Surgical stapler with an operating mechanism featuring a rotatable shaft

Abstract

To provide a surgical stapler for reliable stapling of clamped tissue without complex mechanisms.SOLUTION: A handle assembly 40 for a surgical stapler 10 comprises a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation state, in which the actuation shaft can actuate a jaw assembly 30 in repeatable open and close modes, a second rotational orientation state, in which the actuation shaft can actuate the jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation state, in which the actuation shaft can actuate the jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly includes a rotational mechanism arranged to discretely position the rotatable actuation shaft in one of the rotational orientation states. The rotational mechanism is arranged to allow single handed operation, e.g., by including a slidable switch or selector to rotate the actuation shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to surgical occlusion devices, particularly surgical staplers.

[0002]

Description of Related Applications

Background Art

[0003] Surgical staplers are used to approach or clamp tissue and staple the clamped tissue together. Thus, surgical staplers have a mechanism for properly positioning and capturing tissue and driving staples into the tissue. As a result, a number of triggers and handles are provided in association with a complex mechanism that enables, for example, proper stapling of the clamped tissue.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] These complex mechanisms can increase the manufacturing burden of surgical staplers and may be a potential source of instrument failure and confusion for users. Thus, it is desirable to reliably staple clamped tissue without using complex mechanisms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a particular embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided herein. The surgical stapler includes an elongated shaft, a jaw assembly, and a handle assembly. The elongated shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated shaft has a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends. The jaw assembly is located at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a plurality of staples. The jaw assembly is selectively positionable in one of a closed, open, and firing configuration. The handle assembly is located at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle, a movable trigger rotatably coupled to the stationary handle, and an actuating shaft. The actuating shaft is longitudinally slidable within the handle assembly with respect to its longitudinal axis and rotatable within the handle assembly with respect to its longitudinal axis. The actuating shaft is operably coupled to the jaw assembly and is longitudinally slidable in a first direction from a first position corresponding to the open jaw assembly to a second position corresponding to the closed jaw assembly, and longitudinally slidable in the first direction from the second position to a third position corresponding to the firing configuration. The actuating shaft is operably coupled to a movable trigger. The actuating shaft is rotatable between a first orientation in which the actuating shaft moves between a second and a third position due to the movement of the trigger, and a second orientation in which the actuating shaft moves from the third position to the first position due to the movement of the trigger.

[0006] In a particular embodiment, a handle assembly for a surgical stapler is provided. The surgical stapler has an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal and distal ends, and a jaw assembly provided at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The handle assembly includes a housing, an operating mechanism positioned within the housing, and a coupler. The operating mechanism includes a forward drive, a reversing drive, and an operating shaft. The operating shaft extends along its longitudinal axis. The operating shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing with respect to its longitudinal axis. The operating shaft has a forward surface and a reversing surface. The forward surface extends longitudinally along the operating shaft. The reversing surface extends longitudinally along the operating shaft. The reversing surface is angularly offset from the forward surface. The operating shaft is rotatable between a first orientation in which the forward drive engages with the forward surface and a second orientation in which the reversing drive engages with the reversing surface. The coupler is designed to engage with the elongated shaft of a surgical stapler. In some embodiments of the handle assembly, the handle assembly further includes a stationary handle provided in the housing and a movable handle rotatably coupled to the housing and rotatable between an open position spaced apart from the stationary handle and a closed position adjacent to the stationary handle. The movable handle is rotatably coupled to the housing and rotatable between an open position spaced apart from the stationary handle and a closed position adjacent to the stationary handle. A forward drive unit is operably coupled to the movable handle and is translatable distally with respect to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the movable handle from the open position to the closed position. A reverse drive unit is operably coupled to the movable handle and is translatable proximal to the longitudinal axis in response to the movement of the movable handle from the open position to the closed position.

