Separation mechanism for a surgical linear cutter

Abstract

The device includes a first portion having a handle and a jaw, a second portion having a handle and a jaw, a latching member, and a proximal linkage assembly. The second portion is selectively pivotable relative to the first portion about a proximal position. The latching member drives the first jaw and the second jaw toward a fully closed configuration. The first jaw and the second jaw are capable of clamping, cutting, and stapling tissue between the jaws. The proximal linkage selectively attaches the first portion to the second portion. The proximal linkage includes a pivot body and a linkage body. The pivot body is pivotally attached to the first portion at a proximal position. The linkage body associated with the second portion engages with the pivot body at a position distal to the proximal position to selectively attach the first portion to the second portion.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In some surgical procedures, such as gastrointestinal anastomosis, it may be desirable to clamp one or more layers of tissue, cut the clamped layers, and at the same time drive staples through the layers to substantially seal the cut layers of tissue near their cut ends to each other. One such instrument that can be used in such procedures is a linear surgical stapler, also referred to as a "linear cutter". A linear surgical stapler generally includes a first half (referred to as a "cartridge half" or "reload half") having a distal jaw configured to support a staple cartridge (or "reload"), and a second half (referred to as an "anvil half") having a distal jaw that supports an anvil surface with a staple forming mechanism. The stapler further includes a movable clamp lever configured to releasably clamp the stapler halves together. The stapler halves are configured to pivot relative to each other to receive and clamp tissue between the two distal jaws when the clamp lever is closed. The firing assembly of the stapler is configured to operate to cut the clamped layers and at the same time drive staples through the tissue on both sides of the cut line. After firing the stapler, the clamp lever may be opened and the stapler halves may be separated to release the cut and stapled tissue.

[0002] Although various types of surgical stapling instruments and related components have been manufactured and used, it is believed that none of the inventors prior to the present invention have made or used the invention described in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention above and the detailed description of the embodiments below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

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[0004] The drawings are not intended to limit in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part thereof, illustrate some aspects of the present invention and serve to explain the principles of the present invention together with the description. However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following description of specific embodiments of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is one of the best modes contemplated for practicing the present invention by way of example. As will be understood, the present invention is capable of other different and distinct aspects without departing from the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

[0006] For the purposes of clarity of this disclosure, as used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined with respect to a surgeon or other operator who grasps a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" refers to the position of an element that is closer to the surgeon, and the term "distal" refers to the position of an element that is closer to and farther from the surgeon than the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument. Also, to the extent that spatial terms such as "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be understood that such terms are used for illustrative descriptive purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that a surgical instrument such as that disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positions not limited to those illustrated and described herein.

[0007] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" in connection with any numerical value or range indicates a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the component part or assembly to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

[0008] I. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler A. Overview of the Linear Surgical Stapler Figures 1 and 2 show an exemplary linear surgical stapler (10) (also referred to as a "linear cutter"), which is suitable for use in various cutting and stapling procedures such as gastrointestinal anastomosis. The linear surgical stapler (10) includes a cartridge half (12) (also referred to as a "reload half") and an anvil half (14) that are releasably connected together and configured to clamp tissue therebetween in order to simultaneously cut and staple the clamped tissue.

[0009] The cartridge half (12) includes an elongated cartridge channel (16) having a proximal frame portion (18) and a distal jaw portion (20). The proximal frame portion (18) slidably holds a firing assembly (100) and includes a pair of upright side flanges (22) that face laterally. Each side flange (22) includes a vertical slot (24) disposed at its distal end and a tapered notch (26) disposed at its proximal end. Reinforcing ribs (28) that project outwardly extend longitudinally between the distal slot (24) and the proximal notch (26) of each side flange (22) and are configured to provide a more rigid side flange (22). An outwardly flared upper segment (30) defines the upper edge of the proximal portion of each side flange (22) and is configured to facilitate the receipt of the anvil half (14) by the cartridge half (12). Each side flange (22) further includes an elongated firing slot (32) that extends longitudinally along the lower side of the side flange (22) between the proximal notch (26) and the distal slot (24). The elongated firing slot (32) is configured to guide the firing assembly (100) between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing assembly (100) will be described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 4. The distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge channel (16) is configured to receive a staple cartridge (130) (or "reload").

[0010] The cartridge half (12) further includes a clamp lever (40) (also referred to as a "latch lever") pivotally coupled to the cartridge channel (16) using a pivot pin (42) of the clamp lever disposed in approximate alignment with the distal slot (24) of the side flange (22) of the cartridge channel. The clamp lever (40) includes an elongated lever arm (44) having a free proximal end (46) and a distal end pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the cartridge channel (16) using the pivot pin (42). A pair of opposing jaws (48) extend distally from the distal end of the lever arm (44) in proximity to the side flange (22) of the cartridge channel. Each jaw (48) includes a curved slot (50) having a closed proximal end and an open distal end configured to receive a latch pin (68) of the anvil half (14) as described below.

[0011] The clamp lever (40) is operable to pivot with respect to the cartridge channel (16) between an open position where the proximal end (46) of the lever arm (44) is spaced from the frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel and a closed position where the proximal end (46) faces the frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel. As shown and described below in connection with FIGS. 5C and 5D, the actuation of the clamp lever (40) from the open position to the closed position functions to capture the lateral ends on both sides of the latch pin (68) within the J slot (50) of the clamp lever, thereby clamping the anvil half (14) against the cartridge half (12). In this regard, the curvature of each J slot (50) defines respective upper and lower cam surfaces configured to engage the respective lateral ends of the latch pin (68) and pull them toward the cartridge channel (16) when the clamp lever (40) is pivotally closed. The elastic member, shown in the form of a flat spring (52), biases the lever arm (44) toward the open position. Thus, the flat spring (52) facilitates the disengagement of the jaw (48) of the clamp lever from the latch pin (68) of the anvil half during the initial forward movement of the clamp lever (40) from the closed position to the open position. As most clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the clamp lever (40) further includes a latch member (54) disposed at the proximal end (46) of the lever arm (44). The latch member (54) of the clamp lever elastically and releasably engages the proximal end of the frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel, thereby being configured to releasably hold the clamp lever (40) in the closed position, for example, while the stapler (10) is fired.

[0012] The anvil half (14) of the linear surgical stapler (10) includes an elongated anvil channel (60) having a proximal frame portion (62) and a distal jaw portion (64). The proximal frame portion (62) includes a pair of laterally opposed upright side flanges (66) configured to be received between the side flanges (22) of the cartridge channel when the anvil half (14) is coupled to the cartridge half (12). A distal latch projection in the form of a latch pin (68) extends laterally through the distal ends of the side flanges (66) of the anvil channel, and a proximal pivot projection in the form of a proximal pin (70) extends laterally through the proximal ends of the side flanges (66) of the anvil channel. The anvil pins (68, 70) are configured to facilitate coupling of the anvil half (14) and the cartridge half (12) as described below.

[0013] The distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) supports an anvil plate (72) defining an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to deform the legs of staples ejected by a staple cartridge (130) when the stapler (10) is fired, as described in more detail below. In some variations, the anvil surface can be formed integrally with the distal jaw portion (64). The distal jaw portion (64) of the anvil half (14) further supports a tapered distal tip member (76). In some variations, the distal tip member (76) can be selectively extendable relative to the distal jaw portion (64) in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0046351, entitled "Decoupling Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued February 13, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the linear surgical stapler (10) further includes a plurality of shrouds (56, 78) that cover selected portions of the stapler (10) and facilitate effective grasping and manipulation of the stapler (10) by an operator during use. In this embodiment, the clamp lever shroud (56) is secured to and covers the outward-facing side of the clamp lever (40) such that the clamp lever shroud (56) is configured to pivot with the clamp lever (40) relative to the cartridge channel (16). Further, the anvil shroud (78) is secured to and covers the outward-facing side of the anvil channel (60). In some variations, the anvil shroud (78) can be coupled to the anvil channel (60) according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0046353, entitled "Clamping Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued on February 13, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In other variations, it will be understood that the shrouds (56, 78) can be coupled to the clamp lever (40) and the anvil channel (60) in various other suitable ways that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0015] As most clearly shown in FIG. 3, the proximal end of the cartridge half (12) includes a retaining assembly (80) configured to releasably hold a portion of the anvil half (14) and the firing assembly (100). The retaining assembly (80) of this embodiment includes an anvil latch member (82) and a detent member (84), which are both rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the cartridge channel (16) via a laterally extending pin (86) disposed proximal to the firing slot (32). A torsion spring (not shown) is configured to elastically bias the anvil latch member (82) and the detent member in opposite rotational directions about a transverse axis defined by the pin (86).

