Surgical stapling apparatus with ratcheting articulation and articulation brake

Abstract

A surgical stapling apparatus includes an elongated shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly coupled to the elongated shaft assembly, and an articulation brake assembly. The tool assembly is positioned to articulate relative to the longitudinal axis. The articulation brake assembly includes a plate secured to the tool assembly, a spring, and a plunger that is engaged with the spring. The plunger is selectively engaged with the plate and configured to prevent the tool assembly from articulating relative to the longitudinal axis when the tool assembly is fired.

Description

SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH RATCHETING ARTICULATION AND ARTICULATION BRAKECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 585,431, filed September 26, 2023, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Surgical stapling apparatus configured for endoscopic use are commonly used during surgical procedures to minimize patient trauma and reduce patient recovery times. Typically, endoscopic stapling apparatus include a tool assembly and a drive assembly that is movable in relation to the tool assembly to actuate the tool assembly. The drive assembly includes a knife bar having a cutting blade for cutting tissue. The tool assembly includes anvil and cartridge assemblies that are coupled to each other by a pivot member and movable in relation to each other between unclamped and clamped positions in response to movement of the drive assembly from a retracted position to an advanced position. The cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body that supports staples and an actuation sled that is movable through the cartridge body in response to movement of the drive assembly from the retracted position to the advanced position to eject the staples from the cartridge body. The tool assembly is often configured to articulate relative to an elongated shaft of the endoscopic stapling apparatus to access remote locations in a surgical site.SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect, this disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling apparatus. The surgical stapling apparatus includes an elongated shaft assembly, a tool assembly coupled to the elongated shaft assembly, a drive beam assembly selectively advanceable through the tool assembly, and an articulation brake assembly. The tool assembly is movable relative to the elongated shaft assembly between an unarticulated position and an articulated position. The drive beam assembly is positioned to move the tool assembly between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The articulation brake assembly includes a plate secured to the tool assemblyand a plunger that is selectively movable relative to the plate to limit articulating movement of the tool assembly relative to the elongated shaft assembly when the tool assembly is disposed in the unclamped position and the clamped position.

[0004] In aspects, when the tool assembly is disposed in the unclamped position, the articulation brake assembly may be configured to enable the tool assembly to ratchet between predetermined articulated positions, and wherein movement of the tool assembly from a first predetermined articulated position of the predetermined articulated positions to a second predetermined articulated position of the predetermined articulated positions may be limited by contact between the plate and the plunger of the articulation brake assembly. When the tool assembly is disposed in the clamped position, the articulation brake assembly may prevent the tool assembly from articulating relative the elongated shaft assembly.

[0005] In aspects, the plate may include a first set of teeth and the plunger may include a second set of teeth, and the first and second sets of teeth may be configured to interdigitate with one another.

[0006] In aspects, the plunger may be in contact with a spring of the articulation brake assembly. The spring may be configured to urge the plunger toward the plate. Articulating movement of the tool assembly may cause the plate to rotate, and rotation of the plate may cause the plunger to translate between a distal position and a proximal position. The articulation brake assembly may further include a spring block that cooperates with the spring. The drive beam assembly may include an I-beam and a drive shaft that extends from the I-beam, and the spring block may include a catch. The drive shaft may define a spring block notch that receives the catch of the spring block to move the spring block relative to the spring as the drive beam assembly translates between a first position and a second position. The elongated shaft assembly may include an outer shaft assembly having a sidewall that defines an aperture through the sidewall. The spring block may include a distal slide arm and a proximal pivot ramp that is pivotable relative to the distal slide arm. The proximal pivot ramp may be receivable within the aperture of the outer shaft assembly to enable the drive beam assembly to distally advance through the tool assembly. The distal slide arm and the proximal pivot ramp may be coupled together by a hinge.

[0007] According to one aspect, this disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling apparatus including an elongated shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly coupled to the elongated shaft assembly, and an articulation brake assembly. The tool assembly is positioned to articulate relative to the longitudinal axis. The articulation brake assembly includes a plate secured to the tool assembly, a spring, and a plunger that is engaged with the spring. The plunger is selectively engaged with the plate and configured to prevent the tool assembly from articulating relative to the longitudinal axis when the tool assembly is fired.