[0007] In a particular embodiment, a handle assembly for a surgical stapler is provided. The handle assembly includes a housing, an actuator coupled to the housing, and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a forward drive, a reverse drive, an actuation shaft, and a selector. The forward drive is operably coupled to a trigger. The reverse drive is operably coupled to a trigger. The actuation shaft has a longitudinal axis. The actuation shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing with respect to its longitudinal axis. The actuation shaft has a forward interface surface and a reverse interface surface angularly offset from the forward interface surface. The actuation shaft is rotatable between a first orientation state in which the forward interface surface engages with the forward drive to move the drive shaft in a first direction in response to the actuator, and a second orientation state in which the reverse interface surface engages with the reverse drive to move the actuation shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the actuator. A selector is operably coupled to the actuation shaft to selectively rotate the actuation shaft between the first and second orientation states. In some embodiments, the actuator has a trigger rotatably coupled to the housing, and the motion of the actuation shaft in first and second directions responds to the rotational motion of the trigger. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surgical staple fastening device, showing the jaws in the open position. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge for a surgical stapling device, showing the jaws in the closed position. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a handle assembly for a surgical stapling device. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the handle assembly, showing the movable handle in the closed position. [Figure 5]Figure 3 is a plan view of the handle assembly, showing the selector in its first configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a plan view of the handle assembly, showing the selector in the second configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a side view of the handle assembly. [Figure 8A] This is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly in its initial form, as shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 9A] This is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly in the closed position shown in Figure 3. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 10A] This is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly in the forward drive configuration shown in Figure 3. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 11A] This is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly in the forward drive configuration shown in Figure 3. [Figure 11B] Figure 11A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 12A] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly in a fully driven forward configuration. [Figure 12B] Figure 12A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 13A] This is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly in the reverse drive configuration shown in Figure 3. [Figure 13B] Figure 13A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 14A] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle assembly in the fully driven reverse configuration. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 15] This is a side view of another embodiment of a surgical staple fastening instrument handle assembly. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the handle assembly. [Figure 17] It is a cut-away side view of the handle assembly of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] It is a plan view of the rotation mechanism for the operating mechanism of the handle assembly of FIG. 15. [Figure 19] It is a plan view of the hub collar and the operating shaft of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 18, showing the state where the hub collar is in the first position. [Figure 20] It is a plan view of the hub collar and the operating shaft of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 18, showing the state where the hub collar is in the second position. [Figure 21] It is a plan view of the hub collar and the operating shaft of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 18, showing the state where the hub collar is in the third position. [Figure 22] It is a plan view of the hub collar and the operating shaft of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 18, showing the state where the hub collar is in the fourth position. [Figure 23] It is a plan view of the hub collar and the operating shaft of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 18, showing the state where the hub collar is in the fifth position. [Figure 24] It is a plan view of the hub collar and the operating shaft of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 18, showing the state where the hub collar is in the sixth position. [Figure 25] It is a plan view of the hub collar and the operating shaft of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 18, showing the state where the hub collar is in the seventh position.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a surgical stapling instrument is shown. The illustrated embodiment of the surgical stapler 10 has an elongated shaft 20, a jaw assembly 30, and a handle (grip) assembly 40. FIG. 1 shows the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in the open configuration. FIG. 2 shows a removable cartridge having the elongated shaft 20 and the jaw assembly 30 of the surgical stapler 10 with the jaw assembly 30 in the closed configuration.

[0010] Continuing with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the illustrated embodiment of the surgical stapler 10 is preferably sized and shaped for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. For example, the elongated shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 are preferably sized and shaped to be introduced into the surgical field through an access port or trocar cannula. In some embodiments, the elongated shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 are preferably sized and shaped to be inserted into a trocar cannula having a relatively small working channel diameter, e.g., less than 8 mm. In other embodiments, the elongated shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 are preferably sized and shaped to be inserted into a trocar cannula having a large working channel diameter, e.g., 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 15 mm. In other embodiments, it is conceivable that certain aspects of the floor stapler described herein may be incorporated into a surgical stapling device used in open surgical procedures.

