Apparatus for detecting complete seating of a buttress applicator in an end effector of a surgical stapler - Patents.com

Abstract

The device includes: (a) at least one platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the at least one platform configured to transition between a first state and a second state; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the at least one platform; (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in a direction toward at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector to place the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] In some surgical situations, endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferred over traditional open surgical devices to utilize smaller incisions in the patient, which may reduce postoperative recovery time and complications. Some endoscopic surgical instruments are adapted to place a distal end effector at a desired surgical site through a cannula of a trocar. These distal end effectors may engage tissue in various ways to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic effects (e.g., endocutter, grasper, cutter, stapler, clip applier, access device, drug / gene therapy delivery device, and energy delivery device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.). An endoscopic surgical instrument may include a shaft between the end effector and the handle portion that is manipulated by the clinician. Such a shaft may allow insertion to a desired depth and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby facilitating positioning of the end effector within the patient. Positioning of the end effector can be further facilitated by the inclusion of one or more articulation joints or features that allow the end effector to be selectively articulated or otherwise deflected relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0002] Examples of endoscopic surgical instruments include surgical staplers. Some such staplers are operable to substantially seal the severed tissue layers together near the severed ends of the tissue layers by clamping the tissue layers, cutting the clamped tissue layers, and driving a staple through the tissue layers. Merely exemplary surgical staplers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,380,696, issued on June 3, 2008, entitled "Articulating Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Two-Piece E-Beam Firing Mechanism," U.S. Patent No. 8,408,439, issued on April 2, 2013, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument with An Articulatable End Effector," and U.S. Patent No. 8,453,914, issued on June 4, 2013, entitled "Motor-Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with Electric Actuator Directional Control Assembly." The disclosures of each of the above-cited U.S. patents and published U.S. patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] Surgical staplers may also be used in open procedures and / or other non-endoscopic procedures. By way of example only, in thoracic surgical procedures that do not use a trocar as a stapler conduit, a surgical stapler may be inserted between the patient's ribs through a thoracotomy to reach one or more organs. For example, blood vessels leading to an organ may be severed and closed by the stapler prior to removing the organ from the chest cavity. Of course, surgical staplers may be used in a variety of other settings and procedures.

[0004] While many different types of surgical stapling instruments and related components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the present inventors has made or used the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] 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 given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary surgical stapling instrument. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 shows a perspective view of the end effector of the instrument of FIG. 1 in an open state. [Figure 4A] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the firing beam in a proximal position. [Figure 4B] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the firing beam in a distal position. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional end view of the end effector of FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 3 after being positioned in tissue and actuated once within the tissue. [Figure 8] 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary pair of buttress assemblies, each of which may be applied to the jaws of the end effector of FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the end effector of FIG. 3 with the buttress assembly of FIG. 8 applied to the upper and lower jaws of the end effector, showing the end effector jaws with tissue positioned between the upper and lower jaws. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional end view of the end effector and buttress assembly of FIG. 9A with the end effector in a closed position on tissue. [Figure 9C] 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the formed staple and buttress assembly of FIG. 9A after it has been secured to tissue by the end effector of FIG. 3. [Figure 10] 9B shows a perspective view of the formed staple and buttress assembly of FIG. 9A after it has been secured to tissue by the end effector of FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary buttress applier cartridge that may be used to hold and apply the buttress assembly of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the buttress applier cartridge of FIG. [Figure 13A] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 3 and the buttress applier cartridge of FIG. 11 , showing the end effector and buttress applier cartridge aligned with one another; [Figure 13B] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 3 and the buttress applier cartridge of FIG. 11 , with the end effector closed on the platform of the buttress applier cartridge. [Figure 14] FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of another exemplary buttress applicator carrying the buttress assembly of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the buttress applicator of FIG. 14 showing various electrical components including an electrical switch configured to detect the tissue stop of the end effector of FIG. 3 . [Figure 16A] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 3 positioned over the buttress applicator of FIG. 14 showing the expandable platform of the buttress applicator in a folded state. [Figure 16B] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 3 positioned over the buttress applicator of FIG. 14 , showing the expandable platform of the buttress applicator in a deployed state for applying a buttress assembly onto the end effector jaws in response to a tissue stop of the end effector contacting an electrical switch of the buttress applicator. [Figure 17A]FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary buttress applicator carrying one of the buttress assemblies of FIG. 8 and positioned on the lower jaw of the end effector of FIG. 3 , showing the movable platform of the buttress applicator in a retracted state. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a side cross-sectional view of the buttress applicator of FIG. 17A positioned over the lower jaw of the end effector of FIG. 3 showing the movable platform of the buttress applicator in a deployed state for applying a buttress assembly onto the lower jaw of the end effector in response to a distal tip of the lower jaw contacting a translatable slide of the buttress applicator.

[0006] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any manner, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other various ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The following description of a specific embodiment of the present technology should not be used to limit its scope. Other embodiments, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is illustrative and is one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present technology. As will be understood, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious embodiments, all without departing from the technology. Thus, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

[0008] It will be further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Thus, the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described below should not be considered in isolation from one another. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0009] For clarity of this disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a human or robotic surgical instrument operator. The term "proximal" refers to a location of an element closer to a human or robotic surgical instrument operator and further away from a surgical end effector of the surgical instrument. The term "distal" refers to a location of an element closer to a surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further away from a human or robotic surgical instrument operator. In addition, the terms "upper", "lower", "lateral", "transverse", "bottom", and "top" are relative terms to provide further clarity to the description of the figures provided below. The terms "upper", "lower", "lateral", "transverse", "bottom", and "top" are therefore not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein.

[0010] I. Exemplary Surgical Stapler 1-7 illustrate an exemplary surgical stapling and severing instrument (10) sized for insertion into a surgical site on a patient through a trocar cannula or an incision (e.g., a thoracotomy) to perform a surgical procedure. The instrument (10) in this example includes a handle portion (20) connected to a shaft (22) that terminates distally in an articulation joint (11), which is further coupled to an end effector (12). Once the articulation joint (11) and end effector (12) have been inserted through the cannula passage of the trocar, the articulation joint (11) may be remotely articulated by an articulation control (13), as depicted in phantom in FIG. 1, to deflect the end effector (12) to a desired angle (α) from the longitudinal axis (LA) of the shaft (22). The end effector (12) in this embodiment includes a lower jaw (16) which contains a staple cartridge (37) and an upper jaw in the form of a pivotable anvil (18).

[0011] The handle portion (20) includes a pistol grip (24) and a closure trigger (26). The closure trigger (26) is pivotable toward the pistol grip (24) to clamp or close the anvil (18) toward the lower jaw (16) of the end effector (12). Such closure of the anvil (18) is effected via a closure tube (32) and a closure ring (33), both of which translate longitudinally relative to the handle portion (20) in response to pivoting of the closure trigger (26) relative to the pistol grip (24). The closure tube (32) extends along the length of the shaft (22), and the closure ring (33) is positioned distal to the articulation joint (11). The articulation joint (11) is operable to transmit longitudinal movement from the closure tube (32) to the closure ring (33).

