U.S. patent application number 11/731521 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for disposable loading unit and surgical instruments including same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.. Invention is credited to Leslie M. Fugikawa, Frederick E. IV Shelton.
Application Number | 20070170225 11/731521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37763995 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shelton; Frederick E. IV ;
et al. |
July 26, 2007 |
Disposable loading unit and surgical instruments including same
Abstract
A disposable loading unit. The disposable loading unit includes
a housing assembly, a knife assembly connected to the housing
assembly, and an agent cartridge connected to the housing assembly.
The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The disposable loading
unit is configured to deliver the medical agent proximate a cutting
surface of the knife assembly.
Inventors: |
Shelton; Frederick E. IV;
(New Vienna, OH) ; Fugikawa; Leslie M.;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART PRESTON GATES ELLIS LLP
535 SMITHFIELD STREET
PITTSBURGH
PA
15222
US
|
Assignee: |
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37763995 |
Appl. No.: |
11/731521 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11271234 |
Nov 10, 2005 |
|
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11731521 |
Mar 30, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
227/180.1 ;
227/176.1; 227/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/07207 20130101;
A61B 17/00491 20130101; A61B 2017/00473 20130101; A61B 2017/07214
20130101; A61B 2017/07285 20130101; A61B 2017/07271 20130101; A61B
2017/0023 20130101; A61B 2017/00893 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
227/180.1 ;
227/176.1; 227/019 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/04 20060101
A61B017/04 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An assembly for a surgical instrument, comprising: a housing; a
cutting member relatively movable with respect to the housing, the
cutting member having a cutting surface; an agent cartridge
connected to the housing, wherein the agent cartridge includes a
cavity configured to house a medical agent therein; and a driver
extending from the cutting member, wherein the driver is configured
to engage the agent cartridge and dispense the medical agent from
the agent cartridge cavity proximate to the cutting surface as the
cutting member is moved relative to the housing.
22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the quantity of medical agent
dispensed from the agent cartridge is directly proportional to the
distance that the cutting member is moved relative to the
housing.
23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the surgical instrument
comprises a handle and an elongate body extending from the handle,
and wherein the assembly is configured to be releasably connected
to the elongate body.
24. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the cutting member includes a
groove in fluid communication with the agent cartridge cavity, and
wherein the groove is configured to deliver the medical agent from
the agent cartridge cavity proximate to the cutting surface.
25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the agent cartridge comprises
a body and a dispensing port defined by the body, and wherein the
dispensing port is in fluid communication with the cutting member
groove and the agent cartridge cavity.
26. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the agent cartridge comprises
a body, and wherein the cutting member groove and the agent
cartridge body define a passageway therebetween.
27. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the agent cartridge includes
a dispensing port in fluid communication with the cavity and the
groove, and wherein the groove is configured such that it remains
in fluid communication with the dispensing port as the cutting
member is moved relative to the housing.
28. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the agent cartridge comprises
a body, wherein the agent cartridge cavity is at least partially
defined by a sealing member connected to the body, and wherein the
driver is configured to engage and displace the sealing member to
dispense the medical agent from the agent cartridge cavity.
29. The assembly of claim 21, further comprising a staple cartridge
connected to the housing.
30. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the agent cartridge is
directly connected to the housing.
31. An assembly for a surgical instrument, comprising: a housing; a
cutting member relatively movable with respect to the housing,
wherein the cutting member comprises a cutting surface; and an
agent cartridge connected to the housing, wherein the agent
cartridge includes a cavity configured to house a medical agent
therein, wherein the cutting member includes a groove in fluid
communication with the cavity, and wherein the groove is configured
to deliver the medical agent from the cavity proximate to the
cutting surface.
32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the agent cartridge comprises
a body, and wherein the agent cartridge body and the cutting member
groove define a passage therebetween configured to deliver the
medical agent from the cavity proximate to the cutting surface.
33. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the agent cartridge includes
a dispensing port in fluid communication with the cavity, and
wherein the groove is configured such that it remains in fluid
communication with the dispensing port as the cutting member is
moved relative to the housing.
34. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the surgical instrument
comprises a handle and an elongate body extending from the handle,
and wherein the assembly is configured to be releasably connected
to the elongate body.
35. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the agent cartridge is
directly connected to the housing.
