(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`17 April 2003 (17.04.2003)
`
`PCT
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 03/030743 A2
`
`Frank, C. [US/US]; 19 Heather Ridge, Shelton, CT 06484.
`(Us).
`(21) International Application Number:=PC'L/US02/32031
`(74) Agents: AUDET, Paul, R.; Tyco Healthcare Group LP,
`150 Glover Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 et al. (US).
`
`(51) International Patent Classification’:
`
`AG6IB 17/072
`
`.
`.
`(22) International Filing Date: 4 October 2002 (04.10.2002)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/327527
`60/363,487
`60/963,502
`
`5 October 2001 (05.10.2001)
`11 March 2002 (11.03.2002)
`>
`11 March 2002 (11.03.2002)
`
`US
`US
`US
`
`(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): TYCO
`HEALTHCARE GROUPLP [US/US]; 150 Glover Av-
`enue, Norwalk, CT 06850 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States (national): AE, AG, AT., AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG,BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU,
`CZ, DE, DK, DM,DZ, EC, EE,ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH,
`GM,TIR,ITU, ED, IL, IN,IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC,
`LK,LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,
`MX, MZ, NO, NZ, OM,PH,PL, PT, RO, RU,SD,SE, SG,
`SL SK, SL, TJ, TM,TN,TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG,US, UZ,
`VN, YU, ZA, ZM, 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, T™),
`Europeanpatent (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE,
`ES, FI, 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 Riverbend Road, — 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 Ilaven, CT 06511 (US).
`CZERNIK, Roman [US/US]; 15 Ranch Drive, Trum-
`bull, CT 06611 (US). HOLSTEN, Henry, E. [US/US];
`25 Cedar Avenuc, Wolcott, CT 06716 (US). MAFFEI,
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the “Guid-
`ance Notes on Codes andAbbreviations" appearing at the begin-
`ning ofeach regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`(54) Title; SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE
`
`O03/030743A2
`
`(57) Abstract: A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissuc and simultancously 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
`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-outplate 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 membersandis 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
`whenthe 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 betweenthe protrusion and thearticulation 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
`predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member
`which is operably connectedto the axial drive assembly. ‘The locking member provides an audible and/ortactile indication that the
`device has been actuated.
`
`1
`41
`
`IS 1019
`Intuitive Surgical v. Ethicon
`IPR2019-00880
`
`IS 1019
`Intuitive Surgical v. Ethicon
`IPR2019-00880
`
`

`

`WO 03/030743
`
`PCT/US02/32031
`
`SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE
`
`This application claimspriority to U.S. 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 referencein their
`
`entireties.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1.
`
`Technical Field
`
`This applicationrelates 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 rowsofstaples.
`
`2.
`
`Background of Related Art
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Surgical devices for grasping or clamping tissue between opposed jaw structure
`
`of a tool assembly and thereafter fastening the clampedtissue 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 memberincludes a staple cartridge which housesa 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 formingstaple legs of the staples
`
`as the staples are driven from the cartridge. Generally, the stapling operationis
`
`effected by cam bars that travel longitudinally through the staple cartridge, with the
`
`cam bars acting uponstaple pushers to sequentially eject the staples from the staple
`
`cartridge. A knife can travel between the staple rowsto longitudinally cut and/or open
`the stapled tissue between the rowsofstaples.
`In laparoscopic and/or endoscopic surgical procedures, the surgical procedureis
`
`performed through a small incision or through a narrow cannulainserted through a
`
`2
`
`

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`WO 03/030743
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`PCT/US02/32031
`
`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/or laparoscopic surgical procedures, endoscopic surgical stapling devices have
`
`been developed which provide a surgeon with easier access to the operativesite.
`
`Typically, these stapling devices include an articulatable tool member whichis
`
`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
`
`space. Tyco Healthcare Group, LP has manufactured and marketedarticulatable
`
`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 significantclinical benefits to the field of endoscopic
`
`surgery. Nonetheless, improvements in the area of reducing cost and complexity of
`
`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
`
`ENDOGIA * 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 rowsof 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
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`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 bodyis
`
`3
`
`

`

`WO 03/030743
`
`PCT/US02/32031
`
`operably connected to the handle assembly, for example, by a rotatable collar or knob
`
`whichis rotatable to effect rotation of the elongated body aboutthe 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 pivotaxis 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 bodyportion 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.
`
`Anarticulation link is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable
`
`20
`
`25
`
`loading unit. A first end of the articulation link is operably connected to an articulation
`. assembly of the surgical stapling device. A second endofthe 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 positionto frictionally engage the articulation
`
`link. Engagement between the protrusion andarticulation 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 thearticulationlink at a
`
`position to receive the protrusion to selectively retain the tool assembly at a multiplicity
`
`ofarticulated positions. Alternately, recesses may be provided in the proximal body
`
`portion of the disposable loading unit and the protrusion may be provided on the
`
`30
`
`articulation link.
`
`The disposable loading unit preferably includes a locking member whichis
`
`operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking memberincludes one or
`
`4
`
`

