(12) United States Patent
`US 6,988,649 B2
`(10) Patent N0.:
`
`Shelton, IV et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 24, 2006
`
`USOO6988649B2
`
`(54) SURGICAL STAPIAING INSTRUMENT
`HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, Iv, llillsboro,
`OH (US); Michael Earl Setser,
`Burlington KY (US) William Bruce
`,
`’
`’.
`,
`welsenbmgh’ ”2 MameVlHe, OH (US)
`.
`,
`(73) ASSlgHCCI EtthOn limb-Surgery, 1116-,
`Cincinnati, OH (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 1540,) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. N0.: 10/4419565
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May 20, 2003
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2004/0232200 A1
`Nov. 25, 2004
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A61B 17/068
`(52) US. Ci.
`.................. 227/1752; 227/19; 227/1761;
`227/1801
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search ............. 227/1751,
`227/1752, 178.1, 182.1, 19, 180.1, 176.1
`See application file for complete search history,
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`7
`U-S- PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,892,244 A
`1/1990 Fox et al.
`5,031,814 A
`7/1991 Tompkins et al.
`5,040,715 A *
`8/1991 Green et al.
`............. 227/1761
`5,071,052 A
`12/1991 Rodak et 211-
`$137498 A
`8/1992 NObiS et 31-
`{307976 A *
`5/1994 0150,“ et al. """"""" 227/1753
`5,332,142 A *
`7/1994 Robinson et al.
`........ 227/1752
`5,397,046 A
`3/1995 Savage et al.
`5,413,267 A
`5/1995 Solyntjes et al.
`5,413,268 A
`5/1995 Green et al.
`
`5/1995 Williamson et al.
`5,415,334 A *
`8/1995 Plyley et a1.
`5,445,304 A
`5,465,895 A * 11/1995 Knodel et al.
`
`..... 227/1781
`
`........... 227/1761
`
`........... 227/1811
`......... 227/1752
`........... 227/1751
`
`1/19% Green et a1~
`524842995 A *
`1/1996 knodel-et al.
`5,487,500 A
`//1996 Belarskl et al.
`5,535,937 A
`5,562,239 A * 10/1996 Boial‘ski et al.
`5,562,241 A * 10/1996 Knodel et al.
`5,584,425 A
`12/1996 Savage et al.
`5,605,272 A *
`2/1997 Witt et al.
`............... 227/1752
`5,680,983 A
`10/1997 Plyley etal.
`5,709,334 A
`1/1998 Sorrentino et al.
`5,718,359 A
`2/1998 Palmer et al.
`5,735,445 A
`4/1998 Vidal et a1.
`5,779,131 A *
`7/1998 Knodel etal.
`5,820,009 A * 10/1998 lVIelling et al.
`5,826,776 A * 10/1998 Schulze et al.
`
`........... 227/1761
`
`..
`. 227/1761
`.......... 227/1761
`
`(Con‘mued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`W0
`
`VVO 03/030743
`
`4/2003
`
`Primary Examiner~Scott A. Smith
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Dean Garner
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Asurgical instrument for laparoswpic and endosc0pic clini—
`cal procedures simultaneously severs and staples tissue
`clamped in an end eflector comprlsmg an elongate channel,
`which holds a staple cartridge, and a pivotally attached
`anvil. An E-beam firing bar engages the channel and selec-
`tively engages the anvil during distal firing movements,
`wherein the tissue is severed and stapled driven upward
`from the staple cartridge to form against
`the anvil.
`In
`particular, a wedge integral to the staple cartridge is driven
`distally by a middle pin of the firing bar to effect stapling.
`Alockout mechanism of the staple cartridge responds to the
`presence of the wedge sled in its unfired position to allow the
`firing bar to fire. Otherwise, the lockout mechanism prevents
`firing when the staple cartridge is spent
`'
`
`11 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`(38
`/248 222
`’18
`
`
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`1
`
`IS 1023
`Intuitive Surgical v. Ethicon
`|PR201 9—00880
`
`IS 1023
`Intuitive Surgical v. Ethicon
`IPR2019-00880
`
`

`

`US 6,988,649 132
`
`Page 2
`
`_
`3,871,135 A *
`_
`39185791 A
`6,010,034 A *
`6,032,849 A
`6,079,606 A *
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`,.