[0011] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, as shown in the figures, the elongated shaft 20 is made up of a tubular member as a whole. The elongated shaft 20 extends from the proximal end 22 to the distal end 24. The elongated shaft 20 defines the longitudinal central axis L of the surgical stapler 10 that extends between the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24.

[0012] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the jaw assembly 30 is coupled to the elongated shaft 20 at its distal end 24. The jaw assembly 30 includes a first jaw 32 and a second jaw 34 rotatably coupled to the first jaw 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the first jaw 32 is fixed to the distal end 24 of the elongated shaft 20 such that the first jaw extends distally along the longitudinal central axis L and remains stationary relative to the elongated shaft 20. In other embodiments, it is assumed that both the first jaw 32 and the second jaw 34 are rotatable relative to the elongated shaft. In other specific embodiments, it is assumed that the jaw assembly 30 is articulate relative to the elongated shaft 20. In an early form, several staples 36 are arranged within the first jaw 32. In some embodiments, the staples may initially be arranged within the second jaw 34.

[0013] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the jaw assembly 30 can be operated from an open configuration (Figure 1) to a closed configuration (Figure 2) and then to a stapled configuration by an operating member or beam that is slidable longitudinally within an elongated shaft. In the initial position, the beam is preferably positioned at the distal end 24 of the elongated shaft 20. With the beam in the initial position, the second jaw 34 is rotated away from the first jaw 32 so that the jaw assembly 30 is in the open configuration. The operating beam engages with the second jaw 34 when the operating member or beam is translated distally along the longitudinal axis L. By translating the operating beam a first distance distally from the initial position, the jaw assembly can be operated from the open configuration to the closed configuration. With the jaw assembly 30 in the closed configuration, the operating beam can be moved back a first distance proximally to return the jaw assembly 30 to the open configuration. The distal end of the working beam can advance a staple slider configured to deploy staples from the first jaw 32, so that when the working beam is translated further distally beyond the first distance, multiple staples 36 are deployed from the first jaw 32.

[0014] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly is coupled to the elongated shaft 20 at its proximal end 22. As shown, the handle assembly 40 has a pistol grip configuration with a housing comprising a stationary handle 42 and an actuator, such as a movable handle 44 or trigger, rotatably coupled to the stationary handle 42. In other embodiments, it is conceivable that a surgical stapler instrument, including the aspects described herein, may have a handle assembly in other forms, such as a scissor grip configuration or an in-line configuration. Further as will be described in detail below, the handle assembly 40 houses an actuator configured to selectively advance the actuator shaft in response to the movement of the movable handle 44. In some embodiments, the actuator may consist of an electric actuator, such as an electric motor, which can be operated to selectively advance the actuator shaft. The operation of the electric motor can be initiated by the movement of the movable handle 44 or by the operation of a trigger, button, switch, or another actuator electrically operably coupled to the electric motor of the electric actuator.

[0015] In some embodiments, the surgical stapler 10 may have a plurality of staples 36 arranged in a disposable cartridge, while the handle assembly 40 is configured to be reused with a number of staple cartridges. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shaft 20 and jaw assembly 30 constitute a disposable cartridge that can be detachably connected to the handle assembly 40. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 40 includes a coupler 46 at its distal end. The coupler 46 is configured to engage with the elongated shaft 20 of the surgical stapler 10. The coupler 46 may be a plug-in connector having an outer connector that can be detachably connected to the handle assembly 40 or the elongated shaft 20 and an inner connector that can detachably connect the movable shaft of the handle assembly 40 to the operating member of the elongated shaft 20. Thus, the surgical stapler 10 may be configured so that the handle assembly 40 can be reused with a number of disposable cartridges during surgical procedures. In other embodiments, the handle assembly and a portion of the elongated shaft may be reusable, while the remainder of the elongated shaft within the jaw assembly constitutes a disposable cartridge. In certain other embodiments, the handle assembly and the elongated shaft may be reusable, while the jaw assembly constitutes a disposable cartridge. In yet another embodiment, a jaw insert containing multiple staples may constitute a disposable cartridge, while the remainder of the surgical stapler is reusable.