[0012] As shown in FIGURE 2, handle portion (20) also includes a firing trigger (28). An elongate member (not shown) extends longitudinally through shaft (22) and transfers longitudinal firing motion from handle portion (20) to firing beam (14) in response to actuation of firing trigger (28). As described in further detail below, this distal translation of firing beam (14) effects the stapling and severing of tissue clamped within end effector (12).

[0013] As best seen in Figures 3-6, the end effector (12) employs a firing beam (14) that includes a transversely oriented upper pin (38), a firing beam cap (44), a transversely oriented middle pin (46), and a distally presented cutting edge (48). The upper pin (38) is positioned within a longitudinal anvil slot (42) of the anvil (18) and is translatable within the longitudinal anvil slot (42). The firing beam cap (44) slidably engages the lower surface of the lower jaw (16) by having the firing beam (14) extend through a lower jaw slot (45) (shown in Figure 4B) formed through the lower jaw (16). The middle pin (46) slidably engages the upper surface of the lower jaw (16) in cooperation with the firing beam cap (44).

[0014] FIG 3 shows the firing beam (14) of this example positioned proximally and the anvil (18) pivoted to an open configuration to removably mount an unused staple cartridge (37) within a channel in the lower jaw (16). As best seen in FIGS. 5-6, the staple cartridge (37) of this example includes a cartridge body (70) that presents an upper deck (72) and is coupled to a lower cartridge tray (74). As best seen in FIG 3, a vertical slot (49) extends longitudinally through a portion of the staple cartridge body (70). Also, as best seen in FIG 3, three rows of staple openings (51) are formed through the upper deck (72) on each side of the vertical slot (49). As shown in Figures 4A-6, a wedge-shaped sled (41) and a plurality of staple drivers (43) are captured between a cartridge body (70) and a tray (74), with the wedge-shaped sled (41) located proximally relative to the staple drivers (43). The wedge-shaped sled (41) is movable longitudinally within the staple cartridge (37), while the staple drivers (43) are movable vertically within the staple cartridge (37). Staples (47) are also positioned within the cartridge body (70) above their corresponding staple drivers (43). Each staple (47) is driven vertically within the cartridge body (70) by the staple drivers (43), which drive the staples (47) out through associated staple openings (51). As best seen in Figures 4A-4B and 6, wedge sled (41) presents an inclined cam surface that urges staple driver (43) upward as wedge sled (41) is driven distally through staple cartridge (37).

[0015] As shown in Figures 4A-4B, when the end effector (12) is closed by distally advancing the closure tube (32) and closure ring (33), the firing beam (14) is advanced distally and engages the anvil (18) by the upper pin (38) entering the longitudinal anvil slot (42). A pusher block (80) (shown in Figure 5) is located at the distal end of the firing beam (14) and pushes against the wedge-shaped sled (41) as the firing beam (14) is advanced distally through the staple cartridge (37) when the firing trigger (28) is actuated. During such firing, the cutting edge (48) of the firing beam (14) enters the vertical slot (49) of the staple cartridge (37) and severs the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge (37) and the anvil (18). As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the middle pin (46) and pusher block (80) together actuate the staple cartridge (37) by entering the vertical slot (49) in the staple cartridge (37) and drive the wedge sled (41) into upward camming contact with the staple driver (43), which pushes the staples (47) out of the staple openings (51) and into forming contact with the staple forming pockets (53) (shown in FIG. 3) on the inner surface of the anvil (18). FIG. 4B shows the firing beam (14) fully translated distally after tissue severing and stapling is complete. The staple forming pockets (53) are shown in FIG. 3 but are intentionally omitted from the views of FIGS. 4A-4B. The anvil (18) is intentionally omitted from the view of FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 7 shows the end effector (12) actuated through one stroke through tissue (90). The cutting edge (48) (obscured in FIG. 7) cuts the tissue (90) while the staple driver (43) drives three alternating rows of staples (47) through the tissue (90) on either side of the cut line formed by the cutting edge (48). After the first stroke is completed, the end effector (12) is withdrawn from the trocar, the spent staple cartridge (37) is replaced with a new staple cartridge (37), and the end effector (12) is then reinserted into the patient to reach the stapling site for further cutting and stapling. This process can be repeated until the desired amount and pattern of firing strokes across the tissue (90) is completed.

[0017] The instrument (10) may be further configured and operative in accordance with any of the teachings of the following references, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, including, but not limited to, U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411, entitled "Motor-Driven Surgical Instrument," issued July 3, 2012; U.S. Pat. No. 9,186,142, entitled "Surgical Instrument End Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks," issued November 17, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 9,517,065, entitled "Integrated Tissue Positioning and Jaw Alignment Features for Surgical Stapler," issued December 13, 2016; U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,746, entitled "Distal Tip Features for End Effector of Surgical Instrument," issued April 18, 2017; U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,746, entitled "Lockout Feature for No. 9,717,497 entitled "Movable Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument," U.S. Patent No. 9,795,379 entitled "Surgical Instrument with Multi-Diameter Shaft," issued on October 24, 2017, U.S. Patent No. 9,808,248 entitled "Installation Features for Surgical Instrument End Effector Cartridge," issued on November 7, 2017, U.S. Patent No. 9,839,421 entitled "Jaw Closure Feature for End Effector of Surgical Instrument," issued on December 12, 2017, and / or U.S. Patent No. 10,092,292 entitled "Staple Forming Features for Surgical Stapling Instrument," issued on October 9, 2018.

[0018] II. Exemplary Buttress Assemblies and Buttress Applier Cartridges In some cases, it may be desirable to provide the end effector (12) of the surgical instrument (10) with a supplemental material, such as a buttress, to reinforce the mechanical fastening of tissue provided by the staples (47). Such a buttress may prevent the applied staples (47) from backing out of the tissue, reducing the risk of tissue tearing that would otherwise occur at or near the application site of the staples (47). In addition to or instead of providing structural support and integrity to the line of staples (47), the buttress may provide a variety of other types of effects, such as filling voids or gaps, delivering therapeutic agents, and / or another effect. In some cases, the buttress may be provided on the top deck (72) of the staple cartridge (37). As mentioned above, the deck (72) houses the staples (47) that are driven by the staple driver (43). In some other cases, the buttress may be provided on the surface of the anvil (18) that faces the staple cartridge (37). It should also be appreciated that a first buttress may be provided on the deck (72) of the staple cartridge (37), while a second buttress is provided on the anvil (18) of the same end effector (12).

[0019] Examples of the various forms the buttress may take are described in more detail below. Various methods by which the buttress may be secured to the staple cartridge (37) or anvil (18) are also described in detail below. The exemplary buttress assemblies, exemplary materials and techniques for applying the buttress assemblies, and exemplary buttress applier cartridges may be constructed in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 10,166,023, issued Jan. 1, 2019, and entitled "Method of Applying a Buttress to a Surgical Stapler End Effector," and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,349,939, issued July 16, 2019, and entitled "Method of Applying a Buttress to a Surgical Stapler," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] A. Exemplary Configurations of Buttress Assembly FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary pair of buttress assemblies (110, 112) (each individually referred to as a "buttress"). The buttress assembly (110) of this example includes a buttress body (114) and an upper adhesive layer (116). Similarly, the buttress assembly (112) includes a buttress body (118) and a lower adhesive layer (120). In this example, each buttress body (114, 118) includes a strong, yet flexible material configured to structurally support a line of staples (47). By way of example only, each buttress body (114, 118) may include a mesh of Polyglactin 910 material by Ethicon, Inc. of Somerville, New Jersey. Alternatively, any other suitable material or combination of materials may be used in addition to or in place of the Polyglactin 910 material to form each buttress body (114, 118).

