Surgical stapler

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a surgical stapler (100) including a stapler body (200). One end of the stapler body is provided with a receiving opening (203) for receiving a lesion (220) of a specimen. A circular base (206) is positioned proximal to the receiving opening (203), and the circular base defines a curved path (202b) structured to guide one staple of a plurality of staples (300) toward an exit end (203b) defined at the receiving opening. A drive mechanism (202) is structured to displace one staple of the plurality of staples. The drive mechanism has a transport member (202a) configured to displace between a first position (A) and a second position (B) relative to the curved path. An actuator (212) is operably connected to the transport member. The deformation module (204) is positioned near the entrance end (203a) of the receiving end and is structured to deform a portion of one staple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. In particular, and without limitation, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to surgical staplers.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, wounds and surgical incisions on tissue specimens must be closed for healing. For example, various techniques for closing wounds or surgical incisions have been developed, such as suturing, applying clips to blood vessels, and using surgical fasteners. What is hereinafter referred to as wound closure is usually performed by sutures, staplers, adhesives, or strips, as described above. Closure by suturing is generally time-consuming, cumbersome, and not easy to perform in the case of certain closure techniques. Another drawback of using sutures is the possibility of strangulation and tissue necrosis due to the relatively small surface area of the sutures and the high pressure exerted by over-tightening the sutures to tie them firmly. There are two types of sutures, namely, non-biodegradable and biodegradable sutures. The use of biodegradable sutures involves excessive early loss of tension and causes inflammation and subsequent granulomas in the tissue due to the degradation products of the sutures, while non-biodegradable sutures need to be removed after a few days and can cause scarring of the tissue if left in place for a longer period. With numerous drawbacks associated with suturing, surgical staplers have been developed for closing wounds.

[0003] A surgical stapler is a medical device that can be used in place of suturing. Surgical staplers can close large wounds or incisions and may be less painful for the patient than needles. They can also be used to close wounds in areas where the skin is adherent to bone during operations to remove organs or reconnect parts of internal organs. Surgical staplers are frequently used to close incisions in the abdomen and uterus during caesarean deliveries or C-sections.

[0004] Surgical staplers have recently begun to be used in the medical sector, including both human and veterinary medicine, for the purpose of suturing wounds and incisions. Surgical cutaneous stapling is desirable because it requires less skill from healthcare professionals / clinicians than traditional suturing. In addition, staple removal is faster and easier than with suturing. As in most fields, the simplicity in wound and incision closure, which reduces the possibility of error, is a particularly important outcome in the medical field. Surgical stapling also provides better postoperative aesthetics than traditional suturing and needle wound closure. Furthermore, because surgical stapling is less time-consuming than traditional suturing, the use of cutaneous stapling reduces postoperative infections compared to traditional ligation. While surgical stapling devices offer various advantages, conventional surgical stapling devices are expensive, and not all clinicians can benefit from stapling technology. Also, conventional surgical stapling devices are complex and require skill to operate.

[0005] Traditionally, stapling a wound is achieved by manually bringing the opposing sides of the wound opening close together, and then positioning a surgical stapler so that the staples reach the opening. The surgical stapler is then manipulated so that one leg enters each side of the skin, and the staple's crossbar extends across the opening outside the skin surface, allowing the staple to enter the skin. Generally, the staple's legs enter an anvil that deforms the staple, holding the skin tissue within the staple in a compressive manner. While conventional staplers offer an efficient method of closing wounds, their use has a series of inherent drawbacks. The biggest drawback of conventional staplers is their structure. The structure of the staple does not allow for optimal load transfer across the two sides of the wound, which can result in damage to the trapped tissue. Furthermore, conventional staplers do not provide optimal and consistent eversion of the wound margin for better aesthetic results. Furthermore, conventional staplers lack a mechanism for capturing the optimal amount of tissue for the dimensions and structure of the staple, resulting in the capture of more or less tissue than ideal. Capturing more tissue than required can lead to pressure necrosis and subsequent scarring. On the other hand, capturing less tissue than ideal can lead to loose closure and subsequent opening and expansion of the wound. Another problem with some conventionally used metal skin staplers is the lack of an indicator or guidance mechanism to guide the surgeon during application, which can lead to misalignment of the wound margin. The design of currently used staples imposes a significant risk of damaging the tissue while entering it, which can result in “railway” scarring. There was a need for a stapler that could be used for multiple purposes and have different sizes for different applications. Therefore, this disclosure aims to overcome one or more of the limitations described above, or any other limitations associated with conventional systems and methods.

