Retainer for a surgical stapler cartridge having an ejection device feature

Abstract

The device includes an elongate body, at least one latch member, and a cartridge removal feature. The elongate body is sized and shaped to match a deck of a surgical staple cartridge such that the elongate body is configured to cover a plurality of staple openings in the surgical staple cartridge. The at least one latch member is configured to removably secure the elongate body to the surgical staple cartridge. The cartridge removal feature is integral with the elongate body. The cartridge removal feature defines a gap configured to receive a portion of the surgical staple cartridge. The cartridge removal feature is further operable to remove the surgical staple cartridge from the surgical stapler.

Description

Background Art

[0001] As an example of a surgical instrument, a surgical stapler can be mentioned. Some such staplers are operable to clamp tissue layers, cut the clamped tissue layers, and drive staples through the tissue layers to substantially seal the cut tissue layers to each other near the cut ends of the tissue layers. Examples of surgical staplers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,404,508 entitled "Surgical Stapling and Cutting Device" issued on July 29, 2008, U.S. Patent No. 7,434,715 entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Multistroke Firing with Opening Lockout" issued on October 14, 2008, U.S. Patent No. 7,721,930 entitled "Disposable Cartridge with Adhesive for Use with a Stapling Device" issued on May 25, 2010, U.S. Patent No. 8,408,439 entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument with An Articulatable End Effector" issued on April 2, 2013, and U.S. Patent No. 8,453,914 entitled "Motor-Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with Electric Actuator Directional Control Assembly" issued on June 4, 2013. The entire disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[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 inventors 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 given 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 hereof, illustrate some aspects of the present invention and serve to explain the principles of the present invention in conjunction with the description. However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact arrangements shown.

Embodiments for Carrying Out 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] I. Exemplary Surgical Stapler Figures 1-7 illustrate an example of a surgical staple fastening and cutting instrument (10) sized to be inserted through a trocar cannula, thoracotomy, or other incision as shown in Figure 1 to a surgical site of a patient in a non-articulated operating state for performing a surgical procedure. The instrument (10) of this embodiment includes a handle portion (20) connected to a shaft (22). The shaft (22) terminates distally within an articulating joint (11), and the articulating joint (11) is further coupled to an end effector (12). It should be understood that the terms "proximal" and "distal" as used herein are used with reference to a clinician holding the handle portion (20) of the instrument (10). Accordingly, the end effector (12) is distal to the more proximal handle portion (20).

[0007] When the articulation joint (11) and the end effector (12) are inserted into a patient, the articulation joint (11) can be remotely articulated by an articulation control unit (13) as depicted in phantom lines in FIG. 1 such that the end effector (12) can be deflected from the longitudinal axis (LA) of the shaft (22) by a desired angle (α). By way of example only, the articulation joint (11) and / or the articulation control (13) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,186,142, entitled “Surgical Instrument End Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks,” issued Nov. 17, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or U.S. Patent No. 9,795,379, entitled “Surgical Instrument with Multi-Diameter Shaft,” issued Oct. 24, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable forms that the articulation joint (11) and the articulation control unit (13) may take will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings of this specification.

[0008] The end effector (12) of the present embodiment includes a lower jaw (16) and an upper jaw in the form of a pivotable anvil (18). By way of example only, the lower jaw (16) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,808,248, entitled "Installation Features for Surgical Instrument End Effector Cartridge," issued November 7, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The anvil (18) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 10,092,292, entitled "Staple Forming Features for Surgical Stapling Instrument," issued October 9, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable forms that the lower jaw (16) and anvil (18) may take will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0009] The handle portion (20) includes a pistol grip (24) and a closure trigger (26). The closure trigger (26) is pivotable toward the pistol grip (24) and can clamp or close the anvil (18) toward the lower jaw (16) of the end effector (12). Such closure of the anvil (18) is effected via a closure tube (32) and a closure ring (33), both of which translate longitudinally relative to the handle portion (20) in response to pivoting of the closure trigger (26) relative to the pistol grip (24). The closure tube (32) extends along the length of the shaft (22), and the closure ring (33) is positioned distally of the articulation joint (11). The articulation joint (11) is operable to transmit longitudinal movement from the closure tube (32) to the closure ring (33).

