U.S. patent application number 12/108916 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for surgical stapler with timer and feedback display.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tyco Healthcare Group LP. Invention is credited to Robert J. DeSantis, Russell Heinrich, Henry E. Holsten, Gregg Krehel, MIchael A. Soltz, Frank J. Viola.
Application Number | 20080197167 12/108916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37523244 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080197167 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Viola; Frank J. ; et
al. |
August 21, 2008 |
SURGICAL STAPLER WITH TIMER AND FEEDBACK DISPLAY
Abstract
A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The
clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at
a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism
is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The
surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between
clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling
mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for
tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The
surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides
feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also
displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.
Inventors: |
Viola; Frank J.; (Sandy
Hook, CT) ; Krehel; Gregg; (Newtown, CT) ;
Soltz; MIchael A.; (North Haven, CT) ; DeSantis;
Robert J.; (Redding, CT) ; Holsten; Henry E.;
(Covington, GA) ; Heinrich; Russell; (Madison,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Tyco Healthcare Group LP
60 MIDDLETOWN AVENUE
NORTH HAVEN
CT
06473
US
|
Assignee: |
Tyco Healthcare Group LP
North Haven
CT
|
Family ID: |
37523244 |
Appl. No.: |
12/108916 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11446282 |
Jun 2, 2006 |
|
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12108916 |
|
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60687406 |
Jun 3, 2005 |
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60687244 |
Jun 3, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
227/176.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00398
20130101; A61B 17/07207 20130101; A61B 2017/2943 20130101; A61B
2017/07214 20130101; A61B 2090/0811 20160201; A61B 2017/00128
20130101; A61B 17/072 20130101; A61B 17/068 20130101; A61B 17/12
20130101; A61B 2090/064 20160201; A61B 2017/320052 20130101; A61B
2017/00115 20130101; A61B 2017/00734 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
227/176.1 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/04 20060101
A61B017/04 |
Claims
1-35. (canceled)
36. A surgical stapler comprising: a handle assembly including a
trigger; a clamping device having a staple cartridge containing a
plurality of staples and an anvil having a fastener forming surface
thereon; and a controller configured to determine an occurrence of
clamping by the anvil and the staple cartridge, the controller
controlling firing of the plurality of staples from the staple
cartridge; wherein when the trigger is actuated the controller
delays firing of the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge
to provide for a predetermined time period of tissue compression of
the tissue between the anvil and staple cartridge and wherein the
controller outputs a control signal to allow firing once the
predetermined time period is reached.
37. The surgical stapler of claim 36, wherein the controller is
operatively connected to a drive member to urge the plurality of
staples from the staple cartridge.
38. The surgical stapler of claim 36, wherein the controller is
operatively connected to a motor to urge the plurality of staples
from the staple cartridge.
39. The surgical stapler of claim 36, wherein the staples are fired
automatically after the predetermined time period.
40. The surgical stapler of claim 36, wherein the staples are fired
manually after the predetermined time period.
41. The surgical stapler of claim 36, further comprising an
indicator connected to the controller, the indicator indicating a
signal to the surgeon after the predetermined time period.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/687,406 to Viola, et al., filed on
Jun. 3, 2005 which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. This patent application also claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/687,244 to Viola, et
al., filed on Jun. 3, 2005 which is also herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety. This patent application also relates to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______to Viola, et al, (Attorney
Docket No. H-US-00377 (2034730) filed contemporaneously with the
instant patent application which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling
device that has a feedback and a timer device. Even more
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling
device that has a controller to modulate one or more parameters of
the surgical stapling device and to provide for compression of
tissue. Still even more particularly, the present disclosure
relates to a surgical stapling device that may also include a
sensory indicator (i.e., visual, audible, tactile) which determines
position, time, or other valuable user feedback.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Once under pressure from a jawed structure, such as a
clamping device, of a surgical stapler, the body tissue will slowly
compress. Compression by a clamping device reduces the amount of
blood and fluid to the clamped tissue. Without such compression, an
uncompressed body tissue remains thicker whereas the compressed
body tissue would be thinner, and more compact. Compressing the
tissue also causes blood and other fluid to generally traverse from
the high pressure or compressed area to another low pressure or
adjacent area.