36. The assembly of claim 31, further comprising a staple cartridge
connected to the housing.
37. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle; an elongate body
extending from the handle; and a disposable loading unit releasably
connected to the elongate body, wherein the disposable loading unit
comprises: a housing; a cutting member relatively movable with
respect to the housing, the cutting member having a cutting
surface; and an agent cartridge connected to the housing, wherein
the agent cartridge includes a cavity configured to house a medical
agent therein, and wherein the disposable loading unit is
configured to deliver the medical agent proximate the cutting
surface.
38. The surgical instrument of claim 37, wherein the quantity of
medical agent dispensed from the agent cartridge is directly
proportional to the distance that the cutting member is moved
relative to the housing.
39. The surgical instrument of claim 37, wherein the cutting member
includes a groove in fluid communication with the agent cartridge
cavity, and wherein the groove is configured to deliver the medical
agent from the agent cartridge cavity proximate to the cutting
surface.
40. The surgical instrument of claim 37, wherein the agent
cartridge is directly connected to the housing.
41. The surgical instrument of claim 37, further comprising a
staple cartridge connected to the housing.
42. The surgical instrument of claim 37, further comprising a
driver extending from the cutting member, wherein the driver is
configured to engage the agent cartridge and dispense the medical
agent from the agent cartridge cavity proximate to the cutting
surface as the cutting member is moved relative to the housing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] This application discloses an invention that is related,
generally and in various embodiments, to a disposable loading unit
configured for connection to a reusable surgical instrument, and to
surgical instruments that include a disposable loading unit.
[0002] Surgical instruments that are utilized to concurrently make
longitudinal incisions in tissue and apply lines of staples on
opposing sides of the incisions are known in the art. The tissue
may include, for example, human tissue, animal tissue, membranes,
or other organic substances. Such surgical instruments commonly
include a pair of opposing jaw members that cooperate to grasp or
clamp the tissue therebetween and a cutting surface that makes the
incision. When employed in endoscopic or laparoscopic applications,
the opposing jaw members are capable of passing through a cannula
passageway. One of the jaw members typically supports a staple
cartridge having at least two laterally spaced rows of staples and
pushers aligned with the staples. The other jaw member is movable
between an open position and a closed position, and defines an
anvil having staple-forming pockets correspondingly aligned with
the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. Such instruments may
also include a wedge that, when driven, sequentially contacts the
pushers to effect the firing of the staples toward the anvil and
through the tissue.
[0003] The trauma caused to the tissue with such actions can be
significant. In general, the delivery of sufficient amounts of
medical agents to the site of the traumatized tissue promotes the
proper sealing of the incision, reduces the possibility of
infection, and/or significantly improves the healing process. The
application of medical agents to the site of the traumatized tissue
is often accomplished by means other than the surgical instrument
that makes the incision and applies the staples. Such means
generally increase the complexity and cost associated with the
procedure. However, such means are often necessary because many of
the surgical instruments utilized to concurrently make the incision
and apply the staples are not configured to store and deliver
sufficient amounts of medical agents to the site of the traumatized
tissue, and the delivery of some medical agents to the site of the
traumatized tissue via the surgical instrument would render the
surgical instrument unsuitable for reuse.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one general respect, this application discloses a
disposable loading unit. According to various embodiments, the
disposable loading unit comprises a housing assembly, a knife
assembly connected to the housing assembly, and an agent cartridge
connected to the housing assembly. The agent cartridge houses a
medical agent. The disposable loading unit is configured to deliver
the medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the knife
assembly. The disposable loading unit may further comprise a staple
cartridge connected to the housing assembly, and an anvil assembly
connected to the housing assembly.
[0005] In another general respect, this application discloses a
surgical instrument. According to various embodiments, the surgical
instrument comprises a handle assembly, an elongated body connected
to the handle assembly, and a disposable loading unit releasably
connected to the elongated body. The disposable loading unit
comprises a housing assembly, a knife assembly connected to the
housing assembly, an agent cartridge connected to the housing
assembly, and at least one medical agent driver connected to the
knife assembly. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The
disposable loading unit is configured to deliver the medical agent
proximate a cutting surface of the knife assembly. The disposable
loading unit may further comprise a staple cartridge connected to
the housing assembly, and an anvil assembly connected to the
housing assembly.