[0021] Each buttress body (114, 118) may, for example, aid in clotting blood and / or tissue (T 1 , T 2), including a hemostatic agent such as fibrin to reduce bleeding at the surgical site following severing and / or staples along the surgical cutouts. As another merely illustrative example, each buttress body (114, 118) may include other additives or may include a hemostatic agent such as thrombin, such that each buttress body (114, 118) may assist in clotting blood and reducing the amount of bleeding at the surgical site. Other additives or reagents that may be incorporated into each buttress body (114, 118) may further include, but are not limited to, medicinal fluids or matrix components.

[0022] In this embodiment, an adhesive layer (116) is provided on buttress body (114) for adhering buttress body (114) to an underside (124) of anvil (18). Similarly, an adhesive layer (120) is provided on buttress body (118) for adhering buttress body (118) to the top deck (72) of staple cartridge (37). Such an adhesive material may provide for proper positioning of buttress bodies (114, 118) prior to and during actuation of the end effector (12), and then allow buttress bodies (114, 118) to be separated from the end effector (12) after the end effector (12) has been actuated without causing damage to buttress bodies (114, 118) substantially sufficient to impair the subsequent proper functioning of buttress bodies (114, 118).

[0023] B. Exemplary stapling of tissue with a buttress assembly 9A-9C show an end effector (12) loaded with a buttress assembly (110, 112) being actuated to separate two opposing tissue layers (T 1 , T 2 ) so that the buttress assemblies (110, 112) are secured to the same tissue layer (T 1 , T 2 ) positioned between the anvil (18) and the staple cartridge (37).1 , T 2 ) with the anvil (18) in an open position. The buttress assembly (110) is adhered to the underside (124) of the anvil (18) via an adhesive layer (116), and the buttress assembly (112) is adhered to the top deck (72) of the staple cartridge (37) via an adhesive layer (120). 1 , T 2 ) is thus sandwiched between the buttress assemblies (110, 112). The closure trigger (26) is then pivoted towards the pistol grip (24) to drive the closure tube (32) and closure ring (33) distally, which drives the anvil (18) into the closed position, as shown in FIG. 9B. At this stage, the layer of tissue (T 1 , T 2 ) is compressed between the anvil (18) and the staple cartridge (37), and the buttress assembly (110, 112) presses against the layer of tissue (T 1 , T 2 The end effector (12) is then actuated as described above to drive the buttress assembly (110, 112) and tissue (T 1 , T 2 ) through the tissue (T). As shown in FIG. 13C, the crown (122) of the driven staple (47) penetrates the tissue (T 2 The deformed legs (126) of the staples (47) capture and hold the buttress assembly (112) against the layer of tissue (T 1 ) to capture and hold the buttress assembly (110).

[0024] A series of staples (47) are similarly attached to the tissue layer (T 1 , T 2 ) so that the buttress assemblies (110, 112) are held against the tissue (T), as shown in FIG. 1 , T 2 After the staple (47) and buttress assembly (110, 112) are deployed, the end effector (12) is inserted into the tissue (T 1 , T2 ), the buttress assembly (110, 112) is disengaged from the end effector so that the buttress assembly (110, 112) can be secured to the tissue (T) with the staples (47). 1 , T 2 ) in a fixed state. In this manner, the buttresses (110, 112) 1 , T 2 10, the cutting edge (48) of the firing beam (14), shown distally, also serves to structurally reinforce the line of staples (47) formed in the tissue (T 1 , T 2 A cut is then made through the centerline of the buttress tissue assemblies (110, 112) to separate each buttress assembly (110, 112) into a corresponding pair of portions such that the buttress tissue assemblies (110, 112) remain secured to their respective severed regions.

[0025] C. Exemplary buttress applier cartridge with active retainer arms Because the end effector (12) of a surgical instrument (10) may be actuated multiple times during a single surgical procedure, it may be desirable to allow an operator to repeatedly and easily load a buttress assembly (110, 112) onto the end effector jaws (16, 18) during that single surgical procedure. FIGS. 11-13B illustrate an exemplary buttress applier cartridge (210) (also referred to as a "buttress applicator") that may be used to support, protect, and apply ancillary material, such as a buttress assembly (110, 112), to the end effector (12). As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cartridge (210) in this example includes an open end (212) and a closed end (214). As will be described in further detail below, the open end (212) is configured to receive the end effector (12). The cartridge (210) further includes a first housing (216a) and a second housing (216b), each defining a generally "U" shape and presenting an open end (212). A platform (218) and a sled retainer (220) are sandwiched between the first housing (216a) and the second housing (216b).

[0026] The platform (218) in this example is configured to support a pair of buttress assemblies (110) on one side of the platform (218) and another pair of buttress assemblies (112) on the other side of the platform (218). The platform (218) is exposed in a recess formed between the prongs of the "U" configuration of the first housing (216a) and the second housing (216b). Although each buttress assembly (110, 112) is provided as a respective pair of separate pieces to avoid spanning across the slots (42, 49) of the anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37), respectively, the platform (218) could just as easily support wider versions of the buttress assemblies (110, 112), respectively, that span as a unit across the slots (42, 49) of the anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37). More specifically, the outer edge of the platform (218) includes a retention feature (530) in the form of a ridge that further engages the first housing (216a) and the second housing (216b) to prevent the platform (218) from sliding relative to the first housing (216a) and the second housing (216b).

[0027] The first and second housings (216a, 216b) include integral gripping mechanisms (222) and indicator plates (224) positioned to correspond to windows (226) formed in the first and second housings (216a, 216b) such that the indicator plates (224) are visible through the windows (226) at different times. The arms (228) in this example are configured to selectively secure the buttress assemblies (110, 112) to the platform (218). In this example, the arms (228) are resilient and thus configured to resiliently support the buttress assemblies (110, 112), thereby sandwiching the buttress assemblies (110, 112) against the platform (218). The buttress applier cartridge (210) includes a pair of tapered cam surfaces (232) and respective pairs of housing engagement features (234) positioned to engage corresponding surfaces of the first housing (216a) and the second housing (216b). The first housing (216b) and the second housing (216a) include proximal and distal guide features (236) and (238) configured to assist in providing proper alignment of the end effector (40) and the cartridge (210).