[0016] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, various diagrams of embodiments of the handle assembly 40 for the surgical stapler 10 are shown. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the handle assembly 40 in an open position with the movable handle 44 positioned at a distance from the stationary handle 42. The illustrated handle assembly 40 further includes a selector 72 operably coupled to an actuation mechanism housed within the handle assembly 40, as will be further described herein. As shown in Figure 3, the selector 72 is in a first position.

[0017] Referring to Figure 4, another perspective view of the handle assembly 40 of Figure 3 is shown. As shown, the movable handle 44 is in the closed position adjacent to the stationary handle 42, and the selector 72 is in the second position. Figures 5 and 6 are plan views of the handle assembly of Figure 3, with the selector 72, e.g., slider 74, in the first position (Figure 5) and the second position (Figure 6). Figure 7 is a side view of the handle assembly 40 of Figure 3.

[0018] Figures 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the handle assembly 40 in its initial configuration, illustrating the operating principle of the actuation assembly 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 50 is configured to selectively translate the actuation shaft 60 from a first position corresponding to the jaw assembly 30 in the open configuration to a second position corresponding to the jaw assembly 30 in the closed configuration, and from the second position to a third position where the jaw assembly 30 is positioned in a stapled configuration and multiple staples 36 are deployed. In the initial configuration shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the actuation shaft 60 can be repeatedly translated between the first and second positions in response to the movement of the movable handle 44 or trigger without deploying staples to bring about the open / close function. This open / close function allows the user to position and clamp the tissue and then reposition the stapler 10 to find the desired staple placement location before deploying the staples.

[0019] Referring to Figures 8 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the operating mechanism includes a forward or forward drive unit 52, a reverse or backward drive unit 54, an open drive unit 58, a forward surface 62, a reverse surface 64, and an open surface 66. The forward drive unit 52 is preferably operably coupled to the movable handle 44, so that the movement of the movable handle 44 from the open position to the closed position causes the forward drive unit 52 to move forward in a first direction, for example distally within the handle assembly 40. The forward drive unit 52 is preferably composed of a claw or tooth configured to fit into a recess or slot.

[0020] The reverse drive unit 54 is preferably operably coupled to the movable handle 44, and the movement of the movable handle 44 from the open position to the closed position causes the reverse drive unit 54 to advance in a second direction opposite to the first direction, for example, proximal within the handle assembly 40. In some embodiments, the movable handle 44 is preferably operably coupled to the reverse drive unit 54 by a geared coupling including a free gear 56. The reverse drive unit 54 is preferably composed of a claw or teeth configured to fit into a recess or slot.

[0021] The release drive unit 58 is preferably operably coupled to the movable handle 44, and the movement of the movable handle 44 from the open position to the closed position causes the release drive unit 58 to advance distally in a first direction, for example, within the handle assembly 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the release drive unit 58 is coupled to the idler 56 by a pin and slot coupling for operably coupling the release drive unit 58 to the movable handle 44. The release drive unit 58 is preferably composed of claws or teeth configured to fit into recesses or slots.