[0006] Conventionally, there is limited patent documentation disclosing surgical staplers. For example, patent application US4662555A discloses a preferably single-use, disposable surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a combination of a staple feeding mechanism and a staple forming mechanism fixed within a frame, and an actuating trigger functionally connected to both the staple feeding mechanism and the staple forming mechanism. The staple feeding mechanism includes a rail for continuously guiding the stored staples to the staple forming position, and a shuttle associated with the rail as a movable staple holding cover. The shuttle is functionally connected to the trigger to move in the same direction and at the same time as the staples. This structure provides a reliable surgical stapler with a low probability of staple jamming in the staple feeding mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Application US5908149A discloses a surgical stapler that enables multi-directional discharge of staples. The surgical stapler includes a stapler body and a driver housed therein. A magazine is connected to the stapler body and includes a staple track for transporting multiple staples, each staple having a staple leg. An anvil is associated with the staple track to provide a staple-forming surface on which staples are formed. A feed element, which is a spring biased against the staples, is used to feed each staple from the staple track to the anvil. A trigger is operably connected to the driver and is movable from a pre-firing position to a firing position to advance the driver against the anvil to form staples against the anvil. A kick-off spring is positioned below and substantially parallel to the staple track and the anvil. The kickoff spring has a deflectable tip that is deflected away from the anvil and engages with the staple legs of the staple by camming downward relative to the staple legs when the trigger moves from its pre-firing position to its firing position. When the trigger returns from the firing position to its pre-firing position, the kickoff spring cams upward relative to the staple legs, disengaging the staple legs from the deflectable tip and ejecting the staple away from the anvil.

[0008] The shortcomings / difficulties / deficiencies / limitations of the prior art described in the background section are for illustrative purposes only, and this disclosure does not limit its scope to such limitations. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure and the descriptions referred to below may also solve other problems or overcome other shortcomings / deficiencies of the prior art not expressly captured above. [Overview of the project]

[0009] One or more of the limitations described above are overcome by the claimed surgical stapler, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the claimed surgical stapler in this disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the embodiments and art of this disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of this disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

[0010] In non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure, a surgical stapler is disclosed. The surgical stapler includes a stapler body, one end of which is provided with a receptacle for receiving a specimen. A circular base defines a curved path structured to guide one staple of a plurality of staples toward an exit end defined in the receptacle. The surgical stapler includes a drive mechanism structured to displace one staple of a plurality of staples housed in a cartridge out of the receptacle and through the specimen received in the receptacle. The drive mechanism includes a transport member configured to displace between a first position and a second position with respect to the curved path. An actuator is operably connected to the transport member and is operable to displace the transport member between the first position and the second position with respect to the curved path. The transport member displaces one staple of the plurality of staples so as to extend through the specimen from one end and out of the specimen from the other end. The surgical stapler includes a deformation module positioned proximal to the entrance end of the receiving opening and structured to deform a portion of a single staple that extends from the other end outward from the affected area in order to staple one staple to the affected area.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stapler body defines a housing formed by an elongated base plate. The elongated base plate has a length longer than its width, and the side wall structure extends along the outer edge of the elongated base plate around its length. An upper cover is positioned on the side wall structure, defining a space between them.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stapler body defines a lower opening and an upper opening around its width. The lower opening is structured to receive a receptacle, and the upper opening is structured to receive a cover. The receptacle is integrated with a circular base of a cartridge.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator includes a circular disc connected to a conveying member via a linkage bar. The circular disc is displaceable in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction to displace the conveying member by imparting movement through the linkage bar. The conveying member may be at least one of a pusher arm, a conveyor belt, and a slider.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator includes a plunger that extends into the stapler body and operably engages with a circular disk. The plunger is displaceable between an extended position and a depressed position to impart rotational motion to the circular disk.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plunger is defined by a plurality of first teeth structured to mesh with a plurality of second teeth defined along the circumference of a circular disk.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end of the plunger located outside the stapler body is defined by a handle, and the other end of the plunger located inside the stapler body is defined by a plurality of protrusions.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of projections are structured to displace a deformation module between a stationary position and a clamped position during the displacement of a plunger to a pressed position. The displacement of the deformation module to the clamped position causes a pair of curved arms to deform around the displacement point in order to staple a single staple to the affected area of ​​the specimen.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an elastic member is positioned between a plunger and a cartridge, and the elastic member is configured to bias the plunger from a compressed position to an extended position.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of a plurality of staples includes a pair of curved arms, the ends of which are defined by a bridge member, and the free end of one staple is defined by a tip for penetrating the affected area of ​​the specimen.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each arm of a pair of curved arms is defined by a displacement point. A portion of each arm of the pair of curved arms toward the free end is deformable around the displacement point.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of gripping modules are connected to the stapler body proximal to the receiving opening, and the plurality of gripping modules are configured to grip the affected area and pull it into the receiving opening area.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet is defined by a guard projecting outward from substantially the center of the inlet. The guard prevents unintended stapling and damage to structures proximal to the affected area of ​​the specimen.

[0023] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a staple for a surgical stapler. The staple includes a pair of curved arms, one end of which is connected to the other via a bridge member. The free ends of the pair of curved arms are defined by a tip for penetration through the affected area. The pair of curved arms are remarkably parallel to each other.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a pair of curved arms is defined by a displacement point, and a portion of the pair of curved arms toward the tip deforms around the displacement point to form a retaining bridge substantially parallel to the bridge member. Multiple staples are made from a biodegradable material.