`.
`2/1999 Wllhamson, 1V
`cl “1-
`------------------
`7/1999 Sorremlno 9131-
`
`. 227/1761
`1/2000 Johnson et a1.
`3/2000 Maeri eL 211.
`6/2000 Milliman et a1.
`
`227/1781
`
`........ 227/1752
`
`8/2000 Alli et a1.
`6,109,500 A
`3/2001 Geiste et a1.
`6,202,914 131*
`............ 227/1801
`6,669,073 132* 12/2003 Milliman ct a1.
`227/1752
`
`6,786,382 B1 *
`9/2004 Hoffman ......
`227/1781
`. 227/1801
`6,805,273 132* 10/2004 Bilotti et a1.
`10/2001 Nicholas et a1.
`2001/0029384 A1
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 24, 2006
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`US 6,988,649 132
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 24, 2006
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 24, 2006
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`Jan. 24, 2006
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`US. Patent
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`US 6,988,649 B2
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`FIG.29
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`22
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 24, 2006
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`Sheet 21 0f 21
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`US 6,988,649 B2
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`FIG.
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`23
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`

`

`US 6,988,649 B2
`
`1
`SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT
`HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is related to four co-pending and
`commonly-owned applications filed on even date herewith,
`the disclosure of each is hereby incorporated by reference in
`their entirety,
`these four applications being respectively
`entitled:
`
`(l) “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A
`FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL” to
`Frederick E. Shelton lV, Mike Setser, and Bruce Weisen-
`burgh;
`(2) “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING
`SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING & FIRING SYS-
`TEMS” to Frederick E. Shelton, Mike Setser, and Brian J.
`Hemmelgam;
`(3) “SURGICAL STAPLER INSTRUMENT HAVING A
`SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVEN-
`TION OF FIRING” to Frederick E. Shelton IV, Mike
`Setser, Bruce Weisenburgh; and
`(4) “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPO-
`RATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM” to Fre-
`derick E. Shelton IV, Mike Setser, and Bruce Weisen—
`burgh.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates in general to surgical stapler
`instruments that are capable of applying lines of staples to
`tissue while cutting the tissue between those staple lines and,
`more particularly, to improvements relating to stapler instru-
`ments and improvements in processes for forming various
`components of such stapler instruments.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`to
`Surgical staplers have been used in the prior art
`simultaneously make a longitudinal incision in tissue and
`apply lines of staples on opposing sides of the incision. Such
`instruments commonly include a pair of cooperating jaw
`members that, if the instrument is intended for endoscopic or
`laparoscopic applications, are capable of passing through a
`cannula passageway. One of the jaw members receives a
`staple cartridge having at least two laterally spaced rows of
`staples. The other jaw member defines an anvil having
`staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in
`the cartridge. The instrument includes a plurality of recip-
`rocating wedges which, when driven distally, pass through
`openings in the staple cartridge and engage drivers support-
`ing the staples to effect the firing of the staples toward the
`anvil.
`An example of a surgical stapler suitable for endoscopic
`applications is described in US. Pat. No. 5,465,895, which
`advantageously provides distinct closing and firing actions.
`Thereby, a clinician is able to close the jaw members upon
`tissue to position the tissue prior to firing. Once the clinician
`has determined that the jaw members are properly gripping
`tissue, the clinician can then fire the surgical stapler, thereby
`severing and stapling the tissue. The simultaneous severing
`and stapling avoids complications that may arise when
`performing such actions sequentially with different surgical
`
`tools that respectively only sever or staple.
`
`
`
`It is often advantageous to build an end e ector for the
`surgical stapler that is reusable. For instance, one patient
`
`2
`
`
`may need a series of severing and stapling operations.
`
`
`Replacing an entire end e ector for each operation tends to
`be economically inefficient. This is especially true if the end
`effector is built
`to be strong and reliable over repeated
`operations. To that end, staple cartridges are fitted into the
`end effector prior to each operation of the surgical stapler.