[0028] Figure 13A shows the cartridge (210) in a configuration where the retainer arms (228) are positioned to hold the buttress assemblies (110, 112) against the platform (218), and Figure 13B shows the cartridge (210) in a configuration where the retainer arms (228) are positioned to release the buttress assemblies (110, 112) from the platform (218). Although Figures 13A and 13B only show the buttress assembly (110) on the platform (218), the buttress assembly (112) is retained on and released from the platform (218) in the same manner. To load the end effector (12) with the cartridge (210), the operator will first position the cartridge (210) and end effector (12) such that the end effector is aligned with the open end (212) of the cartridge (210) as shown in Figure 13A. The operator then advances end effector (12) distally and / or retracts cartridge (210) proximally to position platform (218) and buttress assembly (110, 112) between the anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37), as shown in FIG 13B. Closure trigger (26) of instrument (10) is then pulled by the operator to close end effector jaws (16, 18) on platform (218), thereby adhesively attaching buttress assembly (110, 112) to the anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37) and simultaneously depressing cam surface (232). Depression of cam surface (232) acts laterally outwardly on the retainer arms (228), thereby releasing the buttress assemblies (110, 112) from the platform (218) such that the end effector jaws (16, 18) can be disengaged from the platform (218) while the buttress assemblies (110, 112) remain adhered to the anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37).

[0029] III. Exemplary Alternative Applicator Devices and Related Methods of Applying a Buttress to a Surgical Stapler End Effector In some cases, it may be desirable to provide an applicator device configured to apply a staple reinforcing auxiliary element to one or both jaws of a surgical stapler end effector while the jaws are still in an open state or without closing the jaws by actuation of the stapler's end effector closure system, such as by actuation of a closure trigger (26) of the surgical stapler (10). It may also be desirable to provide an applicator device configured to help provide proper alignment of the applicator device with the end effector (40) of the surgical stapler (10) (e.g., to ensure that an appropriately sized auxiliary element is applied on the desired jaw). The exemplary applicator devices described below provide such functionality, and thus each applicator device is configured to be manipulated relative to the end effector to apply an auxiliary element to one or both jaws without requiring actuation closure of the jaws as shown in FIGS. 13A-13B above. Additionally, the exemplary applicator devices described below may be operable to apply minimal pressure to properly seat the auxiliary material on the desired jaw (e.g., the lower jaw (16) or the anvil (18)).

[0030] It will be appreciated that any of the exemplary applicator devices described below may be configured to apply buttresses, such as buttresses (110, 112) discussed above, or auxiliary elements in the form of tissue thickness compensators, for example, of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0080336, published April 5, 2012, and now abandoned, entitled "Staple Cartridge Comprising Staples Positioned Within A Compressible Portion Thereof." Additionally, application of the staple reinforcement elements to the end effector jaws may be accomplished using adhesive mechanisms as described above and / or using mechanical coupling mechanisms, for example, of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,665,646, issued February 23, 2010, and entitled "Interlocking Buttress Material Retention System," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, any of the exemplary applicator devices described below may be suitably constructed for single use or multiple uses.

[0031] A. An exemplary buttress applicator with tissue stop engagement features for detecting proper seating on the end effector 14-16B show an exemplary buttress applicator (310) configured to prevent improper loading of the buttress assembly (110, 112) into the jaws of an end effector via tissue stop engagement features while the buttress applicator (310) is longitudinally misaligned with the jaws. The buttress applicator (310) is similar to the buttress applicator (210) described above, except as otherwise described below.

[0032] The buttress applicator (310) includes a housing (312) extending between a proximal end (313) and a distal end (314). The housing (312) includes an integral gripping feature defining a handle (316) positioned at or near the distal end (314) of the housing (312). The buttress applicator (310) also includes an expandable compression pad or platform (318) configured to selectively transition between a collapsed or unexpanded state, in which the platform (318) assumes a generally planar configuration (FIGS. 14 and 16A), and a deployed or expanded state, in which the platform (318) assumes a generally wedge-shaped configuration (FIG. 16B). In this regard, the buttress applicator (310) further comprises a platform driver in the form of a threaded rod (320) rotatably coupled to the housing (312) and extending between opposing folded halves of the platform (318), and a plurality of extendable arms or linkages (322) positioned between the threaded rod (320) and the opposing folded halves of the platform (318), such that rotation of the threaded rod (320) in a predetermined direction causes the linkages (322) to extend radially outward from the threaded rod (320) to deploy the platform (318). In the illustrated example, the buttress applicator (310) further comprises an energy storage device in the form of a motor (324) having a power source, such as a battery (326), selectively electrically coupled to the buttress applicator (310) and configured to selectively provide a torque to the threaded rod (320) to deploy the platform (318). In this regard, buttress applicator (310) also includes a detector in the form of an electrical probe or switch (328) in electrical communication with motor (324) and battery (326) for controllably actuating motor (324), as described in more detail below.

[0033] Platform (318) in this example is configured to support a buttress assembly (110) on one opposing folded side of platform (318) and another buttress assembly (112) on the other opposing folded side of platform (318). In the example shown, platform (318) supports widened versions of buttress assemblies (110, 112) that together span across respective slots (42, 49) of anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37), although buttress assemblies (110, 112) may alternatively be provided in respective pairs of portions separated to avoid spanning across respective slots (42, 49) of anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37).

[0034] The electrical switch (328) is positioned at or near the proximal end (313) of the housing (312) and is configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector (12), such as a tissue stop (12a) defined by a side flange of the anvil (18), when the end effector (12) is properly positioned relative to the buttress applicator (310) for loading the buttress assembly (110, 112) onto the end effector (12). For example, with reference to FIG. 15, the electrical switch (328) may be configured to move from an open state to a closed state in response to contact with the tissue stop (12a). The motor (324) may be configured to activate to deploy the platform (318) in response to the electrical switch (328) moving to the closed state. For example, movement of the electrical switch (328) to a closed state may place the motor (324) in selective electrical communication with the battery (326) such that power is selectively provided to the motor (324) from the battery (326) via the electrical switch (328). Thus, the motor (324) may be configured to selectively provide torque to the threaded rod (320) to deploy the platform (318) in response to detection of a tissue stop (12a) by the electrical switch (328). In this manner, the electrical switch (328) may aid in providing proper longitudinal and lateral alignment of the end effector (12) and buttress applicator (310) during deployment of the platform (318). In one example, the buttress applicator (310) may include a pair of electrical switches (328) configured to detect respective tissue stops (12a) defined by laterally opposed side flanges of the anvil (18), and the motor (324) may be configured to selectively provide torque to the threaded rod (320) to deploy the platform (318) in response to detection of both tissue stops (12a) by the respective electrical switches (328) (e.g., simultaneously). Such a pair of electrical switches (328) may aid in achieving proper angular alignment of the end effector (12) and buttress applicator (310) (e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis of the end effector (12)) during deployment of the platform (318).Additionally, or alternatively, the buttress applicator (310) may include a pair of laterally opposed ramps or cam surfaces at or near the proximal end (313) of the housing (312) to capture the tissue stop (12a) and angularly align the end effector (12) with the buttress applicator (310) during distal advancement of the end effector (12) relative to the buttress applicator (310).