[0022] An advancing surface 62, a retracting surface 64, and an open surface 66 are formed on the operating shaft 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the advancing surface 62 has a rack or a plurality of spaced recesses or teeth formed longitudinally along the operating shaft 60. As shown in the illustration, the retracting surface 64 is formed longitudinally along the operating shaft 60 and has a rack or a plurality of spaced recesses or teeth that are angularly offset from the advancing surface 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the open surface 66 has a recess formed in the operating shaft 60.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the actuarial shaft 60 is rotatable within the handle assembly 40 around the longitudinal axis of the stapler 10. The actuarial shaft 60 preferably has a proximal portion 65 and a distal portion 61 that are rotatable separately and independently of each other. For example, the proximal portion 65 may be coupled to the distal portion 61 at a rotatable coupling, which allows free rotation of the proximal and distal portions while coupling the proximal portion to the distal portion so as to be longitudinally translatable. The handle assembly 40 may include a rotating mechanism 70 that provides selective rotation of the proximal portion 65 of the actuarial shaft 60 within the handle assembly 40. The actuarial shaft 60 may be rotatable between a first orientation state in which a forward drive unit 52 can engage with the forward surface 62 and a second orientation state in which a reverse drive unit 54 can engage with the reverse surface 64. When the forward surface 52 is angularly offset from the retracted surface 54 with respect to the operating shaft 60 and the operating shaft is in a first orientation state, the reverse drive unit 54 is detached from the retracted surface 64, and when the operating shaft is in a second orientation state, the forward state 52 is detached from the forward surface 62.

[0024] Continuing to refer to Figures 8 to 14, in a particular embodiment, the rotating mechanism 70 includes a selector 72, for example, a slider. The slider is preferably laterally extending through the handle assembly 40. The slider is preferably operably coupled to the actuation shaft 60, so that by positioning the slider in a first position with the slider extending from one side of the handle assembly 40, the actuation shaft 60 is positioned in a first orientation, and by positioning the slider in a second position with the slider extending from the opposite side of the handle assembly 40, the actuation shaft 60 rotates to a second orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider is coupled to a rack 76 that meshes with a gear 78, the gear 78 being rotatably fixed to the actuation shaft 60 and slidable longitudinally along the actuation shaft 60 (for example, by a keyed coupling). Preferably, the illustrated rotating mechanism 70, including a slider, discontinuously positions the operating shaft 60 to a desired orientation, thereby reducing the occurrence of gear meshing failures within the operating mechanism 50. In some embodiments, the slider may have a visual indicator, such as an arrow, to show the orientation of the operating shaft 60 and thus the operating mode of the stapler to the user.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the forward-facing surface 62 and the retracted surface 64 are angularly offset by approximately 90° around the operating shaft. Thus, the rotating mechanism 70 is configured to rotate the operating shaft by approximately 90° between a first orientation and a second orientation. In other embodiments, the forward-facing surface 62 and the retracted surface 64 may have different angular offsets from each other, for example, 120° or 70°, and the rotating mechanism 70 may be configured to rotate the operating shaft 60 accordingly. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail herein with respect to the opening / closing modes of the handle assembly 40, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening drive unit 58 engages with the operating shaft, and in other embodiments, the operating shaft may be rotatable to a third orientation in which the opening drive unit 58 engages with the operating shaft.

[0026] Referring to Figures 8 to 14, typical operating sequences of the operating mechanism 50 of the handle assembly 40 are shown. Figures 8A and 8B and 9A and 9B show the operating state of the handle assembly 40 in its initial configuration, which provides the jaw assembly 30 with an open / close function. In Figure 8A, the movable trigger 44 is in the open position, and the operating shaft 60 is in a first position corresponding to the first position of the operating beam at the distal end of the elongated shaft 20. In the initial position, the operating shaft 60 is positioned in a second orientation state such that the reverse drive unit 54 is angularly aligned with the retracted surface 64. When the operating shaft 60 is in the second orientation state, the opening / closing drive unit 58 is positioned in the open surface 66 or recess. When the movable handle 44 is moved from the open position (Figures 8A and 8B) to the closed position (Figures 9A and 9B), the forward drive unit 52 moves distally along the actuation shaft 60 and engages with the forward recess 63 formed in the actuation shaft 60, driving the drive shaft 60 distally to a second position within the handle assembly 40. The second position of the actuation shaft 60 within the handle assembly 40 coincides with the second position of the actuation beam that positions the jaw assembly 30 in the closed configuration.