[0006] In another general respect, this application discloses a
surgical instrument. According to various embodiments, the surgical
instrument comprises a handle assembly, an elongated body connected
to the handle assembly, and a disposable loading unit releasably
connected to the elongated body. The disposable loading unit
comprises a housing assembly, a knife assembly connected to the
housing assembly, an agent cartridge connected to the housing
assembly, and at least one medical agent driver in contact with the
agent cartridge. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The at
least one medical driver comprises an electrically activated
polymer. The disposable loading unit is configured to deliver the
medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the knife assembly.
The disposable loading unit may further comprise a staple cartridge
connected to the housing assembly, and an anvil assembly connected
to the housing assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments of an agent
cartridge;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit;
[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit; and
[0020] FIG. 15 illustrates various embodiments of a surgical
instrument.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the disclosed invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the disclosed
invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other
elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize,
however, that these and other elements may be desirable. However,
because such elements are well known in the art, and because they
do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed
invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided
herein.
[0022] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate various embodiments of a disposable
loading unit 10, with FIG. 2 showing an exploded view of the
disposable loading unit 10. The disposable loading unit 10 includes
a first end 12 configured for releasable connection to a surgical
instrument (see FIG. 15), and a second end 14 opposite the first
end 12. The disposable loading unit 10 comprises a housing assembly
16, an agent cartridge 18, a knife assembly 20, a staple cartridge
22, and an anvil assembly 24. The disposable loading unit 10 may be
removed and discarded after a single use.
[0023] The housing assembly 16 comprises a channel 26 and a channel
cover 28 connected to the channel 26. The channel 26 and the
channel cover 28 may be fabricated from any suitable material such
as, for example, a plastic. The channel 26 includes a first end 30
proximate the first end 12 of the disposable loading unit 10 and a
second end 32 proximate the second end 14 of the disposable loading
unit 10. The channel 26 comprises a base 34, a first wall 36, and a
second wall 38. According to various embodiments, the base 34
defines an opening 40 proximate the first end 30 of the channel 26,
a first slot 42 proximate the first end 30 of the channel 26, a
second slot 44 proximate the first end 30 of the channel 26, and a
third slot 46 proximate the second end 32 of the channel. The first
wall 36 is connected to the base 34 and extends generally
perpendicular therefrom. The second wall 38 is connected to the
base 34, extends generally perpendicular therefrom, and is opposite
the first wall 36. The second wall 38 may be a mirror-image of the
first wall 36, and the first and second walls 36, 38 may be
fabricated integral with the base 34. According to various
embodiments, each of the first and second walls 36, 38 define a
fourth slot 48, a first tab 50, a first indent 52, a fifth slot 54,
a second indent 56, a sixth slot 58, a third indent 60, a fourth
indent 62, a seventh slot 64, an eighth slot 66, and a first flange
68.
[0024] The channel cover 28 includes a first end 70 proximate the
first end 12 of the disposable loading unit 10 and a second end 72
opposite the first end 70, and may be symmetric along an axis that
extends from the first end 70 of the channel cover 28 to the second
end 72 of the channel cover 28. The channel cover 28 is configured
to engage with the channel 26 at a plurality of locations.
According to various embodiments, the channel cover 28 defines a
pair of coupling pegs 74 proximate the first end 70 of the channel
cover 28 that extends from the channel cover 28. One of the
coupling pegs 74 passes through the opening 40 defined by the
channel 26. The channel cover 28 also defines a slit 76 proximate
the second end 72 of the channel cover 28. According to various
embodiments, the channel cover 28 defines a first pair of tabs 78
that pass through and engage with the fourth slots 48, a first pair
of interior projections that mate with the first indents 52, a
second pair of tabs 80 that pass through and engage with the fifth
slots 54, a second pair of interior projections that mate with the
second indents 56, and a third pair of interior projections that
engage with the sixth slots 58. According to other embodiments, the
channel 26 and the channel cover 28 may be fabricated to include
other arrangements of tabs, slots, projections, indents, etc. that
may be utilized to connect the channel cover 28 to the channel
26.