[0006] Once released, the fluid due to the visco-elastic property
of the tissue will return from the adjacent area to the previously
compressed tissue. Some current surgical stapling devices initially
compress tissue prior to the introduction of the staple into the
body tissue. The amount of time tissue is compressed is currently
left to the discretion of the surgeon. The surgeon manually
controls the amount of time that the tissue is compressed prior to
firing the staples into tissue. It would be therefore desirable to
have a surgical stapling device that consistently fires staples
after a predetermined amount of compression.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure,
there is provided a surgical stapler that has a handle assembly
including a stationary handle and a pivotable handle mounted for
manipulation through an actuating stroke. In another embodiment,
the stapler may have a trigger that is operable to manipulate a cam
member through the actuating stroke. The stapler also has an
elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly and
defining a longitudinal axis and a staple cartridge supported
adjacent the distal end of the elongated body and containing a
plurality of staples.
[0008] The stapler further has an anvil pivotally mounted in
relation to the cartridge adjacent the distal end of the elongated
body with the anvil having a fastener forming surface thereon and
being mounted for pivotal movement in relation to the cartridge
between an open position having a distal end spaced from the staple
cartridge and a closed position in close cooperative alignment with
the staple cartridge. The stapler also has an actuation sled
supported within the cartridge. The actuation sled moves to urge
the plurality of staples from the cartridge.
[0009] The stapler further has a drive assembly including a body
having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end.
The cam member is positioned to translate relative to the anvil to
maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the
stapler. The trigger or pivotable handle is operatively connected
to the drive assembly such that manipulation of the pivotable
handle through its actuating stroke effects translation of the cam
member relative to the anvil. The stapler also has a channel for
supporting the staple cartridge and a controller configured to
control the actuation sled supported within the cartridge. The
controller delays movement of the actuation sled to urge the
plurality of staples from the cartridge for a predetermined time
period when the anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative
alignment with the staple cartridge.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
surgical stapler has a handle assembly including a stationary
handle and a trigger configured to manipulate a cam member through
an actuating stroke. The stapler also has an elongated body
extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a
longitudinal axis and a staple cartridge supported adjacent the
distal end of the elongated body with staples. The stapler further
has an anvil pivotally mounted in relation to the cartridge
adjacent the distal end of the elongated body. The anvil has a
fastener forming surface thereon and is mounted for pivotal
movement in relation to the cartridge between an open position
having a distal end spaced from the staple cartridge and a closed
position in close cooperative alignment with the staple
cartridge.
[0011] The stapler also has an actuation sled supported within the
cartridge. The actuation sled moves to urge the staples from the
cartridge. The drive assembly includes a body having a working end
and a cam member supported on the working end. The cam member is
positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil
in the closed position during firing of the stapler.
[0012] The trigger is connected to the drive assembly such that
manipulation of the trigger through its actuating stroke effects
translation of the cam member relative to the anvil. The stapler
also has a channel for supporting the staple cartridge. The stapler
also has a controller. The controller is configured to control the
actuation sled supported within the cartridge. The controller
delays the actuation sled's movement to urge the plurality of
staples from the cartridge for a predetermined time period when the
anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative alignment with
the staple cartridge. The surgical stapler also has an indicator
connected to the controller. The controller controls the indicator
to provide an indication when the predetermined time period is
reached.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure,
there is provided a method for stapling tissue. The method includes
the steps of locating tissue between a staple cartridge and an
anvil and compressing tissue between the staple cartridge and the
anvil. The method also has the step of manipulating an actuator to
fire staples from the staples cartridge. The actuator is configured
to automatically delay firing staples for a predetermined time
period. The predetermined time period is suitable in length to
allow compression of the tissue for the predetermined time period
and to allow tissue to settle from a first initial state into a
second compressed state. The method also has the steps of urging
staples from the staple cartridge through the tissue at the elapse
of the predetermined time period when the tissue is in the second
compressed state.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
surgical stapler has a controller to place a delay between
actuation of the firing mechanism component and actual firing of
the staple.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the
surgical stapler has a control device that controls a stroke
parameter, a distance parameter and/or a time parameter of a firing
mechanism component to increase a tissue compression time of the
clamp.