[0027] The movable handle 44 is preferably biased to the open position by a biasing member, such as a coil spring 68 (Figure 11A). Thus, when the movable handle 44 is released from the closed position shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the movable handle returns to the open position shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Similarly, by operably coupling the movable handle 44 to the release drive unit 58, the release drive unit 58 translates proximal to the handle assembly 40 when the movable handle 44 returns to the open position. In the second orientation state of the operating shaft 60, the release drive unit 58 engages with the opening surface 66, and the proximal movement of the release drive unit 58 causes the operating shaft 60 to return from the second position to the first position, thereby returning the jaw assembly 30 to the open configuration.

[0028] The user can find a desired stapling position within the surgical field by repeatedly opening and closing the jaws to clamp the tissue at various locations. Once a desired stapling position is selected, the operating mechanism 50 is preferably configured to stapling or firing mode by rotating the operating shaft 60 to a first orientation state. With the jaw assembly in the closed position at the desired stapling position (shown in Figures 9A and 9B), the user may reposition the selector 72 by sliding the slider to a first position corresponding to the first orientation state of the operating shaft 60 (shown in Figures 10A and 10B). In the first orientation state of the operating shaft 60, the forward drive unit 52 is engageable with the forward surface 62, the reverse drive unit 54 is angularly misaligned with the retracted surface 64, and the open drive unit 58 is angularly misaligned with the open surface 66. When the operating shaft 60 is in the first orientation state, it is preferable to release the movable handle 44 to the open position (Figures 11A and 11B), thereby engaging the forward drive unit 52 with the forward surface 62.

[0029] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B and 12A and 12B, when the actuating shaft 60 is in a first orientation state and the forward drive unit 52 is engaged with the forward surface 62, the actuating mechanism 50 is in a stapling or firing mode state. Through several cycles of movement of the movable handle 44 from the open position to the closed position and back to the open position, the actuating shaft 66 advances from a second position (Figures 11A and 11B) to a third position (Figures 12A and 12B) where the actuating shaft 60 is moved to its most distal limit relative to the handle assembly 40. In some embodiments, the actuating mechanism preferably has a stopper that prevents the actuating shaft 60 from moving distally at the third position. The second position of the actuating shaft corresponds to a second position of the actuating beam within the jaw assembly 30. The third position of the actuating shaft corresponds to a third position of the actuating beam within the jaw assembly 30, where multiple staples are deployed from the first jaw. When the movement of the movable handle 44 or trigger is in firing mode to advance the operating shaft from the second position to the third position, the forward drive unit 52 is moved sequentially along adjacent teeth or grooves on the operating surface 62 in a ratchet-like forward motion.

[0030] Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, once the operating shaft 60 is advanced to the third position and the staples are fired from the jaw assembly, it is preferable to configure the operating mechanism 50 to reverse mode. Therefore, it is preferable for the rotating mechanism 70 to rotate the operating shaft 60 to the second orientation state and position the retracted surface 64 so that it is angularly aligned with the reverse drive unit 54. It is preferable to slide the slider to the second position to rotate the operating shaft from the first orientation state (Figures 12A and 12B) to the second orientation state (Figures 13A and 13B). When the operating shaft 60 is in the second orientation state, the repetitive cycle of the movable handle 44 moving from the open position to the closed position and back to the open position causes the reverse drive unit 54 to engage with the retracted surface 64 in a ratchet-like forward state, while the operating shaft 60 is retracted proximally within the handle assembly 40. Once the reverse drive unit 54 drives the operating shaft 60 proximally to the second position (shown in Figures 14A and 14B), the release drive unit 58 engages with the release surface 66. When the release drive unit 58 releases the movable handle 44 to the open position, it returns the operating shaft 60 to the first position (returning the handle assembly to the configuration shown in Figures 8A and 8B). With the operating shaft 60 in the first position, the empty cartridge without staples can be detached from the handle assembly 40, and a new cartridge can be attached to the handle assembly to start a new stapling operation.