[0025] The agent cartridge 18 is connected to the housing assembly
16 and houses at least one medical agent. The medical agent may be
any type of medical agent. For example, the medical agent may
comprise an anesthetic, an adhesive, an antibiotic, a cauterizing
substance, a coagulant, a growth hormone, a hemostatic agent, a
sealant, etc., or any combination thereof.
[0026] The agent cartridge 18 includes a first end 82 proximate the
first end 12 of the disposable loading unit 10 and a second end 84
opposite the first end 82. The agent cartridge 18 comprises a body
86 (see FIG. 6) that may be fabricated from any suitable material
(e.g., a plastic) that is compatible with the medical agent.
According to various embodiments, the body 86 comprises a first
section 88 and a second section 90. The first section 88 may define
a first spline that extends therefrom, and passes through and
engages with the first slot 42 of the base 34 of the channel 26. As
shown in FIG. 3, the first section 88 may also define a first
projection 94 and a first dispensing port 96 proximate the second
end 84 of the agent cartridge 18. The first projection 94 may be of
any shape (e.g., rectangular, triangular, hemispherical, etc.). The
first dispensing port 96 is positioned between the first projection
94 and the second end 84 of the agent cartridge 18. The second
section 90 is spaced apart from the first section 88 and may be a
mirror-image thereof. The second section 90 may define a second
spline that extends therefrom, and passes through and engages with
the second slot 44 of the base 34 of the channel 26. As shown in
FIG. 3, the second section 90 may define a second projection 100
and a second dispensing port 102 proximate the second end 84 of the
agent cartridge 18. The second projection 100 may be of any shape
(e.g., rectangular, triangular, hemispherical, etc.). The second
dispensing port 102 is positioned between the second projection 100
and the second end 84 of the agent cartridge 18. According to other
embodiments, the body 86 may be fabricated to include other
arrangements of splines, tabs, fasteners, etc. that may be utilized
to connect the agent cartridge 18 to the housing assembly 16.
[0027] According to various embodiments, the agent cartridge 18
also comprises a first sealing member 104 (see FIG. 3) and a second
sealing member 106 (see FIG. 3). The first sealing member 104 is
connected to the first section 88 and cooperates with the first
section 88 to house a medical agent. Similarly, the second sealing
member 106 is connected to the second section 90 and cooperates
with the second section 90 to house a second medical agent. The
first medical agent may be the same or different than the second
medical agent.
[0028] The knife assembly 20 is connected to the housing assembly
16, and includes a first end 108 proximate the first end 12 of the
disposable loading unit 10 and a second end 110 opposite the first
end 108. The knife assembly 20 comprises a body 112 and a cutting
surface 114. According to various embodiments, the cutting surface
114 comprises a portion of a knife blade that is connected to the
body 112 proximate the second end 110 of the knife assembly 20. The
body 112 may be fabricated from any suitable material such as, for
example, a plastic. According to various embodiments, the body 112
comprises a first clamping member 116 proximate the first end 108
of the knife assembly 20, a second clamping member 118 proximate
the first end 108 of the knife assembly 20, and a foot member 120
proximate the second end 110 of the knife assembly 20. The foot
member 120 passes through the third slot 46 of the base 34 of the
channel 26 and is mated with a retainer 122 that is external to the
housing assembly 16 and serves to slidably connect the body 112 to
the housing assembly 16 such that the knife assembly 20 can be
selectively advanced along the third slot 46 toward the second end
32 of the channel 26.
[0029] The body 112 of the knife assembly 20 also comprises a first
surface 124 and a second surface 126 (see FIG. 6) that is opposite
the first surface 124. The first surface 124 of the body 112 is
adjacent the first section 88 of the agent cartridge 18, and the
second surface 126 of the body 112 is adjacent the second section
90 of the agent cartridge 18. The first surface 124 of the body 112
defines a first groove 128 and the second surface 126 of the body
112 defines a second groove 130 (see FIG. 6). The first groove 128
is proximate the cutting surface 114 of the knife assembly 20 and
may extend any distance along the first surface 124 of the body 112
toward the first end 108 of the knife assembly 20. The first groove
128 is adjacent the first dispensing port 96 and is configured to
receive the first projection 94 of the first section 88 of the body
86. The second groove 130 is proximate the cutting surface 114 of
the knife assembly 20 and may extend any distance along the second
surface 126 of the body 112 toward the first end 108 of the knife
assembly 20. The second groove 130 is adjacent the second
dispensing port 102 and is configured to receive the second
projection 100 of the second section 90 of the body 86. Each of the
first and second grooves 128, 130 may be of any shape (e.g.,
rectangular, triangular, hemispherical, etc.) suitable for
respectively receiving the first projection 94 and the second
projection 100. The body 112 of the knife assembly 20 may also
define an opening 132 that extends from the first surface 124 to
the second surface 126 proximate the second end 110 of the knife
assembly 20.
