Staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly

Abstract

A loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly includes a release button lock movable between a locked position wherein a blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button to block actuation of the release button, and an unlocked position wherein a window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button to permit actuation of the release button. A staple cartridge is released from the loading unit assembly upon movement of the release button lock to the unlocked position during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly. Actuating a release button moves the release button into contact with the staple cartridge and disengages the staple cartridge from the loading unit assembly.

Description

PATENT APPLICATIONAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND BUTTRESS LOADING UNIT ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 690,045, filed September 3, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure is directed to loading unit assembly for loading a staple cartridge into a stapling device, and more particularly to a loading unit assembly for loading a staple cartridge and a buttress material onto a tool assembly of a stapling device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various types of surgical devices used to endoscopically treat tissue are known in the art, and are commonly used, for example, for closure of tissue or organs in transection, resection, and anastomoses procedures, for occlusion of organs in thoracic and abdominal procedures, and for electrosurgically fusing or sealing tissue.

[0004] One example of such a surgical device is a surgical stapling device. Typically, surgical stapling devices include a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member and a staple cartridge that is received in a cavity defined by the channel member. In certain surgical devices, the staple cartridge is releasably supported within the channel member and can be replaced within the channel member after each firing of the stapling device to facilitate reuse of the stapling device.

[0005] To reinforce a staple line in tissue, a buttress material can be provided on the staple cartridge and / or the anvil assembly of the tool assembly. When the stapling device is fired, the buttress material is secured to the tissue to provide added strength to the tissue along the staple line. In reusable stapling devices that have replaceable staple cartridges, replacement of the buttress material onto the anvil assembly of the tool assembly can be difficult and time consuming.Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01

[0006] A continuing need exists in the art for a loading unit assembly that can be used to load a staple cartridge quickly and easily onto a stapling device while simultaneously delivering a buttress material to the anvil assembly.SUMMARY

[0007] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly of a stapling device is provided. The loading unit assembly includes an outer housing defining a cavity therein and an opening at a first end thereof, the opening is in communication with the cavity of the outer housing. A release button is supported by the outer housing at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button including a stem extending into the cavity and toward the opening of the outer housing.

[0008] The loading unit assembly further includes an inner body located within the cavity of the outer housing. The inner body defines a first channel and a second channel within the cavity of the outer housing. The first channel is configured to receive an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, and the second channel is configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly. Spaced retention fingers extend from the inner body and extend into the second channel.

[0009] The loading unit assembly additionally includes a release button lock supported on and extending from the inner body at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing. The release button lock includes a resilient arm extending from the inner body, and a body portion supported at an end of the resilient arm. The body portion defines a window facing the release button and a blocking wall. The release button lock is movable from a locked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button, to an unlocked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button.

[0010] The loading unit assembly also includes a staple cartridge releasably supported by the spaced retention fingers of the inner body. The staple cartridge supports a cartridge buttress, wherein the cartridge buttress is interposed between the inner body and the staple cartridge. An anvil buttress is disposed within the first channel and supported on the inner body.Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01

[0011] The body portion of the release button lock may define a camming surface, wherein during insertion of the anvil assembly of the tool assembly into the first channel, the anvil assembly acts on the camming surface of the release button to move the release button lock from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0012] The release button may be movable between an initial position and an actuated position when the release button lock is in the unlocked position.

[0013] During movement of the release button between the initial position and the actuated position, the release button may act on the staple cartridge to disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body.

[0014] The loading unit assembly may further include a latch member supported in the second channel of the loading unit assembly and in spaced relation from the inner body. The latch member may include a tab extending toward the inner body.

[0015] The latch member may be movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the tab is received in a slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly as the cartridge receiving channel translates through the second channel during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly, whereby the tool assembly is secured to the loading unit assembly. In the disengaged position the tab is free of the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly, whereby the tool assembly is releasable from the loading unit assembly.

[0016] The release button may further include a tongue extending toward the inner body and aligned with the second channel. During movement of the release button from the initial position to the actuated position, the tongue of the release button may act on the staple cartridge to disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body and to force the staple cartridge against the latch member to disengage the tab of the latch member from the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly.

[0017] The inner body of the loading unit assembly may include a first pair of prongs located proximate the release button lock and extending into the first channel, and a second pair of prongs extending toward the opening of the outer housing. The anvil buttress may include a distal endAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 connected to the first pair of prongs, whereby the distal end of the anvil buttress extends into the first channel, and wherein the anvil buttress includes a proximal end connected to the second pair of prongs.

