first staple-retaining surface and the second staple-retaining surface.

16. The apparatus further comprises a latch protrusion extending laterally from one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, the clamping member being movably coupled to the other of the first elongate member or the second elongate member, and the clamping member is (i) a first engagement feature configured to engage the latch protrusion while the clamping member advances from the first position to the second position, thereby bringing the first staple-retaining surface and the second staple-retaining surface closer together to clamp tissue; (ii)a second engagement feature configured to engage the latch projection when the latch projection is misaligned with the first engagement feature, thereby preventing the clamp member from taking the second position and preventing the first staple-bearing surface and the second staple-bearing surface from approaching, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. An apparatus comprising: (a) a cartridge body; (b) a deck defined by the cartridge body and configured to compress tissue against an anvil of a surgical stapler; (c) a plurality of staple apertures formed in the deck and configured to receive a plurality of staples; (d) an elongate slot formed in the deck and configured to slidably receive a cutting member therethrough; (e) a plurality of tissue grasping members projecting from the deck along each side of the elongate slot, each tissue grasping member being associated with one of the staple apertures and configured to grasp tissue, each tissue grasping member comprising: (i) a first end feature that wraps around a first end of the staple aperture; (ii) a second end feature that wraps around a second end of the staple aperture; (iii) a pair of bridge elements extending between the first end feature and the second end feature along opposing outer sides of the staple aperture; each of the bridge elements having a maximum height that is less than the maximum height of each of the first end feature and the second end feature with respect to the deck.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers disposed within the staple apertures, the staple drivers being operable to drive the staples through tissue and against the anvil, and each bridge element of each tissue grasping member being configured to direct one of the staple drivers toward the anvil without contacting the respective staple during formation of the staple by the anvil.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein each first end feature is integrally connected to the second end feature of an adjacent tissue grasping member in the longitudinal direction.

20. An apparatus comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple-forming surface; (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second staple-forming surface, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to be releasably coupled together at their proximal ends such that the first staple-forming surface and the second staple-forming surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple the tissue with a plurality of staples; (c) a clamping member movable from an open position to a closed position relative to the first elongate member and the second elongate member to move the first staple-forming surface and the second staple-forming surface closer together to clamp tissue; (d) a first shroud covering a proximal portion of the first elongate member; (e) a second shroud covering a proximal portion of the second elongate member; (f) a protrusion extending from a proximal end of one of the first shroud or the second shroud, the protrusion being configured to contact a feature supported by the proximal end of the opposing first elongate member or second elongate member when the apparatus is held by a user while the clamping member is in the open position, thereby resisting disconnection of the proximal ends.

21. (a) a firing assembly movable from a home position to fire the staples into the clamped tissue; (b) a first movable member operable to releasably hold the proximal ends of the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a coupled state; (c) a second movable member operable to releasably hold the firing assembly in the home position; and The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the feature comprises a proximal end of the second movable member.

22. An apparatus comprising: (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first staple-forming surface; (b) A second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second staple retaining surface, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to be releasably coupled together such that the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface cooperate to clamp tissue and staple it with a plurality of staples. (c) A latch projection extending from one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member. (d) A clamp member movably coupled to the other of the first elongate member or the second elongate member. (i) A first engagement feature configured to releasably capture the latch projection as the clamp member advances from a first position to a second position, thereby bringing the first staple retaining surface and the second staple retaining surface closer together to clamp tissue. (ii) A second engagement feature offset from the first engagement feature and having a recess, the second engagement feature being configured to engage the latch projection when the latch projection is misaligned with the first engagement feature, thereby providing an indication to the user that the latch projection is misaligned with the first engagement feature. The clamp member includes the second engagement feature.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the first engagement feature includes a slot having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, and the second engagement feature is configured to releasably capture the latch projection when the latch projection is misaligned with the slot, thereby preventing the clamp member from taking the second position.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the clamp member is configured to take an intermediate position between the first position and the second position when the second engagement feature engages the latch projection.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the latch projection includes a pin extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the clamp member includes a lever pivotally coupled to one of the first elongate member or the second elongate member.

27. The clamping member comprises a jaw, and the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are offset from each other on the jaw, the apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26.

28. The jaw includes a first jaw, and the clamping member further comprises a second jaw that faces the first jaw laterally, and each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature, the apparatus according to claim 27.

29. The recess is configured to releasably capture the latch projection, the apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 28.

30. The slot extends along a curved path, the apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 29.

31. When the latch projection is misaligned with each of the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature, the latch projection is configured to follow along the outer edge of the jaw as the clamping member advances from the first position toward the second position such that the gap between the first stapling surface and the second stapling surface increases, the apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 30.

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