[0016] The anvil latch member (82) includes an upper finger (88) configured to releasably capture the proximal anvil pin (70) when the pin (70) is guided within the proximal tapered notch (26) of the cartridge channel (16), thereby connecting the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14). The lower end of the anvil latch member (82) defines a release button (90) configured to be pushed by an operator when the clamp lever (40) is in the open position to release the proximal pin (70) from the latch finger (88), thereby separating the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14). The detent member (84) includes a distal finger (88) configured to releasably capture the proximal end of the sliding block (102) of the firing assembly (100) when the firing assembly (100) is in its proximal home position, as shown in FIG. 3. The detent member (84) further includes a proximal hook (94) configured to releasably capture the upper end of the latch member (54) of the clamp lever while the sliding block (102) is positioned distal to its proximal home position, thereby preventing actuation of the latch member (54) of the clamp lever and release of the clamp lever (40) during firing of the stapler (10). When the firing assembly (100) is in its proximal home position (i.e., before or after firing of the stapler (10)), the proximal hook (94) of the detent member (84) allows the latch member (54) of the clamp lever to rotationally disengage the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge channel (16) in response to actuation by an operator. As a result, the clamp lever (40) can then be opened. The retaining assembly (80) of the cartridge half (12) and related components are further configured and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0046350, entitled "Firing System for Linear Surgical Stapler," issued Feb. 13, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] As most clearly shown in FIG. 4, the firing assembly (100) of the cartridge half (12) includes a sliding block (102), a pair of actuators (104, 106) (or "firing knobs") pivotally coupled to the sliding block (102), and a plurality of elongated beams (108, 112) extending distally from the sliding block (102). The pair of side beams (108) are connected at their proximal ends to the distal end of the sliding block (102) and terminate distally within a pair of cam ramps (110). The cam ramps (110) are configured to engage the lower surface of a staple driver housed within the staple cartridge (130) and actuate the staple driver upward to drive (or "fire") staples from the cartridge (130) into tissue clamped between the staple cartridge (130) and an anvil plate (72). The central beam (112) is connected to the side beams (108) via a bridge member (114) (or "knife block") spaced distally from the sliding block (102). The central beam (112) terminates distally in a distally angled knife member (116) having a distal cutting edge (118) configured to cut tissue clamped between the distal portions of the staple halves (12, 14). The distal portion of the central beam (112) further includes an upwardly projecting locking element (120) on the proximal side of the knife member (116) and a distally facing lockout projection (122) on the proximal side of the locking element (120).

[0018] Each actuator (104, 106) of the firing assembly (100) is configured to be rotatable relative to the sliding block (102) between a deployed position and a retracted position such that only one of the actuators (104, 106) is deployed at a time, as described in detail, for example, by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0046350, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the deployed position, the actuators (104, 106) are driven distally by an operator to actuate the firing assembly (100) distally through the stapler (10), thereby simultaneously cutting and stapling tissue clamped between the stapler halves (12, 14).

[0019] B. Exemplary Use of a Linear Surgical Stapler Figures 5A - 5E illustrate an exemplary connection of the stapler halves (12, 14) and subsequent firing of the assembled stapler (10) during surgery. As shown in Figure 5A, the clamp lever (40) of the cartridge half (12) is in the open position and the jaws slot (50) is aligned with the vertical slot (24) of the side flange (22) of the cartridge channel. Further, the firing assembly (100) is maintained in its proximal home position by the detent member (84) of the retaining assembly (80), as shown in Figure 3 above. At this stage, the portion of tissue (not shown) to be stapled and cut can be positioned over the staple cartridge (130) disposed within the distal jaw portion (20) of the cartridge half (12). Alternatively, the tissue can also be positioned over the staple cartridge (130) after connection of the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14), which will be described later.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14) are aligned with each other, and the proximal anvil pin (70) is guided downward into the proximal tapered notch (26) of the cartridge channel (16) and engages with the upper finger (88) of the anvil latch member (82). This engagement causes the anvil latch member (82) to be forcibly elastically rotated clockwise, so that the upper finger (88) of the anvil latch member (82) captures the anvil pin (70), thereby enabling the proximal ends of the stapler halves (12, 14) to be releasably connected to each other as seen in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 5C, with the clamp lever (40) in the open position, the anvil half (14) is rotated toward the cartridge half (12) about the proximal anvil pin (70), so that the distal latch pin (68) of the anvil half (14) is received within the vertical slot (24) of the side flange (22) of the cartridge channel and the Joe slot (50) of the clamp lever (40). At this point, the distal Joe portions (20, 64) of the stapler halves (12, 14) are partially proximate to each other so that they can be finally adjusted before clamping the tissue received therebetween.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5D, when the clamp lever (40) is closed and the anvil latch pin (68) is attracted to the closed proximal end of the Joe slot (50), the anvil half (14) fully clamps against the cartridge half (12), and tissue (not shown) is clamped between the staple cartridge (130) and the anvil plate (72). A slight lateral gap is defined between the staple cartridge (130) and the anvil plate (72) by the tissue gap posts of the staple cartridge (130), whereby the tissue is received therebetween with a predetermined degree of tissue compression. The tissue gap posts are disposed at the distal end of the staple cartridge (130) and are configured to contact the distal end of the anvil plate (72) when the stapler (10) is in the fully clamped state shown in FIG. 5D.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5E, when the stapler (10) reaches the fully clamped state, the stapler (10) can be fired by driving the deployed actuators (104, 106) of the firing assembly (100) distally along the proximal frame portion (18) of the cartridge half (12). As described above in connection with FIG. 4, this operation translates the elongated beams (108, 112) of the firing assembly (100) distally through corresponding channels formed within the staple cartridge (130), thereby firing staples into the tissue clamped by the cam ramp (110) and staple driver (180), and simultaneously cutting the tissue clamped by the knife member (116). After completion of the firing stroke, the firing assembly (100) is returned to its proximal home position by the actuators (104, 106). Next, by pushing in the latch member (54) of the clamp lever, the proximal end of the clamp lever (40) is released from the cartridge channel (16), thereby enabling the clamp lever (40) to be opened again. Then, by pushing in the release button (90) of the holding assembly (80), the anvil half (14) can be released from the cartridge half (12), so that the stapler halves (12, 14) can be separated from each other, thereby releasing the newly stapled and cut tissue. It will be appreciated that in some variations, the stapler (10) can include a mechanism that facilitates separation of the stapler halves (12, 14) similar to the mechanism disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0046351, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] II. Exemplary Linear Surgical Stapler with Alternative Separation Mechanism As described above and as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the proximal anvil pin (70) of the anvil half (14) is configured to be received within the proximal tapered notch (26) of the cartridge channel (16) to selectively pivotally couple the anvil half (14) to the cartridge half (12) about a horizontal axis defined by the proximal anvil pin (70). As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, this pivotal connection between the anvil half (14) and the cartridge half (12) allows the operator to rotate the anvil half (14) toward the cartridge half (12) about the proximal anvil pin (70), whereby the distal latch pin (68) of the anvil half (14) is received within the vertical slot (24) of the side flange (22) of the cartridge channel and the Joe slot (50) of the clamp lever (40).

[0024] Also as described above, the anvil latch member (82) of the retaining assembly (80) is configured to capture the anvil pin (70) within the tapered notch (26), which allows the operator to focus on rotating the anvil half (14) toward the cartridge half (12) to the position shown in FIG. 5C without concern that the anvil pin (70) will inadvertently disengage from the tapered notch (26) after being received therein, thereby inadvertently separating the anvil half (14) from the cartridge half (14).

[0025] However, in some instances, it may not be possible or desirable to have a cartridge half (12) having a retaining assembly (80) configured to temporarily secure the pivotal connection of the stapler (10) about the axis defined by the anvil pin (70) by selectively capturing the anvil pin (70) within the tapered notch (26). When the stapler (10) does not have an anvil latch member (82) as described above, the temporary pivotal connection between the cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14) by the anvil pin (70) and the tapered notch (26) may cause accidental separation when an operator attempts to properly manipulate the stapler (10) between the positions shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. For example, when the stapler (10) is in the position shown in FIG. 5B and the operator attempts to properly manipulate the cartridge half (12) without holding the anvil half (14), the anvil pin (70) may fall out of the range of the tapered notch (26), thereby causing the cartridge half (12) to inadvertently separate from the anvil half (14).

[0026] Accordingly, it would be desirable for the stapler (10) to have a temporary proximal connection between the anvil half (14) and the cartridge half (12) that allows for intuitive and easy alignment, assembly, and disassembly of the halves (12, 14) while ensuring a secure proximal pivotal relationship between the halves (12, 14).