[0010] The handle portion (20) also includes a firing trigger (28). An elongate member (not shown) extends longitudinally through the shaft (22) and transmits a longitudinal firing motion from the handle portion (20) to the firing beam (14) in response to actuation of the firing trigger (28). As will be described in more detail below, this distal translation of the firing beam (14) effects stapling and cutting of tissue clamped within the end effector (12). Thereafter, the triggers (26, 28) can be released to release the tissue from the end effector (12).

[0011] As best seen in FIGS. 4A-4B, the firing beam (14) of the present embodiment includes a laterally oriented upper pin (38), a firing beam cap (44), a laterally oriented intermediate pin (46), and a distally presented cutting edge (48). The upper pin (38) is positioned within the longitudinal anvil slot (42) of the anvil (18) and is translatable within the longitudinal anvil slot (42). The firing beam cap (44) slidably engages the lower surface of the lower jaw (16) by having a firing beam (14) that extends through a lower jaw slot (45) (shown in FIG. 4B) formed through the lower jaw (16). The intermediate pin (46) slidably engages the upper surface of the lower jaw (16) that cooperates with the firing beam cap (44). Thereby, the firing beam (14) confidently takes the spacing of the end effector (12) during firing. By way of example only, the firing beam (14) and / or associated lockout features may be configured and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,717,497, entitled "Lockout Feature for Movable Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument," issued on August 1, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable forms that the firing beam (14) may take will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings of this specification.

[0012] Figure 3 shows the firing beam (14) of this embodiment positioned proximally, and an anvil (18) pivotable to an open position to removably mount an unused staple cartridge (37) within the channel of the lower jaw (16). As best seen in FIGS. 5-6, the staple cartridge (37) of this embodiment includes a cartridge body (70) presenting an upper deck (72) and being coupled to a lower cartridge tray (74). As best seen in FIG. 3, a vertical slot (49) is formed through a portion of the staple cartridge (37). Three rows of staple apertures (51) are formed through the upper deck (72) on one side of the vertical slot (49), and a set of another three rows of staple apertures (51) are formed through the upper deck (72) on the other side of the vertical slot (49). Of course, any other suitable number of staple rows (e.g., two rows, four rows, or other numbers of rows) may be provided. Referring again to FIGS. 4A-6, a wedge thread (41) and a plurality of staple drivers (43) are captured between the cartridge body (70) and the tray (74), with the wedge thread (41) positioned proximal to the staple drivers (43). The wedge thread (41) is longitudinally movable within the staple cartridge (37), while the staple drivers (43) are vertically movable within the staple cartridge (37). The staples (47) are also positioned within the cartridge body (70) above the corresponding staple drivers (43). Specifically, each staple (47) is vertically driven within the cartridge body (70) by a staple driver (43) to drive the staple (47) out of the associated staple aperture (51). As best seen in FIGS. 4A-4B and 6, the wedge thread (41) presents an inclined cam surface that biases the staple driver (43) upward as the wedge thread (41) is driven distally through the staple cartridge (37).