[0031] Referring to Figures 15 to 25, a handle assembly 40' is shown as another embodiment used in a surgical stapler 10'. Figure 15 is a side view of the handle assembly 40', and Figure 16 is a perspective view of the handle assembly 40'. In the handle assembly 40', the operation of the rotating mechanism 70' is achieved by a sliding switch 80, which is longitudinally slidable relative to the housing of the handle assembly 40'. Advantageously, such a sliding switch configuration allows the user to easily rotate the operating shaft 60 with one hand.

[0032] Referring to Figure 17, a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly 40' is shown, which shows the actuation mechanism 50' and the rotation mechanism 70'. The actuation mechanism functions substantially as described above with reference to embodiments of Figures 8A and 8B and Figures 14A and 14B, advancing the actuation shaft 60' from a first position to a second position in open / close mode, from a second position to a third position in staple mode, and from a third position to a first position in reverse mode. The actuation mechanism 50' includes corresponding forward, reverse, and open drive units 52, 54, 58 operably coupled to the forward, reverse, and open surfaces 62, retractable, and open surfaces of the movable handle 44 and actuation shaft 60', as described substantially above with reference to embodiments of Figures 8A and 8B and Figures 14A and 14B. However, in the embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 25, the operating shaft 60' is discontinuously rotatable between a first orientation state corresponding to the opening / closing modes of the handle assembly where the opening drive unit 58 engages with the opening surface 66 by the rotating mechanism 70', a second orientation state corresponding to the staple fastening position where the forward drive unit 52 engages with the forward surface 62, and a third orientation state corresponding to the reverse position where the reverse drive unit 54 engages with the retracted surface.

[0033] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, a particular view of the rotating mechanism 70' is shown. The rotating mechanism 70' includes a sliding switch 80 that is longitudinally slidable relative to the housing of the handle assembly 40', a hub collar 82 that is longitudinally slidable by the switch 80, and a biasing member or spring 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding switch 80 is connected to the hub collar 82 by a thin beam, such as a shim member. The hub collar 82 is rotatably fixed relative to the housing of the handle assembly 40' and is longitudinally slidable. In some embodiments, the hub collar 82 may have first and second wings, which can slide in corresponding first and second slots provided in the housing of the handle assembly, thereby allowing relative longitudinal movement between them and limiting relative rotational movement.

[0034] The hub collar 82 is preferably a tubular member provided around the actuarial shaft 60'. The hub collar 82 is preferably extending between a first edge 84 having a plurality of ramps 86 and a second edge 88 having a plurality of recesses 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the hub collar 82 has three ramps 86 formed on the first edge 84, with each ramp positioned at a distance of approximately 120° from an adjacent ramp 86. As shown, the hub collar 82 has three recesses 90 formed on the second edge 88, with each recess 90 positioned at a distance of approximately 120° from an adjacent recess 86. In other embodiments, the number and relative spacing of the ramps 86 and recesses 90 may vary, as long as the actuarial shaft 50 can be rotated between orientations different from the orientation of the illustrated embodiment.

[0035] In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism 70' may include a spring 98 that biases the sliding switch 80 and the hub collar 82 to a position proximal to the housing of the handle assembly 40'.

[0036] Continuing to refer to Figures 17 and 18, the actuating shaft 60' preferably has a first set of multiple projections 92 that extend radially outward from the actuating shaft adjacent to the first edge 84 of the hub collar 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating shaft has three projections 92, each located at a distance of approximately 120° from an adjacent projection. The actuating shaft 60' preferably further has a second set of multiple projections 94 that extend radially outward from the actuating shaft 60' adjacent to the second edge 88 of the hub collar 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating shaft 60' has three projections 94, each located at a distance of approximately 120° from an adjacent projection. In other embodiments, the number and spacing of the projections 92, 94 may vary to achieve a rotating mechanism with different rotational characteristics. In some embodiments, the protrusions 92, 94 are preferably formed on the operating shaft 60', while in other embodiments, the protrusions 92, 94 may be formed separately on a sleeve that is attached to the operating shaft 60', has a keyed engagement portion with the operating shaft 60', or is rotatably fixed to the operating shaft 60' in a different manner.