[0027] A. First linear surgical stapler having an elastic latch release mechanism FIGS. 6 - 11 illustrate an exemplary linear surgical stapler (210) that can be used in place of the linear surgical stapler (10) described above. As will be described in more detail below, the linear surgical stapler (210) includes a latching proximal connection assembly (270) that allows for easy connection and separation of the cartridge half (212) and the anvil half (214) while ensuring a secure proximal pivotal relationship between the halves (212, 214).

[0028] The linear surgical stapler (210) may be substantially similar to the above-described linear surgical stapler (10), but has the differences detailed below. Thus, the linear surgical stapler (212) includes a cartridge half (212) and an anvil half (214), which are substantially similar to the above-described cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14), but have the differences detailed below.

[0029] The cartridge half (212) includes an elongated cartridge channel (216), a proximal frame (218) having upright side flanges (222), a firing assembly (230), and a clamp lever (240) having an elongated arm (244) and a pair of opposing jaws (248), each of which is substantially similar to the above-described elongated cartridge channel (16), proximal frame (18), upright side flanges (22), firing assembly (100), clamp lever (40), elongated arm (44), and opposing jaws (48), but has the differences detailed below.

[0030] The anvil half (214) includes an elongated anvil channel (260), a proximal frame portion (262), a distal jaw portion (264), a latch pin (268), and a shroud (278), each of which is substantially similar to the above-described elongated anvil channel (60), proximal frame portion (62), distal jaw portion (64), latch pin (68), and shroud (78), but has the differences detailed below.

[0031] The cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14) each include a tapered notch (26) and a proximal pin (70) to provide a temporary pivoting connection between the cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14), but the linear surgical stapler (210) includes a latching proximal connection assembly (270) that enables a reliable proximal pivoting relationship between the halves (212, 214) while allowing a temporary connection between the cartridge half (212) and the anvil half (214).

[0032] The latching proximal connection assembly (270) includes a pivot cartridge section (272) and an anvil connection section (280). As most clearly shown in FIG. 9, the pivot cartridge section (272) includes a pivot pin (274) and a pivot housing (276). The pivot housing (276) is pivotally connected to the proximal section of the proximal frame portion (218) by a pivot pin (274) associated with the side flange (222).

[0033] Unlike the aforementioned proximal pin (70), the pivot pin (274) is configured to remain pivotally connected to the side flange (222) so that the pivot pin (274) and the pivot housing (276) do not separate from the proximal frame portion (218) during exemplary use. In other words, the pivot housing (276) is attached to the side flange (222), whereby the pivot housing (276) can pivot relative to the proximal frame (218) about an axis defined by the pivot pin (274) during exemplary use, but cannot be otherwise removed or separated from the proximal frame portion (218). For example, even if the operator holds the cartridge half (212) by gripping only the pivot housing (276), the pivot housing (276) and the proximal frame portion (218) remain connected by the interaction between the pivot pin (274) and the side flange (222).

[0034] The pivot housing (276) defines a hollow interior (290), and the side walls of the pivot housing (276) define an open slot (292) and a latch opening (294) presented in the distal direction. The hollow interior (290) is dimensioned to selectively accommodate the proximal section of the proximal frame portion (262) and the anvil connection section (280). As described in more detail below, the pivot housing (276) is configured to selectively connect to the anvil half (214) by the anvil connection section (280) to establish a secure pivotable connection between the anvil half (214) and the proximal frame portion (218).

[0035] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the anvil connection section (280) includes a pair of stability blocks (288) extending proximally from respective sides of the shroud (278), and a pair of resilient latches (282) extending proximally from respective stability blocks (288). The stability blocks (288) are dimensioned to fit within the respective open slots (292) presented distally of the pivot cartridge section (272) when the anvil connection section (280) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (272) in accordance with the description herein.

[0036] Each resilient latch (282) includes a leg (284) extending proximally from a respective stability block (288) and terminating within a latch head (286). The latch head (286) includes an inclined cam surface and an engagement shoulder. The latch head (286) is dimensioned to fit within respective latch openings (294) when the anvil connection section (280) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (272). The legs (284) are sufficiently elastic to bend to accommodate the connection of the anvil connection section (280) to the pivot cartridge section (272) in accordance with the description herein.

[0037] FIGS. 6 - 8 show an exemplary assembly of an anvil half (214) having a cartridge half (212) via a proximal connection assembly (270). First, as shown in FIG. 6, an operator can align the open end of the pivot housing (276) with the proximal end of the anvil connection section (280). Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operator can insert the anvil connection section (280) into the hollow interior (290) of the pivot housing (276).

[0038] The legs (284) are sufficiently elastic such that they flex in response to the cam surfaces of the latch heads (286) that engage the inner surface of the pivot housing (276) when the operator inserts the anvil connection section (280) into the hollow interior (290) of the pivot housing (276). Further, when in the position shown in FIG. 7, the legs (284) are sufficiently elastic such that they return to the relaxed position when the latch heads (286) are aligned with the latch openings (284). When the legs (284) return to the relaxed position, the latch heads (286) can be received within their respective latch openings (284). When in the state shown in FIG. 7, the anvil connection section (280) is fully inserted within the hollow interior (290).

[0039] When the latch heads (286) are received within the latch openings (284), the engagement shoulders of the latch heads (286) can prevent distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (214) relative to the pivot housing (276). Further, the engagement between the stability blocks (288) and the open slots (292) presented in the respective distal directions can be sufficient to prevent lateral or rotational movement between the anvil half (214) and the pivot housing (276). Thus, when suitably inserted into the pivot housing (276), the anvil half (214) can be sufficiently attached to the pivot housing (276), whereby the anvil half (214) is also pivotally connected to the proximal frame (218) of the cartridge half (212).

[0040] As described above, since the pivot housing (276) has a secure pivotal connection with the proximal frame portion (218), the anvil half (214) also has a secure pivotal connection when connected to the pivot housing (276) via the anvil connection section (280). Thus, due to the secure pivotal connection, the operator can attempt to suitably operate the stapler (210) between the positions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 without inadvertently separating the halves (212, 214) at the proximal pivotal connection.

[0041] Next, the operator can utilize the stapler (210) in accordance with the description herein. If the operator desires to separate the halves (212, 214), the operator can pinch the stability block (288) inwardly or otherwise drive the latch heads (286) toward their respective latch openings (284), thereby disengaging the engagement between the engagement shoulder and a portion of the pivot housing (276) that defines the latch opening (284). Simultaneously, the operator can pull the anvil half (214) away from the pivot housing (276) until the anvil connection section (280) is completely removed from the hollow interior (290) of the pivot housing (276).

[0042] In this embodiment, the pivot pin (274) and the side flange (222) pivotally connect the proximal frame portion (218) and the pivot housing (276), but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, any other suitable mechanism may be used to pivotally connect the pivot housing (276) to the proximal frame portion (218). For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the pivot housing (276) can be pivotally connected to the proximal frame portion (218) via a living hinge (304), thereby forming a linear stapler (300) having a proximal connection assembly (302) that is substantially similar to the linear surgical stapler (210) and the proximal connection assembly (270) except that the living hinge (304) is used instead of the pivot pin (274).

[0043] In this embodiment, the pivot housing (276) is associated with the cartridge half (212), but this is merely optional and the pivot housing (276) can also be associated with the anvil half (214), and the anvil connection section (280) can also be associated with the cartridge half (212).

[0044] B. Second Linear Surgical Stapler Having an Elastic Latch Release Mechanism Figures 13-18 show an exemplary linear surgical stapler (310) that can be used in place of the above-described linear surgical stapler (10). As will be described in more detail below, the linear surgical stapler (310) includes a proximal connection assembly (370) that enables secure proximal pivoting between the halves (312, 314) while allowing for easy connection and separation of the cartridge half (312) and the anvil half (314).

[0045] The linear surgical stapler (310) may be substantially similar to the above-described linear surgical stapler (10), but has differences that will be detailed below. Thus, the linear surgical stapler (312) includes a cartridge half (312) and an anvil half (314), which are substantially similar to the above-described cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14), but have differences that will be detailed below.

[0046] The cartridge half (312) includes an elongated cartridge channel (316), a proximal frame (318) having upright side flanges (322), a firing assembly (330), and a clamp lever (340) having an elongated arm (344) and a pair of opposing jaws (348), each of which is substantially similar to the above-described elongated cartridge channel (16), proximal frame (18), upright side flanges (22), firing assembly (100), clamp lever (40), elongated arm (44), and opposing jaws (48), but has differences that will be detailed below.