[0013] As an example only, the staple cartridge (37) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,517,065, entitled "Integrated Tissue Positioning and Jaw Alignment Features for Surgical Stapler," issued December 13, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable forms that the staple cartridge (37) may take will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, in the state where the end effector (12) is closed by advancing the closure tube (32) and the closure ring (33) distally, then the firing beam (14) engages and advances with the anvil (18) by inserting the upper pin (38) into the longitudinal anvil slot (42). The pusher block (80) (shown in FIG. 5) is located at the distal end of the firing beam (14) and is configured to engage the wedge thread (41) such that when the firing trigger (28) is actuated and the firing beam (14) advances distally through the staple cartridge (37), the wedge thread (41) is pushed distally by the pusher block (80). During such firing, the cutting edge (48) of the firing beam (14) enters the vertical slot (49) of the staple cartridge (37) and cuts the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge (37) and the anvil (18). As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, both the intermediate pin (46) and the pusher block (80) actuate the staple cartridge (37) by entering the vertical slot (49) within the staple cartridge (37), and when driving the wedge thread (41) into upward cam contact with the staple driver (43), the staple (47) is pushed out of the staple opening (51) and makes a forming contact with the staple forming pocket (53) (shown in FIG. 3) on the inner surface of the anvil (18). FIG. 4B shows the firing beam (14) fully translated distally after tissue cutting and stapling are complete. It should be understood that the staple forming pocket (53) is intentionally omitted from the views of FIGS. 4A-4B, but the staple forming pocket (53) is shown in FIG. 3. Also, it should be understood that the anvil (18) is intentionally omitted from the view of FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 shows an end effector (12) actuated by a single stroke through layers (L1, L2) of tissue (T). As shown, a cutting edge (48) (hidden in FIG. 7) has cut the tissue (T), while a staple driver (43) drives three alternating rows of staples (47) through the tissue (T) on each side of a cut line created by the cutting edge (48). In this embodiment, all of the staples (47) are oriented substantially parallel to the cut line, but it should be understood that the staples (47) can be positioned in any suitable orientation. In this embodiment, after the first stroke is completed, the end effector (12) is withdrawn from the trocar or incision, the used staple cartridge (37) is replaced with a new staple cartridge, and then the end effector (12) is inserted again through the trocar or incision to reach the stapling site for further cutting and stapling. This process may be repeated until the desired number of cuts and staples (47) are provided. It may be necessary to close the anvil (18) to facilitate insertion and removal through the trocar, and it may be necessary to open the anvil (18) to facilitate replacement of the staple cartridge (37).

[0016] In some variations, the instrument (10) provides electric control of the firing beam (14). By way of example only, such electrification can be provided in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent No. 9,622,746, entitled “Distal Tip Features for End Effector of Surgical Instrument,” issued Apr. 18, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or U.S. Patent No. 8,210,411, entitled “Motor-Driven Surgical Instrument,” issued Jul. 3, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable components, features, and configurations for providing electrification of the firing beam (14) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that in some other variations, manual actuation of the firing beam (14) may be provided such that the motor can be omitted.

[0017] II. Staple Cartridge Retainer As described above, the staple cartridge (37) includes a plurality of staples (47) positioned within corresponding staple apertures (51). The staples (47) can be configured to provide a slight interference fit within the staple apertures (51) to prevent the staples (47) from inadvertently falling out of the staple cartridge (37) before the end effector (12) is fired to drive the staples (47) into tissue, but it may be desirable to provide additional features that assist in holding the staples (47) within the staple apertures (51) until the staple cartridge (37) is loaded within the lower jaw (16) of the end effector (12). To that end, FIGS. 8-11 show an example of a retainer (100) that can be temporarily secured to the staple cartridge (37).

[0018] The retainer (100) of the present embodiment includes an elongated body (102) whose width and length substantially correspond to the width and length of the staple cartridge (37). A pair of proximal latch arms (104) and a pair of distal latch arms (106) extend downward from the body (102). As best seen in FIG. 8, the proximal latch arms (104) are configured to latch engage a transverse flange (73) extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge body (70). The distal latch arms (106) are configured to latch engage under the distal end (90) of the staple cartridge (37). Thus, in the present embodiment, the latch arms (104, 106) releasably secure the retainer (100) to the staple cartridge (37) through a snap fit. Alternatively, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein, the retainer (100) may be releasably secured to the staple cartridge (37) in any other suitable manner.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 9-10, fins (108) also extend downward from the body (102). The fins (10) are configured to fit within the vertical slots (49) of the staple cartridge (37). By way of example only, the fins (10) may facilitate proper alignment between the retainer (100) and the staple cartridge (37) while the retainer (100) is secured to the staple cartridge (37). As yet a further example only, the fins (10) may also prevent inadvertent distal movement of the wedge thread (41) through the staple cartridge (37) while the retainer (100) is secured to the staple cartridge (37).