[0008] In aspects, when the tool assembly articulates relative to the longitudinal axis, the plate may rotate relative to the plunger and the plunger may translate relative to the plate.

[0009] In aspects, the surgical stapling apparatus may further include a drive beam assembly that advances through the tool assembly to fire the tool assembly. The articulation brake assembly may further include a spring block that cooperates with the spring. The drive beam assembly may define a spring block notch that cooperates with the spring block to move the spring block relative to the spring. The spring block includes a catch that is selectively engageable with a proximal end wall of the spring block notch to move the spring block toward the spring as the spring cams along the spring block. The elongated shaft assembly may include an outer shaft assembly having a sidewall that defines an aperture through the sidewall. The spring block may include a distal slide arm and a proximal pivot ramp that may be pivotable relative to the distal slide arm. The proximal pivot ramp may be receivable within the aperture of the outer shaft assembly to enable the drive beam assembly to distally advance through the tool assembly.

[0010] According to yet another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling apparatus including an adapter assembly defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly coupled to the adapter assembly, and an articulation brake assembly. The tool assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member that is movable relative to the first jaw member. The articulation brake assembly includes a plate secured to the tool assembly, a spring, a spring block engaged with the spring, and a plunger that is engaged with the plate and the spring. The plunger, the spring, and the spring block are movable relative to the plate to selectively prevent the tool assembly from articulating relative to the longitudinal axis when the tool assembly is fired.

[0011] Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent considering the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling apparatus, according to aspects of the disclosure, with a tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus in an unclamped, pre-fired position;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, perspective view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, perspective view, with parts separated, of various components of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, perspective view of a spring block of an articulation brake assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of a ratchet plate of the articulation brake assembly;

[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of a plunger of the articulation brake assembly;

[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of a distal end portion of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1 with portions thereof shown in broken lines for clarity, the surgical stapling apparatus shown in the unclamped, pre-fired position;

[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 7;

[0021] FIG. 9 is an enlarged, top view of the distal end portion of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1 with the tool assembly thereof shown in the unclamped, pre- fired position and in an unarticulated position;

[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, top view of the distal end portion of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1 with the tool assembly thereof shown in the unclamped, pre-fired position, thetool assembly shown articulating relative to a longitudinal axis defined by an elongated shaft assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus, the view further illustrating the ratchet plate of the articulation brake assembly ratcheting along the plunger of the articulation assembly when the tool assembly articulates relative to the elongated shaft assembly;

[0023] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 10;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view as taken along section line 12-12 shown in FIG. 11 ;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a view of FIG. 11 when the tool assembly is disposed in an articulated position relative to the elongated shaft assembly;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a view of FIG. 12 when the tool assembly is disposed in the articulated position;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a view of FIG. 7 illustrating the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1 in a clamped position with the tool assembly shown in broken lines for clarity;

[0028] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 15;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating distal advancement of a drive beam assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1 and movement of the articulation brake assembly during a firing of the surgical stapling apparatus; and

[0030] FIGS. 18 and 19 are progressive views illustrating movement of the articulation brake assembly when the drive beam assembly is retracted after the firing of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. Throughout this description, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a structure, or component thereof, that is closer to a user, and the term “distal” refers to a portion of the structure, or component thereof, that is farther from the user. Directional reference terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upper,”“lower,” and the like, are used to ease description of the aspects and are not intended to have any limiting effect on the ultimate orientation of a structure or any part thereof. Further, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, surgeons, and support personnel.

[0032] In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure in unnecessary detail.

[0033] Surgical stapling apparatus of this disclosure can be utilized, for example, during laparoscopic surgical procedures that require stapling and / or transecting of tissues and / or organs of various tissue thicknesses. The disclosed surgical stapling apparatus can be configured for single or multi-use surgical stapling.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1-19, a surgical stapling apparatus, shown generally as stapling apparatus 10, includes a handle assembly 12, an adapter assembly 14, and a tool assembly 16.