[0047] The anvil half (314) includes an elongated anvil channel (360), a proximal frame portion (362), a distal jaw portion (364), a latch pin (368), and a shroud (378), each of which is substantially similar to the above-described elongated anvil channel (60), proximal frame portion (62), distal jaw portion (64), latch pin (68), and shroud (78), but has differences that will be detailed below.

[0048] The cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14) each include a tapered notch (26) and a proximal pin (70) to provide a temporary pivoting connection between the cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14), while the linear surgical stapler (310) includes a proximal connection assembly (370) that enables a secure proximal pivoting relationship between the halves (312, 314) while allowing a temporary connection between the cartridge half (312) and anvil half (314).

[0049] The latching proximal connection assembly (370) includes a pivoting cartridge section (372) and an anvil connection section (380). As most clearly shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the pivoting cartridge section (372) includes a pivot pin (374) and a pivot housing (376). The pivot housing (376) is pivotally connected to a proximal section of the proximal frame portion (318) by a pivot pin (374) associated with a side flange (322).

[0050] Unlike the aforementioned proximal pin (70), the pivot pin (374) is configured to remain pivotally connected to the side flange (322) such that the pivot pin (374) and pivot housing (376) do not separate from the proximal frame portion (318) during exemplary use. In other words, the pivot housing (376) is attached to the side flange (322) such that the pivot housing (376) can pivot relative to the proximal frame (318) about an axis defined by the pivot pin (374) during exemplary use, but cannot otherwise be removed or separated from the proximal frame portion (218). For example, even if an operator holds the cartridge half (312) by gripping only the pivot housing (376), the pivot housing (376) and proximal frame portion (318) remain connected by the interaction between the pivot pin (374) and side flange (322).

[0051] The pivot housing (376) defines a hollow interior (390), the top wall of the pivot housing (376) defines an open slot (392) presented in the distal direction and a latch opening (394), and the side wall of the pivot housing (376) defines an additional open slot (398) presented in the distal direction. The hollow interior (390) is dimensioned to selectively accommodate the proximal section of the proximal frame portion (362) and the anvil connection section (380). As described in more detail below, the pivot housing (376) is configured to selectively connect to the anvil half (314) by the anvil connection section (380) to establish a secure pivotable connection between the anvil half (314) and the proximal frame portion (318).

[0052] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the anvil connection section (380) includes a stability block (388) that is at the upper part of the shroud (378) and extends proximally from the shroud (378), and an elastic latch (382) that extends proximally from the stability block (388). Further, the anvil connection section (380) also includes two additional stability blocks (396) that extend proximally from both side surfaces of the shroud (378). The stability blocks (388, 396) are dimensioned to fit within the respective ranges of the open slot (392) presented in the distal direction and the additional open slot (398) presented in the distal direction of the pivot cartridge section (372) when the anvil connection section (380) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (372) in accordance with the description herein.

[0053] The resilient latch (382) includes a leg (384) that extends proximally from the stability block (388) and terminates within the latch head (386). The latch head (386) includes an inclined cam surface and an engagement shoulder. The latch head (386) is dimensioned to fit within the latch opening (394) when the anvil connection section (380) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (372). The leg (384) is sufficiently elastic to bend to accommodate the connection of the anvil connection section (380) and the pivot cartridge section (372) in accordance with the description herein.

[0054] Figures 13 and 14 show an exemplary assembly of an anvil half (314) having a cartridge half (312) via a proximal connection assembly (370). First, as shown in Figure 13, the operator can align the open end of the pivot housing (376) with the proximal end of the anvil connection section (380). Next, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the operator can insert the anvil connection section (380) into the hollow interior (390) of the pivot housing (376).

[0055] The leg (384) is sufficiently elastic to bend in response to the cam surface of the latch head (386) engaging the inner surface of the pivot housing (376) when the operator inserts the anvil connection section (380) into the hollow interior (390) of the pivot housing (376). Further, when in the position shown in Figure 14, the leg (384) is sufficiently elastic to return to a relaxed position when the latch head (386) is aligned with the latch opening (384). When the leg (384) returns to the relaxed position, the latch head (386) can be received within the latch opening (384). When in the state shown in Figure 14, the anvil connection section (380) is fully inserted within the hollow interior (390).

[0056] When the latch head (386) is received within the latch opening (384), the engagement shoulder of the latch head (386) can prevent the distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (314) relative to the pivot housing (376). Further, the engagement between the stability blocks (388, 396) and the distally presented release slots (392, 398) may be sufficient to prevent lateral or rotational movement between the anvil half (314) and the pivot housing (376). Thus, when suitably inserted into the pivot housing (376), the anvil half (314) can be sufficiently attached to the pivot housing (376), whereby the anvil half (314) is also pivotally coupled to the proximal frame (318) of the cartridge half (312).

[0057] As described above, since the pivot housing (376) has a secure pivotal connection with the proximal frame portion (318), the anvil half (314) also has a secure pivotal connection when coupled to the pivot housing (376) via the anvil connection section (380). Thus, due to the secure pivotal connection, the operator can attempt to suitably operate the stapler (310) in accordance with the description herein without the halves (312, 314) inadvertently separating at the proximal pivotal connection.

[0058] The operator can then utilize the stapler (310) in accordance with the description herein. If the operator desires to separate the halves (312, 314), the operator can pinch the latch head (386) or otherwise drive it toward the latch opening (384), thereby disengaging the engagement between the engagement shoulder and a portion of the pivot housing (376) that defines the latch opening (384). Simultaneously, the operator can pull the anvil half (314) away from the pivot housing (376) until the anvil connection section (380) is completely removed from the hollow interior (390) of the pivot housing (376).

[0059] In this embodiment, the pivot pin (374) and the side flange (322) pivotally couple the proximal frame portion (318) and the pivot housing (376), but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, any other suitable mechanism, such as a living hinge substantially similar to the living hinge (304) described above, may be used to pivotally couple the pivot housing (376) to the proximal frame portion (318).

[0060] In this embodiment, the pivot housing (376) is associated with the cartridge half (312), but this is merely optional, and the pivot housing (376) can also be associated with the anvil half (314), and the anvil connection section (380) can also be associated with the cartridge half (312).

[0061] C. First Linear Surgical Stapler with Magnetic Separation Mechanism Figures 19 - 22 show an exemplary linear surgical stapler (410) that can be used in place of the linear surgical stapler (10) described above. As will be described in more detail below, the linear surgical stapler (410) includes a proximal connection assembly (470) that enables secure proximal pivoting between the halves (412, 414) while allowing for easy connection and separation of the cartridge half (412) and the anvil half (414).

[0062] The linear surgical stapler (410) may be substantially similar to the linear surgical stapler (10) described above, but has the differences described in detail below. Accordingly, the linear surgical stapler (412) includes a cartridge half (412) and an anvil half (414), which are substantially similar to the cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14) described above, but have the differences described in detail below.

[0063] The cartridge half (412) includes an elongated cartridge channel (416), a proximal frame (418) having an upright side flange (422), a firing assembly (430), and a clamp lever (440) having an elongated arm (444) and a pair of opposing jaws (448), each of which is substantially similar to the elongated cartridge channel (16), proximal frame (18), upright side flange (22), firing assembly (100), clamp lever (40), elongated arm (44), and opposing jaws (48) described above, but has differences that will be detailed below.

[0064] The anvil half (414) includes an elongated anvil channel (460), a proximal frame portion (not shown), a distal jaw portion (464), a latch pin (468), and a shroud (478), each of which is substantially similar to the elongated anvil channel (60), proximal frame portion (62), distal jaw portion (64), latch pin (68), and shroud (78) described above, but has differences that will be detailed below. Although not shown, it should be understood that the proximal frame portion (not shown) is housed within the shroud (478) in the same manner as the proximal frame portion (62) housed within the above-described shroud (78).

[0065] The cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14) each include a tapered notch (26) and a proximal pin (70) to provide a temporary pivotal connection between the cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14), but the linear surgical stapler (410) includes a proximal connection assembly (470) that enables a temporary connection between the cartridge half (412) and the anvil half (414) while ensuring a reliable proximal pivotal relationship between the halves (412, 414).

[0066] The latching proximal connection assembly (470) includes a pivot cartridge section (472) and an anvil connection section (480). As most clearly shown in FIG. 21, the pivot cartridge section (472) includes a pivot pin (474) and a pivot housing (476). The pivot housing (476) is pivotally connected to a proximal section of the proximal frame portion (418) by a pivot pin (474) associated with the side flange (422).

