Reload Cover for a Surgical Stapling System

Abstract

To provide a surgical stapler having a reload with a removable cover.SOLUTION: A surgical stapler system can include a jaw assembly with one jaw defining a reload support capable of receiving and firing multiple disposable reload cartridges in a single surgical procedure. The reload cartridge can be protected by a reload cover engageable therewith. The reload cover can include snap features configured to prevent manual removal of the reload cover from the reload cartridge before proper positioning and installation in the reload support. The reload cover can desirably maintain a plurality of staples within staple pockets in the reload cartridge and can maintain a staple deployment member in an unfired position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,194, entitled "Reload Cover for a Surgical Stapling System", filed on March 29, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application generally relates to surgical occlusion devices, and more specifically to surgical staplers having a reload with a removable cover.

Background Art

[0003] Surgical staplers are used to bring or clamp tissue together and staple the clamped tissue to each other. Thus, surgical staplers have a mechanism to ensure that the tissue is properly positioned and captured, and to drive staples through the tissue. As a result, this has produced multiple triggers and handles along with complex mechanisms, for example, to provide proper stapling of the clamped tissue. Due to these complex mechanisms, surgical staplers can have an increased manufacturing burden, as well as potential causes of device failure and confusion for the user. That is, reliable stapling of clamped tissue without complex mechanisms is desirable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A surgical stapler may further include a replaceable reload cartridge so that multiple cartridges can be used with the stapler within a single surgical procedure. Further improvements to the reload cartridge are desirable to facilitate proper placement of the initial and each subsequent reload cartridge for use with the surgical stapler.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling device is provided herein. The surgical stapling device includes an elongate shaft, a jaw assembly, a reload cartridge, and a reload cover. The jaw assembly includes a reload support configured to receive the reload cartridge. The reload cover is removably positionable over the reload cartridge. The reload cartridge includes at least one projecting boss extending laterally outward therefrom. The reload cover includes at least one snap feature extending therefrom, each snap feature being engagable with a corresponding projecting boss. The at least one snap feature is not manually disengageable from the at least one projecting boss. Installation of the reload cartridge and reload cover onto the reload support disengages the at least one snap feature from the at least one projecting boss.

[0007] In certain embodiments, a reload cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler is provided herein. The reload cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body and a reload cover. The cartridge body has a generally elongated profile extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The cartridge body includes an upper tissue contacting surface and a pair of outer surfaces. The upper tissue contacting surface has a plurality of rows of staple pockets formed therein and at least one seating boss projecting upwardly from the upper surface at the proximal end. Each of the pair of outer surfaces includes a projecting boss extending laterally outwardly at the distal end of the cartridge body. The reload cover is removably positionable on the upper surface. The reload cover has a generally planar configuration and a generally elongated profile extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The reload cover includes a pair of latch arms extending downwardly from its distal end. Each of the latch arms is engagable with a corresponding projecting boss to hold the reload cover against the upper surface of the cartridge body such that the reload cover is not manually removable.

[0008] In certain embodiments, a method of installing a reload cartridge on a reload support is provided herein. The surgical stapler includes a jaw assembly that includes the reload support, and the reload cartridge includes a reload cover engaged therewith. The method includes positioning the proximal end of the reload cartridge within the proximal end of the reload support. The method further includes advancing a projecting boss adjacent the distal end of the reload cartridge into an engagement notch of the reload support such that the engagement notch releases a snap feature of the reload cover. The method further includes removing the reload cover with the snap feature released.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an embodiment of a surgical stapling device is shown. The embodiment of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1-3 includes a mechanical handle assembly 40, although the various aspects of the reload cartridge and reload cover described herein can be used with an electric handle assembly. An exemplary embodiment of a surgical stapler 10 includes an elongate shaft 20, a jaw assembly 30, and a handle assembly 40. The various aspects of the elongate shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 described herein can be used interchangeably with either a mechanical handle assembly 40 or an electric handle assembly. FIG. 1 shows the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in an open configuration. FIG. 2 shows a removable reload shaft assembly including the elongate shaft 20 and the jaw assembly 30 of the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in an open configuration.