[0016] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure,
the surgical stapler has a motor and a first switch. The first
switch is connected to a motor and delays the motor from actuating
in order to achieve an amount of tissue compression by a clamp. The
surgical stapler may have a second switch. The second switch senses
another location of a drive screw and actuates a reverse function
of the motor to return the drive screw to an initial position.
[0017] According to still yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the surgical stapler has an indicator that measure a
distance traveled of the drive screw or a tissue compression time
of the clamp.
[0018] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure,
the surgical stapler has a visual indicator that indicates a
position of the firing mechanism component or indicates a status
condition of the surgical stapling.
[0019] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is
provided a surgical stapler. The stapler has a handle assembly
including a trigger and a clamping device with a staple cartridge
including a plurality of staples and an anvil having a fastener
forming surface thereon. The stapler has a controller configured to
determine an occurrence of clamping by the anvil and the staple
cartridge. The controller controls a firing of the plurality of
staples from the staple cartridge. When the trigger is actuated the
controller delays firing of the plurality of staples from the
staple cartridge to provide for a predetermined time period of
tissue compression of the tissue between the anvil and staple
cartridge. The controller outputs a control signal to allow firing
once the predetermined time period is reached.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Other and further objects, advantages and features of the
present disclosure will be understood by reference to the following
specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference characters denote like elements of structure
and:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
surgical stapler of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a number of components of the
surgical stapler of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a channel of the surgical
stapler of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the staple cartridge, anvil
and the drive sled of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
surgical stapler of the present disclosure having a plurality of
lights;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
the surgical stapler with a linear indicator or display;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
the surgical stapler having a digital indicator or display;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
the surgical stapler with an analog indicator or display;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the surgical stapler of
FIG. 3 along line 7-7;
[0030] FIG. 8 is another cross sectional view of still another
embodiment of the surgical stapler of the present disclosure along
line 7-7 of FIG. 3 with the stapler having a first switch and a
second switch;
[0031] FIG. 8A is another cross sectional view of another
embodiment of the stapler of FIG. 8 having the first switch which
engages a tab on the lever;
[0032] FIG. 8B is still another cross sectional view of yet another
embodiment of the stapler of FIG. 8 having the first switch located
distally on the lever;
[0033] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of still another
embodiment of the surgical stapler with an audible alarm;
[0034] FIG. 10 is still another perspective view of another
embodiment of the surgical stapler having the display showing an
image;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a schematic/cross sectional view of a travel path
of a drive member through an endoscopic portion of the surgical
stapler with a resistor strip; and
[0036] FIG. 12 is a schematic of another embodiment of the surgical
stapler having a non-contact sensor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] In the drawings and in the description which follows, the
term "proximal", as is traditional, will refer to the end of the
apparatus which is closest to the operator, while the term "distal"
will refer to the end of the apparatus which is furthest from the
operator.
[0038] The present disclosure can be used with any stapler device
known in the art and is intended to encompass the same, and is
intended to be discussed in terms of both conventional and
endoscopic procedures and apparatus. However, use herein of terms
such as "endoscopic", "endoscopically", and "endoscopic portion",
among others, should not be construed to limit the present
disclosure to an apparatus for use only in conjunction with an
endoscopic tube. The apparatus of present disclosure may find use
in procedures in these and other uses including but not limited to
uses where access is limited to a small incision such as
arthroscopic and/or laparoscopic procedures, or other conventional
medical procedures. The present mechanism may also be used with
surgical stapling devices that have independent or combined
clamping and firing procedures. The present disclosure may further
be incorporated with surgical stapling devices that have
simultaneous or dependent clamping and firing mechanisms. The
present disclosure is also intended to be used with such surgical
stapling devices which have a discrete clamping gradient.