[0067] Unlike the aforementioned proximal pin (70), the pivot pin (474) is configured to remain pivotally connected to the side flange (422) such that during exemplary use, the pivot pin (474) and the pivot housing (476) do not separate from the proximal frame portion (418). In other words, the pivot housing (476) is attached to the side flange (422), whereby the pivot housing (476) can pivot relative to the proximal frame (418) about an axis defined by the pivot pin (474) during exemplary use, but cannot be otherwise removed or separated from the proximal frame portion (418). For example, even if an operator holds the cartridge half (412) by gripping only the pivot housing (476), the pivot housing (476) and the proximal frame portion (418) remain connected by the interaction between the pivot pin (474) and the side flange (422).

[0068] The pivot housing (476) defines a magnetic recess (490) and a stability block recess (492). The magnetic recess (490) has a magnetic surface (494). The recesses (490, 492) are dimensioned to selectively receive the anvil connection section (480). As described in more detail below, the pivot housing (476) is configured to selectively connect with the anvil half (414) by the anvil connection section (480) to establish a secure pivotable connection between the anvil half (414) and the proximal frame portion (418).

[0069] As most clearly shown in FIG. 22, the anvil connection section (480) includes a stability block (488) and a magnetic body (482), both of which extend proximally from the shroud (478). The stability block (488) is dimensioned to fit within the range of the stability block recess (492) of the pivot cartridge section (472) when the anvil connection section (480) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (472) in accordance with the description herein. The stability block (388) fits within the recess (492) and sufficiently prevents lateral or rotational movement of the block (388) relative to the recess (492).

[0070] Similarly, the magnetic body (482) is dimensioned to fit within the range of the magnetic recess (490) when the anvil connection section (480) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (472) in accordance with the description herein. The magnetic body (482) and the magnetic surface (494) are magnetically attracted to each other with a magnetic force sufficient to prevent distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (414) relative to the pivot housing (476) when the magnetic body (482) is received within the magnetic recess (490) in accordance with the description herein. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, any suitable magnetic relationship between the body (482) and the surface (494) may be used.

[0071] FIGS. 19 and 20 show an exemplary assembly of an anvil half (414) having a cartridge half (412) via a proximal connection assembly (470). First, as shown in FIG. 19, an operator can align the open end of the pivot housing (476) with the proximal end of the anvil connection section (480). Next, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the operator can insert the magnetic body (482) and the stability block (482) into the respective recesses (490, 492) of the pivot housing (476).

[0072] When the magnet (482) is received within the recess (490), the magnetic attraction force between the body (482) and the recess (490) can prevent the distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (414) relative to the pivot housing (476). Further, the engagement between the stability block (488) and the recess (492) may be sufficient to prevent lateral or rotational movement between the anvil half (414) and the pivot housing (476). Thus, when suitably inserted into the pivot housing (476), the anvil half (414) can be securely attached to the pivot housing (476), whereby the anvil half (414) is also pivotally connected to the proximal frame (418) of the cartridge half (412).

[0073] As described above, since the pivot housing (476) has a reliable pivotal connection with the proximal frame portion (418), the anvil half (414) also has a reliable pivotal connection when connected to the pivot housing (476) via the anvil connection section (480). Thus, due to the reliable pivotal connection, the operator can attempt to suitably operate the stapler (410) in accordance with the description herein without the halves (412, 414) inadvertently separating at the proximal pivotal connection.

[0074] The operator can then utilize the stapler (410) in accordance with the description herein. If the operator desires to separate the halves (412, 414), the operator can pull the anvil half (414) away from the pivot housing (476) until the anvil connection section (480) is completely removed from the pivot cartridge section (472), overcoming the magnetic attraction force between the body (482) and the recess (490).

[0075] In this embodiment, the pivot pin (474) and the side flange (422) pivotally connect the proximal frame portion (418) and the pivot housing (476), but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art considering the teachings herein, any other suitable mechanism may be used to pivotally connect the pivot housing (476) to the proximal frame portion (418), such as a living hinge substantially similar to the living hinge (304) described above.

[0076] In this embodiment, the pivot housing (476) is associated with the cartridge half (412), but this is merely optional, and the pivot housing (476) can also be associated with the anvil half (414), and the anvil connection section (480) can also be associated with the cartridge half (412).

[0077] D. Second Linear Surgical Stapler with Magnetic Separation Mechanism Figures 23 - 26 show an exemplary linear surgical stapler (510) that can be used in place of the linear surgical stapler (10) described above. As described in more detail below, the linear surgical stapler (510) includes a proximal connection assembly (570) that enables a secure proximal pivoting relationship between the halves (512, 514) while allowing for easy connection and separation of the cartridge half (512) and the anvil half (514).

[0078] The linear surgical stapler (510) may be substantially similar to the linear surgical stapler (10) described above, but has the differences described in detail below. Thus, the linear surgical stapler (512) includes a cartridge half (512) and an anvil half (514), which are substantially similar to the cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14) described above, but have the differences described in detail below.

[0079] The cartridge half (512) includes an elongated cartridge channel (516), a proximal frame (518) having upright side flanges (522), and a firing assembly (530), which are each substantially similar to the above-described elongated cartridge channel (16), proximal frame (18), upright side flanges (22), and firing assembly (100), but have differences that are detailed below. Although not specifically shown, the cartridge half (512) can also have a clamp lever having an elongated arm and a pair of opposing jaws, which may be substantially similar to the above-described clamp lever (40), elongated arm (44), and opposing jaws (48).

[0080] The anvil half (514) includes an elongated anvil channel (560), a proximal frame portion (not shown), a distal jaw portion (564), a latch pin (not shown), and a shroud (578), which are each substantially similar to the above-described elongated anvil channel (60), proximal frame portion (62), distal jaw portion (64), latch pin (68), and shroud (78), but have differences that are detailed below. Although not shown, it should be understood that the proximal frame portion (not shown) is housed within the shroud (578) in the same manner as the proximal frame portion (62) is housed within the above-described shroud (78).

[0081] The cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14) each include a tapered notch (26) and a proximal pin (70) to provide a temporary pivotal connection between the cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14), but the linear surgical stapler (510) includes a proximal connection assembly (570) that enables a secure proximal pivotal relationship between the halves (512, 514) while allowing a temporary connection between the cartridge half (512) and the anvil half (514).

[0082] The latching proximal connection assembly (570) includes a pivotal cartridge section (572) and an anvil connection section (580). As most clearly shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the pivotal cartridge section (572) includes a pivot pin (574) and a pivot housing (576). The pivot housing (576) is pivotally connected to a proximal section of the proximal frame portion (518) by a pivot pin (574) associated with the side flange (522).

[0083] Unlike the proximal pin (70) described above, the pivot pin (574) is configured to remain pivotally connected to the side flange (522) such that during exemplary use, the pivot pin (574) and the pivot housing (576) do not separate from the proximal frame portion (518). In other words, the pivot housing (576) is attached to the side flange (522), whereby the pivot housing (576) can pivot relative to the proximal frame (518) about an axis defined by the pivot pin (574) during exemplary use, but cannot be otherwise removed or separated from the proximal frame portion (518). For example, even if an operator holds the cartridge half (512) by gripping only the pivot housing (576), the pivot housing (576) and the proximal frame portion (518) remain connected by the interaction between the pivot pin (574) and the side flange (522).

[0084] The pivot housing (576) defines a keyhole recess (590) that houses a magnetic element (594). The keyhole recess (590) is dimensioned to selectively receive the anvil connection section (580). As described in more detail below, the pivot housing (576) is configured to selectively connect to the anvil half (514) by the anvil connection section (580) to establish a secure pivotable connection between the anvil half (514) and the proximal frame portion (518).

[0085] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, the anvil connection section (580) includes a complementary key-shaped body (588) that extends proximally from the shroud (578). The key-shaped body (588) has a tubular portion (584) with a magnetic inner surface (582). The key-shaped body (588) is dimensioned to fit within the keyhole (590) of the pivot cartridge section (572) when the anvil connection section (580) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (572) in accordance with the description herein. The key-shaped body (588) and the keyhole (590) are dimensioned to sufficiently prevent lateral or rotational movement of the key-shaped body (588) relative to the keyhole (590).

[0086] Similarly, the magnetic element (594) is dimensioned to fit within the interior of the tubular portion (584) when the anvil connection section (580) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (572) in accordance with the description herein. The magnetic element (594) and the magnetic surface (582) are magnetically attracted to each other with a magnetic force sufficient to prevent distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (514) relative to the pivot housing (576) when the magnet (582) is received within the tubular portion (584) in accordance with the description herein. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art considering the teachings herein, any suitable magnetic relationship between the body (582) and the surface (582) may be used.