[0035] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle assembly 12 of the surgical stapling apparatus 10 is powered and includes a stationary handgrip 18 and an actuation button or buttons 18a, 18b. The actuation buttons 18a, 18b are operable to actuate various functions of the tool assembly 16 via the adapter assembly 14, e.g., clamping of the tool assembly 16, and stapling and cutting of tissue. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the handle assembly 12 may couple to a power source via a cable (not shown) and or support batteries (not shown) that provide power to the handle assembly 12 to operate the stapling apparatus 10. Although the stapling device 10 is illustrated as a powered stapling device, the advantages of this disclosure are suitable for use with other surgical stapling apparatus such as manually powered stapling apparatus and robotically controlled stapling apparatus.

[0036] The adapter assembly 14 of surgical stapling apparatus 10 includes a proximal portion 14a and a distal portion 14b. The proximal portion 14a of the adapter assembly 14 is coupled to the handle assembly 12, and the distal portion 14b of the adapter assembly 14 supports the tool assembly 16. The tool assembly 16 is pivotably coupled to the distal portion 14b of the adapter assembly 14, as indicated by arrows “A”, to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly 16 inrelation to the adapter assembly 14 in clockwise and / or counterclockwise directions about an articulation axis “Y” defined through the distal portion 14b of the adapter assembly 14.

[0037] The tool assembly 16 of the surgical stapling apparatus 10 includes a first jaw member in the form of an anvil assembly 20, and second jaw member in the form of a cartridge assembly 22. The anvil and cartridge assemblies 20, 22 are pivotably coupled together by fasteners 21. The cartridge assembly 22 supports a staple cartridge 24 (which supports a plurality of rows of staples not explicitly shown) and is pivotably supported in relation to the anvil assembly 20 about a pivot axis “P” defined through the fasteners 21, as indicated by arrows “B”, to facilitate movement of the tool assembly 16 between an unclamped position (FIGS. 1 and 7) and a clamped position (FIG. 15). Alternately and / or additionally, the anvil assembly 20 can be pivotable towards the cartridge assembly 22 to move the tool assembly 16 between the unclamped and clamped positions. The staple cartridge 24 may be removable received within a channel member 26 of the cartridge assembly 22 and is replaceable to facilitate reuse of the surgical stapling apparatus 10.