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical stapler assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapler assembly includes a surgical stapler having a stapler body. One end is provided with a receptacle for receiving a lesion of a specimen. A plurality of staples, one of the plurality of staples, are defined by a pair of curved arms. One end of the pair of curved arms is connected to one another via a bridge member, and the free end of the pair of curved arms is defined by a tip for penetrating through the lesion.

[0026] The cartridge is housed within the stapler body and is structured to receive and accommodate multiple staples. The circular base defines a curved path structured to guide one of the multiple staples toward an exit end defined in the receiving opening. The surgical stapler includes a drive mechanism structured to displace one of the multiple staples housed in the cartridge out of the receiving opening and through the wound received in the receiving opening. The drive mechanism includes a transport member configured to displace between a first position and a second position relative to the curved path. An actuator is operably connected to the transport member and is operable to displace the transport member between the first position and the second position relative to the curved path. The transport member displaces one of the multiple staples so as to extend through the wound from one end and out of the wound from the other end. The surgical stapler includes a deformation module positioned proximal to the entrance end of the receiving opening and structured to deform a portion of a single staple that extends from the other end outward from the affected area in order to staple one staple to the affected area.

[0027] It should be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Some aspects and embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] The novel features and characteristics of the present disclosure are described herein. However, the present disclosure itself, as well as its preferred mode of use, further objects, and advantages, will be best understood by reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and referring to the following description of exemplary embodiments. Here, one or more embodiments are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, and like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0030] [Figure 1] A disassembled view of a surgical stapler assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2a] A side view of the surgical stapler assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2b] An isometric view of the surgical stapler assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2c] A bottom view of the gripping module of the surgical stapler assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2d] An isometric view of the receptacle of the surgical stapler assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2e] An isometric view of the guard of the surgical stapler assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3a] An isometric view of the drive mechanism of the surgical stapler assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3b] An isometric view of the drive mechanism of the surgical stapler assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3c] An isometric view of the plunger of the drive mechanism of FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 4a] Figure 3a shows an isometric view of the actuator of the drive mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4b] Figure 3a shows a side view of the actuator of the drive mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5a] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of a surgical stapler assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5b] An isometric view of the deformation module of the surgical stapler assembly shown in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6a] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the staples of a surgical stapler assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6b] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the staples of a surgical stapler assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6c] Figure 1 shows a side view of the staples of a surgical stapler assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] An isometric view of the affected area together with the stapler shown in Figure 6a, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The figures illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods described herein may be used without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] In the preceding paragraph, the features and technical advantages of the Disclosure have been broadly outlined so that the detailed description of the Disclosure below may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the Disclosure that form the subject matter of the claims of the Disclosure are described below. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the concepts and particular embodiments disclosed may readily be used as a basis for modifying other systems, mechanisms, devices, and assemblies to perform the same purposes as the Disclosure. It should also be recognized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructs will not deviate from the scope of the Disclosure as described in the appended claims. Novel features of the system that are believed to be characteristic of the Disclosure will be better understood from the following description when considered in conjunction with the appended drawings, along with further purposes and advantages. However, it should be expressly understood that each of the drawings is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and is not intended to define the limitations of the Disclosure.

[0033] The terms “to include,” “to include,” or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a mechanism, assembly, or device containing a list of components or stages may include not only those components or stages, but other components or stages that are not explicitly enumerated or specific to such setup, device, or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “to include” do not, without further constraint, exclude the existence of other or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0034] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a surgical stapler is disclosed. The surgical stapler of this disclosure is convenient and easy to use. Compared to conventional surgical stapling devices, the surgical stapler of this disclosure is simpler to operate and substantially more economical. The surgical stapler includes a stapler body, one end of which is provided with a receptacle for receiving a specimen. A cartridge is provided with a stapler body and is structured to receive and house a plurality of staples. The cartridge is defined by a circular base located proximal to the receptacle and an opening on the opposite end of the circular base. The circular base defines a curved path structured to guide one of the plurality of staples toward an exit end defined in the receptacle. The surgical stapler includes a drive mechanism structured to displace one of the plurality of staples housed in the cartridge out of the receptacle and through the specimen received in the receptacle. The drive mechanism may further include a transport member configured to displace between a first position and a second position relative to the curved path. An actuator is operably connected to a transport member and is actuated to displace the transport member between a first position and a second position with respect to a curved path. The transport member displaces one of a plurality of staples so as to penetrate the wound from one end and extend out of the wound from the other end. The surgical stapler includes a deformation module positioned proximal to the inlet end of the receiving opening and structured to deform a portion of one staple that extends out of the wound from the other end to staple one staple to the wound. The surgical stapler of this disclosure may provide improved strength and equal force distribution across the wound, preventing tissue damage compared to conventional devices.