[0087] FIGS. 25 and 26 show an exemplary assembly of the anvil half (514) having the cartridge half (512) via the proximal connection assembly (570). First, as shown in FIG. 25, an operator can align the open end of the pivot housing (576) with the proximal end of the anvil connection section (580). Next, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the operator can insert the key-shaped body (588) into the keyhole (590) such that the magnetic element (594) is inserted into the tubular portion (584).

[0088] When the magnet (594) is received within the tubular portion (584), the magnetic attraction between the body (594) and the surface (582) can prevent distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (514) relative to the pivot housing (576). Further, the engagement between the key-shaped body (588) and the keyhole (590) may be sufficient to prevent lateral or rotational movement between the anvil half (514) and the pivot housing (576). Thus, when suitably inserted into the pivot housing (576), the anvil half (514) can be securely attached to the pivot housing (576), whereby the anvil half (514) is also pivotally connected to the proximal frame (418) of the cartridge half (412).

[0089] As described above, since the pivot housing (576) has a secure pivotal connection with the proximal frame portion (518), the anvil half (514) also has a secure pivotal connection when connected to the pivot housing (576) via the anvil connection section (580). Thus, due to the secure pivotal connection, an operator can attempt to suitably operate the stapler (510) in accordance with the description herein without the halves (512, 514) inadvertently separating at the proximal pivotal connection.

[0090] The operator can then utilize the stapler (510) in accordance with the description herein. If the operator desires to separate the halves (512, 514), the operator can pull the anvil half (514) away from the pivot housing (576) until the anvil connection section (580) is completely removed from the pivot cartridge section (572), overcoming the magnetic attraction between the body (594) and the surface (582).

[0091] In this embodiment, the pivot pin (574) and the side flange (452) pivotally connect the proximal frame portion (518) and the pivot housing (576), but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art considering the teachings herein, any other suitable mechanism such as a living hinge substantially similar to the above-described living hinge (304) may be used to pivotally connect the pivot housing (576) to the proximal frame portion (518).

[0092] In this embodiment, the pivot housing (576) is associated with the cartridge half (512), but this is merely optional and the pivot housing (576) can also be associated with the anvil half (514), and the anvil connection section (580) can also be associated with the cartridge half (512).

[0093] E. Linear surgical stapler having a friction separation mechanism Figures 27 - 30 show an exemplary linear surgical stapler (610) that can be used in place of the above-described linear surgical stapler (10). As described in more detail below, the linear surgical stapler (610) includes a proximal connection assembly (670) that enables secure proximal pivoting between the halves (612, 614) while allowing for easy connection and separation of the cartridge half (612) and the anvil half (614).

[0094] The linear surgical stapler (610) may be substantially similar to the above-described linear surgical stapler (10), but has the differences described in detail below. Thus, the linear surgical stapler (612) includes a cartridge half (612) and an anvil half (614), which are substantially similar to the above-described cartridge half (12) and anvil half (14), but have the differences described in detail below.

[0095] The cartridge half (612) includes an elongated cartridge channel (616), a proximal frame (618) having an upright side flange (622), and a firing assembly (630), which are each substantially similar to the elongated cartridge channel (16), proximal frame (18), upright side flange (22), and firing assembly (100) described above, but have differences that will be detailed below. Although not specifically shown, the cartridge half (612) can also include a clamp lever (not shown) having an elongated arm (not shown) and a pair of opposing jaws (not shown), which may each be substantially similar to the clamp lever (40), elongated arm (44), and opposing jaws (48) described above.

[0096] The anvil half (614) includes an elongated anvil channel (660), a proximal frame portion (not shown), a distal jaw portion (664), a latch pin (not shown), and a shroud (678), which are each substantially similar to the elongated anvil channel (60), proximal frame portion (62), distal jaw portion (64), latch pin (68), and shroud (78) described above, but have differences that will be detailed below. Although not shown, it should be understood that the proximal frame portion (not shown) is housed within the shroud (678) in the same manner as the proximal frame portion (62) housed within the shroud (78) described above.

[0097] The cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14) each include a tapered notch (26) and a proximal pin (70) to provide a temporary pivoting connection between the cartridge half (12) and the anvil half (14), while the linear surgical stapler (610) includes a proximal connection assembly (670) that enables a temporary connection between the cartridge half (612) and the anvil half (614) while ensuring a reliable proximal pivoting relationship between the halves (612, 614).

[0098] The latching proximal connection assembly (670) includes a pivot cartridge section (672) and an anvil connection section (680). As most clearly shown in FIG. 30, the pivot cartridge section (672) includes a pivot pin (674) and a pivot housing (676). The pivot housing (676) is pivotally connected to the proximal section of the proximal frame portion (618) by a pivot pin (674) associated with the side flange (622).

[0099] Unlike the aforementioned proximal pin (70), the pivot pin (674) is configured to remain pivotally connected to the side flange (622) such that during exemplary use, the pivot pin (674) and the pivot housing (676) do not separate from the proximal frame portion (618). In other words, the pivot housing (676) is attached to the side flange (622), whereby the pivot housing (676) can pivot relative to the proximal frame (618) about an axis defined by the pivot pin (674) during exemplary use, but cannot be otherwise removed or separated from the proximal frame portion (618). For example, even if an operator holds the cartridge half (612) by gripping only the pivot housing (676), the pivot housing (676) and the proximal frame portion (618) remain connected by the interaction between the pivot pin (674) and the side flange (622).

[0100] The pivot housing (676) defines a complementary hollow interior (690) that houses a leaf spring (692). The hollow interior (690) is dimensioned to selectively house the anvil connection section (680). As described in more detail below, the pivot housing (676) is configured to selectively connect to the anvil half (614) by the anvil connection section (680) to establish a reliable pivotable connection between the anvil half (614) and the proximal frame portion (618).

[0101] As most clearly shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the anvil connection section (680) includes a stability block (688) that extends proximally from the shroud (678). The lower surface of the stability block (688) defines a recess (682) that is dimensioned to interact with the leaf spring (692) of the pivot housing (676). The stability block (688) is dimensioned to fit within the complementary hollow interior (690) of the pivot cartridge section (672) when the anvil connection section (680) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (672) in accordance with the description herein.

[0102] The leaf spring (692) is dimensioned to fit within the recess (692) when the anvil connection section (680) is attached to the pivot cartridge section (672). The leaf spring (692) is sufficiently elastic to flex in response to a force sufficient to accommodate the connection between the anvil connection section (680) and the pivot cartridge section (672) in accordance with the description herein. Further, the leaf spring (692) is sufficiently elastic to preferably prevent distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (614) relative to the pivot housing (676) when the leaf spring (692) is received within the recess (682) in accordance with the description herein.

[0103] Figures 27 and 28 show an exemplary assembly of an anvil half (614) having a cartridge half (612) via a proximal connection assembly (670). First, as shown in Figure 27, the operator can align the open end of the pivot housing (676) with the proximal end of the anvil connection section (680). Next, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, the operator can insert the anvil connection section (680) into the complementary opening (690) of the pivot housing (676) with sufficient force to bend the leaf spring (692). When the leaf spring (692) is within the recess (682), the leaf spring (692) can return to its relaxed position and / or engage the surface defining the recess (682) to provide a frictional braking force. When in the state shown in Figure 28, the anvil connection section (280) is fully inserted within the hollow interior (290).

[0104] When the leaf spring (692) is received within the recess (682), the frictional braking force between the leaf spring (692) and the recess (682) can prevent distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (614) relative to the pivot housing (676). Further, the engagement between the stability block (688) and the complementary opening (690) may be sufficient to prevent lateral or rotational movement between the anvil half (614) and the pivot housing (676). Thus, when suitably inserted into the pivot housing (676), the anvil half (614) can be sufficiently attached to the pivot housing (676), whereby the anvil half (614) is also pivotally connected to the proximal frame (618) of the cartridge half (612).

[0105] As described above, since the pivot housing (676) has a secure pivotal connection with the proximal frame portion (618), the anvil half (614) also has a secure pivotal connection when connected to the pivot housing (676) via the anvil connection section (680). Thus, due to the secure pivotal connection, the operator can attempt to suitably operate the stapler (610) in accordance with the description herein without the halves (612, 614) inadvertently separating at the proximal pivotal connection.

[0106] Next, the operator can utilize the stapler (610) in accordance with the description herein. If the operator desires to separate the halves (612, 614), the operator can pull the anvil half (614) away from the pivot housing (676) with sufficient force to overcome the frictional braking force between the leaf spring (692) in the recess (682) in order to deform the leaf spring (692) until the anvil connection section (680) is completely removed from the hollow interior (690) of the pivot housing (676).