[0018] The anvil buttress may define a window formed in a distal end portion of the anvil buttress, at a location proximal of the first pair of prongs. The window of the anvil buttress may be configured and dimensioned to receive a distal end of the anvil assembly during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly of a stapling device is described. The loading unit assembly includes an outer housing defining a cavity therein and an opening at a first end thereof, the opening in communication with the cavity of the outer housing. A release button is supported by the outer housing at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button including a stem extending into the cavity and toward the opening of the outer housing. An inner body is located within the cavity of the outer housing, and defines a first channel and a second channel within the cavity of the outer housing. The first channel is configured to receive an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, and the second channel is configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly.

[0020] The loading unit assembly further includes a release button lock supported on and extending from the inner body at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing. The release button lock includes a resilient arm extending from the inner body, and a body portion supported at an end of the resilient arm. The body portion defines a window facing the release button and a blocking wall. The release button lock is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position the body portion is positioned such that the blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button. In the unlocked position the body portion is positioned such that the window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button.

[0021] The loading unit assembly additionally includes an anvil buttress disposed within the first channel and supported on the inner body, and a staple cartridge disposed within the secondAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 channel and releasably supported on the inner body. The staple cartridge supports a cartridge buttress that is interposed between the inner body and the staple cartridge.

[0022] The body portion of the release button lock may define a camming surface. During insertion of the anvil assembly of the tool assembly into the first channel, the anvil assembly may act on the camming surface of the release button lock to move the release button lock from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0023] The release button may be movable between an initial position and an actuated position when the release button lock is in the unlocked position.

[0024] During movement of the release button between the initial position and the actuated position, the release button may act on the staple cartridge to disengage the staple cartridge from the inner body.

[0025] The loading unit assembly may further include a latch member supported in the second channel of the loading unit assembly and in spaced relation from the inner body. The latch member may include a tab extending toward the inner body. The latch member may be movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the tab is received in a slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly as the cartridge receiving channel translates through the second channel during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly, whereby the tool assembly is secured to the loading unit assembly. In the disengaged position the tab is free of the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly, whereby the tool assembly is releasable from the loading unit assembly.

[0026] The release button may further include a tongue extending toward the inner body and aligned with the second channel. During movement of the release button from the initial position to the actuated position, the tongue of the release button may act on the staple cartridge: to disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body; and to force the staple cartridge against the latch member to disengage the tab of the latch member from the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly.

[0027] The inner body of the loading unit assembly may include a first pair of prongs located proximate the release button lock and extending into the first channel, and a second pair of prongsAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 extending toward the opening of the outer housing. The anvil buttress may include a distal end connected to the first pair of prongs and a proximal end connected to the second pair of prongs. The distal end of the anvil buttress extends into the first channel.

[0028] The anvil buttress may define a window formed in a distal end portion of the anvil buttress, at a location proximal of the first pair of prongs. The window of the anvil buttress may be configured and dimensioned to receive a distal end of the anvil assembly during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly.

[0029] The inner body may include spaced retention fingers extending from the inner body and extending into the second channel. The staple cartridge may be releasably supported by the spaced retention fingers of the inner body.

[0030] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly of a stapling device is provided. The loading unit assembly includes an outer housing defining a cavity therein and an opening at a first end thereof. The opening is in communication with the cavity of the outer housing. A release button is supported by the outer housing at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing and includes a stem extending into the cavity and toward the opening of the outer housing. An inner body is located within the cavity of the outer housing, and defines a first channel and a second channel within the cavity of the outer housing. The first channel is configured to receive an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, and the second channel is configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly. The inner body includes spaced retention fingers extending from the inner body and extending into the second channel.

[0031] The loading unit assembly further includes a release button lock supported on and extending from the inner body at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing. The release button lock is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position a blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button to block actuation of the release button. In the unlocked position a window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button.Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01

[0032] The loading unit assembly also includes an anvil buttress disposed within the first channel and supported on the inner body, and a staple cartridge disposed within the second channel and releasably supported on the inner body. The staple cartridge supports a cartridge buttress interposed between the inner body and the staple cartridge.

[0033] During use of the loading unit assembly, the staple cartridge is released from the inner body upon movement of the release button lock to the unlocked position during insertion of the tool assembly into the outer housing, and thereafter actuating the release button to move the release button into contact with the staple cartridge and disengage the staple cartridge from the inner body.