[0011] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of the surgical stapler 10 can be sized and configured for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. For example, the elongate shaft 20 and the jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured to be introduced into the surgical field through an access port or trocar cannula. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft 20 and the jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured to be inserted through a trocar cannula having a relatively small working channel diameter, such as less than 8 mm. In other embodiments, the elongate shaft 20 and the jaw assembly 30 can be sized and configured to be inserted through a trocar cannula having a larger working channel diameter, such as 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm. In other embodiments, certain aspects of the surgical stapler described herein are contemplated to be incorporable into a surgical stapling device for use in open surgical procedures.

[0012] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, as shown, the elongated shaft 20 includes a generally tubular member. The elongated shaft 20 extends from a proximal end 22 to a distal end 24. The elongated shaft 20 defines a central longitudinal axis L of the surgical stapler 10 that extends between the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24. The jaw assembly 30 and the reload cartridge 50 similarly have a generally elongated configuration, and each extends along the central longitudinal axis from its respective proximal end to its respective distal end when aligned with the elongated shaft 20.

[0013] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the jaw assembly 30 is coupled to the elongated shaft 20 at the distal end 24 of the elongated shaft 20. The jaw assembly 30 includes a first jaw 34 pivotally coupled to a second jaw 32. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the jaw assembly is pivotally coupled to the elongated shaft such that the jaw assembly can be selectively positioned in an articulated position relative to the central longitudinal axis L and in an aligned position relative to the central longitudinal axis L. The handle assembly of FIG. 1 includes an articulation knob 190 and an articulation mechanism configured to provide continuously selectable articulation of the jaw assembly of the elongated shaft assembly through the articulation range. In an initial configuration, the second jaw 32 includes a plurality of staples positioned within a reload cartridge 50 positioned therein. That is, the second jaw 32 defines a reload support.

[0014] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the jaw assembly 30 can be actuated from an open configuration (FIG. 1) to a closed configuration and a stapling configuration by an actuating member or beam that is slidable longitudinally within an elongate shaft. In an initial position, the beam can be positioned at the distal end 24 of the elongate shaft 20. By the beam in the initial position, the first jaw 34 is pivotally rotated away from the second jaw 32 such that the jaw assembly 30 is in an open configuration. The second jaw 32 has an elongate configuration extending from the distal end of the elongate shaft. The actuating beam engages the first jaw 34 upon distal translation of the actuating member or beam along the longitudinal axis L. A distal translation of the actuating beam from the initial position by a first distance can actuate the jaw assembly from the open configuration to the closed configuration. With the jaw assembly 30 in the closed configuration, the actuating beam can be returned proximally by the first distance to return the jaw assembly 30 to the open configuration. A further distal translation of the actuating beam beyond the first distance can advance a staple slider configured to dispense staples from the second jaw 32 such that a plurality of staples 36 are dispensed from the second jaw 32.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the handle assembly is coupled to the elongate shaft 20 at the proximal end 22 of the elongate shaft 20. As shown, the handle assembly 40 has a pistol grip configuration with a fixed handle 42 and a housing that defines a movable handle 44 or trigger pivotally coupled to the fixed handle 42. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the surgical stapler device, including the aspects described herein, can have a handle assembly with other configurations, such as a scissor grip configuration or an inline configuration. The handle assembly 40 houses an actuation mechanism configured to selectively advance the actuating shaft in response to movement of the movable handle 44, and to actuate the actuating beam within the elongate shaft by a first distance in an opening and closing stroke to close the jaw assembly from an initial open position, and by a second distance greater than the first distance in a firing stroke to fire staples, and to return the actuating beam to the initial position by the second distance and the first distance. In certain embodiments, a sliding selector 72 on the handle assembly can enable a user to select whether the handle assembly operates to actuate the jaw assembly in an opening and closing stroke or a firing stroke. Various embodiments of the handle assembly and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,668,732, entitled "Surgical Stapler Handle Assembly Having an Actuation Mechanism with a Longitudinally Rotatable Shaft" and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 485,620, filed on April 12, 2017, entitled "Surgical Stapler Having a Linkage Mechanism", both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0016] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, the surgical stapler 10 can include a plurality of staples positioned in a disposable reload cartridge 50, while the handle assembly 40 and the elongate shaft 20 are configured to be reused with a plurality of staple reload cartridges within a surgical procedure. The surgical stapler can include one or more grasping and firing lockout mechanisms that can limit the functionality of the handle assembly to warn the user and enhance patient safety when the reload cartridge is not present in the jaw assembly or when a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. In certain embodiments, a staple deployment member, such as a translatable sled or slider within the reload cartridge 50, can disable one or more lockout mechanisms when the staple deployment member is in a proximal position of the jaw assembly and corresponds to the presence of an unfired reload cartridge in the surgical stapler 10.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, the handle assembly 40 includes a coupler 46 at its distal end. The coupler 46 is adapted to engage the elongate shaft 20 of the surgical stapler 10. The coupler 46 can have a bayonet connection having an outer connector that can removably couple the handle assembly 40 to the elongate shaft 20 and an inner connector that can removably couple the actuating shaft 42 of the handle assembly 42 to the actuating member of the elongate shaft 20. Thus, the surgical stapler 10 can be configured such that the handle assembly 40 can be reused during a surgical procedure using a plurality of disposable shafts and / or reload cartridges. In other embodiments, some portion of the handle assembly and the elongate shaft can be made reusable, while the remainder of the elongate shaft and the jaw assembly are considered to define a disposable cartridge. In certain other embodiments, the handle assembly and the elongate shaft can be made reusable, while the jaw assembly defines a disposable cartridge. In yet other embodiments, the jaw insert that houses the plurality of staples can define a disposable cartridge, while the remainder of the surgical stapler is reusable.