[0107] In this embodiment, the pivot pin (674) and the side flange (622) pivotally connect the proximal frame portion (618) and the pivot housing (676), but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, any other suitable mechanism, such as a living hinge substantially similar to the living hinge (304) described above, may be used to pivotally connect the pivot housing (676) to the proximal frame portion (618).

[0108] In this embodiment, the pivot housing (676) is associated with the cartridge half (612), but this is merely optional and the pivot housing (676) can be associated with the anvil half (614), and the anvil connection section (680) can also be associated with the cartridge half (612).

[0109] In this embodiment, the leaf spring (692) is used to provide a frictional braking force to prevent distal longitudinal movement of the anvil half (614) relative to the pivot housing (676), but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, any other suitable alternative mechanism may be used. For example, a compression spring, an elastic plastic detent, an elastomeric body, etc. can be used to provide sufficient frictional braking force in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0110] III. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings of this specification can 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 subsequent applications of this application. No waiver of any rights is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings of this specification can be configured and applied in many other ways. Also, in some variations, it is contemplated that certain features mentioned in the following examples may be omitted. Accordingly, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered important unless so explicitly indicated later by the inventors or their successors in interest. If the claims presented in this application or subsequent applications related to this application include additional features other than those mentioned below, those additional features should not be considered to have been added for any reason related to patentability.

Example

[0111] An apparatus, comprising: (a) a first portion including (i) a first handle and (ii) a first jaw extending distally from the first handle; (b) a second portion configured to selectively couple with the first portion, the second portion being configured to pivot about a proximal position relative to the first portion while coupled to the first portion, the second portion including (i) a second handle and (ii) a second jaw extending distally from the second handle; (c) a latching member movably coupled to either the first portion or the second portion, the latching member being configured to drive the first jaw and the second jaw toward a fully closed configuration to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, the first jaw and the second jaw being operable to cooperate to cut and staple tissue in the fully closed configuration; and (d) a proximal coupling assembly configured to selectively attach the first portion to the second portion such that the second portion is pivotally coupled to the first portion, the proximal coupling assembly including (i) a pivot body pivotally attached to the first portion at a proximal location and (ii) a coupling body associated with the second portion, the coupling body being configured to engage the pivot body at a location distal to the proximal location to selectively attach the first portion to the second portion.

Example

[0112] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the latching member is pivotally coupled to the first portion about a distal pivot position.

Example

[0113] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1-2, wherein the first jaw includes a cartridge receiving channel configured to selectively couple with a staple cartridge.

Example

[0114] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1-3, wherein the second jaw includes an anvil.

Example

[0115] The device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 4, further comprising a firing assembly associated with a first handle, the firing assembly including a knife member.

Example

[0116] The device according to Example 5, wherein the firing assembly is configured to drive a plurality of staples from a staple cartridge associated with a first jaw.

Example

[0117] The device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the pivoting body is pivotally connected to a first portion via a pivot pin.

Example

[0118] The device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the pivoting body is pivotally connected to a first portion via a living hinge.

Example

[0119] The device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the pivoting body defines a hollow interior and a latch opening.

Example

[0120] The device according to Example 9, wherein the connecting body includes an elastic latch configured to selectively connect to the pivoting body via the latch opening.

Example

[0121] The device according to Example 10, wherein the connecting body further includes a stability body, the pivoting body defines a distal release slot, and the stability body is dimensioned to fit within the distal release slot.

Example

[0122] The connecting body and the pivoting body are configured to engage with the pivoting body by magnetic attraction force, and the device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 11.

Example

[0123] The connecting body defines a keyhole recess, and the pivoting body includes a key-shaped body configured to fit into the keyhole recess, and the device according to Example 12.

Example

[0124] The pivoting body defines a keyhole recess, and the connecting body includes a key-shaped body configured to fit into the keyhole recess, and the device according to Example 12.

Example

[0125] The pivoting body and the connecting body are configured to engage with each other via an elastic member, and the device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 14.

Example

[0126] An apparatus, comprising: (a) an end effector, including: (i) a first jaw; and (ii) a second jaw configured to pivot about a proximal pivot point relative to the first jaw between an open configuration, a partially closed configuration, and a fully closed configuration for grasping tissue, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are operable to cooperate to cut and staple tissue in the fully closed configuration; (b) a handle assembly, including: (i) a first arm extending proximally from the first jaw; (ii) a second arm extending proximally along a longitudinal axis from the second jaw; and (iii) a latching member movably coupled to the first arm at a distal pivot position, the latching member being configured to engage the second arm or the second jaw to drive the second jaw from the partially closed configuration toward the fully closed configuration; and (c) a proximal connection assembly configured to selectively couple the first arm to the second arm, including: (i) a housing pivotally attached to the first arm at a proximal pivot point; and (ii) an attachment member associated with the second arm, the attachment member being configured to align with the housing along the longitudinal axis to selectively couple with the housing to pivotally couple the second jaw to the first jaw about the proximal pivot point.

Example

[0127] The apparatus according to Example 16, wherein the attachment member includes an elastic latch.

Example

[0128] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 16 to 17, wherein the attachment member includes a magnetic body.

Example

[0129] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the housing defines a hollow interior dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the attachment member.

Example

[0130] An apparatus comprising: (a) a first portion including (i) a first handle and (ii) a first jaw extending distally from the first handle; (b) a second portion including (i) a second handle, (ii) a second jaw extending distally from the second handle, and (iii) a latching protrusion, the second portion being configured to pivotally couple to the first portion in a proximal position in an open configuration; (c) a latching lever pivotally coupled to the first portion, the latching lever being configured to pivot the first jaw and the second jaw from a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration to clamp tissue therebetween, the first jaw and the second jaw being operable to cooperate to cut and staple tissue in the fully closed configuration; and (d) a proximal connection assembly configured to selectively couple the first portion to the second portion at a position distal to the proximal connection, the proximal connection assembly including a housing pivotally attached to the first handle in a proximal position, the housing being configured to selectively attach to the second handle.

[0131] IV. Others 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. Accordingly, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation from one another. Various suitable ways of combining the teachings herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0132] Furthermore, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described in this specification can be combined with any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0239883, titled "Releasable Coupling Features for Proximal Portions of Linear Surgical Stapler", issued on August 8, 2019, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0046351, titled "Decoupling Mechanism for Linear Surgical Stapler", issued on February 13, 2020, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0046353, titled "Clamping Assembly for Linear Surgical Stapler", issued on February 13, 2020, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. [Agent Arrangement Number Reference Number END9257USNP1.0731748], titled "Surgical Linear Cutter Wishbone Separation Mechanism with Detent", filed on the same day as the present invention, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. [Agent Arrangement Number Reference Number END9258USNP.0731752], titled "Pin Trap Mechanism for Surgical Linear Cutter", filed on the same day as the present invention. The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0133] It should be understood that all or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure that is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated content does not conflict with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosures described in this disclosure. In and of itself, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure clearly described herein shall take precedence over any conflicting descriptions incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portions thereof, that is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosures described in this specification shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated content and the current disclosure.

[0134] The modified forms of the above-described devices can be applied not only to conventional medical treatments and surgeries performed by medical experts, but also to robot-assisted medical treatments and surgeries. As just one example, the various teachings herein can be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as the DAVINCI (trademark) system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California).

[0135] The modified forms of the above-described devices can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. The modified forms can, in either or both cases, be readjusted for reuse after at least one use. Readjustment can include any combination of a disassembly process of the device, followed by a cleaning or replacement process of specific parts, and a subsequent reassembly process. In particular, some modified forms of the device can be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or components of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. When cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, some modified forms of the device can be reassembled for subsequent use by a user at a readjustment facility or immediately prior to the procedure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be utilized in the readjustment of the device. The use of such techniques and the resulting readjusted device are all within the scope of this application.

[0136] Merely by way of example, the deformable forms described herein can be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a sealed and enclosed container such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. Next, the container and the device can be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation can kill bacteria on the device and within the container. Next, the sterilized device may be stored in the sterilized container for later use. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique well known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma rays, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0137] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein can be achieved by those skilled in the art with appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Some such possible modifications have been described, but other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the above-described examples, embodiments, geometric shapes, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. are illustrative and not essential. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered with respect to the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of the structures and operations shown and described in this specification and the drawings.