[0034] The latch member may be a biasing member.

[0035] Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Various aspects of the disclosed staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view from above of a staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly according to aspects of the disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a side perspective exploded view of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a spine of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIGS. 1-2;

[0040] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the spine of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIG. 3;

[0041] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a button of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIGS. 1-2;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a latch spring of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIGS. 1-2;Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01

[0043] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIGS. 1-2, as taken through 8-8 of FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIGS. 1-2, as taken through 9-9 of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIG. 9, as taken through 10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0046] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a tool assembly of a stapling device being loaded into the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 12 is an illustration of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIG. 9, with the tool assembly of the stapling device partially loaded therein;

[0048] FIG. 13 is an illustration of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIG. 9, with the tool assembly of the stapling device fully loaded therein;

[0049] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the indicted area of detail of FIG. 13;

[0050] FIG. 15 is an illustration of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly shown in FIG. 9, following full loading of the tool assembly into the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly and actuation of the button of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly;

[0051] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional illustration of a locking feature of the button; and

[0052] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tool assembly of the stapling device illustrating an anvil buttress attached to an anvil assembly of the tool assembly and a staple cartridge, including a cartridge buttress, loaded into a jaw channel of the tool assembly.Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The disclosed staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure 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.

[0054] In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician during operation of the surgical 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 operation of the surgical device in its customary manner. In addition, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, surgeons, and support personnel. Further, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, and similar terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

[0055] This disclosure is directed to a staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly for loading a staple cartridge and a buttress material onto a tool assembly of a stapling device in a fast and efficient manner. The staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly includes a retaining member that prevents separation of the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly from the tool assembly after a loading procedure has begun until after the staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly has moved to a fully loaded position in relation to the tool assembly.

[0056] FIGS. 1-17 illustrate a staple cartridge and buttress loading unit assembly according to aspects of the disclosure shown generally as loading unit assembly 100. The loading unit assembly 100 includes an outer housing or shell 102 supporting an inner body or spine 110, and a staple cartridge 90 releasably secured to the inner body or spine 110 within a cavity 105 (FIG. 2) of the outer housing 102. The inner body 110 defines a first channel 105a and a second channel 105bAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01(FIG. 9) within the cavity 105 of the outer housing 102, the first channel 105a of the cavity 105 being configured to receive an anvil assembly 52 of the tool assembly 50, and the second channel 105b of the cavity 105 being configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel 54 of the tool assembly 50.

[0057] The loading unit assembly 100 further includes a release button 104, supported on / in a first end of the outer housing 102, and an open end 103 (opposite the release button 104) which is configured to receive a tool assembly 50 (FIG. 11) within the loading unit assembly 100 for loading the staple cartridge 90 into a channel member 54 of the tool assembly 50, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, the staple cartridge 90 is pre-loaded with a first buttress material 92 (e.g., a cartridge buttress). The staple cartridge 90 includes a cartridge body 90a that defines a knife slot 90b and staple receiving pockets 90c positioned on opposite sides of the knife slot 90b. The staple cartridge 90 is releasably secured to the inner body 110 of the outer housing 102 such that the first buttress material 92 is interposed between a first side of the inner body 110 and the cartridge body 90a. The cartridge body 90a includes side walls that include proximal and distal retention members 90e and an alignment protrusion 90f. The proximal and distal retention members 90e are engaged by retention fingers 111 (FIGS. 4 and 10) extending from a lower surface of the inner body 110 of the loading unit assembly 100 to releasably secure the staple cartridge 90 within the outer housing 102 of the loading unit assembly 100. The alignment protrusion 90f is engaged with the tool assembly 50 as described below to properly align the staple cartridge 90 within the channel member 54 of the tool assembly 50.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, the inner body 110 includes a planar surface 112, located along a second side of the inner body 110 (opposite the first side of the inner body 110), that supports a second buttress material 94 (e.g., an anvil buttress). The inner body 110 includes a distal portion having a distal pair of spaced mounting members or prongs 114 extending transversely therefrom, and a proximal portion having a proximal pair of spaced mounting members or prongs 116 extending proximally therefrom. The distal pair of spaced mounting members or prongs 114 are configured to couple a distal end portion of the second buttress material 94 to the inner body 110, and the proximal pair of spaced mounting members or prongs 116 areAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 configured to couple a proximal end portion of the second buttress material 94 to the inner body 110.