[0035] Figure 16A shows the end effector (12) in an open state and positioned relative to the buttress applicator (310) such that the electrical switch (328) is spaced away from the tissue stop (12a), thereby preventing the platform (318) from transitioning from the folded state, while Figure 16B shows the end effector (12) positioned relative to the buttress applicator (310) such that the electrical switch (328) contacts the tissue stop (12a), thereby actuating the motor (324) and, in turn, transitioning the platform (318) from the folded state to the deployed state. To load the end effector (12) with the buttress applicator (310), the operator first positions the buttress applicator (310) and the end effector (12) such that, with the platform (318) in a folded position, the platform (318) and buttress assembly (110, 112) are positioned between the anvil (18) and the staple cartridge (37), as shown in FIGURE 16A. The operator then advances the end effector (12) distally relative to the buttress applicator (310) to bring the electrical switch (328) into contact with the tissue stop (12a), as indicated by the first arrow (A1) in FIGURE 16B. In response to such contact, the platform (318) may be deployed by the motor (324) toward the end effector jaws (16, 18), as indicated by the second arrow (A2) in FIG. 16B, thereby adhesively attaching the buttress assemblies (110, 112) to their respective jaws (16, 18). The buttress assemblies (110, 112) may be released from the platform (318) such that the end effector jaws (16, 18) may be disengaged from the platform (318), while the buttress assemblies (110, 112) remain adhesively attached to their respective jaws (16, 18).

[0036] Although deployment of the platform (318) has been described as being automated via the motor (324) and battery (326), the buttress applicator (310) may be configured such that deployment of the platform (318) is accomplished manually via user input, such as by allowing a user to apply torque to the threaded rod (320). In such cases, the buttress applicator (310) may include a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked state, in which the locking mechanism prevents rotation of the threaded rod (320), thereby preventing deployment of the platform (318), and an unlocked state, in which the locking mechanism allows rotation of the threaded rod (320) (e.g., when torque is applied to the threaded rod (320) by a user), thereby allowing deployment of the platform (318). In one example, the motor (324) may be configured to selectively transition the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to detection of a tissue stop (12a) by an electrical switch (328). Alternatively, motor (324), battery (326), and electrical switch (328) may be omitted, and buttress applicator (310) may include a detector in the form of a mechanical switch, such as a cam feature configured to selectively transition a locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to contact with one or more tissue stops (12a). For example, such cam feature may be configured to rotate in response to contacting tissue stop (12a), such rotation of the cam feature may enable rotation of threaded rod (320) (e.g., when a torque is applied to threaded rod (320) by a user), thereby enabling deployment of platform (318).

[0037] Although the buttress applicator (310) has been described as including an expandable platform (318) and a platform driver in the form of a threaded rod (320) and linkage (322) for deploying the platform (318), it will be understood that the buttress applicator (310) may include any other suitable type of platform and / or platform driver for deploying such a platform to attach the buttress assemblies (110, 112) to the end effector jaws (16, 18). Similarly, while the buttress applicator (310) has been described as including a detector in the form of an electrical switch (328), it will be understood that the buttress applicator (310) may include any other suitable type of electrical and / or mechanical detector for detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector (12) when the buttress applicator (310) is properly aligned with the end effector (12), such that the platform driver may be configured to selectively deploy the platform only when the detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector (12) (e.g., by automatically deploying the platform in response to such detection, or by transitioning a locking mechanism of the driver to an unlocked state to allow deployment of the platform in response to such detection). For example, the detector may be a non-contact mechanism, such as a proximity sensor (e.g., an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc.) configured to detect the presence of the predetermined portion of the end effector (12) without actually contacting the predetermined portion of the end effector (12).

[0038] Exemplary Buttress Applicator Having Distal Tip Engagement Features for Detecting Proper Seating on an End Effector 17A-17B show an exemplary buttress applicator (410) configured to prevent improper loading of the buttress assembly (110, 112) into the jaws of an end effector via distal tip engagement features while the buttress applicator (410) is longitudinally misaligned with the jaws. The buttress applicator (410) is similar to the buttress applicators (210, 310) described above, except as specifically described below.

[0039] The buttress applicator (410) includes a housing (412) extending between a proximal end (413) and a distal end (414). The housing (412) includes an observation window (416) positioned at or near the distal end (414) of the housing (412) to permit visual observation of internal components positioned within the housing (412), as described in more detail below. The buttress applicator (410) also includes a generally planar, floating compression pad or platform (418) having a pair of slots (420) and configured to selectively transition between a contracted state ( FIG. 17A ) and a deployed state ( FIG. 17B ). In this regard, the buttress applicator (410) further includes a platform driver in the form of a plurality of energy storage devices including a resilient member, more specifically, a compression leaf spring (424) positioned between the platform (418) and the housing (412). The leaf spring (424) is configured to selectively transition from a compressed state ( FIG. 17A ) to an expanded state ( FIG. 17B ) to bias the platform (418) in an application direction (e.g., perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the platform (418)) facing a surface of the platform (418) configured to support the buttress assemblies (110, 112) to deploy the platform (418). The buttress applicator (410) also includes a detector in the form of a mechanical switch, and more specifically, a longitudinally translatable slide (428) positioned on an opposite side of the platform (418) from the leaf spring (424) to limit movement of the platform (418) in the application direction, as described in more detail below.

[0040] Platform (418) in this example is configured to support at least one buttress assembly (110, 112) on at least one side of platform (418). In the embodiment shown, platform (418) supports widened versions of buttress assemblies (110, 112) that integrally span slots (42, 49) of anvil (18) or staple cartridge (37), although buttress assemblies (110, 112) may alternatively be provided in respective pairs of separated portions that do not span slots (42, 49) of anvil (18) and staple cartridge (37), respectively.

[0041] The translatable slide (428) includes an actuation bar (430) positioned at or near the distal end (414) of the housing (412) and a generally elongated support (432) extending proximally from the actuation bar (430) and parallel to the platform (418). The translatable slide (428) further includes a pair of tabs (434) projecting from the support (432) toward the platform (418) and configured to selectively abut the platform (418) thereby preventing expansion of the leaf springs (424) and further configured to be selectively received by respective slots (420) thereby allowing expansion of the leaf springs (424) to deploy the platform (418). The actuation bar (430) is configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector (12), such as the distal tip (12b) defined by the staple cartridge (37) of the lower jaw (16), when the end effector (12) is properly positioned relative to the buttress applicator (410) to load the buttress assembly (110, 112) onto the end effector (12). For example, the translatable slide (428) may be configured to move from a proximal unactuated state to a distal actuated state in response to the actuation bar (430) being pushed distally by or otherwise contacting the distal tip (12b). The leaf spring (424) may be configured to expand to deploy the platform (418) in response to the movement of the translatable slide (428) to the actuated state. For example, as the translatable slide (428) moves to the actuated state, the tabs (434) of the supports (432) can be selectively longitudinally aligned with the slots (420) of the platform (418), thereby enabling the leaf springs (424) to selectively bias the platform (418) in an application direction. Thus, the leaf springs (424) can be configured to selectively bias the platform (418) in an application direction to deploy the platform (418) in response to detection of the distal tip (12b) by the actuation bar (430) of the translatable slide (428).In this manner, the translatable slide (428) may aid in properly aligning the end effector (12) longitudinally and laterally with the buttress applicator (410) during deployment of the platform (418). In one embodiment, the movement of the translatable slide (428) to the actuated state may be observable through the viewing window (416), thereby providing a visual indication of the deployment of the platform (418).