[0035] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the figures, elements having the same or similar function are indicated by the same reference numeral. By general reference to the drawings, the surgical stapler as taught in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is generally identified by reference numeral 100 in the corresponding figure. Other features and elements of the surgical stapler (100) are indicated by their respective reference numerals (see the list of reference numerals) in the corresponding figure, which are used in correspondence with each feature. Therefore, the drawings show only specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who are interested in the description herein.

[0036] The following detailed description is essentially illustrative and not intended to limit its use or application. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any prior art, summary, or theory presented in the following detailed description. It should be understood that this disclosure may take various alternative orientations unless expressly provided otherwise. It should also be understood that certain devices or components shown in the accompanying drawings and described hereafter in the specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the concept of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed should not be considered limiting unless expressly indicated otherwise in the claims. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Some specific terms are used in a particular direction, but the purpose of using these terms or words is solely to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the meaning of these terms or words should not unduly limit the technical scope of the invention.

[0037] Furthermore, approximate terms such as “substantially” used in this disclosure in reference to physical properties should be understood as construing a degree of deviation that would be understood by a person skilled in the art to adequately perform the corresponding use, function, or purpose. The term “substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in disclosures to avoid strict numerical boundaries to specified parameters. Any reference to an object in this specification preceded by a definite or indefinite article such as “the,” “a,” or “an” should be understood as encompassing both the singular and plural forms of the object. Thus, “a” means “at least one / one or more.” The expression “a / an X” may be interpreted as “at least one / one or more X.”

[0038] Furthermore, it should be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “connection,” “support,” “parallel,” and “linking,” and their variations, are widely used and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and linking. Moreover, “connection” and “linking” are not limited to physical or mechanical connection or linking. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any specific device, method, use, state, or parameter described and / or shown herein, and that the terms used herein are for illustrative purposes to illustrate a particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. Hereafter, various embodiments will be described in the following description. For illustrative purposes and to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments, specific configurations and details will be outlined. However, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the embodiments described. In the following paragraphs, the surgical stapler (100) will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, an exploded view of a surgical stapler assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Among other components, the surgical stapler assembly (150) may include a surgical stapler (100) and surgical staples (300) (hereinafter referred to as staples (300)). The surgical stapler (100) will be shown in detail below in conjunction with the figure. The surgical stapler (100) may be configured to staple a lesion (220) of a specimen through a plurality of staples (300). The term “a lesion (220) of a specimen” refers to a surgically incised area of ​​a living organism or an area that has suffered a wound (e.g., an accidental cut). However, other types of incisions may also be contemplated herein and may be stapled using the surgical stapler (100) of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this disclosure, the term "multiple staples (300)" refers to the configurations defined above and below, where multiple staples (300) of similar configurations are stacked on top of each other. The surgical stapler (100) described may be structured to close a wound (220) and allow the wound (220) to heal. In one embodiment, the wound (220) may be, but not limited to, epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and the like.

[0040] A surgical stapler (100) may have a stapler body (200) which can define a housing for receiving other components which will be revealed in detail in the paragraphs to come. The stapler body (200) may be formed by an elongated base plate (200b) and an upper cover which complements the shape of the elongated base plate (200b) and is spaced apart from it. The elongated base plate (200b) may be defined by a length (L) which is longer than its width (W). However, the reverse, i.e., a width (W) which is longer than its length (L), may also be intended herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, a side wall structure (200c) may be defined between the elongated base plate (200b) and the upper cover (X). The side wall structure (200c) may connect the upper cover (X) and the elongated base plate (200b) by extending along their outer edges in the direction of length (L). A space may be defined between the upper cover (X) and the extended base plate (200b) to accommodate the components of the surgical stapler. In one embodiment, the stapler body (200) may include a lower opening (P) and an upper opening (T) defined around the width (W) of the stapler body (200). The lower opening may be structured to receive a receptacle (203), while the upper opening may be structured to receive a cover (not expressly shown). The shape of the receptacle (203) may be an inverted V shape, and the arms of the receptacle (203) may converge within the space defined by the stapler body to a certain distance. However, other viable shapes of the receptacle (203) may be contemplated herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The receptacle (203) may be structured to receive and hold the affected portion (220) of a specimen. As shown in Figure 2d, the inner surface of the receiving end (203) may be defined by an exit end (203b) and an inlet end (203a). Both the inlet end (203a) and the exit end (203b) may complement each other so that multiple staples (300) can pass from the exit end (203b) to the inlet end (203a). In one embodiment, the receiving end (203) may be defined by multiple gripping modules (210) connected to the stapler body (200).Multiple gripping modules (210) may have an "L" shaped structure and may be pivotably connected to the receiving port (203). However, other viable shapes of the multiple gripping modules (210) may be contemplated herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. To receive a surgical staple (300), the multiple gripping modules (210) may be configured to grip the affected portion (220) and pull it into the receiving port (203) such that the affected portion (220) is firmly positioned between the exit end (203b) and the entrance end (203a). The multiple gripping modules (210) ensure that an optimal amount of the affected portion (220) is pulled toward the receiving port (203) when the stapler body (200) is positioned over the affected portion (220) of the specimen. In one embodiment, the stapler body (200) located proximal to the receiving opening (203) may be provided with a suction module for drawing the affected area (220) into the space defined by the receiving opening (203). In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of rollers may be provided for drawing the affected area (220) into the space defined by the receiving opening (203). However, other viable mechanisms for drawing in the affected area (220) may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] In one implementation configuration, the receiving opening (203) may be further defined by a guard (202g) projecting outward from the substantial center of the receiving opening (203). The guard (202g) may be defined by a projection at its lower end. The guard (202g) may be structured to prevent unintended stapling and damage to structures proximal to the affected area (220) of the specimen. The guard (202g) may be structured to press downward against structures proximal to the affected area (220) during stapling of the affected area (220). The stapler body (200) may be defined by a gripping member (222) on the end opposite to the end having the receiving opening (220). The gripping member (222) may project outward and may be substantially perpendicular to the side wall structure of the stapler body (200). A gripping member (222) may be provided to allow the operator to firmly hold the stapler body (200) during stapling operations. In another embodiment, the gripping member (222) may be defined along a portion of the side wall structure, the upper cover, and the extended base plate. For example, the portion of the gripping member (222) proximal to the upper opening may be knurled or rubberized to provide a suitable grip for the operator during stapling operations. The gripping member (222) may be structured / configured to receive the fingers of the operator (i.e., a skilled clinician) and to provide a suitable grip for the operator during use of the surgical stapler (100).

