`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`17 April 2003 (17.04.2003)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`W0 03/030743 A2
`
`(51) International Patent Classificationh
`
`A61B 17/072
`
`Frank, C. [US/US]; 19 Heather Ridge, Shelton, CT 06484
`(US).
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/USO2/32031
`
`_
`,
`,
`.
`(22) International Filing Date: 4 October 2002 (04.10.2002)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Pmmy Dan"
`60/327,527
`60/363,487
`60/363502
`
`5 October 2001 (05.10.2001)
`11 March 2002 (11.03.2002)
`")
`H Mamh 2005 (11032002)
`
`US
`US
`US
`
`(71) Applicant 0‘01” all designated States except US): TYCO
`HEALTHCARE GROUP LP [US/US]; 150 Glover AV—
`enuee Norwalk CT 06350013)-
`
`(74) Agents: AUDET, Paul, R.; Tyco Healthcare Group LP,
`150 Glover Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 et ill. (US).
`
`(8|) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU,
`CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE. ES, H. GB, GD, GE, GH,
`
`GM, HR, HU: ID: IL, IN: IS: JP: KE, KG: KP, KR, KzaLC:
`LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,
`MX, M2, NO, NZ, OM, PH, PL, PT, Ro, RU, SD, SE, SG,
`SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TN, TR. TT, TZ, UA, UG. US, UZ,
`VN’ YU’ ZA’ ZNL ZW'
`(84) Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW),
`Eurasian patent (AM, AZ,BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM),
`European patent (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE,
`ES, FL FR, GB, GR, iE, IT, LU, MC. NL, PT, SE, SK,
`TR), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ,
`GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): WENCHELL,
`Published:
`Tom [US/US]; 73 Oak Terrace, Durham, CT 06422 (US).
`MARCZYK, Stanislaw [US/US]; 113 A Riverhend Road, 7 without international search report and to be republished
`Stratford, CT 06614 (US). WHITFIELD, Kenneth, H.
`upon receipt of that report
`[US/US]; 335 Norton Street, New Haven, CT 06511 (US).
`CZERNIK, Roman [US/US]; 15 Ranch Drive, Trume
`bull, CT 06611 (US). HOLSTEN, Henry, E. [US/US];
`25 Cedar Avenue, Wolcott, CT 06716 (US). MAFFEI,
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`once Notes on Codes andAbbreviations " appearing at the begin-
`ning ofeach regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`(54) Title: SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE
`
`N (57) Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising
`< tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose
`length can be between about 30mm and 60mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly
`m and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a
`pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow—out plate assembly is positioned on opposite
`l\ sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is
`slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge
`assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially
`\ when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably. a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading
`unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the
`articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a
`o predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member
`a which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides am audible arid/or tactile indication that the
`device has been actuated.
`
`4 0
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`
`1
`1
`
`IS 1019
`Intuitive Surgical v. Ethicon
`|PR2019-00880
`
`IS 1019
`Intuitive Surgical v. Ethicon
`IPR2019-00880
`
`
`
`W0 03/030743
`
`PCT/US02/32031
`
`SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE
`
`This application claims priority to US. Provisional application Serial Nos.
`
`60/327,527 filed October 5, 2001, 60/363,487 filed March 11, 2002 and 60/363,502
`
`filed March 11, 2002. These applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
`
`entireties.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1.
`
`Technical Field
`
`This application relates to a surgical stapling device for applying staples to
`
`tissue. More particularly, this application relates to a surgical stapling device having an
`
`articulatable tool member for applying linear rows of staples to tissue and concurrently
`
`incising the tissue between the linear rows of staples.
`
`2.
`
`Background of Related Art
`
`Surgical devices for grasping or clamping tissue between opposed jaw structure
`
`of a tool assembly and thereafter fastening the clamped tissue are well known in the art.
`
`These devices may include a knife for incising the fastened tissue. The fasteners are
`
`typically in the form of surgical staples but two part fasteners formed of a material
`
`suitable for surgical use are also well known.