[0039] Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference
numerals identify similar structural elements of the subject
disclosure, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a self-contained,
powered surgical stapler constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the subject disclosure and designated generally by
reference numeral 10. The surgical stapler 10 is generally intended
to be disposable, however the disposable arrangement is
non-limiting and other non-disposable arrangements may be
contemplated and are within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0040] The surgical stapler 10 of the present disclosure (shown in
a perspective view in FIG. 1 and described herein) includes a frame
generally represented by reference numeral 12 and handle generally
represented by reference numeral 14. The frame 12 defines a series
of internal chambers or spaces for supporting various
inter-cooperating mechanical components of the surgical stapler 10
as well as a number of staples therein for the application to the
body tissue.
[0041] The frame 12 supports a portion 16 or an extended tube-like
portion. The portion 16 is capable of being rotated and has a
relatively narrow diameter in a range of about 10 millimeters, and
is for insertion into a small opening or tube inserted into the
body, such as in the abdominal cavity, or other similar body
cavities. The portion 16 has a longitudinal axis and has a length
appropriate for reaching the operation site in the interior of the
body. The surgical stapler 10 may be used in conjunction with other
instruments such as endoscopes or other such optical devices for
visually examining the interior of the body, for example, cameras
by means of CCD devices, fiber optics or other optical or recording
devices.
[0042] Generally, portion 16 of the surgical stapler 10 is inserted
through the small opening or wound, and is manipulated to the
operation site. The present disclosure is intended to be used with
any surgical stapler including but not limited to surgical staplers
having simultaneous clamping and independent clamping.
[0043] Portion 16 has a fastening assembly generally represented by
reference number 18 and cutting assembly (not shown) that is known
in the art. The fastening assembly 18 and the cutting assembly (not
shown) are located in a housing 20 which carries a fastener and an
optional cutter to the operation site. The fastening assembly 18 in
this particular embodiment has a jaw or a staple cartridge 21 and a
second jaw or anvil 22. The staple cartridge 21 and the anvil 22
may be brought into close cooperative alignment with one another so
the jaws 21, 22 form a clamp therebetween. The jaws 21, 22 may be a
first and second jaw that open and close or may be another
different clamping type structure as is known in the art. The
staple cartridge 21 may be located at the distal end of the housing
20, in the jaws 21, 22 themselves or may be located in other
locations as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,353 to Mastri, et al.
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The
staple cartridge 21 has one or a number of rows of staples. The
surgical stapler 10 also has an anvil (not shown) and further may
include an optional knife (not shown) as is well known in the art
for accomplishing the stapling. It is appreciated that the closing
of the jaws 21, 22 with the staple cartridge 21 and the anvil 22
may be accomplished by pivoting the anvil 22 relative to the staple
cartridge 21, or by pivoting the staple cartridge 21 relative to
the anvil 22, or by pivoting both the staple cartridge 21 and the
anvil 22 relative to one another.
[0044] Generally, actuating the operating portion of the fastening
assembly 18 is accomplished via intermediate components disposed on
or within the narrow longitudinally extending tubular portion 16.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a cylindrical tubular sleeve member
surrounds the portion 16. The sleeve may be manipulated in a
direction with the longitudinal axis of the surgical stapling
device. The sleeve slides onto the anvil 22 for closing the jaws
21, 22 that are biased open by a biasing device (not shown) to
accomplish the clamping. The surgical stapler 10 of the present
disclosure has three basic actions or functions, however, the
present disclosure is intended to be used with any surgical stapler
including but not limited to surgical staplers having simultaneous
clamping (i.e., clamping and firing the stapler at the same time)
and independent clamping (i.e., clamping prior to the staple
firing).
