Surgical stapling device with adjustable dissecting tip

Abstract

A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that has a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a dissecting tip. The dissecting tip is movable between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the anvil and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip defines an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the anvil.

Description

SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE DISSECTING TIPFIELD

[0001] This disclosure is directed to surgical stapling devices and, more particularly, to endoscopic surgical stapling devices including a tool assembly with a dissecting tip.BACKGROUND

[0002] Surgical stapling devices for performing surgical procedures endoscopically are well known. Such devices are available in a variety of different configurations, e.g., linear, curved, circular, etc., and are suitable for use in a variety of different procedures. Linear surgical stapling devices include a tool assembly having an anvil and a staple cartridge that are pivotably coupled to each other at their proximal ends between open and clamped positions. To better navigate the tool assembly to a surgical site endoscopically, the tool assembly may include a dissecting tip that extends from a distal end of the tool assembly. Typically, the dissecting tip is supported on the tool assembly and is configured to separate target tissue from surrounding tissue to facilitate placement of the tool assembly about the target tissue. During some surgical procedures, it is desirable to have an angled dissecting tip whereas in other surgical procedures it is desirable to have a linear dissecting tip.

[0003] A continuing need exists in the art for a surgical stapling device that is better suited to access to a variety of surgical sites.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure is directed a surgical stapling device that includes an elongate body and a tool assembly that supports a dissecting tip that is adjustably positioned on or detachable from the tool assembly to facilitate repositioning or replacement of the dissecting tip to achieve better access to target tissue at a surgical site.

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a stapling device including an elongate body and a tool assembly. The elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The tool assembly is supported on the distal portion of the elongate body and includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a dissecting tip assembly. The anvil defines a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the anvil includes a supportmember that defines a channel and includes a first stop surface positioned on a first side of the channel and a second stop surface positioned on a second side of the channel. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position. The dissecting tip assembly includes a beam and a dissecting tip that defines a longitudinal axis. The beam is formed from a malleable material and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the beam is secured within the channel of the anvil, and the distal portion of the beam supports the dissecting tip. The dissecting tip has a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface. The beam is bendable to move the dissecting tip between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip defines an acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil. In the first position, the first abutment surface is engaged with the first stop surface, and in the second position, the second abutment surface is engaged with the second stop surface.

[0006] Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to an anvil assembly that includes an anvil and a dissecting tip assembly. The anvil defines a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the anvil includes a support member that defines a channel and includes a first stop surface positioned on a first side of the channel and a second stop surface positioned on a second side of the channel. The dissecting tip assembly includes a beam and a dissecting tip. The dissecting tip defines a longitudinal axis. The beam is formed from a malleable material and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the beam is secured within the channel of the anvil, and the distal portion of the beam supports the dissecting tip. The dissecting tip has a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface. The beam is bendable to move the dissecting tip between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip defines an acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil. In the first position, the first abutment surface is engaged with the first stop surface and in the second position, the second abutment surface is engaged with the second stop surface.

[0007] Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a dissecting tip assembly. The anvil defines a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the anvil includes a supportmember that defines a channel and includes a first stop surface positioned on a first side of the channel and a second stop surface positioned on a second side of the channel. The cartridge assembly is coupled to the anvil such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position. The dissecting tip assembly includes a beam and a dissecting tip. The dissecting tip defines a longitudinal axis. The beam is formed from a malleable material and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the beam is secured within the channel of the anvil, and the distal portion of the beam supports the dissecting tip. The dissecting tip has a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface. The beam is bendable to move the dissecting tip between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip defines an acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil. In the first position, the first abutment surface is engaged with the first stop surface and in the second position, the second abutment surface is engaged with the second stop surface.

[0008] In aspects of the disclosure, a handle assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the elongate body.

[0009] In some aspects of the disclosure, the acute angle Q is from about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees.

[0010] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the acute angle Q is from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0011] In aspects of the disclosure, the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are positioned on a distal surface of the support member.

[0012] In some aspects of the disclosure, the first and second stop surfaces are formed on a proximal surface of the dissecting tip.

[0013] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the beam is formed from steel, steel alloys, and / or other similar materials.

[0014] In aspects of the disclosure, the support member and the proximal portion of the beam are enclosed with a plastic material.

[0015] Aspects of this disclosure are directed to a jaw assembly including a jaw, a support member, and a dissecting tip. The jaw defines a first longitudinal axis and has a distal portion that defines a cavity. The support member defines a channel and is coupled to the jaw. The dissecting tip has a distal portion and a plate that extends proximally from the distal portion ofthe dissecting tip. The plate is received within the channel of the support member to couple the dissecting tip to the support member.

[0016] Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a jaw assembly including an anvil and a dissecting tip. The anvil defines a first longitudinal axis and has a distal portion that defines a cavity and includes a support member. The dissecting tip having a distal portion and a proximal extension that extends proximally from the distal portion of the dissecting tip and is received within the channel of the support member to couple the dissecting tip to the support member, wherein the proximal extension of the dissecting tip is movable in relation to the support member to change an orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip.

[0017] Still other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a tool assembly including a cartridge assembly, an anvil, and a dissecting tip assembly. The anvil is coupled to the cartridge assembly to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an open position and a clamped position. The dissecting tip assembly includes a support member that is coupled to the distal portion of the anvil and a dissecting tip. The support member defines a channel, and the dissecting tip has a distal portion and a proximal extension that extends proximally from the distal portion of the dissecting tip and is received within the channel of the support member to couple the dissecting tip to the support member. The proximal extension of the dissecting tip is movable in relation to the support member to change an orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip.

[0018] In aspects of the disclosure, the support member includes a leg that extends proximally of the channel and is received within the cavity of the jaw to couple the support member to the jaw.

[0019] In some aspects of the disclosure, the plate is movable within the channel to change the orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip in relation to the support member.

[0020] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the jaw includes an anvil.

[0021] In aspects of the disclosure, the support member includes protrusions that extend into the channel and engage the plate to retain the plate within the channel.

[0022] In some aspects of the disclosure, the support member defines openings that communicate with the channel, and each of the openings is aligned with one of the protrusions and positioned to receive a deformed portion of the plate.

[0023] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the support member includes hinge members, and the dissecting tip includes a proximal portion that is pivotably coupled to the hinge members.

[0024] In aspects of the disclosure, the jaw assembly includes a pivot pin that pivotably couples the proximal portion of the dissecting tip to the hinge members of the support members.

[0025] In some aspects of the disclosure, a cover is positioned over the cavity of the jaw and over the channel of the support member to enclose the channel and the cavity.

[0026] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the plate includes a catch, the cover includes first and second protrusions, and the plate is movable within the cavity of the jaw between a first position in which the catch is engaged with the first protrusion and a second position in which the catch is engaged with the second protrusion to change the orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip.

[0027] In aspects of the disclosure, the distal portion of the dissecting tip defines a second longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis in the first position and defines an acute angle with the first longitudinal axis in the second position.

[0028] In some aspects of the disclosure, the first and second protrusions includes a multiplicity of protrusions that are spaced longitudinally along the cover, and the plate is movable within the cavity of the jaw to move the catch into engagement with each of the multiplicity of protrusions to selectively reorient the distal portion of the dissecting tip.

[0029] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the jaw defines a guide bore and the support member includes a guidepost that is received within the guide bore and is movable within the guide bore to facilitate longitudinal movement of the support member in relation to the jaw between retracted and advanced positions.

[0030] In aspects of the disclosure, the plate is resilient and includes a proximal portion that is fixedly secured to the jaw, and the support member is movable in relation to the plate to deform the plate and changed the orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip.

[0031] In aspects of the disclosure, the dissecting tip is movable in relation to the anvil to change the orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip in relation to the anvil.

[0032] In some aspects of the disclosure, the support member is movable in relation to the anvil and in relation to the proximal extension to change the orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip in relation to the anvil.

[0033] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the proximal extension is in the form of a deformable plate.

[0034] In aspects of the disclosure, the support member is movable in relation to the anvil and in relation to the proximal extension to change the orientation of the distal portion of the dissecting tip in relation to the anvil.

[0035] Aspects of this disclosure are also directed to an anvil and dissecting tip assembly including an anvil, a dissecting tip, and a biasing member. The anvil defines a first longitudinal axis and has a tissue engaging surface that defines staple forming depressions and a distal portion that includes a support member that is positioned distally of the tissue engaging surface. The support member defines a pocket and includes spaced hinge members that define a cavity between the spaced hinge members. The pocket is positioned proximally of and in communication with the cavity. The dissecting tip defines a second longitudinal axis and includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion of the dissecting tip is positioned within the cavity of the support member, and the dissecting tip is movable in relation to the support member between a first position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel and a second position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define an acute angle. The biasing member is received within the pocket of the support member and extends into the cavity into engagement with the proximal portion of the dissecting tip to obstruct movement of the dissecting tip between the first position and the second position.

[0036] Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a tool assembly including a cartridge assembly and an anvil and dissecting tip assembly. The anvil and dissecting tip assembly is coupled to the cartridge assembly to facilitate movement of the tool assembly between an open position and a clamped position and includes an anvil, a dissecting tip, and a biasing member. The anvil defines a first longitudinal axis and has a tissue engaging surface that defines staple forming depressions and a distal portion that includes a support member that is positioned distally of the tissue engaging surface. The support member defines a pocket and includes spaced hinge members that define a cavity between the spaced hinge members. The pocket is positioned proximally of and in communication with the cavity. The dissecting tip defines a second longitudinal axis and includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion of the dissecting tip is positioned within the cavity of the support member, and the dissecting tip ismovable in relation to the support member between a first position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel and a second position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define an acute angle. The biasing member is received within the pocket of the support member and extends into the cavity into engagement with the proximal portion of the dissecting tip to obstruct movement of the dissecting tip between the first position and the second position.

[0037] Still other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a jaw assembly including a jaw, a dissecting tip, and a biasing member. The jaw defines a first longitudinal axis and has a tissue engaging surface and a distal portion including a support member positioned distally of the tissue engaging surface. The support member defines a pocket and includes spaced hinge members that define a cavity between the spaced hinge members. The pocket is positioned proximally of and in communication with the cavity. The dissecting tip defines a second longitudinal axis and includes a distal portion and a proximal portion that is positioned within the cavity of the support member. The dissecting tip is movable in relation to the support member between a first position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel and a second position in which the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define an acute angle. The biasing member is received within the pocket of the support member and extends into the cavity into engagement with the proximal portion of the dissecting tip to obstruct movement of the dissecting tip between the first position and the second position.

[0038] In aspects of the disclosure, the proximal portion of the dissecting tip and the hinge members define openings, and a pivot pin is received within the openings to pivotably couple the dissecting tip to the anvil.

[0039] In some aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member includes a detent, the dissecting tip includes a proximal surface that defines concavities, and the detent is received within one of the concavities to retain the dissecting tip in the first position or the second position.

[0040] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member has a U-shaped configuration and includes a distal portion and a proximal portion.

[0041] In aspects of the disclosure, the distal portion includes the detent, and the proximal portion defines an opening and includes one or more bent portions that extend partially into the opening and engage a distal face of the anvil.