[0038] As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the adapter assembly 14 of the surgical stapling apparatus 10 includes an elongated shaft assembly 28 defining a longitudinal axis “X” (see FIG. 7) and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongated shaft assembly 28 has an outer shaft assembly 30 and inner shaft assembly 32. The outer shaft assembly 30 has a sidewall 30a that defines an aperture 30b through the sidewall 30a. The sidewall 30a includes a stop member 30c projecting radially inward from an inner surface of the sidewall 30a on a channel side of the outer shaft assembly 30. The stop member 30c is disposed distal to the aperture 30b. The elongated shaft assembly 28 further supports a movable drive beam assembly 34 having an I-beam 36 supported on a distal end portion of a drive shaft 38. The drive shaft 38 defines a spring block notch 38n on a channel-side of the drive shaft 38. The spring block notch 38n includes a proximal end wall 38a and a distal end wall 38b. The I-beam 36 is positioned to move the tool assembly 16 from the unclamped position to the clamped position as it translates distally along the tool assembly 16. The drive beam assembly 34 is also positioned to advance distally along the tool assembly 16 to distally advance an actuation sled (not explicitly shown) through the tool assembly 16 and enable staples (not explicitly shown) supported in staple-retaining slots (not explicitly shown) defined in the staple cartridge 24 to be fired from the staple cartridge 24 for forming the staples against a plurality of rows of staple pockets 20a defined in the anvil assembly 20. The I-beam 36 has a blade 40 for cutting tissue clamped by the tool assembly 16 as the drive beam assembly 34 is advanced distally through the tool assembly 16.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the elongated shaft assembly 28 of the adapter assembly 14 further includes a pivot assembly 42 that pivotably couples the tool assembly 16 to the inner shaft assembly 32. The pivot assembly 42 includes a channel-side pivot 44 and an anvil-side pivot 46 (FIG. 2). The channel-side pivot 44 defines a groove 44a in a proximal end portion thereof. The elongated shaft assembly 28 also includes an articulation rod 48, which has a proximal end portion that is driven by the handle assembly 12 and is axially translatable to facilitate pivoting movement of the pivot assembly 42 (e.g., articulating movement relative to the longitudinal axis “X”) as the articulation rod 48 translates between proximal and distal positions, as indicated by arrows “C”.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2-6, the surgical stapling apparatus 10 further includes an articulation brake assembly 50 including a ratchet plate 52 that is secured to the channel-side pivot 44, a plunger 54 selectively engageable with the ratchet plate 52, a spring 56 disposed in cooperative engagement with the plunger 54, and a spring block 58 that cooperates with the spring 56. The ratchet plate 52 includes a tongue 52a on a distal end portion of the ratchet plate 52 and a ratchet wheel 52b on a proximal end portion of the ratchet plate 52. The tongue 52a is received within the groove 44a of the channel-side pivot 44 to secure the ratchet plate 52 to the pivot assembly 42. The ratchet wheel 52b includes a plurality of teeth 52c defined about a periphery of the ratchet wheel 52b. The ratchet wheel 52b further includes a protuberance 52d that projects vertically from the ratchet wheel 52b for receipt within a hole 32a defined through the inner shaft assembly 32. The plunger 54 includes a locking plate 54a on a distal end portion of the plunger 54 and a support plate 54b on a proximal end portion of the plunger 54. The locking plate 54a includes a plurality of teeth 54c on a distal end face of the locking plate 54a. The teeth 54c are configured to selectively interlock with the teeth 52c of the ratchet plate 52. The spring 56 includes a distal end face 56a that engages a proximal end face 54d of the support plate 54b of the plunger 54. The spring 56 may be a leaf spring. The spring 56 further includes a proximal end face 56b and a cam surface 56c that cooperate with the spring block 58. The spring block 58 includes a distal slide arm 58a and a proximal pivot ramp 58b that is pivotably coupled to the distal slide arm 58a about a hinge 58c defined by a notch 58d disposed between the distal slide arm 58a and the proximal pivot ramp 58b. The distal slide arm 58a includes a first cam surface 58e and the proximal pivot ramp58b includes a second cam surface 58f that is angled relative to the first cam surface 58e. The distal slide arm 58a further extends distally to an engagement tip 58h. The proximal pivot ramp 58b further includes a catch 58g projecting vertically from the second cam surface 58f and a heel 58j disposed on an opposing side of the catch 58g on the proximal end portion of the proximal pivot ramp 58b.

[0041] Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the tool assembly 16 is disposed in an unclamped, pre-fired position, the drive beam assembly 34 is disposed in a proximal position in which the catch 58g of the spring block 58 of the articulation brake assembly 50 is disposed in contact with the proximal end wall 38a of the spring block notch 38n of the drive shaft 38 of the drive beam assembly 34. In this position, the distal end of the spring 56 of the articulation brake assembly 50 is engaged with the proximal end of the plunger 54 and is seated on the engagement tip 58h of the distal slide arm 58a of the spring block 58 of the articulation brake assembly 50 such that the plunger 54 is urged distally by the spring 56. Also in this position, the teeth 52c of the ratchet plate 52 can cam along the teeth 54c of the plunger 54, as the ratchet plate 52 rotates relative to the plunger 54, as indicated by arrow “D” (FIG. 11), for articulating the tool assembly 16 relative to the elongated shaft assembly 28 as indicated by arrow “A” in FIG 10. When the ratchet plate 52 rotates relative to the plunger 54, the rotation of the ratchet plate 52 causes the teeth 52c of the ratchet plate 52 to push the teeth 54c of the plunger 54 proximally, causing the plunger 54 to translate proximally, as indicated by arrow “E” in FIGS. 11 and 12, against the bias of the spring 56. This proximal movement of the plunger 54 causes the spring 56 to compress, bending the opposite ends of the spring 56 toward one another as seen in FIG. 12.