[0018] As described above, the elongate shaft, jaw assembly, reload cartridge, and reload cover described herein can also be used with an electric stapler handle assembly. Various embodiments of the electric handle assembly and associated actuation mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 486,227, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled "Reload Shaft Assembly for a Surgical Stapler", U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 486,008, filed Apr. 12, 2017, entitled "Surgical Stapler Having an Electric Handle", and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 287,748, filed Feb. 27, 2019, entitled "Surgical Stapler Having an Electric Handle", all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, each view of the jaw assembly of the elongated shaft 20 is shown with the reload cartridge 50 and reload cover 150 removed from the second jaw 32. As shown, the reload cover 150 is placed on top of the reload cartridge 50, and the reload cartridge 50 is positionable on a reload support defined by the second jaw 32. As further described herein, the reload cover 152 can include one or more snap features 152 engageable with corresponding one or more protrusions or bosses 52 on the reload cartridge 50. The snap features 152 and bosses 52 are alignable with engagement notches 132 or release recesses formed in the second jaw 32 when the reload cartridge 50 is properly positioned and seated within the second jaw 32. In an exemplary embodiment, the reload cartridge 50 includes a plurality of staples disposed therein, each staple being positioned in its own staple pocket formed through the body of the reload cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, the staple pockets are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending columns. The upper surface of the reload cartridge 50 defines a tissue contact surface that can be substantially planar in certain embodiments. The reload cartridge further includes a blade channel formed therein. As shown, the blade channel extends longitudinally between two adjacent columns of the staple pockets such that the translation of the cutting blade through the blade channel transversely cuts the tissue between the rows of staples deployed in the tissue positioned in the jaws when the staples are fired.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, there are shown views of a reload cartridge 50 and a reload cover 150 that engages the reload cartridge 50. As shown, the reload cover 150 engages the reload cartridge 50 and abuts, contacts, or is spaced adjacent to the upper surface of the reload cartridge. Accordingly, the reload cover 150 can protect the tissue contact surface of the reload 50 from impacts that could cause scratches or damage during shipment and conveyance of the reload cartridge 50. Desirably, with the reload cover 150 positioned directly on the upper surface of the reload cartridge 50, a plurality of staples are retained within staple pockets in the reload cartridge 50. Accordingly, prior to and during installation of the reload cartridge within the jaw assembly, the plurality of staples are less likely to be inadvertently removed from these un-fired positions by any impact or other vibratory forces during shipment or manipulation of the reload cartridge.