[0042] In some aspects of the disclosure, the bent portions move along the distal face in response to movement of the dissecting tip between the first and second positions to allow the detent to move from one of the concavities to the other one of the concavities.

[0043] In certain aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member includes an incompressible hyperelastic material and a plunger that is seated on the hyperelastic material.

[0044] In aspects of the disclosure, the detent is formed on the plunger.

[0045] In some aspects of the disclosure, the hyperelastic material is molded within the cavity of the support member.

[0046] Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Various aspects of the disclosed surgical stapling device are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0048] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a surgical stapling device including a tool assembly having one version of a dissecting tip with the dissecting tip in a first position;

[0049] FIG. 2A is an exploded, perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0050] FIG. 2B is side perspective view of a dissecting tip of the dissecting tip assembly shown in FIG. 2A;

[0051] FIG. 2C is a side perspective view of a tip of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 2A;

[0052] FIG. 3 is a top, perspective view of a distal portion of an anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0053] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0055] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

[0056] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken through the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 4 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position towards a second position;

[0057] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken through a longitudinal axis offset from the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgicalstapling device shown in FIG. 4 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position towards the second position;

[0058] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken through the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 4 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position further towards the second position;

[0059] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken through the longitudinal axis offset from the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 4 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position further towards the second position;

[0060] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken through the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 4 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0061] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken through the longitudinal axis offset from the central longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 4 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0062] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0063] FIG. 11 is a side view of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip shown in the second position and shown in phantom in the first position;

[0064] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip shown in a first position with a flexible beam of the dissecting tip and a support member of the anvil shown in phantom;

[0065] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

[0066] FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 12 with the dissecting tip moved to the second position;

[0067] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip shown in the second position and a flexible beam of the dissecting tip and a support member of the anvil shown in phantom;

[0068] FIG. 15A is an exploded view of the anvil and dissecting tip shown in FIG. 15;

[0069] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 15 in the second position;

[0070] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 17-17 of FIG. 15;

[0071] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view from above of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 15 in the first position;

[0072] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

[0073] FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of yet another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0074] FIG. 21 is an exploded, side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 20;

[0075] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 22-22 of FIG. 20;

[0076] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of the anvil shown inFIG. 20 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position towards the second position;

[0077] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of the anvil shown in FIG. 20 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0078] FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 20 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0079] FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of another version of a spring retainer of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 21;

[0080] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip with the spring retainer shown in FIG. 26 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0081] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 27 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position towards the second position;

[0082] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 27 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0083] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 29 with an alternate version of the spring retainer and the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0084] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 30 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position towards the second position;

[0085] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 31 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0086] FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of yet another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0087] FIG. 34 is a perspective view from the distal end of the anvil shown in FIG. 33;

[0088] FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of a tip of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 33;

[0089] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 36-36 of FIG. 33;

[0090] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 37 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position towards the second position;

[0091] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 37 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0092] FIG. 39 is a side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 33 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0093] FIG. 40 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of, yet another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0094] FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 40;

[0095] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 42-42 of FIG. 41;

[0096] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 40 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0097] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 43 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position towards the second position;

[0098] FIG. 45 is a side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 44 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0099] FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0100] FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 46;

[0101] FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 48-48 of FIG. 46;

[0102] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 40 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position to the second position;

[0103] FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 50-50 of FIG. 48;

[0104] FIG. 51 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0105] FIG. 52 is an exploded side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 50;

[0106] FIG. 53 is a perspective view from the distal end of the anvil shown in FIG. 52;

[0107] FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 54-54 of FIG. 51;

[0108] FIG. 55 is a side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 51 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position to the second position;

[0109] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 56-56 of FIG. 55;

[0110] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 56 with the dissecting tip in a position between the first position and the second position;

[0111] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the distal portion of an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 57 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0112] FIG. 59 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the first position;

[0113] FIG. 60 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 59 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0114] FIG. 61 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in the second position;

[0115] FIG. 62 is an exploded side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 60;

[0116] FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 63-63 of FIG. 61;

[0117] FIG. 64 is a side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 61 with a shipping cover engaged with the dissecting tip prior to movement of the dissecting tip from the second position to the first position;

[0118] FIG. 65 is a side perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 61 with the shipping cover rotated to move the dissecting tip from the second position to the first position;

[0119] FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken through the anvil and the dissecting tip as the dissecting tip moves from the second position to the first position;

[0120] FIG. 67 is a side perspective view of an alternate version of the tool assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 including a shipping cover supporting a dissecting tip;

[0121] FIG. 68 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 67;

[0122] FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 69-69 of FIG. 68 with the dissecting tip separated from the anvil of the tool assembly;

[0123] FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil with the dissecting tip coupled to the anvil;

[0124] FIG. 71 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip separated from the anvil;

[0125] FIG. 72 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 71;

[0126] FIG. 73 is a perspective view from the proximal end of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 72;

[0127] FIG. 74 is a perspective view from the distal end of the dissecting tip and anvil shown in FIG. 71 as the dissecting tip is rotatably coupled to the anvil;

[0128] FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 75-75 of FIG. 74;

[0129] FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional view taken through the dissecting tip illustrating the dissecting tip as the dissecting tip is rotatably coupled to the anvil;

[0130] FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view taken through the dissecting tip with the dissecting tip is rotatably coupled to the anvil;

[0131] FIG. 78 is a perspective view from the distal end of the dissecting tip coupled to the anvil;

[0132] FIG. 79 is a perspective view from the distal end of an alternate version of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 78 coupled to the anvil;

[0133] FIG. 80 is a perspective view from the distal end of another alternate version of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 78 coupled to the anvil;

[0134] FIG. 81 is a perspective view from the distal end of yet another alternate version of the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 78 coupled to the anvil;

[0135] FIG. 82 is a side perspective view of a distal portion of the tool assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 including an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip with the dissecting tip shown in the second position and shown in phantom in the first position;

[0136] FIG. 83 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 82 with the dissecting tip separated from the anvil;

[0137] FIG. 84 is a side cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 82 with a cartridge assembly of the tool assembly shown in phantom, and the dissecting tip shown in a retracted, second position, and in phantom in a retracted, first position;

[0138] FIG. 85 is a side cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 82 with the cartridge assembly of the tool assembly shown in phantom, and the dissecting tip shown in an advanced, second position, and in phantom in an advanced, first position;

[0139] FIG. 86 is a side perspective view of a distal portion of the tool assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 including another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly with a cover of the dissecting tip assembly shown in phantom and the dissecting tip shown in a first position;

[0140] FIG. 87 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 86 with the dissecting tip separated from the anvil;

[0141] FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view taken through the dissecting tip of the dissecting tip assembly shown in FIG. 87;

[0142] FIG. 89 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 86 with the dissecting tip shown in the first position and the cover of the dissecting tip shown in phantom;

[0143] FIG. 90 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 86 with the dissecting tip shown in a first position and a cover of the dissecting tip shown in phantom;

[0144] FIG. 91 is a side perspective view of a distal portion of the tool assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 including another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip with the dissecting tip shown in a first position and a cover of the dissecting tip shown in phantom;

[0145] FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of the anvil shown in FIG. 91 illustrating the dissecting tip in a second position;

[0146] FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal axis of the anvil shown in FIG. 92 illustrating the dissecting tip in a third position;

[0147] FIG. 94 is a side perspective view of the dissecting tip of the dissecting tip assembly shown in FIG. 91 ;

[0148] FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 95-95 of FIG. 91;

[0149] FIG. 96 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip shown in a first position;

[0150] FIG. 97 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the dissecting tip and anvil shown in FIG. 96 in a second position;

[0151] FIG. 98 is a side perspective view from above of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip shown in a first position;

[0152] FIG. 99 is a side perspective view from below of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 98 with the dissecting tip shown in the first position;

[0153] FIG. 100 is a side perspective view from above of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 98 with the dissecting tip shown in a second position;

[0154] FIG. 101 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 98 with the dissecting tip shown in the second position;

[0155] FIG. 102 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in a first position;

[0156] FIG. 103 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 102;

[0157] FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 104-104 of FIG. 102;

[0158] FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 102 as the dissecting tip is moved from the first position to the second position;

[0159] FIG. 106 is a perspective view from the distal end of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 102 as the dissecting tip is rotated to retain the dissecting tip in a fixed position;

[0160] Fig. 107 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 107-107 of FIG. 106;

[0161] FIG. 108 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in a first position and a tool for adjusting the position of the dissecting tip separated from the dissecting tip;

[0162] FIG. 109 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 108;

[0163] FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 110-110 of FIG. 109;

[0164] FIG. 111 is a perspective view from the distal end of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 108 with the dissecting tip moved to a second position;

[0165] FIG. 112 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 112-112 of FIG. I l l;

[0166] FIG. 113 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in a first position;

[0167] FIG. 114 is a top view of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 113;

[0168] FIG. 115 is a side perspective view of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 113 as a clinician begins to separate the dissecting tip from the anvil;

[0169] FIG. 116 is a top view of the distal portion of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 113 with the dissecting tip separated from the anvil;

[0170] FIG. 117 is a top view of another version of an anvil and a dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the dissecting tip in a first position; and

[0171] FIG. 118 is a side view of the anvil and the dissecting tip shown in FIG. 117 with the dissecting tip in the second position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0172] The disclosed surgical stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure described herein are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0173] In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician during use of the device in its customary manner, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician during use of the device in its customary manner. In addition, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel. As used herein, the terms “parallel” and “aligned” are understood to include relative configurations that are substantially parallel, and substantially aligned, i.e., up to about + or - 10 degrees from true parallel or true alignment.

[0174] The disclosed surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that supports a dissecting tip that is adjustably positioned on or detachable from the tool assembly to facilitate repositioning or replacement of the dissecting tip to achieve better access to target tissue at a surgical site.

[0175] FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical stapling device 10 including a handle assembly 12, an elongate body 14 that defines a longitudinal axis “X”, and a tool assembly 100 that is supported on a distal end of the elongate body 14. The handle assembly 12 includes a housing 18 that defines a stationary hand grip 18a, a plurality of actuator buttons 20 positioned on the stationary hand grip 18a, a rotation knob 22, and an articulation lever 24. The rotation knob 22 is supported on the distal portion of the housing 18 of the handle assembly 12 to facilitate rotation of the elongate body 14 and the tool assembly 100 about the longitudinal axis “X” in relation to the handle assembly 12. The actuator buttons 20 control operation of various functions of the stapling device 10 including approximation, firing, and cutting. The articulation lever 24 is coupled to the tool assembly 100 by an articulation mechanism (not shown) to effect pivotable movement of the tool assembly 100 in relation to the elongate body 14 about an articulation axis “Z”. Although the stapling device 10 is illustrated as an electrically powered stapling device, it is envisioned that the disclosed tool assembly 100 is also suitable for use with a manually powered surgical stapling device and robotically controlled stapling devices. U.S. Patent No. 9,055,943 (the ’943 Patent) discloses exemplary aspects of a surgical stapling device including a powered handle assembly and U.S. Patent No. 6,241,139 (the ’ 139 Patent) discloses exemplary aspects of a surgical stapling device including a manually actuated handle assembly.