[0042] When the tool assembly 16 is articulated, in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction, to a position in which the teeth 54c of the plunger 54 and the teeth 52c of the ratchet plate 52 can interdigitate with gaps “G” (FIG. 11) between the teeth 54c, 52c of the plunger 54 and the ratchet plate 52, respectively, a distal spring force from the spring 56 urges the plunger 54 distally, as indicated by arrows “F” shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 so that the plunger 54 and the ratchet plate 52 can be temporarily held in position relative to one another (e.g. a posed position) until further articulation is effectuated. In other words, the articulation brake assembly 50 enables the tool assembly 16 to ratchet between predetermined articulated positions that are offset from one another at predetermined angular positions in which the teeth 52c, 54c are temporarily interlocked.The adjacent positions of these predetermined angular positions may be offset at any suitable angular displacement increments such as, for example, every 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, etc., or combinations thereof, depending on the type and arrangement of the teeth 52c, 54c relative to one other. Also, although the teeth 52c, 54c are shown equidistant from one another in the angular direction, the spacing may be random, at one or more angular distances relative to one another, and / or in any other suitable arrangement. For example, although the teeth 52c, 54c are shown with triangular configurations, the teeth may have any suitable shape and / or configuration (e.g., rectangular, rounded, surface texture, etc.) and may be provided in one or more rows which may be angularly and / or radially offset and / or aligned with one another.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, when the tool assembly 16 is articulated to a desired position, which may be any suitable articulated or unarticulated position relative to the elongated shaft assembly 28 in which the plunger 54 and the ratchet plate 52 of the articulation brake assembly 50 are interdigitated, the drive beam assembly 34 can be advanced distally, as indicated by arrows “H”. Distal movement of the drive beam assembly 34 causes the tool assembly 16 to move from the unclamped position to the clamped position, as indicated by arrow “I” in FIG. 15. Such distal movement further causes the proximal end wall 38a of the drive shaft 38 to push the catch 58g of the spring block 58 distally so that the distal slide arm 58a of the spring block 58 slides under the spring 56. This movement forces the spring 56 away from the inner surface of the outer shaft assembly 30, as indicated by arrow “J” in FIG. 16, until the engagement tip 58h of the slide block 58 is abutted against the proximal end face of the stop member 30c of the outer shaft assembly 30 and the proximal pivot ramp 58b is cantilevered over the aperture 30b defined in the sidewall 30a of the outer shaft assembly 30 as shown in FIG. 17.

[0044] In this position, the spring block 58 of the articulation brake assembly 50 urges the spring 56 distally and maintains the plunger 54 in a distal position interdigitated with the ratchet plate 52 so that further articulation and / or twitching (e.g., an undesired jerking motion of the tool assembly 16) in clockwise and / or counterclockwise directions relative to the longitudinal axis “X” is prevented when the surgical stapling apparatus 10 is fired. The continued distal advancement of the drive beam assembly 34, as indicated by arrows “K”, causes the proximal pivot ramp 58b of the spring block 58 to pivot about the hinge 58c of the spring block 58 relative to the distal slide arm 58a of the spring block 58 so that the heel 58j of the spring block 58 bends into the aperture30b of the outer shaft assembly 30 and the catch 58g cams proximally out of the notch 38n of the drive shaft 38, as indicated by arrow “M” (FIG. 17). In this regard, the drive beam assembly 34 can be advanced over the articulation brake assembly 50 and through the tool assembly 16 for firing the tool assembly 16, forming the staples, and cutting any tissue grasped between the anvil and cartridge assemblies 20, 22.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, once the surgical stapling apparatus 10 is fired, the drive beam assembly 34 can be retracted proximally, as indicated by arrows “N” to unclamp the tool assembly 16 and the enable the anvil and cartridge assemblies 20, 22 to release the grasped tissue. As the drive beam assembly 34 retracts, the proximal pivot ramp 58b of the spring block 58 pivots back into the spring block notch 38n, as indicated by arrow “P”, so that the distal end wall 38b of the spring block notch 38n engages a proximal end face of the catch 58g for retracting the spring block 58, as indicated by arrow “Q” in FIG. 19, and for enabling the spring 56 to move back towards the inner surface of the outer shaft assembly 30, as indicated by arrow “R” in FIG. 19. In such a position, the tool assembly 16 is not locked by the articulation brake assembly 50 and can once again be articulated as desired.