`Thus, a much smaller amount of the surgical stapler is
`discarded after each use.
`
`While the staple cartridge provides numerous advantages,
`it is desirable to prevent inadvertent firing of the surgical
`stapler when a spent staple cartridge is installed. Otherwise,
`the severing of tissue may occur without
`the staples to
`minimize bleeding.
`It is particularly desirable that preventng such inadvertent
`firing be accomplished in a reliable way that is not subject
`to an intervening malfunction. Moreover, for ease of manu-
`facturing and assembly,
`it
`is further desirable that
`the
`lockout features be accomplished with a minimum number
`of components.
`Consequently, a significant need exists for an improved
`surgical stapling and severing instrument that prevents inad-
`vertent firing (i.e., severing and stapling) when a staple
`cartridge is not installed or is spent, having been previously
`fired.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention overcomes the above-noted and other defi-
`ciencies of the prior art by providing a lockout mechanism
`that prevents firing a surgical stapling and severing instru-
`ment when a staple cartridge is already spent. In particular,
`the lock mechanism prevents distal movement of a firing bar,
`and thus severing of tissue, in instances where simultaneous
`stapling would not occur.
`instrument
`In one aspect of the invention, a surgical
`includes a handle portion operable to produce a
`firing
`motion that actuates an implement portion. This implement
`portion has an elongate channel
`that receives a staple
`cartridge with a firing drive slot defined therebetween. A
`firing mechanism engages the elongate channel along its
`longitudinal length and includes an engaging device that
`traverses the firing drive slot for distally moving a wedge
`sled in the staple cartridge. A lockout mechanism is advan-
`tageously positioned to be moved out of the firing drive slot
`by the presence of the wedge sled in its unfrred, proximal
`position, and thus allowing the firing bar to fire. When the
`wedge sled is moved to its distal position (i.e., spent
`cartridge), the lockout mechanism resiliently moves down-
`wardly from the staple cartridge into the firing drive slot.
`The proximal and distal sides of the lockout mechanism
`present in the firing drive slot are shaped to allow the
`engaging device of the firing bar to return to its proximal,
`initial position but to thereafter impede distal movement
`until an unfired staple cartridge is installed.
`These and other objects and advantages of the present
`invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying
`drawings and the description thereof.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodi—
`ments of the invention, and,
`together with the general
`description of the invention given above, and the detailed
`description of the embodiments given below, serve to
`explain the principles of the present invention.
`
`m
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4o
`
`45
`
`35
`
`60
`
`65
`
`24
`24
`
`

`

`US 6,988,649 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 1 depicts a partially cut-away side elevation View of
`a surgical stapling and severing instrument
`in an open
`position.
`FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional side elevation detail view
`along the line 2—2 of FIG. 1 of an end effector of the
`surgical stapling and severing instrument.
`FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged side elevation View of the firing
`bar of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG.
`2.
`
`FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged front view of the firing bar of
`the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional side elevation detail View
`of an alternative end effector for the surgical stapling and
`severing instrument of FIG. 1, incorporating a firing bar that
`lacks a middle pin for preventing pinching of the end
`effector.
`FIG. 6 depicts a side elevational vier of a handle portion
`of a proximal end of the surgical stapling and severing
`instrument of FIG. 1 with a left side removed to expose
`interior parts in an unclamped, unfired (“start”) position.
`FIG. 7 depicts a perspective, exploded View of the handle
`portion of the proximal end of the surgical stapling and
`severing instrument of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 8 depicts a side elevational view of the handle
`portion of the proximal end of the surgical stapling and
`severing instrument of FIG. 1 with the left side removed to
`expose interior parts in the closed (“clamped”) position.
`FIG. 9 depicts a side elevational view of the handle
`portion of proximal end of surgical stapling and severing
`instrument of FIG. 1 with the left side removed to expose
`interior parts in the stapled and severed (“fired”) position.
`FIG. 10 depicts an isometric View of the end effector at the
`distal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of
`FIG. 1 with the anvil in the up or open position exposing the
`staple cartridge and cutting edge of the firing bar.