[0060] The proximal portion of the inner body 110 also includes a spring biasing member 118 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 9) that is positioned between the spaced prongs 116 and includes two camming members 118a. The spaced prongs 116 and the spring biasing member 118 interact with structure (e.g., spring clips, not shown) on an anvil assembly 52 of the tool assembly 50 (see FIG. 11) to facilitate transfer of the second buttress material 94 from the inner body 110 of the loading unit assembly 100 to the anvil assembly 52 during use of the loading unit assembly 100. For a more detailed description of this structure, see U.S. Patent No. 11,399,833 (hereinafter “the ’833 Patent”) which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0061] The distal pair of spaced mounting members or prongs 114 of the inner body 110 extends upwardly from the planar surface 112 of the inner body 110 towards the outer housing 102 of the loading unit assembly 100. The distal pair of spaced mounting members or prongs 114 are configured to be received in corresponding openings 94a (see FIG. 2) defined in a distal end portion of the second buttress material 94 to secure the distal end portion of the second buttress material 94 to the inner body 110. The distal end portion of the second buttress material 94 also defines a transverse slot or window 94b (see FIG. 2) that receives a distal end of the anvil assembly 52 when the second buttress material 94 is loaded onto the anvil assembly 52.

[0062] The second buttress material 94 has a second end portion that includes extensions 94c positioned on each side of the second buttress material 94. Each of the extensions 94c defines an opening 94d that receives one of the spaced prongs 116 of the inner body 110 to secure the second end portion of the second buttress material 94 to the inner body 110. In aspects of the disclosure, the extensions 94c of the second buttress material 94 bend around the second end portion of the inner body 110. For a more detailed description of this structure, see the ’833 Patent.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the inner body 110 of the loading unit assembly 100 includes a release button lock 120 supported thereon and extending therefrom, wherein the release button lock 120 includes a body portion 120a supported on a resilient arm 122 and extending from the inner body 110, in a cantilevered manner. Specifically, the body portion 120a of the release button lock 120 is located distal of the distal pair of spaced mounting members or prongs 114 andAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 adjacent the release button 104. The body portion 120a of the release button lock 120 defines a window 120b formed therein and facing the release button 104, and a blocking wall 120c. In use, as will be described in greater detail below, the release button lock 120 includes a first or locked position wherein the body portion 120a is positioned such that the blocking wall 120c is aligned with a feature of the release button 104 and thus inhibits actuation of the release button 104, and a second or unlocked position wherein the body portion 120a is positioned such that the window 120b is aligned with the feature of the release button 104 and thus permits actuation of the release button 104.

[0064] The release button 104 is supported on / in the first end of the outer housing 102 and is movable between an initial position and an actuated position. In aspects of the disclosure, the release button 104 includes slots that receive ribs formed in the outer housing 102 to guide the release button 104 between the initial position and the actuated position. In some aspects of the disclosure, the ribs and the slots are linear to confine the release button 104 to linear movement between the initial position and the actuated position.

[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the release button 104 includes a body 104a having a tongue 104b extending therefrom and into the cavity 103 of the outer housing 102, specifically into the second channel 105b of the outer housing 102. The release button 104 further includes a stem or nub 104c also extending from the outer housing 102 and into the cavity 103 of the outer housing 102, wherein the stem 104c is spaced from the tongue 104b.

[0066] The release button 104 further includes resilient snaps 104d extending therefrom and configured to selectively engage complimentary tabs 102a projecting into outer housing 102. In use, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 16, the tabs 102a of outer housing 102 function to maintain release button 104 in a non-actuated or depressed condition (FIG. 8), then, during actuation or depression of the release button 104, the resilient snaps 104d snap over the tabs 102a of the outer housing 102, and then, following full actuation or depression of the release button 104, the resilient snaps 104d are located distal of the tabs 102a and hold the release button 104 in the fully actuated or depressed position (FIG. 16).

[0067] As briefly described above, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10, the inner body 110 of the outer housing 102 includes spaced retention fingers 111 that are positioned on opposite sides ofAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 the inner body 110. The spaced retention fingers 111 are configured to engage side walls of the staple cartridge 90 to releasably support the staple cartridge 90 within cavity 103 of the outer housing 102 such that a distal end of the staple cartridge 90 is positioned beneath or adjacent the release button 104.