`
`Typically, the tool member includes a staple cartridge which houses a plurality
`
`of staples arranged in at least two laterally spaced rows and an anvil which includes a
`
`plurality of staple forming pockets for receiving and forming staple legs of the staples
`
`as the staples are driven from the cartridge. Generally, the stapling operation is
`
`effected by cam bars that travel longitudinally through the staple cartridge, with the
`
`cam bars acting upon staple pushers to sequentially eject the staples from the staple
`
`cartridge. A knife can travel between the staple rows to longitudinally cut and/or open
`
`the stapled tissue between the rows of staples.
`
`.
`
`In laparoscopic and/0r endoscopic surgical procedures, the surgical procedure is
`
`performed through a small incision or through a narrow cannula inserted through a
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`small entrance wound in a patient. In conventional or open procedures, surgeons
`
`directly access an operative site. Because of reduced patient trauma, shortened patient
`
`recovery periods and substantial reduction in overall cost, laparoscopic procedures are
`
`preferred over open procedures. In order to address the specific needs of endoscopic
`
`and/0r laparoscopic surgical procedures, endoscopic surgical stapling devices have
`
`been developed which provide a surgeon with easier access to the operative site.
`
`Typically, these stapling devices include an articulatable tool member which is
`
`supported adjacent to the distal end of the stapling device. The tool member can be
`
`selectively manipulated to allow a surgeon to manipulate a tool assembly in a confined
`
`10
`
`space. Tyco Healthcare Group, LP has manufactured and marketed articulatable
`
`endoscopic stapling instruments such as the MULTIFIRE ENDO GIA *30,
`
`MULTIFIRE ENDO GIA 60 and ENDO GIA *Universal for several years. These
`
`instruments have provided significant clinical benefits to the field of endoscopic
`
`surgery. Nonetheless, improvements in the area of reducing cost and complexity of
`
`15
`
`manufacture are desirable.
`
`In making improvements or modifications to the current instruments, it would
`
`be highly desirable not to sacrifice any of the important benefits of the [MULTIFIRE
`
`ENDO GIA * 30 and 60] instruments as compared to other commercially available
`
`products. For example, any improvement should advantageously provide a fresh knife
`
`blade for each firing of the instrument and permit operation of the instrument with
`
`multiple size disposable loading units (DLU’s).
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In accordance with the present disclosure, a surgical stapling device for
`
`sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising
`
`tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading.
`
`units having linear rows of staples having a length of between about 30mm and 60mm.
`
`The disposable loading units include an articulatable tool assembly which can be
`
`operated by manipulating an articulation lever located adjacent a handle assembly of
`
`the surgical stapling device.
`
`In addition to the handle assembly, the surgical stapling device includes an
`
`elongated body defining the longitudinal axis of the device. The elongated body is
`
`20
`
`25
`
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`
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`
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`
`operably connected to the handle assembly, for example, by a rotatable collar or knob
`
`which is rotatable to effect rotation of the elongated body about the longitudinal axis of
`
`the device. The handle assembly includes a movable handle and a stationary handle.
`
`The movable handle is movable through an actuation stroke to approximate a cartridge
`
`assembly and an anvil assembly, clamp tissue and eject staples from the cartridge
`
`assembly of the disposable loading unit.
`
`The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting
`
`assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end
`
`of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the
`
`proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on
`
`opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the
`
`mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the
`
`support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples
`
`from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the
`
`axial drive assembly during actuation especially when the tool assembly is articulated.
`
`An articulation link is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable
`
`loading unit. A first end of the articulation link is operably connected to an articulation
`
`I assembly of the surgical stapling device. A second end of the articulation link is
`
`connected to the mounting assembly at a point offset from the pivot axis. The
`
`articulation link is movable to pivot the mounting assembly about the pivot axis to
`
`articulate the tool assembly. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body
`
`portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage the articulation
`
`link. Engagement between the protrusion and articulation link retains the articulation
`
`link at an axially fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool
`
`assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the
`
`articulation link. A recess or recesses may be provided on the articulation link at a
`
`position to receive the protrusion to selectively retain the tool assembly at a multiplicity
`
`of articulated positions. Alternately, recesses may be provided in the proximal body
`
`portion of the disposable loading unit and the protrusion may be provided on the
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`20
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`25
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`articulation link.