[0037] Referring to Figures 19 to 25, the operating sequence of the rotating mechanism 70' that rotates the operating shaft 60' from a first orientation to a second orientation is shown. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the hub collar 82 and operating shaft 50' in the first orientation. In the first orientation, the first protrusion 94a of the second plurality of protrusions 94 is located in the first recess 90a of the plurality of recesses 90, and the first protrusion 92a of the first plurality of protrusions is located adjacent to the first ramp 86a of the plurality of ramps 86.

[0038] Referring to Figures 19 to 22, the operating sequence of the rotating mechanism 70' when the sliding switch 80 is advanced distally is shown. When the sliding switch 80 is advanced distally relative to the housing of the handle assembly, the hub collar 82 is translated distally, and the first plurality of projections 92 engage with the plurality of inclined passages 86 of the hub collar 82 (shown in Figure 20) in a sliding relationship. As the sliding switch 80 and the hub collar 82 advance further distally relative to the housing of the handle assembly, the first plurality of projections 92 advance along the plurality of inclined passages 86 (shown in Figures 21 and 22). The angular contour shape of the inclined passages 86 acts as a cam action surface, and the movement of the first plurality of projections 92 along the plurality of inclined passages 86 causes the operating shaft 60' to rotate. Once the sliding switch reaches its distal end of movement, the spring 98 biases the hub collar 82 and the sliding switch 80 proximal to the housing of the handle assembly 40. When the hub collar 82 returns to its proximal position, the second set of protrusions 94 engage with the set of recesses 90 (shown in Figures 23 to 25). As shown in Figure 25, following the operating cycle of the sliding switch 80, the fourth protrusion 94a of the second set of protrusions 94 is positioned within the second recess 90b of the set of recesses, and as a result, the operating shaft 60' is positioned in a second orientation, rotated 120° from the first orientation. The next operating cycle of the sliding switch 80 rotates the operating shaft in discontinuous 120° increments.

[0039] In other embodiments, the rotating mechanism may include a handle directly connected to the operating shaft. For example, the proximal end of the operating shaft may be connected to a handle 70″ (Figure 1) extending proximal to the housing. Rotation of the handle relative to the longitudinal axis causes the operating shaft to rotate, configuring the handle assembly into one of the following modes: open / closed mode, forward mode, or reverse mode.

[0040] While this application discloses certain preferred embodiments and examples, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other variations and / or uses of the present invention, as well as obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Furthermore, various features of the present invention can be used individually or in combination with other features of the present invention other than those explicitly described above. Thus, the scope of the present invention disclosed herein is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed above, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the following claims.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for a surgical stapler, Housing and A movable handle is rotatably connected to the housing and is movable from the open position to the closed position, A forward drive unit that can be moved by the aforementioned movable handle, A reverse drive unit coupled to the forward drive unit, A handle assembly comprising an operating shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein a forward rack and a reversing rack are formed therein, the operating shaft is slidable longitudinally relative to the housing, and the operating shaft is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis between a first orientation in which the forward rack is coupled to the movable handle via the forward drive body, and a second orientation in which the reversing rack is coupled to the movable handle via the reversing drive body.

2. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the forward rack is angularly offset from the reversing rack with respect to the longitudinal axis.

3. The handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the forward rack is offset at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the reverse rack.

4. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the forward drive unit engages with the forward rack when the operating shaft is in the first orientation.

5. The handle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the reversing drive unit engages with the reversing rack when the operating shaft is in the second orientation.

6. The reversing drive unit detaches from the operating shaft when the operating shaft is in the first direction. The handle assembly according to claim 5.

7. The handle assembly according to claim 5, wherein the forward drive unit is coupled to the reverse drive unit such that the forward drive unit moves in a first direction and the reverse drive unit moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the movable handle is moved.

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