[0020] The distal portion (110) of the retainer (100) includes an angled body (112) that is angled with respect to the elongated body (102). In this embodiment, the bodies (102, 112) are integrally formed as a homogeneous continuum of material. The angled body (112) is angled to correspond to an angle defined between the distal surface (94) of the distal end (90) of the staple cartridge (37) and the deck (72) of the staple cartridge (37). In other words, the elongated body (102) corresponds to and is configured to complement the deck (72), while the angled body (112) corresponds to and is configured to complement the distal end (90). As will be described in more detail below, the tongue (114) projects distally from the angled body (112) and is configured to facilitate removal of the retainer (100) from the staple cartridge (37).

[0021] In some scenarios, the retainer (100) can be fixed to the staple cartridge (37) at a manufacturing facility and remain fixed to the staple cartridge (37) while the staple cartridge (37) is disposed within a package during transport and storage of the staple cartridge (37) and during removal of the staple cartridge (37) from the package at the point of final use (e.g., in an operating room). While the retainer (100) is fixed to the staple cartridge (37), the elongated body (102) covers the staple opening (51), so the elongated body (102) can prevent staples (47) from inadvertently falling from the staple cartridge (37).

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 12A - 12C, the retainer (100) can remain fixed to the staple cartridge (37) when the staple cartridge (37) is loaded onto the lower jaw (16) of the end effector (12). As shown in FIG. 12A, in this process, the operator can grasp the combination of the retainer (100) and the staple cartridge (37) and bias the proximal end (92) of the staple cartridge (37) into the space between the lower jaw (16) and the anvil (18). When the proximal end (92) of the staple cartridge (37) is fully seated within the end effector (12), the operator can pivot the distal end (90) of the staple cartridge (37) towards the lower jaw (16) until the staple cartridge (37) is fully seated on the lower jaw (16), as shown in FIG. 12B. With the staple cartridge (37) fully seated on the lower jaw (16), a detent feature (75) extending outwardly laterally of the staple cartridge (37) provides a snap fit between the staple cartridge (37) and the lower jaw (16), thereby removably securing the staple cartridge (37) to the lower jaw (16). Thus, with the staple cartridge (37) fixed to the lower jaw (16), the operator can grasp the tongue (114) of the retainer (100) and remove the retainer (100) from the staple cartridge (37), leaving the staple cartridge (37) secured in place on the lower jaw (16), as shown in FIG. 12C. The operator can then set aside the retainer (100) for later use, as described below, and then operate the end effector (12) within the patient, as described above.

[0023] Also, as described above, when the end effector (12) is fired to cut the tissue (T) and drive the staples (47) of the staple cartridge (37) into the tissue (T), it may be necessary to remove the used staple cartridge (37) from the lower jaw (16), discard the used staple cartridge (37), and perhaps replace the used staple cartridge (37) with a new staple cartridge (37). In some cases, some operators may have difficulty removing the used staple cartridge (37) from the lower jaw (16), such as when the staple cartridge (37) is fixed to the lower jaw (16) through snap - fitting or slip - fitting. This can apply to the scenario where the distal end (90) of the staple cartridge (37) is the only area of the staple cartridge (37) that is exposed relative to the lower jaw (16) for engagement with the operator's hand. Thus, it may be desirable to provide a tool that facilitates removal of the used staple cartridge (37) from the lower jaw (16). To minimize the total number of instruments in the operating room, it may be beneficial if such a cartridge (37) removal tool is integrated into an instrument already present in the operating room for several other purposes. To that end, the retainer (100) of the present embodiment includes an integral cartridge removal feature (120).

[0024] The cartridge removal feature (120) of the present embodiment is positioned near the distal end of the elongated body (102) proximal to the distal portion (110) of the retainer (100). As best seen in FIGS. 8 - 10, the cartridge removal feature (120) of the present embodiment includes a vertically extending member (122) and a distally extending member (124). The members (122, 124) cooperate to define a gap (126) between the distally extending member (124) and the elongated body (102). The gap (126) is sized and configured to receive the distal end (90) of the staple cartridge (37).