[0046] The disclosed subject matter may be further described by reference to the following numbered aspects:1. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising: an elongated shaft assembly; a tool assembly coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and movable relative to the elongated shaft assembly between an unarticulated position and an articulated position; a drive beam assembly selectively advanceable through the tool assembly and positioned to move the tool assembly between an unclamped position and a clamped position; and an articulation brake assembly including a plate secured to the tool assembly and a plunger that is selectively movable relative to the plate to limit articulating movement of the tool assembly relative to the elongated shaft assembly when the tool assembly is disposed in the unclamped position and the clamped position.2. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 1 , wherein when the tool assembly is disposed in the unclamped position, the articulation brake assembly is configured to enable the tool assembly to ratchet between predetermined articulated positions, and wherein movement of the tool assembly from a first predetermined articulated position of the predetermined articulated positions to a second predetermined articulated position of the predetermined articulated positions is limited by contact between the plate and the plunger of the articulation brake assembly.3. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 2, wherein when the tool assembly is disposed in the clamped position, the articulation brake assembly prevents the tool assembly from articulating relative the elongated shaft assembly.4. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the plate includes a first set of teeth, and the plunger includes a second set of teeth, and wherein the first and second sets of teeth are configured to interdigitate with one another.5. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the plunger is in contact with a spring of the articulation brake assembly, the spring is configured to urge the plunger toward the plate.6. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 1, wherein articulating movement of the tool assembly causes the plate to rotate, and wherein rotation of the plate causes the plunger to translate between a distal position and a proximal position.7. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the articulation brake assembly further includes a spring block that cooperates with the spring.8. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 7, wherein the drive beam assembly includes an I-beam and a drive shaft that extends from the I-beam, and wherein the spring block includes a catch, the drive shaft defining a spring block notch that receives the catch of thespring block to move the spring block relative to the spring as the drive beam assembly translates between a first position and a second position.9. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 8, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes an outer shaft assembly having a sidewall that defines an aperture through the sidewall, and wherein the spring block includes a distal slide arm and a proximal pivot ramp that is pivotable relative to the distal slide arm, the proximal pivot ramp being receivable within the aperture of the outer shaft assembly to enable the drive beam assembly to distally advance through the tool assembly.10. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 9, wherein the distal slide arm and the proximal pivot ramp are coupled together by a hinge.11. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising: an elongated shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis; a tool assembly coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and positioned to articulate relative to the longitudinal axis; and an articulation brake assembly including a plate secured to the tool assembly, a spring, and a plunger that is engaged with the spring, the plunger selectively engaged with the plate and configured to prevent the tool assembly from articulating relative to the longitudinal axis when the tool assembly is fired.12. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 11, wherein the plate includes a first set of teeth, and the plunger includes a second set of teeth, and wherein the first and second sets of teeth are configured to interdigitate with one another.13. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 11 , wherein when the tool assembly articulates relative to the longitudinal axis, the plate rotates relative to the plunger and the plunger translates relative to the plate.14. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 11, further comprising a drive beam assembly that advances through the tool assembly to fire the tool assembly.15. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 14, wherein the articulation brake assembly further includes a spring block that cooperates with the spring.16. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 15, wherein the drive beam assembly defines a spring block notch that cooperates with the spring block to move the spring block relative to the spring.17. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 16, wherein the spring block includes a catch that is selectively engageable with a proximal end wall of the spring block notch to move the spring block toward the spring as the spring cams along the spring block.18. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 17, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes an outer shaft assembly having a sidewall that defines an aperture through the sidewall, and wherein the spring block includes a distal slide arm and a proximal pivot ramp that is pivotable relative to the distal slide arm, the proximal pivot ramp being receivable within the aperture of the outer shaft assembly to enable the drive beam assembly to distally advance through the tool assembly.19. The surgical stapling apparatus of aspect 18, wherein the distal slide arm and the proximal pivot ramp are coupled together by a hinge.20. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising: an adapter assembly defining a longitudinal axis; a tool assembly coupled to the adapter assembly and including a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to the first jaw member; and an articulation brake assembly including a plate secured to the tool assembly, a spring, a spring block engaged with the spring, and a plunger that is engaged with the plate and the spring, and wherein the plunger, the spring, and the spring block are movable relativeto the plate to selectively prevent the tool assembly from articulating relative to the longitudinal axis when the tool assembly is fired.