[0030] The staple cartridge 22 is connected to the housing assembly
16. The staple cartridge 22 includes a first end 134 and a second
end 136 opposite the first end 134. The second end 136 of the
staple cartridge 22 is proximate the second end 14 of the
disposable loading unit 10. The staple cartridge 22 may be similar
to other staple cartridges known in the art. For example, the
staple cartridge 22 may comprise a plurality of surgical fasteners
and a plurality of corresponding pushers. According to various
embodiments, the staple cartridge 22 defines a slot 142 that is
aligned with the third slot 46 of the base 34 of the channel 26 and
extends from the first end 134 of the staple cartridge 22 toward
the second end 136 of the staple cartridge 22. The staple cartridge
22 may also define tabs that extend from the staple cartridge 22
and pass through and engage with the seventh slots 64 and the
eighth slots 66 of the channel 26, and may further comprise flanges
146 which frictionally engage the first and second walls 36, 38 of
the channel 26 proximate the second end 32 of the channel 26.
According to other embodiments, the staple cartridge 22 may be
fabricated to include other arrangements of tabs, flanges,
fasteners, etc. that may be utilized to connect the staple
cartridge 22 to the housing assembly 16.
[0031] The anvil assembly 24 is connected to the housing assembly
16. The anvil assembly 24 includes a first end 148 and a second end
150 opposite the first end 148. The second end 150 of the anvil
assembly 24 is proximate the second end 14 of the disposable
loading unit 10. The anvil assembly 24 may be similar to other
anvil assemblies known in the art. For example, the anvil assembly
24 is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and
may comprise an anvil plate 152 and an anvil body 154 connected to
the anvil plate 152. According to various embodiments, the anvil
plate 152 defines a slot 156 that is aligned with the slot 142 of
the staple cartridge 22, and the anvil body 154 defines a slot 158
that is aligned with the slot 156 of the anvil plate 152. The anvil
plate 152 may also define a first pair of ears 160 proximate the
first end 148 of the anvil assembly 24 and a second pair of ears
162 positioned between the first pair of ears 160 and the second
end 150 of the anvil assembly 24. One of the ears of the second
pair of ears 162 is engaged with the third indent 60 defined by the
first wall 36 of the channel 26, and the other ear of the second
pair of ears 162 is engaged with the third indent 60 defined by the
second wall 38 of the channel 26. A spring member 164 or other
biasing arrangement may be utilized to urge the anvil assembly 24
to the open position, and an anvil pin 166 that passes through the
opening 132 of the knife assembly 20 may be utilized to urge the
anvil assembly 24 toward the closed position. According to other
embodiments, the anvil assembly 24 may be fabricated to include
other fastener arrangements that may be utilized to connect the
anvil assembly 24 to the housing assembly 16.