[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7 and 9, the loading unit assembly 100 includes a latch member 130 supported within the outer housing 102. The latch member 130 includes a body 130a formed of a resilient material, such as spring steel, having a substantially L-shaped configuration. The body 130a of the latch member 130 has a first portion 130b and a second portion 130c that is oriented orthogonal to the first portion 130b. The first portion 130b of the latch member 130 includes a tab 130d projecting therefrom and in a substantially parallel to the second portion 130c of the body 130a. Operation of the latch member 130 is described in further detail below.

[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates the tool assembly 50 of a surgical stapling device (not shown) which includes the anvil assembly 52 and the channel member 54. The tool assembly 50 is supported on a distal end of an elongate shaft 56 of the stapling device. In aspects of the disclosure, the anvil assembly 52 is fixedly secured to the elongate shaft 56 and the channel member 54 is pivotably secured to the elongate shaft 56 such that the channel member 54 is pivotable in relation to the anvil assembly 52 between an open position and a clamped position. The channel member 54 defines a cavity 54a that receives the staple cartridge 90 (FIG. 2) and includes a distal portion 54b. The channel member 54 defines cutouts 54c that receive the alignment protrusions 90f of the staple cartridge 90 to properly align the staple cartridge 90 within the channel member 54. The channel member 54 defines a bottom opening 54d (FIG. 14) that receives the tab 130d of the latch member 130 to facilitate operation of the loading unit assembly 100 as described below.

[0070] FIGS. 11-17 illustrate use of the loading unit assembly 100 to apply the second buttress material 94 to the anvil assembly 52 of the tool assembly 50, and to install or load a staple cartridge 90 into the channel member 54 of the tool assembly 50. To use the loading unit assembly 100, the loading unit assembly 100 is moved in relation to the tool assembly 50 (while in the open position), in the direction of arrow “A” in FIG. 11 or “Al” in FIG. 12, to position the anvil assembly 52 into the open end 103 (FIG. 2) of the outer housing 102 of the loading unit assembly 100. As the anvil assembly 52 enters into the open end 103 of the outer housing 102, and is advanced through theAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 outer housing 102, the channel member 54 of the tool assembly 50 also moves into the open end 103 of the outer housing 102 of the loading unit assembly 100 along the lower surface 16a of the lower housing portion 16 of the loading unit assembly 100 until the distal portion 54b of the channel member 54 engages the tab 130d of the latch member 130. When the distal portion 54b of the channel member 54 engages the tab 130d of the latch member 130, the first portion 130b of the latch member 130 is flexed (or spring biased) away from the channel member 54, in the direction of arrow “B” in FIG. 12, to allow the channel member 54 to pass onto the latch member 130, between the latch member 130 and the staple cartridge 90 (which is releasable held on the inner body 110 within the loading unit assembly 100).

[0071] As the anvil assembly 52 of the tool assembly 50 continues to move into the outer housing 102 of the loading unit assembly 100, across the inner body 110, towards the release button 104, in the direction indicated by arrows “C” in FIG. 13, and the channel member 54 moves further into engagement with the staple cartridge 90, the distal portion 54b of the channel member 54 passes over the tab 130b of the latch member 130. When the opening 54d of the channel member 54 passes over the tab 130b of the latch member 130, the latch member 130 snaps upwardly into the opening 54d of the channel member 54 to couple the channel member 54 to the latch member 130. Once the channel member 54 is coupled to the latch member 130, any attempt to withdraw the tool assembly 50 from the loading unit assembly 100 (prior to actuation of the release button 104) is inhibited or prevented. Specifically, the channel member 54, and thus the tool assembly 50, may not be withdrawn from the loading unit assembly 100 until the anvil assembly 52 is moved to the fully loaded position within the loading unit assembly 100 and the release button 104 is fully actuated.

[0072] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, as the tool assembly 50 is fully inserted into the outer housing 102 of the loading unit assembly 100, a distal-most tip 52a of the anvil assembly 52 engages a camming surface or ramp 120d of the body portion 120a of the release button lock 120. In this manner, the distal-most tip 52a of the anvil assembly 52 deflects the release button lock 120, or moves the release button lock 120, relative to the release button 104, such that the blocking wall 120c of the release button lock 120 (which was in aligned blocking relationship to the stem 104c of the release button 104) is moved out of the aligned blocking relationship, in the direction indicated by arrow “D” in FIG. 13, until the window 120b of the release button lock 120 is inAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 aligned relation with the stem 104c of the release button 104. With the window 120b of the release button lock 120 in aligned relation with the stem 104c of the release button 104, the release button 104 may be actuated.