`
`The disposable loading unit preferably includes a locking member which is
`
`operably connected to the axial driVe assembly. The locking member includes one or
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`4
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`
`more extensions or protrusions which are configured to be received within recesses
`
`formed in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit. When the drive
`
`assembly is actuated to approximate the tool assembly, the protrusions are forced from
`
`the recesses to provide an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been
`
`actuated. The locking member also prevents actuation or movement of the drive
`
`assembly during shipping.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
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`
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`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Various preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling
`
`device are described herein with reference to the drawings:
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective View of one preferred embodiment of the presently
`
`disclosed surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the presently
`
`disclosed surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG. 3 is a side View of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 4 is a top view of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 5 is a perspective View with parts separated of the handle assembly of the
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 6 is a front side perspective View of the surgical stapling device shown in
`
`FIG. 2 with a housing half section, the rotatable knob, and the outer tube of the
`
`elongated body removed;
`
`FIG. 7 is an enlarged side perspective view with portions broken away of the
`
`handle assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with the housing half
`
`section removed;
`
`FIG. 8 is an enlarged side View of the handle assembly with portions broken
`
`away of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with the housing half section
`
`removed;
`
`FIG. 9 is a rear side perspective view of the surgical stapling device shown in
`
`FIG, 2 with the housing half section, the rotatable knob, and the outer tube of the
`
`elongated body of the instrument removed;
`
`FIG. 10 is a side vertical cross sectional view of the surgical stapling device
`
`shown in FIG. 2;
`
`5
`
`
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`
`FIG. 11 is an exploded side perspective view of the rotatable knob and
`
`articulation assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional View of the rotatable knob, articulation
`
`assembly and elongated body of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;
`
`FIG. 12A is an exploded side perspective View of the elongated body, firing rod,
`
`sensor plate and shim of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1;
`
`FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the rack lock of the surgical stapling
`
`device shown in FIG. 1;
`
`FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the rack lock shown in FIG. 13;
`
`10
`
`FIG. 15 is an exploded top perspective view of the articulation lever, cam cover
`
`and cam member assembly, and drive member of the surgical stapling device shown in
`
`FIG. 1;
`
`FIG. 16 is an exploded top perspective View of the elongated body of the
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the lock button and the plate and
`
`IS
`
`spring assembly;
`
`FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the elongated body of the surgical stapling
`
`device shown in FIG. 2 with the outer tube of the elongated body removed;
`
`FIG. 18 is an enlarged side view, with portions broken away, of the handle
`
`assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with a housing half section
`
`removed and the pawl engaging the lock rack;
`
`FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the pawl and plunger mechanism of the
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 20 is a top front perspective view of the surgical stapling device shown in
`
`FIG. 2 with the disposable loading unit detached from the elongated body;
`
`FIG. 21 is a side cross sectional view of the disposable loading unit of the
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 22 is an exploded top perspective View of the tool assembly of the
`
`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective View, with portions broken away, of the
`
`distal end of the anvil assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2
`
`showing a plurality of staple forming cavities;
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`FIG. 24 is an enlarged top perspective view of the distal end of the staple
`
`cartridge of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 25 is a side cross sectional View taken along a portion of section lines 25-
`
`25 of FIG. 24;
`
`FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective View of the actuation sled, the pushers and
`
`the fasteners of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective View of the staple cartridge shown in FIG. 22;
`
`FIG. 28 is an enlarged exploded top perspective view of the proximal body
`
`portion and mounting assembly of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 28a is an enlarged side perspective View of the blow out plate assembly of
`
`the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 28b is a top View, with portions broken away, of the proximal end of the
`
`tool assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading
`
`unit with the top housing half of the disposable loading unit removed;
`
`FIG. 280 is a side vertical cross sectional View of the proximal end of the tool
`
`assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit
`