`

`WO 03/030743
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`PCT/US02/32031
`
`more extensionsor protrusions which are configured to be received within recesses
`
`formedin the proximal body portion ofthe disposable loading unit. Whenthe drive
`
`assembly is actuated to approximate the tool assembly, the protrusions are forced from
`
`the recesses to provide an audible and/ortactile indication that the device has been
`
`actuated. The locking memberalso prevents actuation or movementofthe drive
`
`assembly during shipping.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Various preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling
`
`device are described herein with reference to the drawings:
`
`FIG. | is a perspective view of one preferred embodimentof the presently
`
`disclosed surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG.2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodimentof 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 shownin FIG.2;
`
`FIG.6 is a front side perspective view of the surgical stapling device shownin
`
`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 awayof 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 halfsection
`
`removed;
`
`20
`
`25
`
`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 ofthe
`
`30
`
`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
`
`

`

`WO 03/030743
`
`PCT/US02/32031
`
`FIG. 11 is an exploded side perspective view of the rotatable knob and
`
`articulation assembly of the surgical stapling device shownin FIG.2;
`
`FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of the rotatable knob,articulation
`
`assembly and elongated body ofthe 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 shownin 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;
`
`FIG. 15 is an exploded top perspective view ofthe articulation lever, cam cover
`
`and cam member assembly, and drive memberof 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
`
`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
`
`20
`
`removedand the pawl engaging the lock rack;
`
`FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the pawl and plunger mechanism ofthe
`
`surgical stapling device shownin 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 shownin 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
`
`showinga plurality of staple forming cavities;
`
`25
`
`30
`
`6
`
`

`

`WO 03/030743
`
`PCT/US02/32031
`
`FIG. 24 is an enlarged top perspective view ofthe 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 ofsection 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 shownin FIG.2;
`
`FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view ofthe staple cartridge shownin 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 andthe distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading
`
`unit with the top housing half of the disposable loading unit removed;
`
`FIG. 28c is a side vertical cross sectional view of the proximal endofthe tool
`
`assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit
`
`of the surgical stapling device shownin FIG.2;
`
`FIG. 28d is a top perspective view of the locking memberof the blow outplate
`
`assembly of the surgical stapling device shownin FIG.2;
`
`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 28¢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 andthe 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 ofthe disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21 mountedto a distal
`
`end portion of the proximal body portion;
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`7
`
`

`

`WO 03/030743
`
`PCT/US02/32031
`
`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 shownin FIG.2;
`
`FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective view of the axial drive assembly shown in
`
`FIG, 32;
`
`FIG, 34 is an enlarged perspective view ofthe 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 shownin 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 shownin FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 38 is a top horizontal cross sectional view of the proximal end of the
`
`disposable loading unit shownin FIG. 21;
`
`FIG.39 is a side cross sectional view ofthe distal end of the proximal body
`portion, the mounting assembly and the proximal end ofthe tool assembly ofthe
`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21;
`
`FIG. 40 is a perspective view ofthe 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 ofthe disposable loading unit
`
`20
`
`25
`
`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
`
`30
`
`elongated body portion;
`
`FIG, 42ais an enlarged perspective view of the proximal end of the disposable
`
`loading unit shown in FIG.21;
`
`8
`
`

`

`WO 03/030743
`
`PCT/US02/32031
`
`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.44is a side cross sectional view of the distal end of the elongated body
`
`portion of the surgical stapling device shownin FIG. 2 and the proximal endof the
`
`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 21 during attachmentof 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 attachmentof 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 attachmentofthe disposable loading unit to the elongated bodyportion;
`
`FIG. 47 is a side cross-sectional view of the surgical stapling device shown in
`
`FIG.2 in the unapproximated position;
`
`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 ofthe surgical stapling device
`
`shownin 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
`
`25
`
`member assembly and sensorcapillustrating 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 memberassembly and sensor
`
`cap prior to attachment ofa disposable loading unit to the elongated body portion of the
`
`30
`
`surgical stapling device;
`
`FIG. 53 is a side cross-sectional view of the too] assembly ofthe surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG.2 in the unapproximatedposition;
`
`9
`
`