`FIG. 11 depicts an isometric, exploded view of the
`implement portion of the surgical stapling and severing
`instrument of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 12 depicts an isometric View of the end effector at the
`distal end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of
`FIG. 1 with the anvil in the up or open position with the
`cartridge largely removed exposing a single staple driver
`and a double staple driver as exemplary and the wedge sled
`in its start position against a middle pin of the firing bar.
`FIG. 13 depicts an isometric View of the distal end of the
`surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. I with the
`anvil in the up or open position with the staple cartridge
`completely removed and a portion of an elongate channel
`removed to expose a lowermost pin of the firing bar.
`FIG. 14 depicts a side elevation View in section showing
`a mechanical relationship between the anvil, elongate chan—
`nel, and staple cartridge in the closed position of the surgical
`stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1,
`the section
`generally taken along lines 14—14 of FIG. 10 to expose
`wedge sled, staple drivers and staples but also depicting the
`firing bar along the longitudinal centerline.
`FIG. 15 depicts a section view of the end effector of the
`surgical stapling and severing instrument with the cartridge
`and firing bar in the start position taken along line 15—15
`of FIG. 10.
`
`FIG. 16 depicts a section View taken along line 16—16 of
`FIG. 15 showing the cross-sectional relationship between
`the firing bar, elongate channel, wedge sled, staple drivers,
`staples and staple cartridge.
`FIG. 17 depicts a side elevation section View of the
`surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 taken
`
`In
`
`10
`
`15
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4o
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`along the longitudinal centerline of the end effector in a
`partially closed but unclamped position gripping tissue.
`FIG. 18 depicts a partially cut-away side elevational view
`of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in
`the closed or clamped position.
`FIG. 19 depicts a side elevation view in centerline section
`of the distal end of the surgical stapling and severing
`instrument of FIG.
`I in the closed or clamped position with
`tissue properly compressed.
`FIG. 20 depicts a partially cut-away side elevation View
`of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG 1 in
`a partially fired position.
`FIG. 21 depicts a view in centerline section of the distal
`end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG.
`1 in a partially fired position.
`FIG. 22 depicts a partially cut-away side elevation View
`of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG. 1 in
`a fully fired position.
`FIG. 23 depicts a view in centerline section of the distal
`end of the surgical stapling and severing instrument of FIG.
`1 in a fully fired position.
`FIG. 24 depicts a perspective bottom view looking dis—
`tally at the elongate channel partially cut away to expose part
`of a cartridge body and a spent cartridge lockout mechanism
`engaging a middle pin of a firing bar.
`FIGS. 25—28 depict a cross—sectional side detail View of
`the spent cartridge lockout mechanism, staple cartridge and
`firing bar of FIG. 24, sequentially shown in a cartridge
`loaded and unfired state in FIG. 25, a cartridge being fired
`state in FIG. 26, a spent cartridge with firing bar being
`retracted state in FIG. 27, and spent cartridge with firing bar
`retracted state in FIG. 28.
`FIG. 29 depicts a bottom perspective view of a partially
`cut-away cartridge body to expose an integral spent car-
`tridge lockout mechanism.
`FIGS. 30—33 depict a cross—sectional side detail View of
`the integral spent cartridge lockout mechanism of FIG. 29,
`sequentially shown in a cartridge loaded and unfired state in
`FIG. 30, a cartridge being fired state in FIG. 31, a spent
`cartridge with firing bar being retracted state in FIG. 32, and
`a spent cartridge with firing bar retracted state in FIG. 33.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Turning to the Drawings, wherein like numerals denote
`like components throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and
`2 depict a surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 that
`is capable of practicing the unique benefits of the present
`invention. The surgical stapling and severing instrument 10
`incorporates an end effector 12 having an E-beam firing
`mechanism (“firing bar”) 14 that advantageously controls
`the spacing of the end effector 12. In particular, an elongate
`channel 16 and a pivotally translatable anvil 18 are main-
`tained at a spacing that assures elfective stapling and sev-
`ering. Furthermore, firing (i.e., severing and stapling) is
`prevented from occurring if the instrument is not capable of
`stapling with a
`single lockout mechanism, which is
`described in more detail below.