[0021] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4-5, it can be desirable that the reload cover 150 be maintained on the reload cartridge in a manner that is not manually easily removable, such that it is considered that it can hardly be removed before the user installs the reload cover on the jaw assembly. Advantageously, such an arrangement can require that the user properly position and install the reload cartridge on the jaw assembly before the reload cover can be removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the reload cover 150 can include at least one snap feature 152 configured to engage at least one corresponding boss 52 protruding from the reload cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, the reload cover 150 includes two snap features 152 positioned laterally outwardly adjacent the distal end of the reload cover 150. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the reload cover can include more than two snap features and / or can include snap features positioned adjacent the proximal end of the reload cover. Each snap feature includes an arm 154 extending downwardly from the generally planar cover surface of the reload cover. The arm 154 includes a latch tooth 156 positioned at its end opposite the cover surface of the reload cover. The snap feature 152 is flexible such that the latch tooth can advance over the laterally protruding boss 52 from the cartridge body of the reload cartridge when the snap feature is flexed laterally outwardly during initial assembly with the reload cartridge. Desirably, in some embodiments, the arm 154 can be biased laterally inwardly, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal centerline of the reload cover. In some embodiments, the arm 154 can extend in a slightly laterally inwardly direction such that the arm 154 does not join the cover surface of the reload cover at a perpendicular angle, rather, the end of each arm is positioned laterally inwardly of the opposite end of the arm at the cover surface. That is, in these embodiments, when the reload cover 150 is positioned on the reload cartridge 50, each latch tooth 156 securely engages the outer surface of the reload cartridge and is not easily manually removable.