[0032] The disposable loading unit 10 may further comprise a first
medical agent driver 168 proximate the first end 82 of the agent
cartridge 18 and a second medical agent driver 170 (see FIG. 6)
proximate the first end 82 of the agent cartridge 18. According to
various embodiments, the first and second medical agent drivers
168, 170 may comprise a portion of a drive block 172 that is
coupled to the knife assembly 20 at the first end 108 thereof. For
such embodiments, the first medical agent driver 168 may be
configured to slidably fit within the first section 88 of the body
86 of the agent cartridge 18, and the second medical agent driver
170 may be configured to slidably fit within the second section 90
of the body 86 of the agent cartridge 18. According to other
embodiments, the first medical agent driver 168 may comprise an
electrically activated polymer that is in contact with the first
section 88 of the body 86 of the agent cartridge 18 as shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14. Similarly, the second medical agent driver 170 may
comprise an electrically activated polymer that is in contact with
the second section 90 of the body 86 of the agent cartridge 18. For
such embodiments, each of the first and second medical agent
drivers 168, 170 may be electrically connected to a contact 174
(see FIG. 14) that is proximate the first end 12 of the disposable
loading unit 10 and is connected to a voltage source.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the disposable loading unit 10 may also
comprise a lock member 176 connected to the drive block 172, a
retainer 178 for coupling the lock member 176 to the drive block
172, and a sled 180 positioned proximate the second end 110 of the
knife assembly 20. The drive block 172, the lock member 176, the
retainer 178 and the sled 180 may be similar to those known in the
art. The disposable loading unit 10 may further comprise a firing
member adapter 182 connected to the drive block 172. The firing
member adapter 182 is configured for receiving a firing member that
does not comprise a portion of the disposable loading unit 10.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10. For purposes of clarity only, certain portions of
the disposable loading unit 10 are not shown in this figure. The
first and second clamping members 116, 118 are connected to the
drive block 172, and the lock member 176 and the retainer 178 are
also connected to the drive block 172. The first medical agent
driver 168 is connected to the drive block 172, and the sled 180 is
proximate the second end 110 of the knife assembly 20. The general
positions of the shown components relative to the channel 26
represent the positions of the components prior to the advancement
of the firing member (i.e., the pre-fire positions).
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10. For purposes of clarity only, certain portions of
the disposable loading unit 10 are not shown in this figure. FIG. 5
is similar to FIG. 4, and shows that the first medical agent driver
168 is aligned with the first section 88 of the body 86 of the
agent cartridge 18. The general positions of the shown components
relative to the channel 26 represent the positions of the
components prior to the advancement of the firing member (i.e., the
pre-fire positions).
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10, and shows a cross-section of the disposable
loading unit 10 along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the
first and second dispensing ports 96, 102 may pass through the
respective first and second sections 88, 90 at an angle relative to
the base 34 of the channel 26.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10. For purposes of clarity only, certain portions of
the disposable loading unit 10 are not shown in this figure. The
anvil assembly 24 is shown in the open position relative to the
staple cartridge 22 in FIG. 7. The general positions of the shown
components relative to the channel 26 represent the positions of
the components prior to the advancement of the firing member (i.e.,
the pre-fire positions).
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10. For purposes of clarity only, certain portions of
the disposable loading unit 10 are not shown in this figure. FIG. 8
is similar to FIG. 7, but also shows the first section 88 of the
body 86 of the agent cartridge 18.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10, and is an enlarged version of a portion of the
disposable loading unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10, and is an enlarged version of a portion of the
disposable loading unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10. For purposes of clarity only, certain portions of
the disposable loading unit 10 are not shown in this figure. The
general positions of the shown components relative to the channel
26 represent the positions of the components after the advancement
of the firing member (i.e., the post-fire positions). As shown in
FIG. 11, the anvil assembly 24 is in the closed position, and the
post-fire positions of the knife assembly 20, the anvil assembly
24, the first medical agent driver 168, the drive block 172, and
the lock member 176 are different than their pre-fire positions
relative to the channel 26.
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10, and is an enlarged version of a portion of the
disposable loading unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG.
12, the post-fire position of the first medical agent driver 168
may be some distance from the first dispensing port 96. Similarly,
the post-fire position of the second medical agent driver 170 may
be some distance from the second dispensing port 102.
[0043] FIG. 13 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10. For purposes of clarity only, certain portions of
the disposable loading unit 10 are not shown in this figure. FIG.
13 is similar to FIG. 4, but shows the first section 88 of the body
86 of the agent cartridge 18, and also shows the first medical
agent driver 168 embodied as an electrically activated polymer.
FIG. 13 also illustrates the conductors 184 that electrically
connect the first medical agent driver 168 and the contact 174. The
general positions of the shown components relative to the channel
26 represent the positions of the components prior to the
advancement of the firing member (i.e., the pre-fire
positions).
[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates various embodiments of the disposable
loading unit 10. For purposes of clarity only, certain portions of
the disposable loading unit 10 are not shown in this figure. FIG.