[0047] As can be appreciated, securement of any of the components of the presently disclosed apparatus can be effectuated using known securement techniques such welding, crimping, gluing, fastening, etc.

[0048] The various aspects disclosed herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the clinician and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the clinician during an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

[0049] The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of clinicians may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another clinician (or group of clinicians) remotely controls the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled clinician may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his / her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients. For a detailed description of exemplary medical workstations and / or components thereof, reference may be made to U.S. Patent No. 8,828,023, and PCT Application Publication No. WO2016 / 025132, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0050] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary aspects, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of aspects. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the preciseaspects described, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, it is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspect may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, any combination of any of the presently disclosed elements and features is within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising: an elongated shaft assembly (28); a tool assembly (16) coupled to the elongated shaft assembly and movable relative to the elongated shaft assembly between an unarticulated position and an articulated position; and a drive beam assembly (34) selectively advanceable through the tool assembly and positioned to move the tool assembly between an unclamped position and a clamped position; characterized in that the surgical stapling apparatus includes: an articulation brake assembly (50) including a ratchet plate (52) secured to the tool assembly and a plunger (54) that is selectively movable relative to the ratchet plate to limit articulating movement of the tool assembly relative to the elongated shaft assembly when the tool assembly is disposed in the unclamped position and the clamped position.

2. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the tool assembly is disposed in the unclamped position, the articulation brake assembly is configured to enable the tool assembly to ratchet between predetermined articulated positions, and wherein movement of the tool assembly from a first predetermined articulated position of the predetermined articulated positions to a second predetermined articulated position of the predetermined articulated positions is limited by contact between the ratchet plate and the plunger of the articulation brake assembly.

3. The surgical stapling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when the tool assembly is disposed in the clamped position, the articulation brake assembly prevents the tool assembly from articulating relative the elongated shaft assembly.

4. The surgical stapling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ratchet plate includes a first set of teeth (52c), and the plunger includes a second set of teeth (54c), and wherein the first and second sets of teeth are configured to interdigitate with one another.

5. The surgical stapling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger is in contact with a spring (56) of the articulation brake assembly, the spring is configured to urge the plunger toward the ratchet plate.

6. The surgical stapling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein articulating movement of the tool assembly causes the plate to rotate, and wherein rotation of the plate causes the plunger to translate between a distal position and a proximal position.

7. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the articulation brake assembly further includes a spring block (58) that cooperates with the spring.

8. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the drive beam assembly includes an I-beam (36) and a drive shaft (38) that extends from the I-beam, and wherein the spring block includes a catch (58g), the drive shaft defining a spring block notch (38n) that receives the catch of the spring block to move the spring block relative to the spring as the drive beam assembly translates between a first position and a second position.

9. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the elongated shaft assembly includes an outer shaft assembly (30) having a sidewall (30a) that defines an aperture (30b) through the sidewall, and wherein the spring block includes a distal slide arm (58a) and a proximal pivot ramp (58b) that is pivotable relative to the distal slide arm, the proximal pivot ramp being receivable within the aperture of the outer shaft assembly to enable the drive beam assembly to distally advance through the tool assembly.

10. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the distal slide arm and the proximal pivot ramp are coupled together by a hinge (58c).

11. The surgical stapling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tool assembly includes an anvil assembly (20) and a cartridge assembly (22) that are pivotably coupled together.

12. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the cartridge assembly includes a channel (26) that supports a staple cartridge (24).

13. The surgical stapling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surgical stapling apparatus is robotically controlled.

14. The surgical stapling apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter assembly is selectively attached to a handle assembly (12).

15. The surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the handle assembly is powered.

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