[0025] To remove the used staple cartridge (37) from the lower jaw (16) using the cartridge removal feature (120) of the retainer (100), the operator can, as shown in FIG. 13A, invert the retainer upside down and position the distal end (90) of the staple cartridge (37) within the gap (126). The distal tip of the distal end (90) can abut against the vertically extending member (122), the lower side of the distal end (90) can abut against the distally extending member (124), and the distal face (94) of the distal end (90) can abut against the angled body (112). With the distal end (90) properly seated within the cartridge removal feature (120) as shown in FIG. 13A, the operator can then, as shown in FIG. 13B, apply a twisting motion to pivot the distal end (90) away from the lower jaw (16), thereby disengaging the detent feature (75) from the lower jaw (16). The operator can then pull the combination of the retainer (100) and the staple cartridge (37) away from the end effector (12) to leave the lower jaw (16) empty as shown in FIG. 13C. The operator can then properly discard the retainer (100) and the staple cartridge (37). Optionally, the operator can load a new staple cartridge (37) with another retainer (100) into the lower jaw (16) using the same process as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A - 12C.

[0026] In addition to facilitating removal of the staple cartridge (37) from the lower jaw (16), the cartridge removal feature (120) also prevents an operator from inadvertently or mistakenly inserting the combination of the retainer (100) and the staple cartridge (37) too deeply into the end effector (12), which could otherwise cause the operator to improperly secure the staple cartridge (37) to the lower jaw (16) by first inserting the cartridge (37) into the end effector (12), distal end (90). In other words, by increasing the vertical height of the form factor in the distal region of the combination of the retainer (100) and the staple cartridge (37), the cartridge removal feature (120) can prevent the operator from inadvertently or mistakenly inserting the combination of the retainer (100) and the staple cartridge (37) too deeply into the end effector (12).

[0027] III. Examples of 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 claims that may be presented at any point in this application or in subsequent applications of this application. No waiver of any rights is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings of this specification can be configured and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that in some variations, 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 expressly indicated later by the inventors or their successors in interest. If the claims presented in this application or in subsequent applications related to this application include additional features other than those mentioned below, those additional features should not be considered to have been added for any reason related to patentability.

Example

[0028] (a) An elongated body sized and shaped to conform to a deck of a surgical staple cartridge such that the elongated body is configured to cover a plurality of staple apertures of the surgical staple cartridge; (b) at least one latch member configured to removably secure the elongated body to the surgical staple cartridge; and (c) a cartridge removal feature integral with the elongated body, the cartridge removal feature defining a gap configured to receive a portion of the surgical staple cartridge and further operable to remove the surgical staple cartridge from a surgical stapler.

Example

[0029] The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the elongated body includes an upper side and a lower side, at least one latch member extends downwardly relative to the lower side, and the cartridge removal feature extends upwardly relative to the upper side.

Example

[0030] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the at least one latch member includes a plurality of distal latch members and a plurality of proximal latch members, the plurality of distal latch members are positioned distally relative to the elongated body, and the plurality of proximal latch members are positioned in a proximal region of the elongated body.

Example

[0031] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 3, further including a distal portion extending distally from the elongated body, the distal portion being oriented to define an oblique angle with the elongated body.

Example

[0032] The apparatus according to Example 4, wherein the oblique angle is configured such that the distal portion complements an angled distal end of the surgical staple cartridge.

Example

[0033] Further comprising a tongue portion protruding distally from the distal portion, the tongue portion being configured to provide a grip for removing the elongated body from the surgical staple cartridge, the apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 4 or 5.

Example

[0034] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 4 to 6, wherein the cartridge removal feature is positioned proximally with respect to the distal portion.

Example

[0035] Further comprising fins, the fins being configured to fit into the channels of the surgical staple cartridge, the apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 7.

Example

[0036] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the cartridge removal feature includes a vertically extending member and a distally extending member.

Example

[0037] The apparatus according to Example 9, wherein the vertically extending member, the distally extending member, and the elongated body cooperate to define a gap.

Example

[0038] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the cartridge removal feature is formed of a rigid material.