[0176] The tool assembly 100 includes a cartridge assembly 112, an anvil 114, and a dissecting tip assembly 120. The cartridge assembly 112 is movable in relation to the anvil 114 between an open position and a clamped position. In aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge assembly 112 is pivotably supported in relation to the anvil 114 such that the tool assembly 100 is movable between the open position and the clamped position. However, it is envisioned that the anvil 114 could be pivotably supported in relation to the cartridge assembly 112 and movable between the open position and the clamped position. For a more detailed description of aspects of the cartridge assembly 112 of the tool assembly 100, see, e.g., the ’943 and ‘ 139 Patents. In aspects of the disclosure, the dissecting tip assembly 120 is supported on a distal portion of theanvil 114, although it is envisioned that the dissecting tip assembly 120 can be supported on the distal portion of the cartridge assembly 112.

[0177] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate one version of the disclosed dissecting tip assembly 120 which is secured to the distal portion of the anvil 114. The dissecting tip assembly 120 includes a dissecting tip 122, a support member 124, and a biasing member 126. The anvil 114 includes an anvil plate 128 that has a tissue engaging surface 128 that defines staple forming depressions 128a (FIG. 3) and a central knife slot 130. The anvil 114 includes a distal portion that includes an anvil extension 132 (FIG. 2A) that extends from the anvil 114 in a distal direction. In aspects of the disclosure, the anvil extension 132 is integrally formed with, and extends distally from the tissue engaging surface 128 of the anvil 114. In some aspects of the disclosure, the anvil extension 132 has a rectangular configuration and is engaged with the support member 124 to align and secure the support member 124 of the dissecting tip assembly 120 to the anvil 114.

[0178] The support member 124 (FIG. 2C) includes a body 134 having spaced side walls 138 that define outwardly facing channels 138a and a central opening 136. The channels 138a are positioned on opposite sides of the central opening 136. The body 134 also includes a downwardly extending finger 140 and a retainer 142. The finger 140 is positioned on the distal portion of the support member 124 and is longitudinally aligned with the central opening 136, and the retainer 142 is positioned adjacent to the proximal end of the central opening 136 and includes an upper surface 142a that is angled downwardly in a distal direction towards the cartridge assembly 112.

[0179] The dissecting tip 122 (FIG. 2B) includes a body 146 that includes a distal portion 148 that has a height and width that decrease in the distal direction. The distal portion 148 of the dissecting tip 122 has a smooth top surface 148a and includes rounded edges that define an atraumatic configuration. The body 146 of the dissecting tip 122 includes a proximal portion 150 that extends proximally from the distal portion 148 of the dissecting tip 122 and defines an opening 152 that receives the finger 140 of the support member 124. The proximal portion 150 of the dissecting tip 122 includes an extension 153 that extends from the proximal portion 150 towards the anvil 114 and defines a proximally facing stepped portion 153a (FIG. 2B). The body 146 of the dissecting tip 122 also includes arms 154 that are positioned on opposite sides of the proximal portion 150 of the dissecting tip 122 and extend from the distal portion 148 of the dissecting tip 122 towards the anvil 114. Each of the arms 154 includes an inwardly extendingpivot member 160 that is received within one of the channels 138a of the support member 124 to pivotably couple the dissecting tip 122 to the support member 124. The dissecting tip 122 is pivotable about a transverse axis defined by the pivot members 160 between a first position substantially longitudinally aligned with the anvil 114 and a second position defining an acute angle Q (FIG. 8A) with a longitudinal axis of the anvil 114.

[0180] In aspects of the disclosure, the finger 140 of the support member 124 includes a proximally extending post 162 that supports one end of the biasing member 126. In some aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member 126 is a coil spring that is received about the post 162 between the finger 140 of the support member 124 and a proximal wall 164 of the proximal portion 150 of the dissecting tip 122 within the opening 152 of the dissecting tip 122 and the opening 138 of the support member 124. The coil spring 126 urges the dissecting tip 122 proximally in relation to the support member 124 towards a retracted position.

[0181] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate the dissecting tip assembly 120 in the first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 122 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 114. When the support member 124 of the dissecting tip assembly 120 is secured to the distal portion of the anvil 114, the anvil extension 132 (FIG. 3) of the anvil 114 is secured between the side walls 138 of the support member 124 such as by welding to secure the support member 124 to the anvil 114. It is envisioned that the support member 124 can be integrally formed with the anvil 114. The dissecting tip 122 is supported on the support member 124 by positioning the finger 140 (FIG. 5) of the support member 124 into the opening 152 in the dissecting tip 122 and positioning the pivot members 160 (FIG. 6) of the dissecting tip 122 into the channels 138a of the support member 124 such that the dissecting tip 122 is movable in relation to the support member 124 between the retracted position (FIG. 4) in which the pivot members 160 are located in a proximal end of the channels 138a (FIG. 6) and an advanced position (FIG. 11) in which the pivot members 160 are located in a distal end of the channels 138a. The biasing member 126 is positioned between the dissecting tip 122 and the support member 124 to urge the dissecting tip 122 towards the retracted position (FIG. 5). When the dissecting tip 122 is in the retracted position, the extension 153 (FIG. 5) of the dissecting tip 122 is positioned beneath the retainer 142 of the support member 124 to prevent pivotal movement of the dissecting tip 122 in relation to the support member 124 and retain the dissecting tip 122 in the first position.

[0182] FIGS. 7A-10 illustrate the dissecting tip 122 as the dissecting tip 122 is moved from the first position longitudinally aligned with the anvil 114 to the second position longitudinally misaligned with the anvil 114 to define the acute angle > (FIG. 8A) with the anvil 114. To move the dissecting tip 122 from the first position aligned with the anvil 114 to the second position misaligned with the anvil 114, the dissecting tip 122 must first be moved from the retracted position (FIG. 5) to the advanced position (FIG. 7A) to move the extension 153 from beneath the retainer 142. To move the dissecting tip 122 from the retracted position to the advanced position, a clinician must grip the dissecting tip 122 and pull the dissecting tip 122 in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIGS. 7A and 7B against the urging of the biasing member 126. As the dissecting tip 122 moves towards the advanced position, the pivot members 160 of the dissecting tip 122 move to the distal end of the channels 138a of the support member 124, the biasing member 126 compresses, and the extension 153 of the dissecting tip 122 moves to a position distally of the retainer 142 of the support member 124 (FIG. 7A). Once the extension 153 of the dissecting tip 122 is positioned distally of the retainer 142 of the support member 124, the dissecting tip 122 is rotated about the transverse axis defined by the pivot members 160 in the direction indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 8A to a position in which the proximally facing stepped portion 153a of the extension 153 of the dissecting tip 122 is aligned with the distal end of the retainer 142 of the support member 124. With the dissecting tip 124 pivoted to the second position, the clinician can allow the biasing member 126 to move the dissecting tip 122 proximally in the direction indicated by arrows “C” in FIGS. 9A and 9B to position the distal end of the retainer 142 in the stepped portion 153a of the extension 153 of the dissecting tip 122 to retain the dissecting tip 122 in the second position. In aspects of the disclosure, the distal end of the retainer 142 has a tapered configuration and is received in a notch defined in the stepped portion 153a to retain the dissecting tip 122 in the second position.

[0183] FIG. 11 illustrates the dissecting tip 122 of the dissecting tip assembly 120 in the second position. As described above, in the second position of the dissecting tip 122, the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 122 is misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 114 such that the longitudinal axes of the dissecting tip 122 and the anvil 114 define the acute angle Q. In some aspects of the disclosure, angle Q can be from about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees, and in other aspects of the disclosure angle Q can be from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees. As illustrated, when the dissecting tip 122 is in the second position, the distal end of thedissecting tip 122 is positioned distally of the distal end of the dissecting tip 122 when the dissecting tip 122 is in the first position (shown in phantom).

[0184] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 214 and dissecting tip assembly 220. The anvil 214 includes a distal portion including a support member 232 that extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 214. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 232 defines an axis that is longitudinally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the anvil 214. In some aspects of the disclosure, the support member 232 has a lower surface 232a that is angled upwardly in the distal direction away from the cartridge assembly 112 (FIG. 1).

[0185] The dissecting tip assembly 220 includes a flexible beam 240 that is secured to the support member 232 of the anvil 214 such as by welding or crimping. In aspects of the disclosure, the flexible beam 240 is formed of a malleable material that can be bent by a clinician to any desired configuration. In some aspects of the disclosure, the flexible beam 240 can be formed of from a variety of different materials including metals including steel, steel alloys, and / or other similar materials, polymers, and elastomers. In one aspect of the disclosure, the flexible beam 340 is formed of a stainless steel, e g., 300 series SST. The support member 232 of the anvil 214 and a proximal portion of the flexible beam 240 are enclosed with an over molded material or casing 242, e.g., plastic material. The flexible beam 240 includes a distal portion that supports a dissecting tip 244 having a smooth outer surface that is configured to dissect or pass between tissues during a surgical procedure. It is envisioned that the casing 242 and the dissecting tip 244 could be unitarily formed as a single over molding or fabrication.

[0186] In aspects of the disclosure, a proximal portion of the flexible beam 240 is secured to the underside of the support member 232 and includes a bent portion 240a that extends along the angled lower surface of the support member 232. The support member 232 provides stability to the proximal portion of the flexible beam 240 and allows the distal portion of the flexible beam 240 to be reconfigured by a clinician during a surgical procedure. In aspects of the disclosure, the flexible beam 240 can be bent in the direction indicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 14 and will retain the bent configuration until reconfigured by a clinician.

[0187] FIGS. 15-19 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 314 and dissecting tipassembly 320. The anvil 314 includes a distal portion having a support member 332 that extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 314. In some aspects of the disclosure, the support member 332 is integrally formed with the distal portion of the anvil 314. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 332 defines an axis that is longitudinally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the anvil 314 and defines a channel 334 (FIG. 15A) that extends through the support member 332. The support member 332 also includes a first stop surface 336 and second stop surface 338 that are formed on distally facing surfaces of the support member 332.

[0188] The dissecting tip assembly 320 includes a flexible beam 340 and a dissecting tip 344. The flexible beam 340 includes a proximal portion that is secured within channel 334 of the support member 332 of the anvil 314 such as by welding or crimping. In aspects of the disclosure, the flexible beam 340 is formed of a malleable material that can be bent by a clinician to any desired configuration. In some aspects of the disclosure, the flexible beam 340 can be formed from a variety of different materials including metals including steel, steel alloys, and / or other similar materials, polymers, and elastomers. In one aspect of the disclosure, the flexible beam 340 is formed of a stainless steel, e.g., 300 series SST. and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion that supports the dissecting tip 344. The dissecting tip 344 has a smooth outer surface and is configured to dissect or pass between tissues during a surgical procedure. The proximal portion of the flexible beam 340 includes a first abutment surface 346 and a second abutment surface 348. The first abutment surface 346 is positioned to engage the first stop surface 336 to define one end of a range of movement of the dissecting tip 344 and the second abutment surface 348 is positioned to engage the second stop surface 338 to define a second end of the range of movement of the dissecting tip 344.