[0042] See also Figures 3a and 3c, which illustrate the drive mechanism of the surgical stapler. The drive mechanism (202) may include an actuator (212). Among other components, the actuator (212), as will be revealed below, may include a handle (410). The handle (410) may protrude outward from a cover provided in the upper opening. A portion of the handle (410) may extend into the stapler body (200), and the remaining portion of the handle (410) may be outside the stapler body (200). The handle (410) may be displaceable between an extended position and a pressed position. In one embodiment, the handle (410) may be operated manually by an operator, or semi-automatically or automatically, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the case of manual operation, the operator may apply pressure to the handle (410) to press the handle (410) downward (i.e., toward the pressed position) of the surgical stapler (100). If the handle (410) can be operated semi-automatically or automatically, an actuator may be provided. The handle (410) may include a plunger (402) and a head (401a) defined on the plunger (402) to form a gripping means for an operator to displace the plunger (402) between an extended position and a depressed position. The plunger (402) may be partially extended within the space of the stapler body (200), and the portion of the plunger with the head (401a) is outside the stapler body. The lower end, i.e., the end of the plunger (402) located inside the stapler body (200) and opposite the head (401a), may be defined by a plurality of projections (403). In one embodiment, a portion of the plunger (402) may be defined by a plurality of first teeth (402a). Multiple first teeth (402a) may be structured to mesh with a circular disc (202d) of an actuator (212). The circular disc (202d) may be located within the stapler body (200) and may be rotatably connected to either an upper cover or an extended base plate or both, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The circular disc (202d) may be defined by multiple second teeth (401b) around its circumferential surface and may be configured to mesh with multiple first teeth (402a) on a plunger (402).In one embodiment, a gear (401) may be positioned juxtaposed on one main surface of a circular disk (202d), and the gear (401) may be defined by a plurality of second teeth (401b) meshing with a plurality of first teeth (402a). The operable engagement between the circular disk (202d) and the plunger (402) may be analogous to a rack and pinion configuration. However, since a viable configuration is used, such a configuration should not be construed as an limitation of this disclosure. Displacement of the plunger (402) between an extended position and a depressed position may actuate rotation of the circular disk (202d) in at least one of clockwise or counterclockwise directions. The other main surface of the circular disk (202d) may be operably connected to one end of a linkage bar (202c). The linkage bar (202c) may be any desired shape and size based on requirements. The other end opposite one end of the linkage bar (202c) may be operably connected to a transport member (202a). The linkage bar (202c) may be configured to displace the transport member (202a) between a first position and a second position based on the rotational motion of a circular disc (202d) in at least one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The transport member (202a) may be at least one of a pusher arm, a conveyor belt, and a slider arm, etc., connected to the linkage bar (202c). The surgical stapler (100) may include an elastic member (404). The elastic member (404) may be positioned between a plunger (402) and a cartridge (201) (which will be revealed in subsequent embodiments) located in the stapler body (200). In one embodiment, the cartridge (201) may be defined in the stapler body (200) to accommodate a plurality of staples (300). In an alternative embodiment, multiple staples (300) may be housed in a stapler body (200), and the structure of the stapler body (220) acts as a cartridge (201). An elastic member (404) may be configured to bias the plunger (402) from a pressed position to an extended position. The elastic member may be at least one of, but is not limited to, a coil spring and a torsion spring.