Example

[0039] Further comprising a surgical staple cartridge, the surgical staple cartridge comprising: (i) a deck having staple apertures formed therethrough and sized and configured to receive a slender body thereon; and (ii) a plurality of staples positioned within the staple apertures, the apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 11.

Example

[0040] Further comprising a surgical stapler having an end effector, the end effector comprising: (i) a first jaw configured to removably receive a surgical staple cartridge; and (ii) a second jaw including an anvil configured to move toward and away from the first jaw, the apparatus according to Example 12.

Example

[0041] The surgical staple cartridge further includes a distal end defining an oblique angle with the deck, and a gap of the cartridge removal feature is configured to receive the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge, the apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 12 or 13.

Example

[0042] Further comprising an angled distal portion projecting distally and integrally from the slender body, the angled distal portion defining an oblique angle with the slender body and being angled to complement the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge, the apparatus according to Example 14.

Example

[0043] An apparatus comprising: (a) a surgical stapling cartridge, the surgical stapling cartridge including: (i) an elongate body, the elongate body of the surgical stapling cartridge including an elongate body including a deck; (ii) a plurality of staple apertures formed through the deck; (iii) a plurality of staples positioned within the staple apertures; and (iv) a distal portion positioned distally of the deck; and (b) a retainer, the retainer including: (i) an elongate body, the elongate body of the retainer being sized and configured to cover the staple apertures of the deck; (ii) at least one latch member configured to removably secure the elongate body of the retainer to the elongate body of the surgical stapling cartridge; and (iii) a cartridge removal feature integral with the elongate body of the retainer, the cartridge removal feature defining a gap configured to receive the distal portion of the surgical stapling cartridge and being further operable to remove the surgical stapling cartridge from the surgical stapler.

Example

[0044] A method comprising: (a) securing a surgical stapling cartridge to an end effector of a surgical stapler while a retainer is secured to the surgical stapling cartridge; (b) removing the retainer from the surgical stapling cartridge; (c) firing the surgical stapling cartridge; and (d) using the retainer to remove the fired surgical stapling cartridge from the end effector.

Example

[0045] The retainer has an upper side and a lower side. During the operation of fixing the surgical staple cartridge to the end effector, the lower side faces the surgical staple cartridge. During the operation of removing the surgical staple cartridge fired from the end effector using the retainer, the lower side faces away from the surgical staple cartridge. The method further includes rotating the retainer to orient the lower side away from the surgical staple cartridge, the method according to Example 17.

Example

[0046] The retainer includes a cartridge removal feature that defines a gap. The operation of removing the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector using the retainer includes positioning the distal end of the fired surgical staple cartridge within the gap, the method according to any one or two or more of Examples 17 or 18.

Example

[0047] The operation of removing the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector using the retainer further includes pulling out the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector while the distal end of the fired surgical staple cartridge is positioned within the gap, the method according to Example 19.

[0048] IV. Others It should be understood that any one or two or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or two or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the above teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation from each other. Various suitable ways of combining the teachings of this specification will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings of this specification. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0049] It should be understood that all or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure that is referred to as being incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated content does not conflict with existing definitions, opinions, or other disclosure described in this disclosure. In itself and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly described herein shall prevail over any conflicting descriptions incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portion thereof, that is referred to as being incorporated by reference herein but conflicts with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosure described herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated content and the current disclosure.

[0050] The above-described variations of the device can be applied not only to conventional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also to robot-assisted medical procedures and surgeries. By way of example only, the various teachings herein can be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems such as the DAVINCI (trademark) system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California).

[0051] Variations 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 variations can, in either or both cases, be reconfigured for reuse after at least one use. Reconfiguration can include any combination of the steps of disassembling the device, followed by cleaning or replacing certain parts, and then reassembling it. In particular, some variations 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 variations of the device can be reassembled for subsequent use in a reconfiguration facility or by the user immediately prior to treatment. Those skilled in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be utilized in reconfiguring the device. The use of such techniques and the resulting reconfigured devices are all within the scope of this application.