`The surgical and stapling and severing instrument 10
`includes a handle portion 20 connected to an implement
`portion 22, the latter further comprising a shaft 23 distally
`terminating in the end effector 12. The handle portion 20
`includes a pistol grip 24 toward which a closure trigger 26
`is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping, or
`closing, of the anvil 18 toward the elongate channel 16 of the
`end effector 12. A firing trigger 28 is farther outboard of the
`
`25
`25
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`US 6,988,649 B2
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`5
`closure trigger 26 and is pivotally drawn by the clinician to
`cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue in the end
`elfector 12.
`
`the terms “proximal" and
`It will be appreciated that
`
`“distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping
`
`
`a handle of an instrument. Thus, the end e ector 12 is distal
`
`with respect to the more proximal handle aortion 20. It will
`be further appreciated that for convenience and clarity,
`spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are used
`herein with respect
`to the drawings. However, surgical
`instruments are used in many orientations ane positions, and
`these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.
`
`Closure trigger 26 is actuated first. Once he clinician is
`
`satisfied with the positioning of the end 0 ector 12,
`the
`clinician may draw back the closure trigger 26 to its fully
`closed, locked position proximate to the pisto grip 24. Then,
`the firing trigger 28 is actuated. The firing trigger 28
`springedly returns when the clinician removes pressure. A
`release button 30 when depressed on the proximal end of the
`handle portion 20 releases any locked closure trigger 26.
`A closure sleeve 32 encloses a frame 34, which in turn
`encloses a firing drive member 36 that is positioned by the
`firing trigger 28. The frame 34 connects the handle portion
`20 to the end effector 12. With the closure sleeve 32
`withdrawn proximally by the closure trigger 26 as depicted,
`the anvil 18 springedly opens, pivoting away from the
`elongate channel 16 and translating proximally with the
`closure sleeve 32.
`
`
`
`The elongate channel 16 receives a staple cartridge 37 that
`is responsive to the firing bar 14 to drive staples into forming
`contact with the anvil 18. It will appreciated that although a
`readily replaceable staple cartridge 37 is advantageously
`described herein, a staple cartridge 37 consistent with
`aspects of the present invention may be permanently affixed
`or integral to the elongate channel 16, for instance when a
`larger portion of the end effector 12 is replaced after each
`firing.
`E—Beam Firing Mechanism
`With particular reference to FIGS. 2—4, the firing bar 14
`includes three vertically spaced pins that control the spacing
`of the end effector 12 during firing. In particular, an upper
`pin 38 is staged to enter an anvil pocket 40 near the pivot
`between the anvil 18 and elongate channel 16. When fired
`with the anvil 18 closed, the upper pin 38 advances distally
`within a longitudinal anvil slot 42 extending distally through
`anvil 18. Any minor upward deflection in the anvil 18 is
`overcome by a downward force imparted by the upper pin
`38.
`
`Firing bar 14 also includes a lower most pin, or firing bar
`cap, 44 that upwardly engages a channel slot 45 in the
`elongate channel 16, thereby cooperating with the upper pin
`38 to draw the anvil 18 and the elongate channel 16 slightly
`closer together in the event of excess tissue clamped ther—
`ebetween.
`
`The firing bar 14 advantageously includes a middle pin 46
`that passes through a firing drive slot 47 formed in a lower
`surface of the cartridge 37 and an upward surface of the
`elongate channel 16, thereby driving the staples therein as
`described below. The middle pin 46, by sliding against the
`elongate channel 16, advantageously resists any tendency
`for the end effector 12 to be pinched shut at its distal end. To
`illustrate an advantage of the middle pin 46, FIG. 5 depicts
`an alternative end effector 12' that lacks a middle pin on a
`firing bar 14‘. In this depiction,
`the end effector 12‘
`is
`allowed to pinch shut at its distal end, which tends to impair
`desired staple formation.
`
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`Returning to FIGS. 2—4, a distally presented cutting edge
`48 between the upper and middle pins 38, 46 on the firing
`bar 14 traverses through a proximally presented, vertical slot
`49 in the cartridge 37 to sever clamped tissue. The affirma-
`tive positioning of the firing bar 14 with regard to the
`elongate channel 16 and anvil 18 assure that an effective cut
`is performed.