[0073] FIG. 15 illustrates movement of the release button 104 from the initial position to the actuated position. With the window 120b of the release button lock 120 in aligned relation with the stem 104c of the release button 104, when the release button 104 is moved from the initial position to the actuated position, in the direction of arrow “E” in FIG. 15, the tongue 104b of the release button 104 engages a distal portion of the staple cartridge 90 to pivot the distal portion of the staple cartridge 90, in the direction of arrow “F” in FIG. 15, into the cavity 54a of the channel member 54, and to force the distal portion of the staple cartridge 90 to act on the second portion 130c of the body 130a of the latch member 130, to disengage the tab 130d from the channel member 54c. Further, as the tongue 104b of the release button 104 acts on the staple cartridge 90 to load the staple cartridge 90 into the cavity 54a of the channel 54, the proximal and distal retention members 90e of the staple cartridge 90 are forced to snap beyond the retention fingers 111 of the inner body 110 of the loading unit assembly 100 to release the staple cartridge 90 from the inner body 110 and thus from the loading unit assembly 100.

[0074] Once the tab 130d of the latch member 130 is disengaged from the channel member 54, the tool assembly 50 may be withdrawn from the outer housing 102 of the loading unit assembly 100 leaving the second buttress material 94 positioned on the anvil assembly 52 and the staple cartridge 90 (pre-loaded with first buttress material 92) received within the channel member 54 of the tool assembly 50 (FIG. 17).

[0075] As mentioned above, and as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the release button 104 is fully actuated relative to the outer housing 102, the resilient snaps 104d of the release button 104 have been snapped over or moved distal of the tabs 102a of the outer housing 102 and thus hold the release button 104 in the fully actuated or depressed position (FIG. 16).

[0076] 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 aspect of the disclosure may be combined with the elements andAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 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.

[0077] The following examples are illustrative of the techniques described herein.

[0078] Example 1. A loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly of a stapling device, the loading unit assembly comprising: an outer housing defining a cavity and an opening at a first end of the outer housing which is in communication with the cavity; a release button supported by the outer housing at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button including a stem extending into the cavity and toward the opening of the outer housing; an inner body located within the cavity of the outer housing, the inner body defining a first channel and a second channel within the cavity of the outer housing, the first channel being configured to receive an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, and the second channel being configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly; the inner body including spaced retention fingers extending from the inner body and extending into the second channel; a release button lock supported on and extending from the inner body at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button lock including: a resilient arm extending from the inner body; and a body portion supported at an end of the resilient arm, wherein the body portion defines a window facing the release button and a blocking wall, the release button lock movable between: a locked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button; and an unlocked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button; a staple cartridge releasably supported by the spaced retention fingers of the inner body, the staple cartridge supporting a cartridge buttress, wherein the cartridge buttress is interposed between the inner body and the staple cartridge; and an anvil buttress disposed within the first channel and supported on the inner body.

[0079] Example 2. The loading unit assembly of example 1, wherein the body portion of the release button lock defines a camming surface, wherein during insertion of the anvil assembly of the tool assembly into the first channel, the anvil assembly acts on the cammingAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 surface of the release button lock to move the release button from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0080] Example 3. The loading unit assembly of example 2, wherein the release button is movable between an initial position and an actuated portion position when the release button lock is in the unlocked position.

[0081] Example 4. The loading unit assembly of example 3, wherein during movement of the release button between the initial position and the actuated position, the release button acts on the staple cartridge to disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body.

[0082] Example 5. The loading unit assembly of example 4, further comprising: a latch member supported in the second channel of the loading unit assembly and in spaced relation from the inner body, the latch member including a tab extending toward the inner body, wherein the latch member is movable between: an engaged position wherein the tab is received in a slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly as the cartridge receiving channel translates through the second channel during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly, whereby the tool assembly is secured to the loading unit assembly; and a disengaged position wherein the tab is free of the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly, whereby the tool assembly is releasable from the loading unit assembly.

[0083] Example 6. The loading unit assembly of example 5, wherein the release button further includes a tongue extending toward the inner body and aligned with the second channel, wherein during movement of the release button from the initial position to the actuated position, the tongue of the release button acts on the staple cartridge to: disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body; and force the staple cartridge against the latch member to disengage the tab of the latch member from the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly.