`of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`FIG. 28d is a top perspective View of the locking member of the blow out plate
`
`20
`
`assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`I
`FIG. 28e is a front elevational View of the locking member shown in FIG. 28d;
`
`FIG. 28f is a top View, with portions broken away, of the locking member
`
`shown in FIG. 28d;
`
`FIG 28g is a vertical cross sectional View, with portions broken away, of the
`
`proximal end of the tool assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of
`
`the disposable loading unit of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 28h is a transverse cross sectional View, with portions broken away, of the
`
`proximal end of the tool assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of
`
`the disposable loading unit of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view, with portions broken away, of the
`
`mounting assembly of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21 mounted to a distal
`
`25
`
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`
`end portion of the proximal body portion;
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`FIG. 30 is a perspective View of the distal end of the proximal body portion and
`
`the mounting assembly of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21 with the upper
`
`housing half section removed;
`
`FIG. 31 is a perspective View of the proximal body portion and the mounting
`
`assembly of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21 with the upper housing half
`
`section and outer tube removed;
`
`FIG. 32 is a perspective View with parts separated of the axial drive assembly of
`
`the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective View of the axial drive assembly shown in
`
`10
`
`FIG. 32;
`
`FIG. 34 is an enlarged perspective View of the distal end of the axial drive
`
`assembly shown in FIG. 33;
`
`FIG. 35 is an enlarged perspective View of the distal end of the axial drive
`
`assembly shown in FIG. 32;
`
`FIG. 36 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking device shown in FIG. 32;
`
`FIG. 37 is an enlarged perspective View of a lower housing half of the proximal
`
`body portion of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 38 is a top horizontal cross sectional view of the proximal end of the
`
`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 39 is a side cross sectional View of the distal end of the proximal body
`portion, the mounting assembly and the proximal end of the tool assembly of the
`
`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the distal end of the elongated body portion of
`
`the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 41 is a perspective View of the proximal end of the disposable loading unit
`
`shown in FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 42 is a side view of the proximal end of the disposable loading unit shown
`
`in FIG. 21 and the distal end of the elongated body portion of the surgical stapling
`
`device shown in FIG. 2 prior to attachment of the disposable loading unit to the
`
`elongated body portion;
`
`FIG. 42a is an enlarged perspective View of the proximal end of the disposable
`
`loading unit shown in FIG. 21;
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`FIG. 43 is a side View of the proximal end of the disposable loading unit and the
`
`distal end of the elongated body portion during attachment of the disposable loading
`
`unit to the elongated body portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`FIG. 44 is a side cross sectional view of the distal end of the elongated body
`
`portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 and the proximal end of the
`
`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21 during attachment of the disposable loading
`
`unit to the elongated body portion;
`
`FIG. 45 is a side view of the proximal end of the disposable loading unit and the
`
`distal end of the elongated body portion during attachment of the disposable loading
`
`unit to the elongated body portion;
`
`FIG. 46 is a perspective partial cut away view, with portions broken away, of
`
`the proximal end of the disposable loading unit and the distal end of the elongated body
`
`portion during attachment of the disposable loading unit to the elongated body portion;
`
`FIG. 47 is a side cross—sectional view of the surgical stapling device shown in
`
`FIG. 2 in the unapproximated position;
`
`10
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`15
`
`FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 47;
`
`FIG. 49 is an enlarged View of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 47;
`
`FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 50—50 shown in FIG.
`
`49;
`
`20
`
`FIG. 51 is a side view of the handle assembly of the surgical stapling device
`
`shown in FIG. 2 with the handle housing and the rotatable knob shown in phantom and
`
`illustrating the sequence of operation during attachment of a disposable loading unit to
`
`the surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG. 52 is a top view, with portions broken away, of the cam cover and cam
`
`member assembly and sensor cap illustrating the sequence of operation during
`
`attachment of a disposable loading unit to the elongated body of the surgical stapling
`
`device;
`
`FIG. 52A is a top view of the cam cover and cam member assembly and sensor
`
`cap prior to attachment of a disposable loading unit to the elongated body portion of the
`
`surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG. 53 is a side cross—sectional view of the tool assembly of the surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG. 2 in the unapproximated position;
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`FIG. 54 is a side cross-sectional view, with portions broken away, of the handle
`
`assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 during approximation of the
`
`surgical stapling device.