[0022] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4-5, the latch tooth 156 can extend laterally inwardly from the end of the arm member of the snap feature 152, and the latch tooth 156 can include a latch surface 158 on the upper side or top surface and a tapered edge 160 below it. The tapered edge 160 is configured using a transverse extent relative to the generally flat surface of the reload cover such that the tapered edge 160 engages various features such as the boss 52 of the reload cartridge 50 during initial assembly of the reload cover 150 to the reload cartridge 50 to deflect the arm 154 laterally outwardly. The latch surface 158 can engage the engagement surface below the boss 52 to maintain the reload cover 150 on the reload cartridge. During installation and proper seating of the reload cartridge 50 and reload cover 150 assembly to the jaw assembly of the surgical stapler, the tapered edge 160 engages the jaw assembly as shown in FIG. 6 and further described below, and the latch surface 158 engages the lower engagement surface of the boss 52 such that the snap feature 152 can be deflected laterally outwardly so that the reload cover 150 is separated from the reload cartridge 50.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 5, an opening 162 can be formed through the reload cover 150 adjacent to each snap feature 152. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, each opening 162 can be positioned at the distal end of the reload cover in a laterally outward position. As shown, each snap feature 152 is positioned laterally outward of the opening 162. In certain embodiments, the reload cover can have a generally rectangular profile sized to cover a plurality of rows of staple pockets on the reload cartridge, and the snap features can be disposed on laterally extending portions and wings positioned laterally outward of the generally rectangular profile. The opening 162 can be formed in each laterally extending portion. The opening 162 provides a locally flexible portion of the reload cover 150 and can allow for flexure of the snap feature 152 relative to the body of the reload cover 150. In addition to this, the opening 162 can allow a user to flex the snap feature 152 and release the reload cover 150 from the reload cartridge 50 with a hand tool such as a small screwdriver inserted through the opening 162. That is, the assembly of the reload cover 150 with the reload cartridge can be made difficult to manually remove, for example, to prevent inadvertent exposure of the staple pockets, but in certain instances, the reload cover can be removed through the use of a hand tool.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional end view of the jaw assembly 30 of an embodiment of a surgical stapler is shown. As shown, the reload cartridge 50 and the reload cover 150 are positioned and partially installed on the second jaw 32. To position the reload cartridge 50 on the reload support of the second jaw 32, the user first positions the proximal end of the reload cartridge 50 on the reload support at its proximal end. Next, the user pivots the distal end of the reload cartridge downward over the distal end of the reload support. The reload support of the second jaw 32 can be sized to receive the reload cartridge and can include a channel configured as such. The reload support includes at least one boss 52 and at least one engagement notch 132 or release recess corresponding to the snap feature 152. When the reload cartridge 50 is properly positioned on the reload support such that the boss 52 on the cartridge body seats in the engagement notch 132 of the reload support, the tapered edge portion 160 of the latch teeth 156 of the snap feature 152 engages the face of the engagement notch 132. In certain embodiments, the engagement notch 132 can be rounded or tapered to facilitate engagement with the latch teeth 156. Thus, when the reload cartridge 50 is properly positioned on the reload support, the snap feature 152 deflects laterally outward such that the latch face 158 of the latch teeth 156 is disengaged from the boss 52 to allow removal of the reload cover 150. Further, when the distal end of the reload cartridge seats on the reload support, the reload cover 150 is separated from the reload cartridge. FIG. 6 shows the initial engagement of the tapered edge portion 160 with the engagement notch 132 such that further downward movement of the reload cartridge 50 and the reload cover 150 relative to the reload support is thought to further deflect the snap feature 152. Thus, desirably, the tissue contact surface of the reload cartridge 50 cannot be readily exposed for use until the reload cartridge is properly positioned on the reload support of the jaw assembly 30. Failure to properly install the reload cartridge within the surgical stapler can result in incomplete or poorly formed staple lines.With the reload cartridge installed on the reload support and the reload cover separated from and removed from the reload cartridge, the user can complete the staple firing operation. Next, the fired reload cartridge can be removed from the reload support, and a second reload cartridge assembly including the reload cartridge and the reload cover can be inserted into the reload support as described above for use in subsequent firing operations.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a reload cartridge 50 of an embodiment of a surgical stapler is shown. As shown, the reload cartridge 50 has a generally elongated profile extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The reload cartridge 50 includes an upper tissue contact surface and a pair of outer surfaces. The upper surface of the reload cartridge 50 can include a plurality of longitudinally extending rows of staple pockets with blade channels extending therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface can further include at least one seating boss 56 that projects upwardly from the proximal end of the reload cartridge 50. The seating boss 56 can facilitate maintaining a desired spacing between the jaws of the jaw assembly and the seating of the reload cartridge when the staples are closed and fired. As shown, the reload cartridge further includes a projecting boss 52 that extends laterally outwardly from an outer surface adjacent to the distal end of the reload cartridge 50. The reload cartridge 50 can also include at least one notch 54 or recess formed on a rail 58 that projects laterally at a location proximal to the boss 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the reload cartridge is substantially symmetric about a central longitudinal axis, and each outer surface includes a projecting boss 52 and a laterally projecting rail 58.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 8 - 12, various views of an embodiment of a reload cover 150 of a surgical stapler are shown. As shown, the reload cover 150 includes a body having a generally planar configuration with a first surface configured to abut, contact, or be positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the reload cartridge. The body of the reload cover can have an elongated configuration with a generally rectangular profile sized to cover multiple rows of staple pockets of the reload cover. The proximal end of the body of the reload cover can be sized and configured to contact or abut a seating boss at the proximal end of the reload cartridge. The body further includes a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface. The reload cover includes a flange extending distally from the generally flat surface of the body. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange can extend distally along a plane transverse to the plane defined by the generally flat surface of the body. The flange can be configured to rest on the tapered distal end of the reload cartridge and extend further distally to a user - grippable distal tip.