[0084] Example 7. The loading unit assembly of example 6, wherein the latch member is a biasing member.Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01

[0085] Example 8. The loading unit assembly of example 1, wherein the inner body of the loading unit assembly includes: a first pair of prongs located proximate the release button lock and extending into the first channel; and a second pair of prongs extending toward the opening of the outer housing, and wherein the anvil buttress includes: a distal end connected to the first pair of prongs, whereby the distal end of the anvil buttress extends into the first channel; and a proximal end connected to the second pair of prongs.

[0086] Example 9. The loading unit assembly of example 8, wherein the anvil buttress defines a window formed in a distal end portion of the anvil buttress, at a location proximal of the first pair of prongs, and wherein the window of the anvil buttress is configured and dimensioned to receive a distal end of the anvil assembly during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly.

[0087] Example 10. A loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly of a stapling device, the loading unit assembly comprising: an outer housing defining a cavity and an opening at a first end of the outer housing which is in communication with the cavity; a release button supported by the outer housing at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button including a stem extending into the cavity and toward the opening of the outer housing; an inner body located within the cavity of the outer housing, the inner body defining a first channel and a second channel within the cavity of the outer housing, the first channel being configured to receive an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, and the second channel being configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly; a release button lock supported on and extending from the inner body at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button lock including: a resilient arm extending from the inner body; and a body portion supported at an end of the resilient arm, wherein the body portion defines a window facing the release button and a blocking wall, wherein the release button lock is movable between: a locked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button; and an unlocked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button; an anvil buttress disposed within the first channel and supported on the inner body; and a staple cartridge disposed within the second channel and releasably supported on the innerAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 body, the staple cartridge supporting a cartridge buttress, wherein the cartridge buttress is interposed between the inner body and the staple cartridge.

[0088] Example 11. The loading unit assembly of example 10, wherein the body portion of the release button lock defines a camming surface, wherein during insertion of the anvil assembly of the tool assembly into the first channel, the anvil assembly acts on the camming surface of the release button lock to move the release button from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0089] Example 12. The loading unit assembly of example 11 , wherein the release button is movable between an initial position and an actuated position when the release button lock is in the unlocked position.

[0090] Example 13. The loading unit assembly of example 12, wherein during movement of the release button between the initial position and the actuated position, the release button acts on the staple cartridge to disengage the staple cartridge from the inner body.

[0091] Example 14. The loading unit assembly of example 13, further comprising:a latch member supported in the second channel of the loading unit assembly and in spaced relation from the inner body, the latch member including a tab extending toward the inner body, wherein the latch member is movable between: an engaged position wherein the tab is received in a slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly as the cartridge receiving channel translates through the second channel during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly, whereby the tool assembly is secured to the loading unit assembly; and a disengaged position wherein the tab is free of the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly, whereby the tool assembly is releasable from the loading unit assembly.

[0092] Example 15. The loading unit assembly of example 14, wherein the release button further includes a tongue extending toward the inner body and aligned with the second channel, wherein during movement of the release button from the initial position to the actuated position, the tongue of the release button acts on the staple cartridge to: disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body; and force the staple cartridge against the latchAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 member to disengage the tab of the latch member from the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly.

[0093] Example 16. The loading unit assembly of example 15, wherein the latch member is a biasing member.

[0094] Example 17. The loading unit assembly of example 10, wherein the inner body of the loading unit assembly includes: a first pair of prongs located proximate the release button lock and extending into the first channel; and a second pair of prongs extending toward the opening of the outer housing, wherein the anvil buttress includes a distal end connected to the first pair of prongs, whereby the distal end of the anvil buttress extends into the first channel, and wherein the anvil buttress includes a proximal end connected to the second pair of prongs.

[0095] Example 18. The loading unit assembly of example 17, wherein the anvil buttress defines a window formed in a distal end portion of the anvil buttress, at a location proximal of the first pair of prongs, and wherein the window of the anvil buttress is configured and dimensioned to receive a distal end of the anvil assembly during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly.

[0096] Example 19. The loading unit assembly of example 10, wherein the inner body includes spaced retention fingers extending from the inner body and extending into the second channel, and wherein the staple cartridge is releasably supported by the spaced retention fingers of the inner body.