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`WO 03/030743
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`PCT/US02/32031
`
`FIG. 54is a side cross-sectional view, with portions broken away, of the handle
`
`assembly of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 during approximationofthe
`
`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 ofthe 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
`
`position;
`
`FIG. 58 is a side cross sectional view of the handle assembly ofthe 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
`
`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 ofsection lines 61-61 of
`
`FIG. 60;
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`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 assemblyof 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 ofthe 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. 67is a side cross-sectional view of the tool assembly ofthe surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG. 2 after completion of the firing stroke;
`
`FIG.68 is a side view of the handle assembly ofthe surgical stapling device
`
`shown in FIG. 2 during retraction of the actuation shaft;
`
`10
`10
`
`

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`PCT/US02/32031
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`FIG. 69 is a top view ofthe rotatable knob and articulation mechanism ofthe
`
`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 ofthe rotatable knob andarticulation mechanism ofthe
`
`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 ofthe surgical
`
`stapling device shown in FIG.2;
`
`FIG. 72 is a top view of the rotatable knob andarticulation mechanism ofthe
`
`surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 2 with the rotatable knob andarticulation lever
`
`shown in phantom;
`
`FIG. 73 is a top view of the distal end of the disposable loading unitpriorto
`
`articulation of the tool assembly;
`
`FIG. 74 is a top view ofthe distal end of the disposable loading unit during
`
`articulation of the tool assembly in a first direction;
`
`FIG. 75 is a top view ofthe distal end of the disposable loading unit shown in
`
`FIG. 21 during articulation of the tool assembly in a seconddirection;
`
`FIG. 76 is a side perspective view ofthe surgical stapling device shown in FIG.
`
`2 with the tool assembly articulated in a first direction;
`
`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. 79is 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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`20
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`25
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`11
`11
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`WO 03/030743
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`PCT/US02/32031
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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 thedistal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading
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`unit shownin 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 ofthe 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. 84Ais a top perspective view of the locking memberof 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 shownin 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 ofthe tool
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`assembly and the distal end of the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit
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`shown in FIG. 80;
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`20
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`25
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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 ofthe distal end of the proximal body portion and
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`mounting assembly of the disposable loading unit shownin 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. 90Ais an enlarged view ofthe indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 90;
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`FIG. 91 is a perspective view ofthe 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 ofthe indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 91;
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`FIG, 92 is a side view of the upper housing half andthe articulation link of the
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`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80;
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`12
`12
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`

`

`WO 03/030743
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`PCT/US02/32031
`
`FIG. 93 is a side view of the upper housing half andarticulation link of the
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`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80asthearticulation link is advanced to
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`articulate the tool assembly;
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`FIG. 94is a perspective view of the locking memberof 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
`
`FIG. 96 is a top view of the proximal end of the proximal body portion of the
`
`disposable loading unit shown in FIG. 80.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling device will
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`now be describedin 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
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`to the end of the stapling device whichis 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 embodimentof the presently disclosed
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`surgical stapling device shown generally as 10. Briefly, surgical stapling device 10
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`includes a handle assembly 12 and an elongated body 14. Asillustrated 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 securedto 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 housesa 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 rowsof 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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`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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`WO 03/030743
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`PCT/US02/32031
`
`Handle assembly 12 includesa stationary handle member 26, a movable handle
`
`or trigger 28 and a barrel portion 30. A rotatable member 32 is preferably rotatably
`
`mounted to the forward endofbarrel 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
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`articulation lever 122 is supported on a distal portion of barrel portion 30 and is
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`operable, in a mannerto 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
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`supported along barrel portion 30 to effect movementof 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
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`preferably formed from plastic molded housing half-sections 38a and 38b. Alternately,
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`other materials may be used to form the housing including metals, e.g., stainless steel.
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`Housing 38 formsstationary handle 26 and barrel portion 30 of handle assembly 12
`
`(see FIG. 1). Movable handle 28 is rotatably supported between housing half-sections
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`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, whichis preferably a torsion spring, urges
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`movable handle 28 away from stationary handle 26 to a non-compressedposition.
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`Movable handle 28 includes a pair of throughbores 46 dimensionedto receive a pivot
`
`member 47. A pawl 48 is rotatably supported on pivot member47 andis biased by a
`
`20
`
`spring 50 towards actuation shaft 52.
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`Actuation shaft 52 is slidably supported between retracted and advanced
`
`positions within barrel portion 30 of housing 38 and includesa distal end defining a
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`recess 54 configured to rotatably receive the proximal end 56 offiring rod 58. A spring
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`biased retract arm 57 is rotatably mounted between housing half-sections 38a and 38b
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`and includes an extension 57a. Extension 57a is positioned within a slot 59 (FIG. 5)
`
`formed in actuation shaft 52 to urge actuation shaft 52 to a fully retracted position.
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`Actuation shaft 52 includes a toothed rack 60. Pawl 48 has an engagementfinger 62
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`which is biased by spring 5