[0138] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) A device, (a) A first portion, (i) A first handle, (ii) A first jaw extending distally from the first handle, and a first portion, (b) A second portion configured to selectively couple to the first portion, the second portion being configured to pivot about a proximal position with respect to the first portion while coupled to the first portion, the second portion (i) A second handle, (ii) A second jaw extending distally from the second handle, and a second portion, (c) A latching member movably connected to either the first portion or the second portion, the latching member being configured to drive the first jaw and the second jaw toward a fully closed configuration to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, the first jaw and the second jaw being operable in cooperation to cut and staple the tissue in the fully closed configuration, the latching member; (d) A proximal connection assembly configured to selectively attach the first portion to the second portion such that the second portion is pivotally connected to the first portion, (i) A pivot body pivotally attached to the first portion at the proximal position, (ii) A connection body associated with the second portion, the connection body being configured to engage the pivot body at a position distal to the proximal position to selectively attach the first portion to the second portion, the proximal connection assembly including the connection body; (2) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the latching member is pivotally connected to the first portion about a distal pivot position. (3) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the first jaw includes a cartridge receiving channel configured to selectively connect with a staple cartridge. (4) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the second jaw includes an anvil. (5) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, further comprising a firing assembly associated with the first handle, the firing assembly including a knife member.

[0139] (6) The apparatus according to embodiment 5, wherein the firing assembly is configured to drive a plurality of staples from a staple cartridge associated with the first jaw. (7) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the pivot body is pivotally connected to the first portion via a pivot pin. (8) The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pivotal body is pivotally connected to the first part via a living hinge. (9) The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pivotal body defines a hollow interior and a latch opening. (10) The apparatus according to Embodiment 9, wherein the connecting body includes an elastic latch configured to be selectively connected to the pivotal body via the latch opening.

[0140] (11) The apparatus according to Embodiment 10, wherein the connecting body further includes a stability body, the pivotal body defines a distal open slot, and the stability body is dimensioned to fit within the distal open slot. (12) The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the connecting body and the pivotal body are configured to engage with the pivotal body by magnetic attraction force. (13) The apparatus according to Embodiment 12, wherein the connecting body defines a keyhole recess, and the pivotal body includes a key-shaped body configured to fit within the keyhole recess. (14) The apparatus according to Embodiment 12, wherein the pivotal body defines a keyhole recess, and the connecting body includes a key-shaped body configured to fit within the keyhole recess. (15) The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pivotal body and the connecting body are configured to engage with each other via an elastic member.

[0141] (16) An apparatus, (a) An end effector, (i) A first jaw, (ii) A second jaw configured to pivot about a proximal pivot point relative to the first jaw between an open configuration, a partially closed configuration, and a fully closed configuration for grasping tissue, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are operable to cooperate to cut and staple tissue in the fully closed configuration. (b) A handle assembly, (i) A first arm extending proximally from the first jaw; (ii) A second arm extending proximally along the longitudinal axis from the second jaw; (iii) A latching member movably connected to the first arm, the latching member being configured to engage with the second arm or the second jaw to drive the second jaw from the partially closed configuration towards the fully closed configuration, the latching member; and a handle assembly including the latching member; (c) A proximal connection assembly configured to selectively connect the first arm to the second arm, (i) A housing pivotally attached to the first arm at the proximal pivot point; (ii) An attachment member associated with the second arm, the attachment member being configured to align with the housing along the longitudinal axis to selectively connect with the housing to pivotally connect the second jaw to the first jaw about the proximal pivot point, the attachment member; and a proximal connection assembly including the attachment member; and an apparatus comprising the proximal connection assembly. (17) The apparatus according to embodiment 16, wherein the attachment member includes an elastic latch. (18) The apparatus according to embodiment 16, wherein the attachment member includes a magnetic body. (19) The apparatus according to embodiment 16, wherein the housing defines a hollow interior dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the attachment member. (20) An apparatus, (a) A first portion, (i) A first handle; (ii) A first jaw extending distally from the first handle; and a first portion including the first jaw; (b) A second portion, (i) A second handle; (ii) A second jaw extending distally from the second handle; (iii) A latching projection, wherein the second portion is configured to be pivotally coupled to the first portion at a proximal position in an open configuration, and the second portion includes the latching projection. (c) A latching lever pivotally coupled to the first portion, the latching lever being configured to pivot the first jaw and the second jaw from a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, the first jaw and the second jaw being operable to cooperate to cut and staple the tissue in the fully closed configuration. (d) A proximal connection assembly configured to selectively couple the first portion to the second portion at a position distal to the proximal connection, the proximal connection assembly including a housing pivotally attached to the first handle at the proximal position, the housing being configured to be selectively attached to the second handle. An apparatus comprising the proximal connection assembly.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a first portion including: (i) a first handle; and (ii) a first jaw extending distally from the first handle; (b) a second portion configured to selectively couple with the first portion, the second portion being configured to pivot about a proximal position relative to the first portion while coupled to the first portion, the second portion including: (i) a second handle; and (ii) a second jaw extending distally from the second handle; (c) a latching member movably coupled to either the first portion or the second portion, the latching member being configured to drive the first jaw and the second jaw toward a fully closed configuration to clamp tissue therebetween, the first jaw and the second jaw being operable to cooperate to cut and staple the tissue in the fully closed configuration; (d) a proximal coupling assembly configured to selectively attach the first portion to the second portion such that the second portion is pivotally coupled to the first portion, the proximal coupling assembly including: (i) a pivot body pivotally attached to the first portion at the proximal position; and (ii) a coupling body associated with the second portion, the coupling body being configured to engage the pivot body at a position distal to the proximal position to selectively attach the first portion to the second portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the latching member is pivotally coupled to the first portion about a distal pivot position.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first jaw includes a cartridge receiving channel configured to selectively couple with a staple cartridge.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second jaw includes an anvil.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a firing assembly associated with the first handle, the firing assembly including a knife member.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the firing assembly is configured to drive a plurality of staples from a staple cartridge associated with the first jaw. **Claim 7** The device according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting body is pivotally connected to the first part via a pivot pin. **Claim 8** The device according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting body is pivotally connected to the first part via a living hinge. **Claim 9** The device according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting body defines a hollow interior and a latch opening. **Claim 10** The device according to claim 9, wherein the connecting body includes an elastic latch configured to selectively connect to the pivoting body via the latch opening. **Claim 11** The device according to claim 10, wherein the connecting body further includes a stability body, the pivoting body defines a distal open slot, and the stability body is dimensioned to fit within the distal open slot. **Claim 12** The device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body and the pivoting body are configured to engage with the pivoting body by magnetic attraction force. **Claim 13** The device according to claim 12, wherein the connecting body defines a keyhole recess, and the pivoting body includes a key-shaped body configured to fit within the keyhole recess. **Claim 14** The device according to claim 12, wherein the pivoting body defines a keyhole recess, and the connecting body includes a key-shaped body configured to fit within the keyhole recess. **Claim 15** The device according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting body and the connecting body are configured to engage with each other via an elastic member. **Claim 16** A device comprising: (a) an end effector comprising: (i) a first jaw; and (ii) a second jaw configured to pivot about a proximal pivot point relative to the first jaw between an open configuration, a partially closed configuration, and a fully closed configuration for gripping tissue, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are operable to cooperate to cut and staple tissue in the fully closed configuration; (b) a handle assembly comprising: (i) a first arm extending proximally from the first jaw; and (ii) a second arm extending proximally along a longitudinal axis from the second jaw. (iii) a latching member movably connected to the first arm, the latching member being configured to engage with the second arm or the second jaw to drive the second jaw from the partially closed configuration towards the fully closed configuration, and a latching member, and a handle assembly including the same; (c) a proximal connection assembly configured to selectively connect the first arm to the second arm, (i) a housing pivotally attached to the first arm at the proximal pivot point, (ii) an attachment member associated with the second arm, the attachment member being configured to align with the housing along the longitudinal axis for selectively connecting with the housing to pivotally connect the second jaw to the first jaw about the proximal pivot point, and an attachment member, and a proximal connection assembly including the same; and an apparatus comprising the same.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the attachment member includes an elastic latch.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the attachment member includes a magnetic body.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the housing defines a hollow interior dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the attachment member.

20. An apparatus, (a) a first portion, (i) a first handle, (ii) a first jaw extending distally from the first handle, and a first portion including the same; (b) a second portion, (i) a second handle, (ii) a second jaw extending distally from the second handle, (iii) a latching projection, the second portion being configured to pivotally connect to the first portion at a proximal position in an open configuration, and a latching projection, and a second portion including the same; (c) a latching lever pivotally connected to the first portion, the latching lever being configured to pivot the first jaw and the second jaw from a partially closed configuration towards a fully closed configuration to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, the first jaw and the second jaw being operable to cooperate to cut and staple the tissue in the fully closed configuration, and a latching lever; (d) A proximal connection assembly configured to selectively couple the first portion to the second portion at a position distal to the proximal position, the proximal connection assembly including a housing pivotally attached to the first handle at the proximal position, the housing being configured to be selectively attached to the second handle, the proximal connection assembly and, a device comprising.

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