[0043] Referring together to Figures 4a to 5b, a drive module is shown in relation to the cartridge (201). As previously described, a surgical stapler (100) may be provided with a cartridge (201), and the surgical stapler (100) may be provided within a stapler body (200). In this disclosure, the dimensions of the stapler body (200) and the cartridge (201) are not disclosed because they may vary based on requirements such as the number of staples to be accommodated, the dimensions of the staples, the type of tissue to be stapled, and the size of the tissue. The cartridge (201) may be defined integrally with the stapler body (200). In one implementation, the cartridge (201) may be detachably arranged within the stapler body (200) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the cartridge (201) may be structured to receive and accommodate a plurality of staples (300). The cartridge (201) may be defined by an opening at the top for receiving a plurality of staples (300). The cartridge (201) may be provided with a feed member (406) for holding force and for supplying one of a plurality of staples (300) up to a base (206) that can operatively engage with the cartridge (201). The base (206) may be substantially semicircular or circular and may hereafter be interchangeably referred to as the “circular base”. The circular base (206) may be provided proximal to the receptacle at the end opposite the apex of the cartridge (201). In one embodiment, the circular base (206) may be defined integrally with the cartridge (201) at the end opposite the apex. In another embodiment, the circular base (206) may be an integral part of the receptacle (203). In an alternative embodiment, the circular base (206) may be positioned in the stapler body (200) with respect to and between the receptacle (220) and the cartridge (201) and may be fixed to the stapler body (200). In another implementation, the circular base (206) may be defined integrally with the stapler body (200) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The circular base (206) may be positioned near the receiving opening (203) of the stapler body (200).A circular base (206) can be defined by a curved path (202b). In one embodiment, a transport member (202a) can be pivotably connected at the center of the circular base (260). The transport member (202a) of the drive mechanism (202) can be displaced between a first position (A) and a second position (B) with respect to the curved path (202b). The first position (A) (shown in Figure 5a) can be defined as the position where one of a plurality of staples (300a) is on the curved path. The second position (B) (shown in Figure 7) can be defined as the position where one of a plurality of staples (300a) enters the affected area (220) after being driven by the transport member (202a). The curved path (202b) is structured to guide one of the multiple staples (300) (300a) from the exit end (203b) defined in the receiving end (203) towards the inlet end (203a).

[0044] The surgical stapler (100) may include a deformation module (204) positioned proximal to the entrance end (203a) of the receiving end (203). The deformation module (204) may include a first end rotatable around the joint and a second end extending into the entrance end (203a) and structured to deform one of a plurality of staples (300). The deformation module (204) may be operable by a plunger (402) through a plurality of projections (403). The plurality of projections (403) may displace the deformation module (204) between a stationary position and a clamped position. While in the clamped position, the second ends of the deformation module (204) can move toward each other to deform a portion of a staple (300a) that extends outside the affected area (220), and the staple (300a) can be stapled to the affected area (220) such that the leading edge (301a) that extends outside the affected area (220) remains outside the skin surface. In an alternative embodiment, the entrance end (203a) of the receiving area (203) can be defined by a groove. The groove is defined on the surface of the entrance end (203a) and is configured to deform a portion of a staple (300a) that extends outside the affected area (220), and the staple (300a) can be stapled to the affected area (220).

[0045] In this embodiment, a plurality of staples (300) are disclosed as shown in Figures 6a to 7. The plurality of staples (300) may include pairs of curved arms (301). The pair of curved arms (301) may be in planes substantially parallel to each other. The pair of curved arms (301) may have the same arc length and the same curvature. In another embodiment, one arm of the pair of curved arms (301) may have a different arc length and a different curvature with respect to the other arm of the pair of curved arms (301). This may allow for better closure of shallow wound layers, as well as deep wound closure, where required. The plurality of curved arms (301) may be provided with one end. The one end of the pair of curved arms (301) is connected to each other via a bridge member (303). The bridge member (303) holds the pair of curved arms (301) from deformation as they enter the wound. The free ends of the pair of curved arms (301) can be defined by a tip (301a) for penetration through the affected area (220) of the specimen. The portion of the pair of curved arms (301) toward the tip (301a) can be defined by a displacement point (302). Both portions of the pair of curved arms (301) deform inward toward each other around the displacement point (302), thereby structuring to form a retaining bridge which may or may not be parallel to the bridge member (303). Furthermore, only the bridge member and the portion of the pair of curved arms (301) distal to the displacement point (302) toward the tip remain outside the skin surface. Multiple staples (300) can be made from biodegradable material.

[0046] Therefore, the present invention extends to any ergonomic or geometric configuration that embodies this interdependence between the staple shape, the socket, the curved path, the drive mechanism, and the deformation module.