[0042] Figure 17A illustrates the end effector (12) in an open state with the buttress applicator (410) positioned on the lower jaw (16) such that the actuation bar (430) of the translatable slide (428) is spaced from the distal tip (12b) such that the tab (434) abuts against the platform (418) to prevent the platform (418) from transitioning from the contracted state, while Figure 17B illustrates the end effector (12) positioned relative to the buttress applicator (410) such that the distal tip (12b) pushes or otherwise contacts the actuation bar (430) distally, thereby translating the slide (428) distally such that the tab (434) is longitudinally aligned with the slot (420) and thus ceases to abut against the platform (418) and the leaf spring (424) transitions the platform (418) from the contracted state to the deployed state. To load the end effector (12) with the buttress applicator (410), the operator first positions the buttress applicator (410) and the end effector (12) so that the lower jaw (16) is received within the housing (412), the platform (418) and buttress assembly (110, 112) are positioned between the anvil (18) and the staple cartridge (37), and the platform (418) is in a contracted state, as shown in FIG. 17A. The operator then advances the end effector (12) distally relative to the buttress applicator (410) until the actuation bar (430) of the translatable slide (428) is pushed distally by or otherwise contacts the distal tip (12b) of the translatable slide (428), as shown by the third arrow (A3) in FIG. 17B. In response to such contact, the platform (418) may be deployed by the leaf spring (424) toward the lower jaw (16), as indicated by the fourth arrow (A4) in FIG. 17B, thereby adhesively attaching the buttress assembly (110, 112) to the lower jaw (16).The buttress assembly (110, 112) may be released from the platform (418), which may cause the lower jaw (16) to disengage from the platform (418) while the buttress assembly (110, 112) remains attached to the lower jaw (16).

[0043] IV. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive methods in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims that may be presented at any time in this application or any subsequent application of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be configured and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that certain features referred to in the following examples may be omitted in some variations. Thus, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be considered critical unless later expressly so indicated by the inventors or their successors. If the claims presented in this application or any subsequent application related to this application include additional features other than those referred to below, those additional features should not be considered added for any reason regarding patentability. EXAMPLES

[0044] 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) at least one platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the at least one platform configured to transition between a first state and a second state; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the at least one platform; (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in a direction toward at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector to place the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of the at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. EXAMPLES

[0045] The apparatus of example 1, wherein the driver is configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from a first state to a second state in response to the at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0046] The apparatus of example 2, wherein the driver includes an energy storage device configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from a first state to a second state in response to the at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0047] The apparatus of example 3, wherein the energy storage device includes a motor configured to operate in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0048] The apparatus of example 4, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the motor, the at least one electrical switch configured to transition between an open state and a closed state in response to contacting a predetermined portion of the end effector to actuate the motor. EXAMPLES

[0049] The device of Example 5, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes at least one tissue stop of the end effector, and the at least one electrical switch is configured to transition between an open state and a closed state in response to contact with the at least one tissue stop. EXAMPLES

[0050] The device of Example 6, wherein at least one detector includes a pair of electrical switches, at least one tissue stop includes a pair of tissue stops, and the driver is configured to selectively transition at least one platform from a first state to a second state when each electrical switch of the pair of electrical switches contacts a respective tissue stop of the pair of tissue stops. EXAMPLES

[0051] The apparatus of example 3, wherein the energy storage device includes an elastic member configured to transition between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0052] The device of example 8, wherein the at least one detector includes a translatable slide configured to translate relative to the at least one platform between an unactuated state in which the slide prevents the elastic member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state and an actuated state in which the slide enables the elastic member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state in response to contact with a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0053] The device of example 9, wherein the translatable slide includes at least one tab, the at least one platform includes at least one slot, the at least one tab configured to abut the platform when the translatable slide is in an unactuated state, thereby preventing the elastic member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state, and the at least one tab configured to be received by the at least one slot when the translatable slide is in an actuated state, thereby allowing the elastic member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state. EXAMPLES

[0054] The device of any one or more of Examples 9-10, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes a distal tip of one of the first jaw or the second jaw of the end effector, and the translatable slide includes an actuation bar configured to contact the distal tip to translate the slide between an unactuated state and an actuated state. EXAMPLES

[0055] The device of any one or more of Examples 9-11, wherein the elastic member comprises a compression spring. EXAMPLES

[0056] 13. The apparatus of example 12, wherein the at least one platform is positioned between the compression spring and the translatable slide. EXAMPLES

[0057] The apparatus of example 1, wherein the driver includes a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is configured to transition between a locked state in which the locking mechanism prevents the platform from transitioning and an unlocked state in which the locking mechanism enables the platform to transition in response to the at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0058] The device of example 14, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the locking mechanism, the at least one electrical switch configured to transition between an open state and a closed state in response to contact with a predetermined portion of the end effector to transition the locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state. EXAMPLES

[0059] A system comprising: (a) an end effector of a surgical stapler, the end effector including opposing first and second jaws; and (b) a device described in any one or more of Examples 1-15. EXAMPLES

[0060] The system of example 16, wherein the platform of the device is positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0061] 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) an expandable platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the expandable platform configured to selectively transition between an unextended state and an extended state; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the expandable platform; (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the expandable platform from the unextended state to the extended state in a direction toward at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector, to position the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. EXAMPLES

[0062] The device of Example 18, wherein the driver is configured to selectively transition the expandable platform from a non-extended state to an extended state in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0063] The device of Example 18, wherein the at least one detector includes a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism is configured to transition between a locked state in which the locking mechanism prevents transition of the expandable platform and an unlocked state in which the locking mechanism enables transition of the expandable platform in response to the at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0064] A system comprising: (a) an end effector of a surgical stapler, the end effector including opposing first and second jaws; and (b) an apparatus described in any one or more of Examples 18 to 20. EXAMPLES

[0065] The system of claim 21 , wherein the expandable platform of the device is positioned between the first jaw and the second jaw of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0066] 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a housing defining an internal cavity configured to receive a jaw of an end effector of a surgical stapler; (b) a platform positioned within the internal cavity of the housing; (c) an auxiliary element positioned on the platform; and (d) a translatable slide configured to translate relative to the housing between an unactuated state in which the translatable slide limits movement of the platform in the application direction and an actuated state in which the translatable slide enables movement of the platform in the application direction in response to the platform being biased toward the translatable slide in an application direction and the translatable slide contacting a predetermined portion of the end effector to place the auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of the jaw. EXAMPLES

[0067] 24. The device of example embodiment 23, further comprising a resilient member positioned between the housing and the platform, the platform being biased in the application direction by the resilient member. EXAMPLES

[0068] A system comprising: (a) an end effector of a surgical stapler, the end effector including opposing first and second jaws; and (b) an apparatus described in any one or more of Examples 23-24. EXAMPLES

[0069] 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the jaws of the end effector are received within an internal cavity of a housing of the device. EXAMPLES