`Cambered Anvil with Selected Cartridge Gap
`The affirmative vertical spacing provided by the E—Beam
`firing bar 14 is suitable for the limited size available for
`endoscopic devices, Moreover, the E-Beam firing bar 14
`enables fabrication of an anvil 16 with a camber imparting
`a vertical deflection at its distal end, similar to the position
`depicted in FIG. 5. This cambered anvil 16 advantageously
`assists in achieving the desired gap in the end effector 12
`even with an anvil 16 reduced thickness, which is thus more
`suited to the size limitations of an endoscopic device.
`The E-Beam firing bar 14 further enables increased appli-
`cations, especially in combination with a range of configu—
`rations of staple cartridges. For instance, a clinician may
`select a gray staple cartridge yielding a 0.02 mm tissue gap,
`a white staple cartridge yielding a 0.04 mm tissue gap, a blue
`cartridge yielding a 0.06 mm tissue gap, or a green cartridge
`yielding a 0.10 mm tissue gap. The vertical height of each
`respective staple cartridge in combination with the length of
`staples and an integral wedge sled (described in more detail
`below) predeterniines this desired tissue thickness with the
`anvil
`l8 appropriately vertically spaced by the E-Ream
`firing bar 14.
`Two-Axis Handle
`With reference to FIGS. 6—9, the handle portion 20 is
`comprised of first and second base sections 50 and 52, which
`are molded from a polymeric material such as a glass-filled
`polycarbonate. The first base section 50 is provided with a
`plurality of cylindrical-shaped pins 54. The second base
`section 52 includes a plurality of extending members 56,
`each having a hexagonal-shaped opening 58. The cylindri-
`cal-shaped pins 54 are received within the hexagonal-shaped
`openings 58 and are frictionally held therein for maintaining
`the first and second base sections 50 and 52 in assembly.
`A rotating knob 60 has a bore 62 extending completely
`through it for engaging and rotating the implement portion
`22 about its longitudinal axis. The rotating knob 60 includes
`an inwardly protruding boss 64 extending along at least a
`portion of the bore 62. The protruding boss 64 is received
`within a longitudinal slot 66 formed at a proximal portion of
`the closure sleeve 32 such that rotation of the rotating knob
`60 effects rotation of the closure sleeve 32.
`It will be
`appreciated that the boss 64 further extends through frame
`
`34 and into contact with a portion of the firing drive member
`
`
`
`36 to e ‘ect their rotation as well. Thus, the end effector 12
`(not shown in FIGS. 6—9) rotates with the rotating knob 60.
`A proximal end 68 of the frame 34 passes proximally
`through the rotating knob 60 and is provided with a circum-
`ferential notch 70 that
`is engaged by opposing channel
`securement members 72 extending respectively from the
`base sections 50 and 52. Only the channel securement
`member 72 of the second base section 52 is shown. The
`channel securement members 72 extending from the base
`sections 50, 52 serve to secure the frame 34 to the handle
`portion 20 such that the frame 34 does not move longitu-
`dinally relative to the handle portion 20.
`The closure trigger 26 has a handle section 74, a gear
`segment section 76, and an intermediate section 78. A bore
`80 extends through the intermediate section 78, Acylindrical
`support member 82 extending from the second base section
`52 passes through the bore 80 for pivotably mounting the
`
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`US 6,988,649 B2
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`closure trigger 26 on the handle portion 20. A second
`cylindrical support member 83 extending from the second
`base section 52 passes through a bore 81 of firing trigger 28
`for pivotally mounting on the handle portion 20. A hexago-
`nal opening 84 is provided in the cylindrical support mem—
`ber 83 for receiving a seeurement pin (not shown) extending
`from the first base section 50.
`A closure yoke 86 is housed within the handle portion 20
`for reciprocating movement therein and serves to transfer
`motion from the closure trigger 26 to the closure sleeve 32.
`Support members 88 extending from the second base section
`52 and seeurement member 72, which extends through a
`recess 89 in the yoke 86, support the yoke 86 within the
`handle portion 20.