[0189] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the dissecting tip assembly 320 in the second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 344 of the dissecting tip assembly 320 is misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 314 to define the acute angle Q. When the dissecting tip assembly 320 is in the second position, the second stop surface 338 of the support member 332 is engaged with the second abutment surface 348 of the dissecting tip 344 to prevent further movement of the dissecting tip 344 in the direction indicated by arrow “E” in FIG. 16. It is noted that the dissecting tip 344 of the dissecting tip assembly 320 can be pivoted to any angular position between the first position and the second position and, because of thecharacteristics of the flexible beam 340, will retain that configuration until a predetermined force is applied to the dissecting tip 344 to deform the flexible beam 340. In aspects of the disclosure, the predetermined force is from about 2 to 10 Ibf

[0190] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the dissecting tip assembly 320 in the first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 344 of the dissecting tip assembly 320 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 314. When the dissecting tip assembly 320 is in the first position, the first stop surface 336 of the support member 332 is engaged with the first abutment surface 346 of the dissecting tip 344 to prevent further movement of the dissecting tip 344 in the direction indicated by arrow “F” in FIG. 16.

[0191] FIGS. 20-29 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 414 and dissecting tip assembly 420. The anvil 414 includes a distal portion having a support member 432 that extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 414. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 432 is integrally formed with the anvil 414. The support member 432 includes a first hinge member 434 and a second hinge member 436 that is spaced from the first hinge member 434 to define a cavity 438 between the first and second hinge members 434, 436. Each of the hinge members 434, 436 extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 414 and defines a circular bore 440. The circular bores 440 define an axis “X” that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 414. The support member 432 also defines a pocket 442 that is positioned proximally of the cavity 438.

[0192] The dissecting tip assembly 420 includes a dissecting tip 444 and a biasing member 446 (FIG. 21). The dissecting tip 444 has a distal portion 446 that has a configuration like the dissecting tip configurations described above. The dissecting tip 444 has a proximal portion 448 that is received between the first and second hinge members 434, 436 of the support member 432. The proximal portion 448 of the dissecting tip 444 defines a transverse through bore 450 that is aligned with the circular bores 440 of the first and second hinge members 434, 436 when the proximal portion 448 is received within the cavity 438 of the support member 432 of the anvil 414. The circular bores 440 of the first and second hinge members 434, 436 and the transverse through bore 450 of the dissecting tip 444 receive a pivot pin 452 to couple the proximal portion 448 of the dissecting tip 444 to the support member 432 for movement between the first and second positions. In the first position (FIG. 22), the longitudinal axis of thedissecting tip 444 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 414, and in the second position (FIG. 24), the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 444 defines the acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 414.

[0193] The proximal portion 448 of the dissecting tip 444 has a proximal surface that defines a first concavity 454 and a second concavity 456 that are separated by a convexity 459. The biasing member 446 is received within the pocket 442 of the support member 432 and includes a detent 458 positioned at the distal end of the biasing member 446. The detent 458 is received within one of the first concavity 454 or the second concavity 456 in the proximal surface of the dissecting tip 444 to retain the dissecting tip 444 in one of the first or second positions. In aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member 446 has a substantially U-shaped configuration with an open proximal end and a distal end that defines the detent 458. The detent 458 of the biasing member 446 is received within one of the first concavity 454 or the second concavity 456 of the dissecting tip 444 to secure the dissecting tip 444 in one of first or second positions. When the dissecting tip 444 is moved from the first position towards the second position in the direction indicated by arrow “G” in FIG. 23 by a clinician, the convexity 459 on the proximal portion of the dissecting tip 444 engages the detent 458 of the biasing member 446 to compress the biasing member 446.

[0194] In aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member 446 can have a proximal end that includes a bent portion 460 that engages the distal face of the anvil 414. When the dissecting tip 444 is moved between the first and second positions, the detent 458 is moved proximally by the convexity 459 in the direction of arrow “Gl” in FIG. 23 to force the bent portion 460 to move towards the open end of the biasing member 446 in the direction of arrow “H” in FIG. 23. Once the detent 458 becomes aligned with the second concavity 456, the biasing member 446 returns to its undeformed configuration to position the detent 458 of the biasing member 446 within the second concavity 456 of the dissecting tip 444 to retain the dissecting tip 444 in the second position.

[0195] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate an alternate version of the biasing member of the dissecting tip assembly of FIG. 23 shown generally as biasing member 446’ (FIG. 26). Except for the biasing member 446’, the remaining components of the anvil 414 and the dissecting tip assembly 420 are identical to that described above regarding in FIGS. 20-25. The biasing member 446’ is like the biasing member 446 but includes a proximal end having two bent ends 460’ that engage thedistal face of the anvil 414. When the detent 458’ of the biasing member 446’ is compressed as the dissecting tip 444 is moved from the first position towards the second position in the direction indicated by arrow “I” in FIG. 28, the bent ends 460’ of the biasing member 446’ move towards each other to allow the detent 458’ to move in the direction indicated by arrow “J” and pass over the convexity 459 of the dissecting tip 444 and into the second concavity 456. Once the detent 458’ becomes aligned with the second concavity 456, the biasing member 446’ returns to its undeformed configuration to position the detent 458’ of the biasing member 446’ within the second concavity 456 of the dissecting tip 444 to retain the dissecting tip 444 in the second position.

[0196] FIGS. 30-32 illustrate another alternate version of the biasing member of the dissecting tip assembly shown in FIG. 23 shown generally as biasing member 446” (FIG. 32). The remaining components of the anvil 414 and the dissecting tip assembly 420 are identical to those described above regarding FIGS. 20-25. The biasing member 446” includes an incompressible hyperelastic material 480 that is positioned in the cavity 438 of the support member 432 of the anvil 414 and a plunger 482 that is seated on the hyperelastic material 480. The plunger 482 includes a distal end that defines a detent 458” that is positioned to engage the proximal portion of the dissecting tip 444. In aspects of the disclosure, the hyperelastic material can be molded within the cavity 438 of the anvil 414 or overmolded to the support member 432.

[0197] As the dissecting tip 444 of the dissecting tip assembly 420 is moved from the first position towards the second position in the direction indicated by arrow “K” in FIG. 31, the detent 458” of the biasing member 446” is compressed to allow the detent 458” to move in the direction indicated by arrow “L” and pass over the convexity 459 of the dissecting tip 444 and into the second concavity 456. Once the detent 458” becomes aligned with the second concavity 456, the biasing member 446” returns to its undeformed configuration to position the detent 458” of the biasing member 446” within the second concavity 456 of the dissecting tip 444 to retain the dissecting tip 444 in the second position.

[0198] FIGS. 33-38 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 514 and dissecting tip assembly 520. The anvil 514 includes a distal portion having a support member 532 that extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 514. The support member 532 can be integrally formed with the anvil 514 and includes a first hinge member 534 and a secondhinge member 536 that is spaced from the first hinge member 534 to define a cavity 538 between the first and second hinge members 534, 536. Each of the hinge members 534, 536 extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 514 and defines a circular bore 540. The circular bores 540 define an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 514. The support member 532 includes a distal surface that defines a detent 542 that projects into the cavity 538 of the support member 532.

[0199] The dissecting tip assembly 520 includes a dissecting tip 544 having a distal portion 546 that has a configuration like the tip configurations described above, and a proximal portion 548 that is received between the first and second hinge members 534, 536 of the support member 532. The proximal portion 548 of the dissecting tip 544 defines a transverse through bore 550 that is aligned with the circular bores 540 of the first and second hinge members 534, 536 when the proximal portion 548 of the dissecting tip 544 is received within the cavity 538 of the support member 532 of the anvil 514. The circular bores 540 of the first and second hinge members 534, 536 and the transverse through bore 550 of the dissecting tip 544 receive a pivot pin 552 that couples the proximal portion 548 of the dissecting tip 544 to the support member 532 for movement between the first and second positions. In the first position (FIG. 33), the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 544 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 514, and in the second position (FIG. 38), the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 544 defines an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 514.

[0200] The proximal portion 548 of the dissecting tip 544 has a proximal surface that defines a first protrusion 554 and a second protrusion 556 that are separated by a curved track 559. When the dissecting tip 544 is secured to the support member 532 by the pivot pin 552, the detent 542 on the distal surface of the support member 532 is frictionally engaged with the proximal surface of the dissecting tip 544 between the first protrusion 554 and the second protrusion 556. The frictional engagement between the detent 542 and the curved track 559 of the dissecting tip 544 is sufficient to retain the dissecting tip 544 at any angular orientation between the first position and the second position (FIG. 37). The first and second protrusions 554, 556 are configured to prevent pivotable movement of the detent 542 over the protrusions 554, 556. Thus, engagement between the first protrusion 554 and the detent 542 defines the first position of the dissecting tip 544 (FIG. 36), and engagement between the second protrusion 556 and the detent 542 defines thesecond position of the dissecting tip 544 (FIG. 38). In aspects of the disclosure, the dissecting tip 544 and the anvil 514 can be formed of a hardened steel or other similar materials.

[0201] When the dissecting tip 544 is in the first position, the first protrusion 554 of the dissecting tip 544 is engaged with the detent 542 of the support member 532, and the detent 542 is engaged with the track 559 to retain the dissecting tip 544 in the first position. To move the dissecting tip 544 from the first position towards the second position, the clinician grasps the dissecting tip 544 and rotates the dissecting tip 544 in the direction indicated by arrow “M” to move the detent 542 along the track 559. The detent 542 remains in frictional engagement with the track 559 to retain the dissecting tip 544 at any position between the first and second positions. When the detent 542 engages the second protrusion 542, further rotation of the dissecting tip 544 in the direction of arrow “M” is prevented.

[0202] FIGS. 40-45 illustrate another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 614 and dissecting tip assembly 620. The anvil 614 includes a distal portion that engages a support member 632 that extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 614. The support member 632 includes a first hinge member 634 and a second hinge member 636 that is spaced from the first hinge member 634 to define a cavity 638 between the first hinge member 634 and the second hinge member 634, 636. Each of the first and second hinge members 634, 636 extends distally from the support member 632 and defines a circular bore 640. The circular bores 640 define an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 614. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 632 includes a proximal leg 642 that is received within a cavity 614a defined in the distal end portion of the anvil 614 to position the support member 632 on the distal portion of the anvil 614. The support member 632 includes inner surfaces 644 that define a channel 644a (FIG. 42) that extends through the support member 632. The inner surfaces 644 of the support member 632 are positioned proximally of the first hinge member 634 and the second hinge member 636 and form upper and lower protrusions 645. In some aspects of the disclosure, the support member 632 defines openings 646 that are positioned in opposition to and in longitudinal alignment with the upper and lower protrusions 645.