14 is similar to FIG. 8, but shows the first medical agent driver
168 embodied as an electrically activated polymer. FIG. 14 also
illustrates the contact 174 and the conductors 184 that
electrically connect the contact 174 and the first medical agent
driver 168. The general positions of the shown components relative
to the channel 26 represent the positions of the components prior
to the advancement of the firing member (i.e., the pre-fire
positions).
[0045] FIG. 15 illustrates various embodiments of a surgical
instrument 200. The surgical instrument 200 includes a handle
assembly 202, an elongated body 204 connected to the handle
assembly 202, and a disposable loading unit 10 releasably connected
to the elongated body 204. The disposable loading unit 10 may be
releasably connected to the elongated body 204 in any manner. For
example, the disposable loading unit 10 may be releasably connected
to the elongated body 204 via the coupling pegs 74 described
hereinabove. The handle assembly 202 and the elongated body 204 may
be similar to other handle assemblies and elongated bodies known in
the art. For example, the handle assembly 202 may include means for
advancing a firing member that is surrounded by the elongated body
204 and is utilized to advance the drive block 172 of the
disposable loading unit 10.
[0046] In operation, when the firing member is advanced, the
advancement of the firing member causes the drive block 172 to
advance toward the second end 14 of the disposable loading unit 10.
As the drive block 172 advances, the knife assembly 20 advances
toward the second end 14 of the disposable loading unit 10. The
advancement of the knife assembly 20 causes the anvil pin 166 to
cooperate with the anvil body 154 to urge the anvil assembly 24
toward the closed position. The advancement of the knife assembly
20 also causes the sled 180 to advance toward the second end 14 of
the disposable loading unit 10. As the sled 180 advances, the
angled leading edges of the sled 180 sequentially contact pushers
supported within the staple cartridge 22, causing the pushers to
urge surgical fasteners from the staple cartridge 22 in a known
manner.
[0047] For embodiments where the first and second medical agent
drivers 168, 170 are coupled to the knife assembly 20, the
advancement of the drive block 172 advances the first and second
medical agent drivers 168, 170 within the first and second sections
88, 90 of the body 86 toward the second end 84 of the agent
cartridge 18. As the first and second medical agent drivers 168,
170 advance, they make contact with the first and second sealing
members 104, 106 and urge the first and second medical agents out
of the first and second dispensing ports 96, 102. Because the
post-fire positions of the first and second medical agent drivers
168, 170 may be some distance from the first and second dispensing
ports 96, 102, some medical agent may still remain housed by the
agent cartridge 18 after the first and second medical agent drivers
168, 170 advance from their pre-fire positions to their post-fire
positions.
[0048] For embodiments where the first and second medical agent
drivers 168, 170 are electrically activated polymers, the
advancement of the firing member causes an electrical connection to
be made with the contact 174, causing a voltage to be applied to
the first and second medical agent drivers 168, 170. In response to
the applied voltage, the first and second medical agent drivers
168, 170 expand within the first and second sections 88, 90 of the
body 86 of the agent cartridge 18 and urge the first and second
medical agents out of the first and second dispensing ports 96,
102.
[0049] With the first projection 94 and the second projection 100
serving as stops which restrict the flow of the first and second
medical agents along the grooves 128, 130 in the direction toward
the first end 12 of the disposable loading unit 10, the medical
agents urged out of the first and second dispensing ports 96, 102
advance along the respective grooves 128, 130 toward the cutting
surface 114 of the disposable loading unit 10. As the knife
assembly 20 advances along the slot 142 defined by the staple
cartridge 22, the staple cartridge 22 also serves to keep the
medical agents in the grooves 128, 130 until the medical agents
exit the grooves 128, 130 proximate the cutting surface 114. The
medical agents are thus effectively delivered to the site of the
cutting and stapling.
[0050] After a single use, the disposable loading unit 10 is
removed from the elongated body 204 and may be replaced with
another disposable loading unit 10 for another use. This process
may be repeated any number of times. Therefore, the handle assembly
202 and the elongated body 204 connected thereto may be reused any
number of times.
[0051] While several embodiments of the invention have been
described, it should be apparent, however, that various
modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may
occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or
all of the advantages of the invention. For example, according to
various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple
components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single
component, to perform a given function or functions. This
application is therefore intended to cover all such modifications,
alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and
spirit of the disclosed invention as defined by the appended
claims.
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