`A proximal end 90 of the closure sleeve 32 is provided
`with a flange 92 that is snap-fitted into a receiving recess 94
`formed in a distal end 96 of the yoke 86. A proximal end 98
`of the yoke 86 has a gear rack 100 that is engaged by the gear
`segment section 76 of the closure trigger 26. When the
`closure trigger 26 is moved toward the pistol grip 24 of the
`handle portion 20, the yoke 86 and, hence, the closure sleeve
`32 move distally, compressing a spring 102 that biases the
`yoke 86 proximally. Distal movement of the closure sleeve
`32 effects pivotal
`translation movement of the anvil 18
`distally and toward the elongate channel 16 0f the end
`effector 12 and proximal movement effects closing, as
`discussed below.
`The closure trigger 26 is forward biased to an open
`aosition by a front surface 130 interacting with an engaging
`surface 128 of the firing trigger 28. Clamp first hook 104 that
`aivots top to rear in the handle portion 20 about a pin 106
`restrains movement of the firing trigger 28 toward the pistol
`grip 24 until the closure trigger 26 is clamped to its closed
`Josition. Hook 104 restrains firing trigger 28 motion by
`engaging a lockout pin 107 in firing trigger 28. The hook 104
`is also in contact with the closure trigger 26. In particular, a
`orward projection 108 of the hook 104 engages a member
`110 on the intermediate section 78 of the closure trigger 26,
`he member 110 being outward of the bore 80 toward the
`aandle section 74. Hook 104 is biased toward contact with
`member 110 of the closure trigger 26 and engagement with
`ockout pin 107 in firing trigger 28 by a release spring 112.
`As the closure trigger 26 is depressed,
`the hook 104 is
`moved top to rear, compressing the release spring 112 that
`is captured between a rearward projection [14 on the hook
`104 and a forward projection 116 on the release button 30.
`As the yoke 86 moves distally in response to proximal
`movement of the closure trigger 26, an upper latch arm 118
`of the release button 30 moves along an upper surface 120
`on the yoke 86 until dropping into an upwardly presented
`recess 122 in a proximal, lower portion of the yoke 86. The
`release spring 112 urges the release button 30 outward,
`which pivots the upper latch arm 118 downwardly into
`engagement with the upwardly presented recess 122,
`thereby locking the closure trigger 26 in a tissue clamping .
`position, such as depicted in FIG. 8.
`The latch arm 118 can be moved out of the recess 122 to
`release the anvil 18 by pushing the release button 30 inward,
`Specifically, the upper latch arm 118 pivots upward about
`pin 123 of the second base section 52. The yoke 86 is then
`permitted to move proximally in response to return move-
`ment of the closure trigger 26.
`A firing trigger return spring 124 is located within the
`handle portion 20 with one end attached to pin 106 of the
`second base section 52 and the other end attached to a pin
`126 on the firing trigger 28. The firing return spring 124
`applies a return force to the pin 126 for biasing the firing
`
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`trigger 28 in a direction away from the pistol grip 24 of the
`handle portion 20. The closure trigger 26 is also biased away
`from pistol grip 24 by engaging surface 128 of firing trigger
`28 biasing front surface 130 of closure trigger 26,
`As the closure trigger 26 is moved toward the pistol grip
`24, its front surface 130 engages with the engaging surface
`128 on the firing trigger 28 causing the firing trigger 28 to
`move to its “firing” position. When in its firing position, the
`firing trigger 28 is located at an angle of approximately 45°
`to the pistol grip 24. After staple firing, the spring 124 causes
`the firing trigger 28 to return to its initial position. During the
`return movement of the firing trigger 28,
`its engaging
`surface 128 pushes against the front surface 130 of the
`closure trigger 26 causing the closure trigger 26 to return to
`its initial position. A stop member 132 extends from the
`second base section 52 to prevent the closure trigger 26 from
`rotating beyond its initial position.
`The surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 addi-
`tionally includes a reciprocating section 134, a multiplier
`136 and a drive member 138. The reciprocating section 134
`comprises a wedge sled in the implement portion 22 (not
`shown in FIGS. 679) and a metal drive rod 140.
`The driv