[0203] The dissecting tip assembly 620 includes a dissecting tip 648 having a distal portion 650 that has a configuration like the tip configurations described above, and a proximal portion 652 that is received between the first and second hinge members 634, 636 of the support member632. The proximal portion 652 of the dissecting tip 648 defines a transverse through bore 654 that is aligned with the circular bores 640 of the first and second hinge members 634, 636 when the proximal portion 652 of the dissecting tip 648 is received within the cavity 638 of the support member 632 of the anvil 614. The circular bores 640 of the first and second hinge members 634, 636 and the transverse through bore 654 of the dissecting tip 648 receive a pivot pin 656 that couples the proximal portion 652 of the dissecting tip 648 to the support member 632 for movement between the first and second positions. The proximal portion 652 of the dissecting tip 648 includes a curved guide surface 660 that moves along a distal surface of the support member 632 as the dissecting tip 648 moves between the first and second positions. In the first position (FIG. 43), the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 648 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 614 and in the second position (FIG. 44), the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 648 defines the acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 614.

[0204] The dissecting tip 648 of the dissecting tip assembly 620 includes a proximally extending plate 662 that extends though the channel 644a of the support member 632 and is pressed by the upper and lower protrusions 645 of the support member 632 into the openings 646 of the support member 632 to releasably retain the dissecting tip 648 at any position between the first and second positions.

[0205] FIG. 43 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 620 in the first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 648 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 614. To move the dissecting tip 648 to the second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 648 defines an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 614, a clinician grasps the dissecting tip 648 and pivots the dissecting tip 648 in the direction indicated by arrow “N” in FIG. 44. As the dissecting tip 648 is pivoted in the direction of arrow “N”, the plate 662 is pulled within the channel 644 of the support member 632 in the direction indicated by arrow “O” distally. As described above, the protrusions 645 of the support member 632 urge or deform the plate 662 into the openings 646 of the support member 632 to retain the dissecting tip 648 at any desired position between the first and second positions.

[0206] FIGS. 46-50 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 714 and dissecting tip assembly 720. The anvil 714 includes a distal portion having a support member 732 that extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 714. In aspects of the disclosure,the support member 732 includes a first half-section 734 that is secured to the anvil 714 using any known fastening technique such as welding, and a second half-section 736 that is secured to first half-section 734. In aspects of the disclosure, the first half section 734 defines bores 738 and the second half-section 736 includes posts 739 that are received within the bores 738 to secure the first half-section 734 and the second half-section 736 together. When the first half-section 734 and the second half-section 736 are secured together, the first and second half-sections 734, 736 define a spherical pocket 740.

[0207] The dissecting tip assembly 720 includes a dissecting tip 748 having distal portion 750 that has a configuration like the tip configurations described above, and a proximal portion 752 that includes a spherical joint 754 that is received in the spherical pocket 740 of the support member 734. In aspects of the disclosure, the spherical joint 754 defines a wedge-shaped cutout 756 that allows the spherical joint 754 to be compressed within the spherical pocket 740. When the spherical joint 754 is compressed within the spherical pocket 740, the spherical joint 754 applies an outward force against the inner surface of the support member 732 to releasably retain the dissecting tip 748 in any desired position between the first and second positions.

[0208] The distal portion of the support member 732 defines an opening 758 that is defined by a first stop surface 758a and a second stop surface 758b. The dissecting tip 748 includes a central body portion 748a that extends through the opening in the support member 732 and connects the spherical joint 754 to the distal portion of the dissecting tip 748. As described above regarding other aspects of this disclosure, the dissecting tip 748 is movable to any position between the first position (FIG. 48) in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 748 and the longitudinal axis of the anvil 714 are substantially parallel (FIG. 48) and the second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 748 and the longitudinal axis of the anvil 714 define an acute angle (FIG. 49). When the dissecting tip 748 is in the first position, the central body portion 748a of the dissecting tip 748 engages the first stop surface 758a of the support member 732 to prevent further upward movement of the dissecting tip 748 (as viewed in FIG. 48), and when the dissecting tip 748 is in the second position, the central body portion 748a of the dissecting tip 748 engages the second stop surface 758b of the support member 732 to prevent further downward movement of the dissecting tip 748 (as viewed in FIG. 49). To move the dissecting tip 748 from the first position to the second position, the clinician can grasp the dissecting tip 748 and pivot the dissecting tip 748 in the direction indicated by arrow “P” in FIG.49. As described above, the outward force applied by the partly deformed spherical joint 754 onto the inner surface of the support member 734 retains the dissecting tip 748 at any desired position between and including the first and second positions.

[0209] FIGS. 51-56 illustrate another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 814 and dissecting tip assembly 820. The anvil 814 includes a distal portion that defines a cavity 834 that defines an anvil track 836 that is linear and extends along opposite sides of the cavity 834. The anvil 814 includes a support member 832 that is secured to the distal portion of the anvil 814 and defines a cavity 834a that communicates with the cavity 834 in the anvil 814. The support member 832 also defines anvil tracks 836a that communicate with the anvil tracks 836 of the anvil 814. The anvil tracks 836a extend along side walls of the cavity 834a and curve downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 52) towards the cartridge assembly 112 of the stapling device 10 (FIG. 1). A cover 835 encloses the cavities 834 and 834a of the anvil 814 and the support member 832.[00210J The dissecting tip assembly 820 includes a dissecting tip 848 having a distal portion 850 that has a configuration like the dissecting tip configurations described above, and a proximal portion that includes a proximally extending plate 862. The plate 862 includes a proximally located catch 864 and is slidably received within the anvil tracks 836 and 836a of the anvil 814 and the support member 832 between retracted and advanced positions. The distal portion of the dissecting tip 848 is secured to the distal end of the plate 862. When the plate 862 is in the retracted position (FIG. 54), the plate 862 is received within the linear anvil tracks 836 of the support member 832 and the distal portion of the dissecting tip 848 is positioned in the first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 848 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 814. When the dissecting tip 848 is slid distally in the direction indicated by arrow “Q” in FIG. 56, the plate 862 moves through the anvil tracks 836a in the support member 832 such that the dissecting tip 848 is angled downwardly towards the cartridge assembly 112 (FIG. 1) to the second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 848 defines the acute angle > with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 814. In aspects of the disclosure, the inner surface of the anvil 814 and / or the support member 832 can include protrusions 870 that are positioned to engage the catch 864 on the proximal portion of the plate 862 to releasably retain the dissecting tip 848 in the first and / or second positions. In aspects of the disclosure, the protrusions 870 can be formed on an inner surface of the cover 835.

[0211] FIG. 57 illustrates an alternate version of the cover 835 of FIGS. 51-56 shown generally as cover 835’. The cover 835’ is like the cover 835 (FIG. 56) except that the cover 835’ includes a series of protrusions 870’ for releasably retaining the dissecting tip 848 in multiple positions between and including the first and second positions.

[0212] FIG. 58 illustrates another alternate version of the cover 835 and the support member 832 of FIGS. 51-56 shown generally as support member 832” and cover 835”. The support member 832” and the cover 835” are like the support member 832 (FIG. 56) and cover 835 except that the support member 832” and the cover 835” include brake pads 870” that are positioned to engage the plate 862 to increase frictional resistance on the plate 862 and better retain the plate 862 and thus the dissecting tip 848 at any position between and including the first position and the second position.

[0213] FIGS. 59 and 60 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 914 and dissecting tip assembly 920. The anvil 914 and the dissecting tip assembly 920 are identical to the anvil 814 and the dissecting tip assembly 820 shown in FIGS. 51-56 except that the joint between the distal end of the support member 932 and the proximal portion of the dissecting tip 948 is covered by flexible sheeting 980. The flexible sheeting 980 encloses the plate (862-FIG. 56) when the plate is moved to the advanced position to prevent tissue from becoming pinched, trapped, or snagged between the dissecting tip 948 and the support member 932. In aspects of the disclosure, the flexible sheeting can be accordion shaped tubing although other expandable materials are contemplated.

[0214] FIGS. 61-65 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1014 and dissecting tip assembly 1020. The anvil 1014 includes a distal portion that defines cavity 1022 and a guide bore 1024. The anvil 1014 includes ledges 1026 that are positioned along opposite sides of the cavity 1022, and the guide bore 1024 extends longitudinally through the distal portion of the anvil 1014. The distal portion of the anvil 1014 is engaged with a support member 1032 that includes a proximal extension 1034, a proximally extending guidepost 1036, and a distal portion defining a guide slot 1038. The proximal extension 1034 of the support member 1032 is received on the ledges 1026 of the anvil 1014, and the guidepost 1036 of the support member 1032 is received within the guide bore 1024 of the anvil 1014 such that the support member 1032 islongitudinally movable along an outer surface of the anvil 1014 between retracted and advanced positions.

[0215] The dissecting tip assembly 1020 includes a dissecting tip 1048 and a resilient plate 1062 that extends proximally from the dissecting tip 1048 through the guide slot 1038 of the support member 1032. The resilient plate 1062 is fixedly secured to the anvil 1014 within the cavity 1022 of the anvil 1014. When the support member 1032 is in the retracted position on the anvil 1014, the distal portion of the resilient plate 1062 is in a deformed position such that the dissecting tip 1048 bends downwardly towards the cartridge assembly 1012 (FIG. 63). In this position, the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 1048 defines the acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1024.

[0216] FIG. 65 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 1020 as the support member 1032 is moved along the distal portion of the anvil 1014 in the direction of arrow “R” from the retracted position to the advanced position. When the support member 1032 is moved distally in relation to the dissecting tip assembly 1020 towards the advanced position, the resilient plate 1062 of the dissecting tip assembly 1020 is deformed upwardly in the direction indicated by arrow “S” in FIG. 66 as the resilient plate 1062 is drawn into the guide slot 1038 of the support member 1032 to change the angle of the dissecting tip 1048 to a position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip 1048 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1014.

[0217] In some aspects of the disclosure, the tool assembly 100 (FIG. 1) includes a shipping wedge 1090 that includes an extension 1092 that can be used to move the support member 1032 from the retracted position towards the advanced position. The shipping wedge 1090 is secured to a tissue engaging surface of a staple cartridge of the cartridge assembly 1012 to retain staples and pushers within the staple cartridge. In some aspects of the disclosure, the support member 1032 and the anvil 1014 define an opening 1096 (FIG. 61) that is defined between the anvil 1014 and the proximal end 1034a of the proximal extension 1034 of the support member 1024 when the support member 1032 is in the retracted position. In aspects of the disclosure, the extension 1092 of the shipping wedge 1090 can be inserted into the opening 1096 to move the support member 1032 from the retracted position towards the advanced position. Alternately, other tools or devices can be used to move the support member 1032 from the retracted position towards the advanced position.

[0218] FIGS. 67-70 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1114 and dissecting tip assembly 1120. The anvil 1114 includes a distal portion that includes a support member 1132 that extends distally from a tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3) of the anvil 1114. The support member 1132 can be formed integrally with the anvil 1114 or formed as a separate component that is fixedly secured to the anvil 1114. The support member 1132 defines an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1114 and has a curved, atraumatic configuration. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 1132 defines a stepped through bore 1134 that extends from an upper surface of the support member 1132 to a lower surface of the support member 1132. The support member 1132 includes a step 1136 that is positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the support member 1132 adjacent the through bore 1134 of the support member 1132 adjacent the through bore 1134.