[0070] 1. A method of applying an assist element to at least one of opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler using an apparatus including: (a) at least one platform; (b) at least one assist element positioned on the at least one platform; (c) at least one detector; and (d) a driver, the method comprising: (a) positioning the at least one platform between the first and second jaws of the end effector; (b) detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector via the at least one detector; and (c) transitioning the at least one platform from a first state to a second state via the driver in a direction toward at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector, thereby placing the at least one assist element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. EXAMPLES

[0071] 28. The method of claim 27, wherein transitioning at least one platform from a first state to a second state is performed via a driver in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0072] 29. The method of example 28, wherein the driver includes an energy storage device, and transitioning the at least one platform from a first state to a second state is performed via the energy storage device in response to the at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0073] 30. The method of example 29, wherein the energy storage device includes a motor, and transitioning the at least one platform from a first state to a second state includes actuating the motor in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0074] 31. The method of example 30, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the motor, and transitioning the at least one platform from the first state to the second state includes transitioning the at least one electrical switch between an open state and a closed state in response to contacting a predetermined portion of the end effector to actuate the motor. EXAMPLES

[0075] The method of example 31, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes at least one tissue stop of the end effector, and transitioning the at least one platform from the first state to the second state includes transitioning at least one electrical switch between an open state and a closed state in response to contact with the at least one tissue stop. EXAMPLES

[0076] The method of Example 32, wherein at least one detector includes a pair of electrical switches, at least one tissue stop includes a pair of tissue stops, and transitioning at least one platform from a first state to a second state is performed via a driver when each electrical switch of the pair of electrical switches contacts a respective tissue stop of the pair of tissue stops. EXAMPLES

[0077] 30. The method of example 29, wherein the energy storage device includes an elastic member, and transitioning the at least one platform from the first state to the second state includes transitioning the energy storage device between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0078] 35. The method of example 34, wherein the at least one detector includes a translatable slide, and transitioning the at least one platform from the first state to the second state includes, in response to contacting a predetermined portion of the end effector, translating the translatable slide relative to the at least one platform between an unactuated state that prevents the elastic member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state, and an actuated state that enables the elastic member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state. EXAMPLES

[0079] 36. The method of example 35, wherein the translatable slide includes at least one tab and the at least one platform includes at least one slot, the at least one tab abutting the platform when the translatable slide is in an unactuated state, thereby preventing the elastic member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state, and transitioning the at least one platform from the first state to the second state includes the at least one tab being received by the at least one slot when the translatable slide is in an actuated state, thereby allowing the elastic member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state. EXAMPLES

[0080] The method of any one or more of Examples 35-36, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes a distal tip of one of the first jaw or the second jaw of the end effector, the translatable slide includes an actuation bar, and transitioning the at least one platform from the first state to the second state includes contacting the distal tip with the actuation bar, thereby translating the slide between an unactuated state and an actuated state. EXAMPLES

[0081] The device of any one or more of Examples 35-37, wherein the elastic member comprises a compression spring. EXAMPLES

[0082] 39. The method of example 38, wherein the at least one platform is positioned between the compression spring and the translatable slide. EXAMPLES

[0083] 28. The method of example 27, wherein the driver includes a locking mechanism, and the method further includes transitioning the locking mechanism between a locked state in which the locking mechanism prevents transition of the platform and an unlocked state in which the locking mechanism allows transition of the platform in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0084] 41. The method of example 40, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the locking mechanism, and transitioning the locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state includes transitioning the at least one electrical switch between an open state and a closed state in response to contact with a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0085] 1. A method of applying an auxiliary element to at least one of opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler using an apparatus including: (a) an expandable platform; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the expandable platform; (c) at least one detector; and (d) a driver, the method comprising: (a) positioning the expandable platform between the first and second jaws of the end effector; (b) detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector via the at least one detector; and (c) transitioning the expandable platform via the driver from a non-extended state to an extended state in a direction toward at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector, thereby placing the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. EXAMPLES

[0086] The method of example 42, wherein transitioning the expandable platform from a non-extended state to an extended state is performed via a driver in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0087] 43. The method of example 42, wherein the driver includes a locking mechanism, and the method further includes transitioning the locking mechanism between a locked state in which the locking mechanism prevents transition of the expandable platform and an unlocked state in which the locking mechanism allows transition of the expandable platform in response to at least one detector detecting a predetermined portion of the end effector. EXAMPLES

[0088] 1. A method of applying an assist element to a jaw of an end effector of a surgical stapler using an apparatus, the effector jaw defining an internal cavity, the apparatus comprising: (a) a housing defining an internal cavity; (b) a platform positioned within the internal cavity of the housing; (c) an assist element positioned on the platform; and (d) a translatable slide, the platform being biased in an application direction toward the translatable slide, the method comprising: (a) positioning the jaw of the end effector within the internal cavity of the housing; and (b) in response to the translatable slide contacting a predetermined portion of the end effector, thereby bringing the assist element into contact with a corresponding surface of the jaw, translating the translatable slide relative to the housing between an unactuated state, in which the translatable slide limits movement of the platform in the application direction, and an actuated state, in which the translatable slide enables movement of the platform in the application direction. EXAMPLES

[0089] The method of example 45, further comprising a resilient member positioned between the housing and the platform, the platform being biased in the application direction by the resilient member.

[0090] V.Other It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Thus, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation with respect to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0091] Additionally, any one or more of the teachings herein may be combined with any one or more of the teachings disclosed in the following patent applications: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. [Attorney Docket No. END9286USNP1], entitled "Apparatus and Method to Apply Buttress to End Effector of Surgical Stapler via Fixed Base" (filed on the same day as this application); U.S. Patent Application Serial No. [Attorney Docket No. END9286USNP2], entitled "Apparatus and Method to Apply Buttress to End Effector of Surgical Stapler via Driven Member" (filed on the same day as this application); and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. [Attorney Docket No. END9286USNP3], entitled "Apparatus and Method to Apply Buttresses Separately to Jaws of End Effector of Surgical Stapler" (filed on the same day as this application). No. [Attorney Docket No. END9286USNP4], entitled "Apparatus and Method to Close End Effector of Surgical Stapler onto Buttress" (filed on even date herewith), U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9286USNP6], entitled "Apparatus and Method to Apply Buttress to End Effector of Surgical Stapler with Authentication" (filed on even date herewith), and / or U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9286USNP7], entitled "Method of Applying Buttress to End Effector of Surgical Stapler" (filed on even date herewith), the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] It is understood that all or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure referred to herein as being incorporated by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated content does not conflict with existing definitions, opinions, or other disclosures set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures explicitly set forth herein shall take precedence over any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portions thereof, that is referred to herein as being incorporated by reference but that conflicts with current definitions, opinions, or other disclosures set forth herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict occurs between the incorporated content and the current disclosures.

[0093] Variations of the above devices may be applied not only to traditional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also to robotic-assisted medical procedures and surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein may be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California).