[0045] First, portion 16 is introduced into the human or animal
body and is positioned with the jaws 21, 22 aligned at the desired
stapling site to receive the target tissue. This may involve
rotation of the portion 16 relative to the body, either by rotating
the surgical stapler 10 as a whole, by rotating simply the portion
16 relative to the frame 12 as permitted, or a combination of both
actions. Thereafter (i.e., secondly), the surgical stapler 10
secures the target body tissue between the staple cartridge or jaw
21 in the distal portion of the housing 20 and the anvil 22. This
is accomplished by a clamping action of the jaws 21, 22 or
alternatively by another similar or different clamping member.
[0046] The jaws 21, 22 are allowed to remain in the closed position
for a desired period of time depending on the particular tissue. By
configuring the jaws 21, 22 to remain closed for a predetermined
period of time allows any excess liquid or fluid in the tissues to
drain out of the body tissues prior to actuation of the stapling
cartridge 21. This ensures that the liquid does not traverse out of
the tissues after firing to form non-uniform staples and instead
ensures a proper and uniform staple formation.
[0047] With the target tissue clamped between the anvil 22 and the
staple cartridge 21, a camming surface which surrounds the housing
20 and anvil 22 is employed to close the jaws 21, 22 of the
surgical stapler 10 and clamp the tissue between the anvil 22 and
the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge 21. The jaws
21, 22 are clamped by actuation of a lever 24 opposite the jaws 21,
22 as is known in the art. Thereafter, the surgeon applies the
staples to the body tissue. A longitudinally extending channel is
employed to deliver longitudinal motion to an axial drive member
and a tissue cutting knife as is known in the art.
[0048] The axial drive member or an axial drive screw contacts
pusher elements. The pusher elements drive the staples through the
body tissue against the fastener or forming surface of the anvil as
discussed herein. Typically, in the art the surgical stapler 10
fires usually by an actuation of a first trigger handle or
alternatively using a trigger switch 26. Thereafter, the clamping
action of the jaws 21, 22 is released and the surgical stapler 10
or a portion thereof may be withdrawn from the body.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of
the surgical stapler 10 of the present disclosure. According to a
first aspect of the present disclosure, the surgical stapler 10 may
have an optional controller 28. The controller 28 is any electronic
device being coupled to a memory for executing one or more readable
program instructions or alternatively may be a suitable analog
circuit. Still further, the controller 28 may be a suitable
mechanical member or linkage for controlling one or more functions
of the surgical stapler 10.
[0050] The controller 28 is connected to an internal or external
power supply and a motor and is connected between the anvil 22 and
the stapling cartridge 21. In an alternative embodiment, a trigger
handle or another actuating switch or component 26 is mechanically
or electronically linked or otherwise connected to the stapling
cartridge 21 as is known in the art as indicated by a dotted line,
and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any
configuration. Once the stapling cartridge 21 is fired using the
trigger switch 26, the jaws 21, 22 are opened and the firing
mechanism is retracted. The surgical stapler 10 as a whole may be
withdrawn from the body tissue or may be manipulated for a next or
second stapling operation as shown.
[0051] The present surgical stapler 10 has the controller 28 which
is connected to one of the jaw or anvil 21 or jaw or staple
cartridge 21 and the trigger switch 26 or is connected to both jaws
21, 22 and the trigger switch 26. In one embodiment, once the
desired site is reached, the surgeon uses the jaws 21, 22 to
compress the selected body tissue. Alternatively, the surgical
stapler 10 may have a single drive component that can actuate both
the anvil 22 and stapling cartridge 21.
[0052] Thereafter, the controller 28 may provide for a requisite
amount of delay between clamping and firing (or after clamping and
before firing) to ensure tissue compression and expulsion of fluid.