[0219] The dissecting tip assembly 1120 includes a dissecting tip that includes a proximal portion 1120a and a distal portion 1120b. The proximal portion 1120a defines a recess 1138 and includes a resilient finger 1140 that is centrally positioned within the recess 1138. The recess 1138 is configured to receive the support member 1132 of the anvil 1114 such that the resilient finger 1140 is received in the stepped through bore 1134 of the support member 1132. The resilient finger 1140 includes a catch portion 1140a that is positioned to engage the step 1136 of the support member 1132 to secure the dissecting tip 1120a to the support member 1132. In some aspects of the disclosure, the catch portion 1140a of the resilient finger 1140 includes a tapered distal surface 1141 that is positioned to engage a bottom surface of the step 1136 as the resilient finger 1140 passes through the stepped through bore 1134 of the support member 1132 to deflect the resilient finger 1140 past the step 1136.

[0220] The distal portion 1120b of the dissecting tip angles downwardly from the proximal portion 1120a of the dissecting tip towards the distal end of the dissecting tip and is shaped to separate target tissue from surrounding tissue when positioning the stapling device 10 during a surgical procedure. In aspects of the disclosure, the distal portion 1120b of the dissecting tip decreases in width and thickness from the proximal portion 1120a of the dissecting tip to the distal end of the dissecting tip.

[0221] The anvil 1114 can be used with the dissecting tip 1120 or without the dissecting tip 1120. When used without the dissecting tip 1120, the support member 1132 of the anvil 1114 canfunction to separate target tissue from surrounding tissue during a surgical procedure. When a clinician desires to add the angled dissecting tip 1120 to the anvil 1114, the support member 1132 of the anvil 1114 is positioned within the recess 1138 formed in the proximal portion 1120a of the dissecting tip 1120 and the resilient finger 1140 of the dissecting tip 1120 is inserted through the stepped through bore 1134 of the support member 1132. When the tapered distal surface 1141 of the catch portion 1140a of the resilient finger 1140 engages the under side of the step 1136, the resilient finger 1140 is deformed and passes by the step 1136. Once the catch portion 1140a of the resilient finger 1140 moves past the step 1136, the resilient finger 11140 returns to the undeformed condition and the catch portion 1140a engages the step 1136 to secure the dissecting tip 1120a to the support member 1132 of the anvil 1114. In some aspects of the disclosure, the dissecting tip 1120 includes an overhang 1160 that extends over the distal end of the recess 1138 and engages a distal end of the support member 1132 of the anvil 1114 to further secure the dissecting tip 1120 to the support member 1132.[00222J In aspects of the disclosure, a shipping wedge 1190 can be used to attach the dissecting tip 1120 to the support member 1132 of the anvil 1114. More specifically, the proximal portion of the shipping wedge 1190 can define a cavity 1192 that receives the distal portion 1120b of the dissecting tip 1120a in a friction tight manner to secure the dissecting tip 1120a to the shipping wedge 1190. The shipping wedge 1190 can now be used as a handle to position the dissecting tip 1120 on the support member 1132 of the anvil 1114.

[0223] FIGS. 71-77 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1214 and dissecting tip assembly 1220. The anvil 1214 and the dissecting tip assembly 1220 are configured to facilitate selective attachment and / or detachment of the dissecting tip assembly 1220 to or from the anvil 1214. The anvil 1214 includes a distal surface 1230 that is positioned distally of the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3-128) and defines a threaded bore 1232 that is centrally positioned on the distal surface 1230. The distal portion of the anvil 1214 also defines a first recess 1234 and a second recess 1236. The first recess 1234 is positioned on one side of the anvil 1214 and extends through the distal surface 1230 of the anvil 1214. The first recess 1234 has an open end positioned along an inner surface of the anvil 1214 and a closed end that is spaced from the open end. The second recess 1236 is positioned on the other side of the anvil 1214 and extends through the distal surface 1230 of the anvil 1214. The second recess 1236 has an open endpositioned along an outer surface of the anvil 1214 and a closed end spaced from the open end. In aspects of the disclosure, the distal surface 1230 of the anvil 1214 is planar.

[0224] The dissecting tip assembly 1220 includes a dissecting tip 1221 that has a proximal portion 1220a and a distal portion 1220b. The distal portion 1220b has a configuration that is like the configuration of the distal portion 1120b of the dissecting tip 1120a and will not be described in further detail herein. The proximal portion 1220a of the dissecting tip 1220a includes a planar proximal surface 1238 (FIG. 73), a threaded member 1240, a first projection 1242, and a second projection 1244. The threaded member 1240 is centrally positioned on and extends proximally from the planar surface 1238 of the dissecting tip 1221. The first projection 1242 is positioned on one side of the threaded member 1240 and the second projection 1242 is positioned on the other side of the threaded member 1240.

[0225] FIGS. 74-78 illustrate the dissecting tip assembly 1220 as the dissecting tip 1220a is coupled to the anvil 1214. When the dissecting tip 1220 is coupled to the anvil 1214, the threaded member 1240 is inserted into the threaded bore 1232 of the anvil 1214 and rotated in the direction indicated by arrows “T” in FIGS. 74-76 to draw the proximal surface 1238 of the dissecting tip 1221 towards the distal surface 1230 of the anvil 1214. As the surfaces 1238 and 1230 near approximation, the first projection 1242 of the dissecting tip 1220a is received within the first recess 1234 of the anvil 1214 and the second projection 1244 of the dissecting tip 1220a is received within the second recess 1236 of the anvil 1214. In aspects of the disclosure, the first and second recesses 1234, 1236 includes detents 1250 that flex outwardly to allow the first and second projections 1242, 1244 to pass into the first and second recesses 1234, 1236 but return to their unbiased positions when the first and second projections 1242, 1244 pass the detents 1250 to releasably secure the first and second projections 1242, 1244 within the first and second recesses 1234, 1236. The dissecting tip 1221 can be detached from the anvil 1214 by rotating the dissecting tip 1221 to remove the first and second projections 1242, 1244 from the first and second recesses 1234, 1236 and unscrewing the threaded member 1240 of the dissecting tip 1220a from the threaded bore 1232 of the anvil 1214.

[0226] FIGS. 79-81 illustrate alternate versions of dissecting tip 1221 of the dissecting tip assembly 1220 of FIG. 71 shown generally as dissecting tips 1221’, 1221”, and 1221’” that are substantially like the dissecting tip 1221. Dissecting tips 1221’, 1221”, and 1221’” are identical to dissecting tip 1221 in all respects except for the dimensions of the dissecting tips 1221’ (FIG.79) and 1221” (FIG. 80). More specifically, dissecting tip 1221’ is shorter than dissecting tip 1221 and dissecting tip 1221” is longer than dissecting tip 1221. Dissecting tip 1220”’ is identical to dissecting tip 1221 in all respects except for the configuration of the distal portion 1220a’” of the dissecting tip 1220’”. More specifically, the distal portion 1220a”’ of the dissecting tip 1220’” is split along its centerline to define two tip portions 1270a’” and 1270b’” that are separated by a cavity 1272’”. Each of the tip portions 1270a’” and 1270b’” has a width and a thickness that decreases in the distal direction.

[0227] Each of the dissecting tip assemblies 1220’, 1220”, and 1220’” includes a threaded member 1240’, 1240” and 1240”’, a first projection 1242’, 1242”, and 1242’”, a second projection 1244’, 1244”, and 1244”’. The dissecting tips 1220’, 1220”, and 1220”’ can be attached to, and detached from, the anvil 1214 in the same manner as the dissecting tip 1220 to allow a clinician to choose a dissecting tip for the stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) that is most suitable for a particular surgical procedure. It is envisioned that the anvil 1214 and the dissecting tips 1220, 1220’, 1220”, and 1220’” could be provided in a kit with the surgical stapling device 10 of FIG. 1 to allow a clinician to select the appropriate dissecting tip for a particular surgical procedure.

[0228] FIGS. 82-85 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1314 and dissecting tip assembly 1320. The anvil 1314 includes a distal portion that includes or supports a support member 1332. The support member 1332 extends distally from the tissue engaging surface (FIG. 3-128) of the anvil 1314 and includes first and second hinge members 1334, 1336 that are spaced from each other to define a cavity 1338. Each of the first and second hinge members 1334, 1336 includes an inner surface that defines a cam slot 1340 that has a proximal portion that extends longitudinally along the hinge member 1334, 1336 and a distal portion that extends downwardly towards the cartridge assembly 1312 (FIG. 84). In aspects of the disclosure, the proximal end 1340a and the distal end 1340b of the cam slot 1340 have a width that is smaller than the width of the central portion of the cam slot 1340.

[0229] The dissecting tip assembly 1320 includes a dissecting tip 1321 that has a proximal portion 1320a and a distal portion 1320b. The distal portion 1320b of the dissecting tip 1321 has an atraumatic configuration and has a height and width that decreases from the proximal end of the distal portion 1320b of the dissecting tip 1321 to the distal end of the distal portion 1320b ofthe dissecting tip 1321. The proximal portion 1320a of the dissecting tip 1321 supports a pivot member 1344 that projects outwardly from opposite sides of the proximal portion 1320a of the dissecting tip 1321. The pivot member 1344 is received in the cam slots 1340 of the first and second hinge members 1334 and 1336 to pivotably couple the dissecting tip 1321 to the support member 1332. The pivot member 1344 is also slidable within the cam slots 1340 to facilitate movement of the dissecting tip 1321 in relation to the anvil 1314 between retracted and advanced positions. The pivot member 1344 has a diameter that allows the pivot member 1344 to move with little resistance through the central portion of the cam slots 1340 of the first and second hinge members 1334, 1336 but be frictionally retained in the proximal end 1340a and the distal end 1340b of the cam slots 1340. The increased frictional resistance of the support member 1332 on the pivot member 1344 at the proximal end 1340a and the distal end 1340b of the cam slots 1340 retains the dissecting tip 1320 in the retracted position or in the advanced position In aspects of the disclosure, a sheath (not shown) can be provided about support member 1332 and the proximal portion 1320a of the dissecting tip 1320 to prevent pinching of tissue.

[0230] FIG. 84 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 1320 in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the dissecting tip 1321 can be pivoted between a first position in which the distal end of the dissecting tip 1320 is angled upwardly away from the cartridge assembly 1312 and a second position angled downwardly towards the cartridge assembly 1312. Because of the increased frictional resistance of the support member 1332 on the pivot member 1344 of the dissecting tip assembly 1320 at the proximal end 1340a of the cam slot 1340, the dissecting tip 1320 is retained in the retracted position and in the angular orientation selected by a clinician.

[0231] FIG. 85 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 1320 as the dissecting tip 1320 is moved to the advanced position. To move the dissecting tip assembly 1320 to the advanced position, the clinician grasps the dissecting tip 1321 and pulls the dissecting tip 1321 in the direction indicated by arrow “U”. Once the pivot member 1344 is received in the distal end 1340b of the cam slot 1340, the frictional resistance of the support member 1332 retains the dissecting tip 1321 in the advanced position. In the advanced position of the dissecting tip 1321, the dissecting tip 1321 can be pivoted between a first position in which the distal end of the dissecting tip 1320 is angled upwardly away from the cartridge assembly 1312 to a second position angled downwardly towards the cartridge assembly 1312, or to any angular position therebetween.