[0027] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 8 - 12, the reload cover 150 includes at least one snap feature 152 that is engageable with a boss on the reload cartridge and releasable when installed on the jaw assembly. As shown, the reload cover 150 includes a pair of snap features 152 that extend transversely to generally flat surfaces adjacent to the outer edges on both sides at its distal end. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the snap features 152 includes an arm 154 having a latch tooth 156 with a latch surface 158 and a tapered edge 160. The reload cover can further include an opening 162 formed adjacent to the snap feature 152.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 10 - 12, in certain embodiments, the reload cover can include one or more guide tabs or retention tabs 164 positioned along the outer edge of the body of the reload cover 150 proximal to the snap feature 152. The retention tabs 164 can be positioned to engage notches 54 in the laterally extending rails of the reload cartridge (FIG. 7) to facilitate positioning and retention of the reload cover 150 on the reload cartridge 50. In certain embodiments, the guide tabs or retention tabs can each include a bulbous edge or a tip member such as a laterally inwardly extending flange configured to engage a recess or notch 54 in the rail of the reload cartridge with a snap - type coupling. In an exemplary embodiment, the reload cover includes a pair of distal retention tabs 164 positioned proximal and adjacent to the snap feature 152, and a pair of proximal retention tabs 164 positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the reload cover 150 and proximal to the distal retention tabs. In other embodiments, the reload cover can include more or fewer retention tabs, such as, for example, a pair of retention tabs or three pairs of retention tabs.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 11-12, in certain embodiments, the reload cover 150 can include fins 170 or alignment fins that extend downwardly from a first face of the reload cover 150 and are positioned to be disposed in the blade channel of the reload cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, the fins 170 have an elongated configuration such that they can extend longitudinally within the blade channel and maintain an orientation longitudinally aligned with the reload cover relative to the reload cartridge. In other embodiments, the fins 170 can have a shortened length and can include posts or arms positionable within the blade channel of the reload cartridge. The fins 170 can be positioned such that when the reload cover 150 is positioned over the reload cartridge 50, the proximal end of the fins 170 prevents distal movement of a staple deployment mechanism such as a cam or slider within the reload cartridge. That is, desirably, the fins 170 of the reload cover can prevent distal movement of the staple deployment mechanism of the reload cartridge prior to installation within the jaw assembly. In some cases, if the staple deployment mechanism or slider were to translate distally prior to installation of the reload cartridge 50, in certain further instances, the un-fired cartridge would not disable various firing reload lockout mechanisms that can be included in the stapling assembly. In certain embodiments, the firing reload lockout mechanism can include a lockout lever positioned adjacent to the firing member of the stapler, and the fins 170 can be maintained in a position to engage the staple deployment mechanism with the lockout lever. That is, desirably, the reload cover 150 can prevent inadvertent actuation of the firing reload lockout mechanism of the stapler by an un-fired reload cartridge.

[0030] This application discloses certain preferred embodiments and examples, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and obvious modifications and their equivalents to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the invention. Further, the various features of these inventions can be used alone or in combination with other features of these inventions other than those explicitly described above. That is, the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosed embodiments described above, but is intended to be determined only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.

Explanation of Signs

[0031] 20 elongate shaft 50 reload cartridge 132 engagement notch 150 reload cover 152 snap feature

Claims

1. A refill cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler, the refill cartridge assembly comprising: a cartridge body having a generally elongated shape extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the cartridge body comprising: an upper tissue contact surface having a plurality of rows of staple pockets formed therein and at least one seating boss protruding upwardly from the upper surface at the proximal end; a pair of outer surfaces, each of the pair of outer surfaces comprising a protruding boss extending laterally outwardly at the distal end of the cartridge body; furthermore, the refill cartridge assembly comprising: a refill cover removably positionable on the upper surface, the refill cover having a generally planar configuration and a generally elongated profile extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the refill cover including a pair of latch arms extending downwardly from the distal end thereof; each of the latch arms being engageable with a corresponding one of the protruding bosses to hold the refill cover on the upper surface of the cartridge body and prevent the refill cover from being manually removed, the refill cartridge assembly.

2. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein each latch arm is biased laterally inwardly.

3. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein each latch arm comprises an arm member extending downwardly from the refill cover to an end, and a latch tooth extending laterally inwardly from the end of the arm member.

4. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein the latch tooth has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being configured to engage one of the protruding bosses, and the lower surface including a tapered edge portion.

5. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the refill cover comprises a pair of openings corresponding to the pair of latch arms, and each latch arm is located laterally outside one of the pair of openings.

6. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the refill cover is configured to abut against the seating boss of the cartridge body.

7. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of guide tabs extending downwardly from the refill cover.

8. The cartridge body includes side rails extending along at least one of the outer surfaces, the side rails include a plurality of recesses formed therein, and each of the plurality of guide tabs is configured to engage a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 7.

9. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 8, wherein each guide tab includes a tip member engageable with a corresponding recess in a snap-fit connection.

10. The refill cartridge assembly according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of guide tabs includes a pair of distal guide tabs adjacent to the latch arm and a pair of proximal guide tabs at a proximal end of the refill cover.

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