[0094] The device variations described above can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. The variations, in either or both cases, can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some device variations can be disassembled and any number of particular portions or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of particular parts, some device variations can be reassembled for subsequent use at a reconditioning facility or by a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0095] By way of example only, the variations described herein may be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0096] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by those skilled in the art through appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although some of such possible modifications have been mentioned, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the above examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, etc. are illustrative and not required. Thus, it is understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in relation to the following claims and is not limited to the details of construction and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0097] [Embodiment] (1) An apparatus comprising: (a) at least one platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the at least one platform configured to transition between a first state and a second state; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the at least one platform; and (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in a direction toward the at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector to place the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. (2) The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the driver is configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (3) The apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the driver includes an energy storage device configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (4) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the energy storage device includes a motor configured to operate in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (5) The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the motor, the at least one electrical switch configured to transition between an open state and a closed state in response to contacting the predetermined portion of the end effector to actuate the motor.

[0098] (6) The device of embodiment 5, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes at least one tissue stop of the end effector, and the at least one electrical switch is configured to transition between the open state and the closed state in response to contact with the at least one tissue stop. (7) The device of embodiment 6, wherein the at least one detector includes a pair of electrical switches, the at least one tissue stop includes a pair of tissue stops, and the driver is configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state when each electrical switch of the pair of electrical switches contacts a respective tissue stop of the pair of tissue stops. (8) The apparatus of embodiment 3, wherein the energy storage device includes an elastic member configured to transition between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (9) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one detector includes a translatable slide configured to translate relative to the at least one platform between an unactuated state in which the slide prevents the resilient member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state and an actuated state in which the slide enables the resilient member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state in response to the slide contacting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (10) The device of embodiment 9, wherein the translatable slide includes at least one tab, the at least one platform includes at least one slot, the at least one tab configured to abut the platform when the translatable slide is in the unactuated state, thereby preventing the resilient member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state, and the at least one tab configured to be received by the at least one slot when the translatable slide is in the actuated state, thereby allowing the resilient member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state.

[0099] (11) The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes a distal tip of one of the first jaw or the second jaw of the end effector, and the translatable slide includes an actuation bar configured to contact the distal tip to translate the slide between the unactuated state and the actuated state. (12) The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the elastic member includes a compression spring. (13) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one platform is positioned between the compression spring and the translatable slide. (14) The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the driver includes a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked state in which the locking mechanism prevents transition of the platform and an unlocked state in which the locking mechanism allows transition of the platform in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (15) The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the locking mechanism, the at least one electrical switch configured to transition between an open state and a closed state in response to contacting the predetermined portion of the end effector to transition the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0100] (16) An apparatus comprising: (a) an expandable platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the expandable platform configured to selectively transition between an unexpanded state and an expanded state; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the expandable platform; and (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the expandable platform from the unextended state to the extended state in a direction toward the at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector to place the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. (17) The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the driver is configured to selectively transition the expandable platform from the unextended state to the extended state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (18) The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the driver includes a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked state, in which the locking mechanism prevents transition of the expandable platform, and an unlocked state, in which the locking mechanism allows transition of the expandable platform, in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector. (19) An apparatus comprising: (a) a housing defining an internal cavity configured to receive a jaw of an end effector of a surgical stapler; (b) a platform positioned within the interior cavity of the housing; and (c) an auxiliary element positioned on the platform; and (d) a translatable slide, wherein the platform is biased toward the translatable slide in an application direction, and wherein the translatable slide is configured to translate relative to the housing in response to the translatable slide contacting a predetermined portion of the end effector to place the assist element in contact with a corresponding surface of the jaw, between an unactuated state, in which the translatable slide limits movement of the platform in the application direction, and an actuated state, in which the translatable slide allows movement of the platform in the application direction. (20) The device of claim 19, further comprising a resilient member positioned between the housing and the platform, the platform being biased in the application direction by the resilient member.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) at least one platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the at least one platform configured to transition between a first state and a second state; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the at least one platform; and (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in a direction toward the at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector to place the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driver is configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the driver includes an energy storage device configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the energy storage device comprises a motor configured to operate in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the motor, the at least one electrical switch configured to transition between an open state and a closed state in response to contacting the predetermined portion of the end effector to actuate the motor.

6. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes at least one tissue stop on the end effector, and the at least one electrical switch is configured to transition between the open state and the closed state in response to contact with the at least one tissue stop.

7. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the at least one detector comprises a pair of electrical switches, the at least one tissue stop comprises a pair of tissue stops, and the driver is configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state when each electrical switch of the pair of electrical switches contacts a respective tissue stop of the pair of tissue stops.

8. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the energy storage device includes a resilient member configured to transition between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

9. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one detector includes a translatable slide configured to translate relative to the at least one platform between an unactuated state in which the slide prevents the resilient member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state and an actuated state in which the slide enables the resilient member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state in response to the slide contacting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

10. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the translatable slide includes at least one tab, the at least one platform includes at least one slot, the at least one tab configured to abut the platform when the translatable slide is in the unactuated state, thereby preventing the resilient member from transitioning between the compressed state and the expanded state, and the at least one tab configured to be received by the at least one slot when the translatable slide is in the actuated state, thereby allowing the resilient member to transition between the compressed state and the expanded state.

11. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the predetermined portion of the end effector includes a distal tip of one of the first jaw or the second jaw of the end effector, and the translatable slide includes an actuation bar configured to contact the distal tip to translate the slide between the unactuated state and the actuated state.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the resilient member comprises a compression spring.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the at least one platform is positioned between the compression spring and the translatable slide.

14. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driver includes a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked state, in which the locking mechanism prevents transition of the platform, and an unlocked state, in which the locking mechanism allows transition of the platform, in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one detector includes at least one electrical switch in electrical communication with the locking mechanism, the at least one electrical switch configured to transition between an open state and a closed state in response to contacting the predetermined portion of the end effector to transition the locking mechanism between the locked state and the unlocked state.

16. 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) an expandable platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, the expandable platform configured to selectively transition between an unexpanded state and an expanded state; (b) at least one auxiliary element positioned on the expandable platform; and (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the expandable platform from the unextended state to the extended state in a direction toward the at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector to place the at least one auxiliary element in contact with a corresponding surface of at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the driver is configured to selectively transition the expandable platform from the unextended state to the expanded state in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

18. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the driver includes a locking mechanism configured to transition between a locked state, in which the locking mechanism prevents transition of the expandable platform, and an unlocked state, in which the locking mechanism allows transition of the expandable platform, in response to the at least one detector detecting the predetermined portion of the end effector.

19. 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a housing defining an internal cavity configured to receive a jaw of an end effector of a surgical stapler; (b) a platform positioned within the interior cavity of the housing; and (c) an auxiliary element positioned on the platform; and (d) a translatable slide, wherein the platform is biased toward the translatable slide in an application direction, and the translatable slide is configured to translate relative to the housing in response to the translatable slide contacting a predetermined portion of the end effector to place the assist element in contact with a corresponding surface of the jaw, between an unactuated state, in which the translatable slide limits movement of the platform in the application direction, and an actuated state, in which the translatable slide allows movement of the platform in the application direction.

20. 20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a resilient member positioned between the housing and the platform, the platform being biased in the application direction by the resilient member.

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