[0232] FIGS. 86-89 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1414 and dissecting tip assembly 1420. The anvil 1414 includes a distal portion that defines a bore 1432 that defines a vertical axis (as viewed in FIG. 87) that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1414 through the anvil 1414 and the cartridge assembly 1412. In aspects of the disclosure, the inner wall of the anvil 1414 defining the bore 1432 includes a first concavity 1434 and a second concavity 1436. In some aspects of the disclosure, the first concavity 1434 is offset from the second concavity 1436 by about 180 degrees.

[0233] The dissecting tip assembly 1420 includes a wire 1440 and an outer sheath 1470. The wire has a U-shaped or semi-circular first portion 1440a and a linear second portion 1440b. The wire 1440 can be formed of a resilient material such as steel or a variety of plastics. The first portion 1440a of the wire 1440 is positioned on an outer surface of the anvil 1414 and the second portion 1440b of the wire 1440 is received within the bore 1432 of the anvil 1414. The second portion 1440b of the wire 1440 is rotatable within the bore 1432 to move the first portion 1440a of the wire 1440 from a first position located on or above the outer surface of the anvil 1414 at a location proximal of the bore 1432 to a second position located distal of the bore 1432 and extending on or above an angled distal surface 1460a of a staple cartridge 1460 of the cartridge assembly 1412. In aspects of the disclosure, the wire 1440 is deformed upwardly by the anvil 1414 when the dissecting tip 1420 is in the first position (FIG. 86).

[0234] FIG. 89 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 1420 as the dissecting tip assembly 1420 is rotated in the direction of arrow “V” from the first position to the second position. When the dissecting tip assembly 1420 is rotated to the second position (FIG. 89) located distally of the bore 1432 in the anvil 1414, the wire 1440 of the dissecting tip assembly 1420 returns to an undeformed position and pivots downwardly onto or above the angled distal surface 1460a of the staple cartridge 1460 of the cartridge assembly 1412. In aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 1440b of the wire 1440 includes one or more protrusions 1464 that are received within the first or second concavities 1434, 1436 to retain the wire 1440 in one of the first or second positions. In some aspects of the disclosure, the wire 1440 is enclosed by the sheath 1470 to prevent pinching tissue. The sheath 1470 may be shaped in the manner described above regarding the previously described dissecting tips.

[0235] FIGS. 90-95 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1414’ and dissecting tip assembly 1420’. The anvil 1414’ includes a distal portion that defines a bore 1432’ that defines a horizontal axis (as viewed in FIG. 90) that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1414’ through a distal portion of the anvil 1414’. In aspects of the disclosure, the inner wall of the anvil 1414’ defining the bore 1432’ includes a series of concavities 1434’ (FIG. 95). In some aspects of the disclosure, the concavities 1434’ are angularly spaced about the bore 1432’.

[0236] The dissecting tip assembly 1420’, like the dissecting tip 1420 (FIG. 87) includes a wire 1440’ and a sheath 1470’. The wire 1440’ has a U-shaped or semi-circular first portion 1440a’ and linear second portions 1440b (FIG. 94). The first portion 1440a’ of the wire 1440’ is positioned on an outer surface of the anvil 1414’ and the second portions 1440b’ of the wire 1440’ are received within the bore 1432’ of the anvil 1414’. The second portions 1440b’ of the wire 1440’ are received within the bore 1432’ and are rotatable in relation to the anvil 1414’ within the bore 1432’ to move the first portion 1440a’ of the wire 1440’ from a first position located on the outer surface of the anvil 1414’ proximal of the bore 1432’ to a second position located distal of the bore 1432’ and extending atop an angled distal surface 1460a’ of a staple cartridge 1460’ of the cartridge assembly 1412’.

[0237] FIG. 93 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 1420’ as the wire 1440’ is rotated in the direction of arrow “W” from the first position to the second position. When the wire 1440’ is rotated towards the second position (FIG. 94) located distally of the bore 1432’ in the anvil 1414’, the wire 1440’ of the dissecting tip 1420’ moves towards the angled distal surface 1460a’ of the staple cartridge 1460’ of the cartridge assembly 1412’. In aspects of the disclosure, the second portion 1440b’ of the wire 1440’ includes one or more protrusions 1464’ that are received within the one of the concavities 1434’ to retain the wire 1440’ in a selected angular position including and between the first and second positions. In some aspects of the disclosure, the wire 1440’ is enclosed by the sheath 1470’ to prevent pinching of tissue.

[0238] FIGS. 96 and 97 illustrate an alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1514 and dissecting tip assembly 1520. The anvil 1514 includes a distal surface having a curved portion 1516 on one side of the anvil 1514 and a planar portion 1518 that is contiguous with the curved portion 1516on an opposite side of the distal surface. The anvil 1514 includes a bore 1519 formed in the planar portion 1518.

[0239] The dissecting tip assembly 1520 includes an articulating structure that includes a first tip portion 1522 and a second tip portion 1524. The first tip portion 1522 includes a proximal portion 1526 that is rotatably coupled to the planar portion 1518 of the anvil 1514 by a pivot member 1528, and the second tip portion 1524 has a proximal portion that is rotatably coupled to a distal end of the first tip portion 1522 by a pivot member 1530. The first tip portion 1522 can rotate about the pivot member 1528 in relation to the anvil 1514 and the second tip portion 1524 can rotate about the pivot member 1530 to move the first and second tip portions 1522, 1522 from a first position aligned with the curved portion 1516 of the anvil 1514 to a second position extending distally from the anvil 1514. In this respect, the first and second tip portions 1522, 1524 have curved inner surfaces 1522a, 1524a that correspond in shape to, and are in close proximity with, the curved portion 1516 of the anvil 1514 when the dissecting tip 1520 is in the first position. In aspects of the disclosure, the outer surfaces 1522b, 1524b of the first and second tip portions 1522, 1524, respectively, can also be curved to provide an atraumatic surface at the distal end of the anvil 1514 when the dissecting tip 1520 is in the first position.

[0240] FIGS. 98-101 illustrate another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1614 and dissecting tip assembly 1620. The anvil 1614 includes an anvil extension 1616 that extends from the distal end of the anvil 1614 distally of the tissue engaging surface 1618. A support member 1632 is secured to, or formed integrally with, the anvil extension 1616. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 1632 defines a proximal opening 1634 that receives the anvil extension 1616 of the anvil 1614 to secure the support member 1632 to the anvil extension 1616 of the anvil 1614. Alternately, the support member 1632 can be integrally formed with the distal portion of the anvil 1614.

[0241] The support member 1632 includes an inner surface that defines a cavity 1634 that is positioned distally of the tissue engaging surface 1618 of the anvil 1614 and includes a first hinge member 1634 and a second hinge member 1636 that are positioned distally and on opposite sides of the cavity 1634. The support member 1632 includes a stop surface 1638 that ispositioned on the distal end of the support member 1632 between the first hinge member 1634 and the second hinge member 1636.

[0242] The dissecting tip assembly 1620 is secured between the first hinge member 1634 and the second hinge member 1636 and is rotatable from a first position (FIG. 98) extending distally from the first hinge member 1634 and the second hinge member 1636 to a second position (FIG. 101) extending proximally into the cavity 1634 defined in the lower surface of the support member 1632. In aspects of the disclosure, the dissecting tip assembly 1620 is coupled to the first and second hinge members 1634, 1636 by pivot members 1640. In some aspects of the disclosure, the dissecting tip assembly 1620 includes a first end portion 1620a and a second end portion 1620b. The first end portion 1620a has an atraumatic configuration, e.g., rounded, with a width and thickness that decrease from the second end portion 1620b of the dissecting tip 1620 to the first end portion 1620a of the dissecting tip 1620. In aspects of the disclosure, the second end portion 1620b of the dissecting tip assembly 1620 also has an atraumatic configuration.[00243J FIG. 98 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 1620 in the first position. In the first position (FIG. 98), the first end portion 1620a of the dissecting tip assembly 1620 is positioned distally of, and extends downwardly from, the anvil 1614 towards a cartridge assembly (112- FIG. 1) and defines an acute angle with a longitudinal axis of the anvil 1614. In the second position, the first end portion 1620a of the dissecting tip assembly 1620 is positioned proximally of, and extends parallel to, the anvil 1614. The dissecting tip assembly 1620 can be moved from the first position to the second position by a clinician by grasping the first end portion 1620a of the dissecting tip assembly 1620 and rotating the dissecting tip assembly 1620 in the direction indicated by arrow “V” in FIGS. 100 and 101. When the dissecting tip assembly 1620 is in the first position, the second end portion 1620b is engaged with the stop surface 1638 of the support member 1632 to retain the dissecting tip 1620 in the first position.

[0244] FIGS. 102-107 illustrate another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1714 and dissecting tip assembly 1720. The anvil 1714 includes a distal portion having a support member 1732 that is secured to, or formed integrally with, the distal portion of the anvil 1714. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 1732 includes a body 1736 and a clamp member 1738. The body 1736 of the support member 1732 has an inner surface that defines a semi -spherical recess 1740 (FIG. 104). The clamp member 1738 also defines a semi -spherical recess 1742 and is coupled tothe body 1736 of the support member 1732 such that the semi-spherical recesses 1740, 1742 of the body 1736 and the clamp member 1738 define a spherical cavity 1744 (FIG. 104). In aspects of the disclosure, the body 1736 and the clamp member 1738 defines a channel 1746 that extends from the spherical cavity 1744 to the distal end of the support member 1732. The channel 1746 extends through a lower end of the clamp member 1738. In some aspects of the disclosure, the body 1736 of the support member 1732 defines bores 1750 and the clamp member 1738 includes posts 1752 that are received within the bores 1750 to secure the clamp member 1738 to the body 1736 of the support member 1732.

[0245] The dissecting tip assembly 1720 includes proximal portion 1754 and a distal portion 1756. The distal portion 1756 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 has a configuration like the dissecting tips described above and will not be described in further detail herein. The proximal portion 1754 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 includes a spherical joint 1760 and a connector 1762 that extends distally from the spherical joint 1760 through the channel 1746. The spherical joint 1760 is received within the spherical cavity 1744 of the support member 1732 such that the connector 1762 is pivotable within the channel 1746 of the support member 1732. The connector 1762 of the dissecting tip 1720 is releasably engaged with the distal portion 1756 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720. In aspects of the disclosure, the distal portion 1756 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 defines a threaded bore 1765 and the connector 1762 includes a threaded shaft 1764 that is received within the threaded bore 1764 to secure the distal portion 1756 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 to the proximal portion 1754 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720.

[0246] FIGS. 104 and 105 illustrate the dissecting tip assembly 1720 as the dissecting tip assembly 1720 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow “W” in FIG. 105 from the first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1714 to the second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 defines an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1714. When the dissecting tip assembly 1720 is in the first position, the body 1736 of the support member 1732 engages the connector 1762 of the dissecting tip 1720 to prevent further rotation of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 upwardly as viewed in FIG. 104. The opening in the clamp member 1738 defined by the channel 1746 of the support member 1732 allows the connector1762 of the proximal portion 1754 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 to pivot towards the second position.