[0052] Merely by way of example, the variations described herein may be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a sealed and encapsulated container such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. Next, the container and the device may be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation may 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.

[0053] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein can be made by those skilled in the art with appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Some of such possible modifications have been described, but other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the above examples, embodiments, geometric shapes, materials, dimensions, ratios, processes, etc. are illustrative and not essential. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered with respect to the following claims, and it is understood that it is not limited to the details of the structures and operations shown and described in this specification and the drawings.

[0054] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) An apparatus, comprising: (a) an elongated body sized and shaped to conform to a deck of the surgical staple cartridge such that the elongated body is configured to cover a plurality of staple apertures of the surgical staple cartridge; (b) at least one latch member configured to removably secure the elongated body to the surgical staple cartridge; (c) a cartridge removal feature integral with the elongated body, the cartridge removal feature defining a gap configured to receive a portion of the surgical staple cartridge, the cartridge removal feature being further operable to remove the surgical staple cartridge from a surgical stapler. (2) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the elongated body includes an upper side and a lower side, the at least one latch member extends downwardly relative to the lower side, and the cartridge removal feature extends upwardly relative to the upper side. (3) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one latch member includes a plurality of distal latch members and a plurality of proximal latch members, the plurality of distal latch members are positioned distally relative to the elongated body, and the plurality of proximal latch members are positioned in a proximal region of the elongated body. (4) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, further comprising a distal portion extending distally from the elongated body, the distal portion being oriented to define an oblique angle with the elongated body. (5) The apparatus according to embodiment 4, wherein the oblique angle is configured such that the distal portion complements the angled distal end of the surgical staple cartridge.

[0055] (6) The apparatus according to embodiment 4, further comprising a tongue protruding distally from the distal portion, the tongue being configured to provide a grip for removing the elongated body from the surgical staple cartridge. (7) The apparatus according to embodiment 4, wherein the cartridge removal feature is positioned proximal to the distal portion. (8) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, further comprising fins, the fins being configured to fit into channels of the surgical staple cartridge. (9) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge removal feature includes a member extending vertically and a member extending distally. (10) The apparatus according to embodiment 9, wherein the vertically extending member, the distally extending member, and the elongated body cooperate to define the gap.

[0056] (11) The apparatus according to embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge removal feature is formed of a rigid material. (12) The apparatus further comprising a surgical staple cartridge, the surgical staple cartridge including (i) a deck through which the staple openings are formed, the elongated body being sized and configured to fit on the deck, and (ii) a plurality of staples positioned within the staple openings. (13) The apparatus further comprising a surgical stapler, the surgical stapler having an end effector, the end effector including (i) A first jaw configured to removably receive the surgical staple cartridge, the first jaw; (ii) A second jaw including an anvil, the anvil being configured to move toward and away from the first jaw, the second jaw of the apparatus according to embodiment 12. (14) The surgical staple cartridge further includes a distal end that defines an oblique angle with the deck, and the gap of the cartridge removal feature is configured to receive the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge, the apparatus according to embodiment 12. (15) Further including an angled distal portion that projects distally and integrally from the elongated body, the angled distal portion defining an oblique angle with the elongated body, and the angled distal portion being angled to complement the distal end of the surgical staple cartridge, the apparatus according to embodiment 14.