[0047] In an operational embodiment, the user aligns the surgical stapler assembly (150) with the affected area. In one embodiment, the affected area (220) can be received into the receiving area (203) through a plurality of gripping modules (210). In an alternative embodiment, the affected area (220) can be received into the receiving area (203) when the stapler body (200) is placed around the affected area (220) and slight pressure is induced against the stapler body (200) to press the affected area (220) against the receiving area (203). When the handle (410) is pressed, the plunger (402) may be displaced to the pressed position, imparting rotational motion to the circular disc (202d). The circular motion of the circular disc (202d) is transferred to the transport member (202a) via the linkage member, displacing the transport member (202a) from a first position (A) to a second position (B), which may push one of the multiple staples (300a) out of the exit end (203b). The staple (300a) at the second position (B) exits the exit end (203b), penetrates the affected area (220) from one end, and enters the entrance end (203a) from the other end. Further displacement of the handle (410) activates the deformation module (204) via the multiple projections (403), which in turn deforms a pair of curved arm (301) portions around the displacement point (302). The pair of curved arm (301) portions rotate inward to trap the affected area between them. After the second position (B), the elastic member (404) pushes the plunger (402) into the extended position, and the transport member (202a) can return to its initial position. The next staple is loaded, and the surgical stapler assembly (150) is ready for the next round.

[0048] In this embodiment, the surgical stapler (100), along with multiple staples (300), can provide improved strength and equal force distribution across the wound compared to conventional devices, thereby preventing tissue damage. The surgical stapler assembly (150) can provide a two-layer equivalent closure that combines the advantages of deep dermal closure (removing tension from the skin surface) and epidermal closure (proximity and eversion of the wound edges). The closure can be compared to a combination of vertical mattress suture and horizontal mattress suture closure.

[0049] Equivalents

[0050] The embodiments described herein and their various features and advantageous details are described with reference to embodiments not limited herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate the understanding of the supplements to which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0051] The foregoing description of specific embodiments has sufficiently revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein, and others can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various uses without departing from the general concept by applying their existing knowledge. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should be understood, and are intended, within the equivalent meaning and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the expressions or terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Thus, while the embodiments herein are described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced by modification within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0052] Throughout this specification, variations of the word “comprise,” “comprises,” or “comprising,” etc., shall be understood to imply the inclusion of the element, integer, or stage, or group of elements, integers, or stages described, rather than the exclusion of any other element, integer, or stage, or group of elements, integers, or stages.

[0053] The use of the phrases "at least" or "at least one" implies the use of one or more elements, components, or quantities, since such use may be for achieving one or more of the desired objectives or results in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0054] Any discussion of documents, operations, materials, equipment, articles and similar items contained herein is solely for the purpose of providing context for this disclosure. None of these should be construed as acknowledging that any or all of them, because they existed at any point prior to the priority date of this application, constitute part of the prior art or were common general knowledge in the art relating to this disclosure.

[0055] Numerical values ​​mentioned for various physical parameters, dimensions, or quantities are approximations only, and unless otherwise specifically stated herein, values ​​higher or lower than the numerical values ​​assigned to those parameters, dimensions, or quantities are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] While certain features of this disclosure are given considerable emphasis herein, it will be understood that various modifications and many changes can be made in preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of this disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of this disclosure or preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it will be clearly understood that the above descriptive matters should be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.

[0057] Reference sign [Table 1]

Claims

1. A stapler body (200), and one end of the stapler body (200) is provided with a receiving opening (203) for receiving the affected part (220) of the specimen; A circular base (206) positioned proximal to the receiving opening (203), the circular base (206) defines a curved path (202b) structured to guide one staple (300a) of a plurality of staples (300) toward an exit end (203b) defined in the receiving opening (203); A drive mechanism (202) is structured to displace one of the plurality of staples (300a), the drive mechanism (202) is: A conveying member (202a) configured to be displaceable between a first position (A) and a second position (B) with respect to the curved path (202b); The transport member (202a) has an actuator (212) which is operably connected to the transport member (202a) and is operable to displace the transport member (202a) between the first position (A) and the second position (B) with respect to the curved path (202b), thereby displacing one of the plurality of staples (300a) so as to penetrate the affected area (220) from one end and extend out of the affected area (220) from the other end; and A deformation module (204) is positioned near the entrance end (203a) of the receiving opening (203) and is structured to deform a portion of the staple (300a) that extends from its other end to outside the affected area in order to staple the staple (300a) to the affected area (220). A surgical stapler (100) equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the stapler body (200) defines a housing formed by an elongated base plate (200b) having a length (L) longer than a width (W), a side wall structure (200c) extending around the elongated base plate (200b) by the length (L), and an upper cover (200d) positioned on the side wall structure (200c) and defining a space between them.

3. The surgical stapler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stapler body (200) defines a lower opening and an upper opening around its width, the lower opening is structured to receive the receiving opening (203), and the upper opening is structured to receive a cover.

4. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the circular base (206) is integrated with the receiving opening (203).

5. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (212) has a circular disc (202d) connected to the transport member (202a) through a linkage bar, and the circular disc (202d) is displaceable in at least one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction in order to displace the transport member (202a) by imparting movement through the linkage bar.

6. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 5, wherein the transport member (202a) may be at least one of a pusher arm, a conveyor belt, and a slider.

7. The surgical stapler (100) according to claims 1 and 6, wherein the actuator (212) has a plunger (402) that extends into the stapler body (200) and is operably engaged with the circular disc (202d), and the plunger (402) is displaceable between an extended position and a depressed position to impart rotational motion to the circular disc (202d).

8. The surgical stapler (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger (402) is defined by a plurality of first teeth structured to mesh with a plurality of second teeth defined along the circumference of the circular disc (202d).

9. A surgical stapler (100) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the end of the plunger (402) located outside the stapler body (200) is defined by a head (401a), and the other end of the plunger (402) located inside the stapler body (200) is defined by a plurality of protrusions (403).

10. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, comprising a cartridge (201) provided on the stapler body (200) and structured to receive and house the plurality of staples (300).

11. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member (404) disposed between the plunger (402) and the cartridge (201), wherein the elastic member (404) is configured to bias the plunger (402) from the pressed position to the extended position.

12. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of staples (300) has a pair of curved arms (301), one end of the pair of curved arms (301) is defined by a bridge member (303), and the free end of the pair of curved arms is defined by a tip (301a) for penetrating the affected area (220) of the specimen.

13. The surgical stapler (100) according to claims 1 and 12, wherein each arm of the pair of curved arms (301) is defined by a displacement point (302), and a portion of each arm of the pair of curved arms (301) toward the free end is deformable about the displacement point (302).

14. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of gripping modules (210) connected to the stapler body (200) proximal to the receiving opening (203), wherein the plurality of gripping modules (210) are configured to grip the affected area (220) and pull it into the receiving opening area.

15. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving opening (203) is defined by a guard (202g) projecting outward from substantially the central part of the receiving opening (203), and the guard (202g) prevents unintended stapling and damage to structures proximal to the affected area of ​​the specimen.

16. The surgical stapler (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections (403) are structured to displace the deformation module (204) between a stationary position and a clamped position during the displacement of the plunger (402) to the pressed position, and the displacement of the deformation module (204) from its stationary position to the clamped position deforms the pair of curved arms (301) around the displacement point (302) to staple the one staple to the affected portion of the specimen.

17. A staple (300a) for a surgical stapler according to claim 1, wherein the staple (300a) is A staple (300a) comprising a pair of curved arms (301), where one end of the pair of curved arms (301) is connected to the other via a bridge member (303), and the free end of the pair of curved arms (301) opposite to the end defined by the bridge member (303) is defined by a tip (301a) for penetrating the affected area (220).

18. The staple (300a) according to claim 17, wherein the pair of curved arms (301) are substantially parallel to each other.

19. The staple (300a) according to claim 17, wherein the pair of curved arms (301) are defined at a displacement point (302), and a portion of the pair of curved arms (301) toward the tip deforms around the displacement point (302) to form a retaining bridge substantially parallel to the bridge member (303).

20. The plurality of staples are made from a biodegradable material, as described in claim 17 (300a).

21. The staple (300a) according to claim 17, wherein one arm of the pair of curved arms (301) has the same arc length and curvature as the other arm of the pair of curved arms (301).

22. The staple (300a) according to claim 20, wherein the arc length and curvature of the pair of curved arms (301) are substantially different from each other.

23. The staple (300a) according to claim 17, wherein each of the pair of curved arms (301) that have passed the displacement point and the bridge member (303) is located outside the skin surface of the affected area.

24. A surgical stapler (100) having a stapler body (200), the stapler body (200) having a receiving opening (203) at one end for receiving the affected area (220) of a specimen; A plurality of staples (300), one staple (300a) of the plurality of staples (300) is defined by a pair of curved arms (301), one end of the pair of curved arms (301) is connected to the other via a bridge member (303), and the free end of the pair of curved arms (301), opposite to the end defined by the bridge member (303), is defined by a tip (301a) for penetrating through the affected area (220); A circular base (206) positioned proximal to the receiving opening (203), the circular base (206) defines a curved path (202b) structured to guide one staple (300a) of a plurality of staples (300) toward an exit end (203b) defined in the receiving opening (203); A drive mechanism (202) is structured to displace one staple (300a) among the plurality of staples (300). The drive mechanism (202) is: A conveying member (202a) configured to be displaceable between a first position (A) and a second position (B) with respect to the curved path (202b); An actuator (212) operably connected to the transport member (202a), which displaces the transport member (202a) between the first position (A) and the second position (B) with respect to the curved path (202b), and displaces one of the plurality of staples (300a) so that it penetrates the affected area (220) from one end and extends outside the affected area (220) from the other end; and A deformation module (204) is positioned near the entrance end (203a) of the receiving opening (203) and is structured to deform a portion of the staple (300a) that extends from the other end to outside the affected area (220) in order to staple the staple (300a) to the affected area (220). A surgical stapler assembly (150) comprising [the specified features].

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