[0247] FIGS. 106 and 107 illustrate the dissecting tip assembly 1720 as the dissecting tip assembly 1720 is moved in relation to the support member 1732 of the anvil 1714 to secure the dissecting tip assembly 1720 in a desired angular orientation. More specifically, when the clinician rotates or pivots the dissecting tip assembly 1720 to a desired angular position in relation to the anvil 1714, the distal portion 1756 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 can be screwed onto the proximal portion 1754 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 in the direction indicated by arrow “X” in FIG. 106 to move the distal portion 1756 of the dissecting tip assembly 1720 in the direction indicated by arrow “Y” in FIG. 107 into frictional engagement with the distal face 1732a (FIG. 106) of the support member 1732. This frictional engagement will retain the dissecting tip assembly 1720 in the desired angular position.

[0248] FIGS. 108-113 illustrate another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1814 and dissecting tip assembly 1820. The anvil 1814 includes a distal portion having a support member 1832 that is secured to, or formed integrally with, the distal portion of the anvil 1814. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 1832 includes a body 1836 and a clamp member 1838. The body 1836 of the support member 1832 has an inner surface that defines a concavity 1840 (FIG. 110) having a semi-cylindrical configuration and a recess 1842 (FIG. 109) having a rectangular configuration positioned adjacent and in communication with the concavity 1840. The clamp member 1838 also defines a rectangular recess 1844 and is coupled to the body 1836 of the support member 1832 such that the rectangular recesses 1842, 1844 of the body 1836 and the clamp member 1838, respectively define a rectangular cavity 1845 (FIG. 110) that extends through the distal surface of the support member 1832. The rectangular cavity 1845 opens onto a lower side of the clamp member 1838 and onto the distal surface of the support member 1832. In some aspects of the disclosure, the body 1836 of the support member 1832 defines bores 1850 and the clamp member 1838 includes posts 1852 that are received within the bores 1850 to secure the clamp member 1838 to the body 1836 of the support member 1832. The clamp member 1838 includes semi-circular notches 1854 (FIG. 109) that are positioned on opposite sides of the rectangular recess 1844 and a stop surface 1856 that is positioned proximally of the semi-circular notches 1854.

[0249] The dissecting tip assembly 1820 includes a dissecting tip 1860 and a worm gear 1862. The worm gear 1862 includes a shaft 1864 that defines a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1814. The shaft 1864 is rotatably received within the concavity 1840 of the body 1836 of the support member 1832 and includes threads 1864a that extend about the shaft 1864. In aspects of the disclosure, the body 1836 of the support member 1832 defines an opening 1867 that receives a portion of the threads 1864a of the worm gear 1862. The shaft 1864 of the worm gear 1862 includes a distal end that is configured to engage a tool 1865 (FIG. 108) to rotate the worm gear 1862 within the concavity 1840 of the support member 1832. In aspects of the disclosure, the distal end of the shaft 1864 of the worm gear 1862 defines a hexagonal socket 1866 and the tool is in the form of a hex head driver. It is envisioned that the hex head driver could be formed on one end of a shipping wedge or on a screwdriver.

[0250] The dissecting tip 1860 has a distal portion 1870 and a proximal portion 1872. The distal portion 1870 is like the dissecting tips described above and will not be described in further detail herein. The proximal portion 1872 of the dissecting tip 1860 includes a pivot member 1874 (FIG. 109) and transversely extending teeth 1876. The pivot member 1874 is received within the semi-circular notches 1854 of the clamp member 1838 of the support member 1832 such that the dissecting tip 1860 is pivotable in relation to the anvil 1814 between a first position (FIG. 108) and a second position (FIG. 111). The teeth 1876 of the proximal portion 1872 of the dissecting tip 1860 are engaged with the threads 1864a of the worm gear 1862.

[0251] FIG. 110 illustrates the dissecting tip assembly 1820 in the first position. In the first position, the proximal portion 1872 of the dissecting tip 1860 is engaged with the stop surface 1856 of the clamp member 1838 of the support member 1832 to retain the dissecting tip 1860 in the first position. As illustrated, the threads 1864a of the worm gear 1862 are engaged with the teeth 1876 on the proximal portion 1872 of the dissecting tip 1860.

[0252] FIGS. I l l and 112 illustrate the dissecting tip assembly 1820 as the dissecting tip 1860 moves from the first position towards the second position. To move the dissecting tip 1860 from the first position to the second position, the worm gear 1862 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow “Zl” in FIG. 112. When the worm gear 1862 is rotated in the direction of arrow “Zl” using, e.g., a screwdriver 1865 (FIG. 108), the threads 1864a of the worm gear 1862 engage the teeth 1876 on the proximal portion 1872 of the dissecting tip 1860 to rotate thedissecting tip 1860 in the direction indicated by arrow “Z2”. Rotation of the worm gear 1862 will continue to rotate the dissecting tip 1860 until the threads on the worm gear 1862 disengage from the teeth 1876 of the dissecting tip 1860. It is also envisioned that a second stop surface (not shown) could be provided on the support member 1832 to limit rotation of the dissecting tip 1860 in the direction of arrow “Z2”.

[0253] FIGS. 113-116 illustrate another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 1914 and dissecting tip 1920. The anvil 1914 includes a distal portion that defines a slot 1922 and the dissecting tip 1920 includes a proximal portion 1924 that is received within the slot 1922 to couple the dissecting tip 1920 to the anvil 1914. In aspects of the disclosure, the slot 1922 and the proximal portion 1924 of the dissecting tip 1920 have interlocking configurations, e.g., dovetail configurations or the like, such that receipt of the proximal portion 1924 of the dissecting tip 1920 within the slot 1922 of the anvil 1914 secures the dissecting tip 1920 to the anvil 1914.[00254J In aspects of the disclosure, the dissecting tip 1920 has a fixed configuration and includes a distal portion 1926 that defines a longitudinal axis that extends downwardly from the proximal portion 1924 of the dissecting tip 1920 to define an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the anvil 1914. In further aspects of the disclosure, the proximal portion 1924 of the dissecting tip 1920 includes a frangible or weakened portion 1928 that can be broken to facilitate separation of the dissecting tip 1920 from the anvil 1914 (FIG. 116). For example, the proximal portion 1924 of the dissecting tip 1920 can include a scores to facilitate fracture at a predetermined location on the proximal portion 1924 of the dissecting tip 1920. In aspects of the disclosure, the proximal portion 1924, or the entire dissecting tip 1920, can be formed of a hard, brittle plastic material to facilitate fracture. Alternately, the weakened portion 1928 can have a reduced width to facilitate fracture at the weakened portion 1928. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the distal portion 1936 of the anvil 1914 can have a circular or atraumatic configuration to facilitate use of the stapling device after the dissecting tip 1920 is removed from the anvil 1914.

[0255] FIGS. 117 and 118 illustrate yet another alternate version of the anvil and the dissecting tip assembly of the surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) shown generally as anvil 2014 and dissecting tip assembly 2020. The anvil 2014 includes wires 2016 that pass through the anvil 2014 and are coupled to the dissecting tip 2020. The wires 2016 are coupled to a power source(not shown) that can be positioned within the stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) or externally of the stapling device 10. The dissecting tip 2020 is formed of nitinol wire 2022 that is preconditioned to move from a first position substantially aligned with the anvil 2014 to a second position defining an acute angle with the anvil 2014 when electrical current is supplied to the dissecting tip 2020 through the wires 2016. It is envisioned that the nitinol wire 2022 of the dissecting tip 2020 can be preconditioned to provide a variety of angular orientations in both the first and second positions.

[0256] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Also, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A stapling device comprising: an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and a tool assembly supported on the distal portion of the elongate body and including: an anvil defining a longitudinal axis and including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the anvil including a support member, the support member defining a channel and including a first stop surface positioned on a first side of the channel and a second stop surface positioned on a second side of the channel; a cartridge assembly coupled to the anvil such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position; and a dissecting tip assembly including a beam, and a dissecting tip, the dissecting tip defining a longitudinal axis, the beam formed from a malleable material and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the beam secured within the channel of the anvil, the distal portion of the beam supporting the dissecting tip, the dissecting tip having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface, the beam bendable to move the dissecting tip between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip defines an acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil, wherein in the first position, the first abutment surface is engaged with the first stop surface and in the second position, the second abutment surface is engaged with the second stop surface.

2. The stapling device of claim 1, further including a handle assembly, the handle assembly coupled to the proximal portion of the elongate body.

3. The stapling device of claim 1, wherein the acute angle Q is from about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees.

4. The stapling device of claim 3, wherein the acute angle Q is from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

5. The stapling device of claim 1, wherein the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are positioned on a distal surface of the support member.

6. The stapling device of claim 5, wherein the first and second stop surfaces are formed on a proximal surface of the dissecting tip.

7. The stapling device of claim 1, wherein the beam is formed from steel, or a steel alloy.

8. The stapling device of claim 1, wherein support member and the proximal portion of the beam are enclosed with a plastic material.

9. An anvil assembly comprising: an anvil defining a longitudinal axis and including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the anvil including a support member, the support member defining a channel and including a first stop surface positioned on a first side of the channel and a second stop surface positioned on a second side of the channel; and a dissecting tip assembly including a beam, and a dissecting tip, the dissecting tip defining a longitudinal axis, the beam formed from a malleable material and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the beam secured within the channel of the anvil, the distal portion of the beam supporting the dissecting tip, the dissecting tip having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface, the beam bendable to move the dissecting tip between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip defines an acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil, wherein in the first position, the first abutment surface is engaged with the first stop surface and in the second position, the second abutment surface is engaged with the second stop surface.

10. The anvil assembly of claim 9, wherein the acute angle Q is from about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees.

11. The anvil assembly of claim 10, wherein the acute angle Q is from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

12. The anvil assembly of claim 9, wherein the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are positioned on a distal surface of the support member.

13. The anvil assembly of claim 9, wherein the beam is formed from steel, or a steel alloy.

14. The anvil assembly of claim 9, wherein support member and the proximal portion of the beam are enclosed with a plastic material.

15. A tool assembly comprising: an anvil defining a longitudinal axis and including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the anvil including a support member, the support member defining a channel and including a first stop surface positioned on a first side of the channel and a second stop surface positioned on a second side of the channel; a cartridge assembly coupled to the anvil such that the tool assembly is movable between an open position and a clamped position; and a dissecting tip assembly including a beam, and a dissecting tip, the dissecting tip defining a longitudinal axis, the beam formed from a malleable material and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the beam secured within the channel of the anvil, the distal portion of the beam supporting the dissecting tip, the dissecting tip having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface, the beam bendable to move the dissecting tip between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the anvil and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the dissecting tip defines an acute angle Q with the longitudinal axis of the anvil, wherein in the first position, the first abutment surface is engaged with the first stop surface and in the second position, the second abutment surface is engaged with the second stop surface.

16. The tool assembly of claim 15, wherein the acute angle > is from about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees.

17. The tool assembly of claim 16, wherein the acute angle Q is from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees.

18. The tool assembly of claim 15, wherein the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are positioned on a distal surface of the support member.

19. The tool assembly of claim 15, wherein the beam is formed from steel, or a steel alloy.

20. The tool assembly of claim 15, wherein the support member and the proximal portion of the beam are enclosed with a plastic material.

Images