`
`FIG. 55 is an enlarged View of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 54;
`
`FIG. 56 is a side cross-sectional View of the proximal end of the proximal body
`
`portion of the disposable loading unit of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2
`
`after the device has been approximated;
`
`FIG. 57 is a side cross sectional view of the tool assembly of the disposable
`
`loading unit of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 in the approximated
`
`10
`
`position;
`
`FIG. 58 is a side cross sectional view of the handle assembly of the surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG. 2 in the approximated position with the handle in the
`
`non-compressed position;
`
`FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view taken along a portion of section lines 59-59 of
`
`15
`
`FIG. 58;
`
`FIG. 60 is a side cross sectional view of the handle assembly of the surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with the plunger disengaged from the vertical pawl;
`
`FIG. 61 is a cross—sectional view taken along a portion of section lines 61 -61 of
`
`FIG. 60;
`
`FIG. 62 is an enlarged View of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 60;
`
`FIG. 63 is a side cross-sectional View of the handle assembly of the surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG. 2 during the firing stroke of the surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG. 64 is a cross sectional view taken along a portion of section lines 64-64 of
`
`FIG. 63;
`
`FIG. 65 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 63;
`
`FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional View of the distal end of the tool assembly during
`
`the firing stroke of the surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG. 67 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool assembly of the surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG. 2 after completion of the firing stroke;
`
`FIG. 68 is a side View of the handle assembly of the surgical stapling device
`
`shown in FIG. 2 during retraction of the actuation shaft;
`
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`FIG. 69 is a top view of the rotatable knob and articulation mechanism of the
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with the tool assembly articulated in a first
`
`direction with the rotatable knob and the articulation lever shown in phantom;
`
`FIG. 70 is a top view of the rotatable knob and articulation mechanism of the
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with the tool assembly articulated in a second
`
`direction;
`
`FIG. 71 is a side perspective view of the articulation mechanism of the surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG. 2;
`
`F1G. 72 is a top view of the rotatable knob and articulation mechanism of the
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with the rotatable knob and articulation lever
`
`shown in phantom;
`
`FIG. 73 is a top view of the distal end of the disposable loading unit prior to
`
`articulation of the tool assembly;
`
`FIG. 74 is a top view of the distal end of the disposable loading unit during
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`articulation of the tool assembly in a first direction;
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`FIG. 75 is a top view of the distal end of the disposable loading unit shown in
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`FIG. 21 during articulation of the tool assembly in a second direction;
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`FIG. 76 is a side perspective view of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG.
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`2 with the tool assembly articulated in a first direction;
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`FIG. 77 is a side perspective View of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG.
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`2 with the tool assembly articulated in a second direction;
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`FIG. 78 is a side partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the disposable
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`loading unit shown in FIG. 21 during retraction of the locking device;
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`FIG. 79 is a side partial cross-sectional View of a portion of the disposable
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`loading unit shown in FIG. 21 with the locking device in the locked position;
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`FIG. 80 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the proximal body portion
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`and mounting assembly of another preferred embodiment of the disposable loading
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`unit;
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`FIG. 81 is an enlarged side perspective view of the blow out plate assembly of
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`the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`10
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`11
`11
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`FIG. 82 is a top View, with portions broken away, of the proximal end of the
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`tool assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading
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`unit shown in FIG. 80 with the top housing half of the disposable loading unit removed;
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`FIG. 83 is a side cross-sectional View of the proximal end of the tool assembly
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`and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit shown in
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`FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 84A is a top perspective view of the locking member of the blow out plate
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`assembly of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 84B is a front elevational view of the locking member shown in FIG. 84A;
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`FIG. 84C is a top View of the locking member shown in FIG. 84A;
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`FIG. 85 is a side cross—sectional view of the proximal end of the tool assembly
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`and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit shown in
`
`FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 86 is a transverse cross-sectional View of the proximal end of the tool
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`assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit
`
`shown in FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 87 is a perspective view of the distal end of the proximal body portion and
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`the mounting assembly of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 88 is a perspective View of the distal end of the proximal body portion and
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`mounting assembly of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80 with the upper
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`housing half removed;
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`FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the distal end of the proximal body portion with
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`the upper housing half section removed;
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`FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the upper housing half of the proximal body
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`portion of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 90A is an enlarged View of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 90;
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`FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the articulation link of the disposable loading
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`unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 91A is an enlarged View of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 91;
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`FIG. 92 is a side view of the upper housing half and the articulation link of the
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`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`ll
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`12
`12
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`FIG. 93 is a side View of the upper housing half and articulation link of the
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`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80 as the articulation link is advanced to
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`articulate the tool assembly;
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`FIG. 94 is a perspective View of the locking member of the disposable loading
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`unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`FIG. 95 is a perspective view of the proximal end of the proximal body portion
`
`of the disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80; and
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`FIG. 96 is a top view of the proximal end of the proximal body portion of the
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`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80.