[0057] (16) An apparatus, (a) A surgical staple cartridge, the surgical staple cartridge including (i) An elongated body, the elongated body of the surgical staple cartridge including an elongated body including a deck; (ii) A plurality of staple apertures formed through the deck; (iii) A plurality of staples positioned within the staple apertures; (iv) A distal portion positioned distally of the deck, the surgical staple cartridge; (b) A retainer, the retainer including (i) An elongated body, the elongated body of the retainer being sized and configured to cover the staple apertures of the deck, the elongated body; (ii) at least one latch member configured to removably secure the elongate body of the retainer to the elongate body of the surgical staple cartridge; (iii) a cartridge removal feature integral with the elongate body of the retainer, the cartridge removal feature defining a gap configured to receive the distal portion of the surgical staple cartridge, the cartridge removal feature being further operable to remove the surgical staple cartridge from a surgical stapler, a retainer including the cartridge removal feature; (17) A method comprising: (a) securing the surgical staple cartridge to an end effector of a surgical stapler while the retainer is secured to the surgical staple cartridge; (b) removing the retainer from the surgical staple cartridge; (c) firing the surgical staple cartridge; (d) using the retainer to remove the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector. (18) The method of embodiment 17, wherein the retainer has an upper side and a lower side, the lower side facing the surgical staple cartridge during the operation of securing the surgical staple cartridge to the end effector, the lower side facing away from the surgical staple cartridge during the operation of using the retainer to remove the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector, the method further comprising rotating the retainer to orient the lower side away from the surgical staple cartridge. (19) The retainer includes a cartridge removal feature that defines a gap, and using the retainer, the operation of removing the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector includes positioning a distal end of the fired surgical staple cartridge within the gap, the method of embodiment 17. (20) Using the retainer, the operation of removing the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector further includes pulling the fired surgical staple cartridge from the end effector while the distal end of the fired surgical staple cartridge is positioned within the gap, the method of embodiment 19.

Claims

**Claim 1** A retainer, comprising: (a) an elongated body sized and shaped to conform to a deck of a surgical staple cartridge such that the elongated body is configured to cover a plurality of staple apertures of the surgical staple cartridge; (b) a plurality of latch members configured to removably secure the elongated body to the surgical staple cartridge; (c) a cartridge removal feature integral with the elongated body, the cartridge removal feature defining a gap configured to receive a portion of the surgical staple cartridge and further operable to remove the surgical staple cartridge from a surgical stapler. **Claim 2** The retainer of claim 1, wherein the elongated body includes an upper side and a lower side, the plurality of latch members extend downwardly relative to the lower side, and the cartridge removal feature extends upwardly relative to the upper side. **Claim 3** The retainer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of latch members includes a plurality of distal latch members and a plurality of proximal latch members, the plurality of distal latch members are positioned distally relative to the elongated body, and the plurality of proximal latch members are positioned in a proximal region of the elongated body. **Claim 4** The retainer of claim 1, further comprising a distal portion extending distally from the elongated body, the distal portion being oriented to define an oblique angle with the elongated body. **Claim 5** The retainer of claim 4, wherein the oblique angle is configured such that the distal portion complements an angled distal end of the surgical staple cartridge. **Claim 6** The retainer of claim 4, further comprising a tongue projecting distally from the distal portion, the tongue being configured to provide a grip for removing the elongated body from the surgical staple cartridge. **Claim 7** The retainer of claim 4, wherein the cartridge removal feature is positioned proximally relative to the distal portion. **Claim 8** The retainer of claim 1, further comprising fins configured to fit into channels of the surgical staple cartridge. **Claim 9** The retainer of claim 1, wherein the cartridge removal feature includes a member extending vertically and a member extending distally.

10. The retainer of claim 9, wherein the vertically extending member, the distally extending member, and the elongated body cooperate to define the gap.

11. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the cartridge removal feature is formed of a rigid material.

12. An apparatus, (a) a surgical stapling cartridge, wherein the surgical stapling cartridge comprises (i) an elongated body, wherein the elongated body of the surgical stapling cartridge comprises an elongated body including a deck, (ii) a plurality of staple apertures formed through the deck, (iii) a plurality of staples positioned within the staple apertures, (iv) a distal portion positioned distally of the deck, a surgical stapling cartridge; and (b) a retainer, wherein the retainer comprises (i) an elongated body, wherein the elongated body of the retainer is sized and configured to cover the staple apertures of the deck, an elongated body; (ii) a plurality of latch members configured to removably secure the elongated body of the retainer to the elongated body of the surgical stapling cartridge; (iii) a cartridge removal feature integral with the elongated body of the retainer, the cartridge removal feature defining a gap configured to receive the distal portion of the surgical stapling cartridge, the cartridge removal feature being further operable to remove the surgical stapling cartridge from a surgical stapler, a cartridge removal feature; an apparatus comprising a retainer.

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