[0097] Example 20. A loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly of a stapling device, the loading unit assembly comprising: an outer housing defining a cavity and an opening at a first end of the outer housing which is in communication with the cavity; a release button supported by the outer housing at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button including a stem extending into the cavity and toward the opening of the outer housing; an inner body located within the cavity of the outer housing, the inner body defining a first channel and a second channel within the cavity of the outer housing, the first channel being configured to receive an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, and the second channel being configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel of theAttorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 tool assembly, the inner body including spaced retention fingers extending from the inner body and extending into the second channel; a release button lock supported on and extending from the inner body at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button lock movable between a locked position wherein a blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button to block actuation of the release button, and an unlocked position wherein a window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button to permit actuation of the release button; an anvil buttress disposed within the first channel and supported on the inner body; and a staple cartridge disposed within the second channel and releasably supported on the inner body, the staple cartridge supporting a cartridge buttress interposed between the inner body and the staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge is released from the inner body upon movement of the release button lock to the unlocked position during insertion of the tool assembly into the outer housing, and thereafter actuating the release button to move the release button into contact with the staple cartridge and disengage the staple cartridge from the inner body.

Claims

Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A loading unit assembly for loading a buttress material and a staple cartridge onto a tool assembly of a stapling device, the loading unit assembly comprising: an outer housing defining a cavity and an opening at a first end of the outer housing which is in communication with the cavity; a release button supported by the outer housing at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button including a stem extending into the cavity and toward the opening of the outer housing; an inner body located within the cavity of the outer housing, the inner body defining a first channel and a second channel within the cavity of the outer housing, the first channel being configured to receive an anvil assembly of the tool assembly, and the second channel being configured to receive a cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly; the inner body including spaced retention fingers extending from the inner body and extending into the second channel; a release button lock supported on and extending from the inner body at a location opposite the opening of the outer housing, the release button lock including: a resilient arm extending from the inner body; and a body portion supported at an end of the resilient arm, wherein the body portion defines a window facing the release button and a blocking wall, the release button lock movable between: a locked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the blocking wall of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button; and an unlocked position wherein the body portion is positioned such that the window of the release button lock is aligned with the stem of the release button and permits actuation of the release button;Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ01 a staple cartridge releasably supported by the spaced retention fingers of the inner body, the staple cartridge supporting a cartridge buttress, wherein the cartridge buttress is interposed between the inner body and the staple cartridge; and an anvil buttress disposed within the first channel and supported on the inner body.

2. The loading unit assembly of claim 1 , wherein the body portion of the release button lock defines a camming surface, wherein during insertion of the anvil assembly of the tool assembly into the first channel, the anvil assembly acts on the camming surface of the release button lock to move the release button from the locked position to the unlocked position.

3. The loading unit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the release button is movable between an initial position and an actuated portion position when the release button lock is in the unlocked position.

4. The loading unit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein during movement of the release button between the initial position and the actuated position, the release button acts on the staple cartridge to disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body.

5. The loading unit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a latch member supported in the second channel of the loading unit assembly and in spaced relation from the inner body, the latch member including a tab extending toward the inner body, wherein the latch member is movable between: an engaged position wherein the tab is received in a slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly as the cartridge receiving channel translates through the second channel during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly, whereby the tool assembly is secured to the loading unit assembly; and a disengaged position wherein the tab is free of the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly, whereby the tool assembly is releasable from the loading unit assembly.Attorney Docket No,: A0012784WQ016. The loading unit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the release button further includes a tongue extending toward the inner body and aligned with the second channel, wherein during movement of the release button from the initial position to the actuated position, the tongue of the release button acts on the staple cartridge to: disengage the staple cartridge from the spaced retention fingers of the inner body; and force the staple cartridge against the latch member to disengage the tab of the latch member from the slot defined in the cartridge receiving channel of the tool assembly.

7. The loading unit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the latch member is a biasing member.

8. The loading unit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner body of the loading unit assembly includes: a first pair of prongs located proximate the release button lock and extending into the first channel; and a second pair of prongs extending toward the opening of the outer housing, and wherein the anvil buttress includes: a distal end connected to the first pair of prongs, whereby the distal end of the anvil buttress extends into the first channel; and a proximal end connected to the second pair of prongs.

9. The loading unit assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the anvil buttress defines a window formed in a distal end portion of the anvil buttress, at a location proximal of the first pair of prongs, and wherein the window of the anvil buttress is configured and dimensioned to receive a distal end of the anvil assembly during insertion of the tool assembly into the loading unit assembly.

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