`
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device will
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`now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference
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`numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.
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`In the description that follows, the term “proximal”, as is traditional, will refer
`
`to the end of the stapling device which is closest to the operator, while the term distal
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`will refer to the end of the device which is furthest from the operator.
`
`FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the presently disclosed
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`surgical stapling device shown generally as 10. Briefly, surgical stapling device 10
`
`includes a handle assembly 12 and an elongated body 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
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`2, the length of elongated body 14 may vary to suit a particular surgical procedure. A
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`disposable loading unit or DLU 16 is releasably secured to a distal end of elongated
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`body 14. DLU 16 includes a proximal body portion 18, which forms an extension of
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`elongated body 14, and a distal tool assembly 20 including a cartridge assembly 22 and
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`an anvil assembly 24. Tool assembly 20 is pivotably connected to body 18 about an
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`axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated body 14.
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`Cartridge assembly 22 houses a plurality of staples. Anvil assembly 24 is movable in
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`relation to cartridge assembly 22 between an open position spaced from cartridge
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`assembly 22 and an approximated or clamped position in juxtaposed alignment with
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`cartridge assembly 24. Preferably, the staples are housed in cartridge assembly 22 to
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`apply linear rows of staples having a length measuring from about 30mm to about
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`60mm, although other staple configurations and lengths are envisioned.
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`12
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`13
`13
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`Handle assembly 12 includes a stationary handle member 26, a movable handle
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`or trigger 28 and a barrel portion 30. A rotatable member 32 is preferably rotatably
`
`mounted to the forward end of barrel portion 30 and secured to elongated body 14 to
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`facilitate rotation of elongated body 14 in relation to handle assembly 12. An
`
`articulation lever 122 is supported on a distal portion of barrel portion 30 and is
`
`operable, in a manner to be described hereafter, to effect articulation of tool assembly
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`20 with respect to body portion 18 of DLU 16. A pair of return knobs 36 are movably
`
`supported along barrel portion 30 to effect movement of surgical stapling device 10
`
`from an advanced position to a retracted position, as will be described in detail below.
`
`Referring to FIGS. 5-8, handle assembly 12 includes a housing 38, which is
`
`preferably formed from plastic molded housing half—sections 38a and 38b. Altemately,
`
`other materials may be used to form the housing including metals, e.g., stainless steel.
`
`Housing 38 forms stationary handle 26 and barrel portion 30 of handle assembly 12
`
`(see FIG. 1). Movable handle 28 is rotatably supported between housing half-sections
`
`38a and 38b about a cylindrical member 40 which is received within an opening 41 in
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`movable handle 28. A biasing member 42, which is preferably a torsion spring, urges
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`movable handle 28 away from stationary handle 26 to a non-compressed position.
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`Movable handle 28 includes a pair of throughbores 46 dimensioned to receive a pivot
`
`member 47. A pawl 48 is rotatably supported on pivot member 47 and is biased by a
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`spring 50 towards actuation shaft 52.
`
`Actuation shaft 52 is slidably supported between retracted and advanced
`
`positions within barrel portion 30 of housing 38 and includes a distal end defining a
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`recess 54 configured to rotatably receive the proximal end 56 of firing rod 58. A spring
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`biased