After the desired compression is reached, the stapling cartridge 21
may be automatically engaged by the controller 28 to fire the
staples from the stapling cartridge 21 into the body tissue or
alternatively the controller 28 may send a signal to the surgeon
thereby informing the surgeon a suggestion that the surgeon is to
fire the staples. It is envisioned that the firing may be automatic
or manual.
[0053] Furthermore, the controller 28 may control the speed with
which the staples are fired from the staple cartridge 21. Still
further, the controller 28 may control an amount of delay before
firing. The controller 28 in one embodiment may provide for a
predetermined amount of time to elapse prior to outputting a signal
to the stapling cartridge 21. In another powered stapler
embodiment, the controller 28 may slow a motor speed to increase
the body tissue compression time.
[0054] In still another embodiment, the controller 28 may engage a
dampening device 30. The dampening device 30 is configured to slow
the actuating of the staple cartridge 21 in order to increase the
overall compression time of the body tissue. Such a dampening
device 30 may be a hydraulic or a pneumatic type damper or any
other device that may dampen or modulate the operation of one or
more components of the surgical stapler 10. In another embodiment,
the trigger 26 may simply hold the fire signal for a predetermined
time period in associated control circuitry and upon the expiration
of the predetermined time period may communicate the signal to the
stapling cartridge 21.
[0055] The controller 28 may be configured to slow a motor speed,
modulate a gear or, still further, engage a circuitry of the motor
to slow an operation thereof to otherwise reduce actuation, i.e., a
rotation rate of the axial drive screw. Still further, the surgical
stapler 10 may also include an override switch 32. The override
switch 32 is an automatic or manual device (or other switch) that
selectively disengages the controller 28 to permit direct actuation
of the stapling cartridge 21 by the trigger switch 26 without any
delay at the surgeon's discretion.
[0056] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the present
surgical stapler 10 includes jaws 21, 22 which compresses tissue
between the anvil 130 and the stapler cartridge 132 of the stapling
cartridge 21 (FIG. 2B). The jaws 21, 22 are understood in the art
as a device that allows the surgeon to manipulate and compress
tissue between the anvil 130 and the staple cartridge 132 prior to
urging of the staples 158 from the staple cartridge 132 as shown in
FIG. 2B. The jaws 21, 22 may be independently powered by a power
source such as a motor or pneumatic device, or may be powered by
the same power source as the staple cartridge 21. The surgical
stapler 10 uses the jaws 21, 22 to clamp tissue between the stapler
cartridge 132 and the anvil 130 (FIG. 2b), then when the stapler 10
is fired the jaws 21, 22 may be further tightened and then the
staples 158 urged from the stapling cartridge 21.
[0057] In one aspect, the surgical stapler 10 may pre-clamp or
compress tissue using the jaws 21, 22 for a first interval. The
first time interval may be preset and fixed, or variable depending
on the tissue type. The first time interval may be for minutes,
seconds or any other variable or fixed predetermined period of
time. Then prior to stapling, the jaws 21, 22 may further tighten
to further compress the tissue for another second compression time
interval and then fire. The second time interval may be different
from the first time interval and can be shorter or longer than the
first. In another aspect, the instrument may pre-clamp or compress
tissue using the jaws 21, 22 and then simply automatically fire the
device to urge the staples 158 from the staple cartridge 132 at the
conclusion of the first interval. Various configurations are
possible, and the present surgical stapler 10 may have program
instructions for any number of compression intervals desired by the
surgeon and/or designer. The surgical stapler 10 may alternatively
further use a second separate clamping device in association with
the stapler 10. It is understood that the present disclosure may be
incorporated into an instrument that approximates the tissue before
firing such as with a TA surgical stapler such as U.S. Pat. No.
6,817,508 to Racenet, et al. which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety, or can be used with an instrument that
requires no such approximation before firing.
[0058] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
surgical stapling device 10 may provide the surgeon with feedback
by virtue of an indicator 36. The indicator 36 may display an
amount of compression time and/or provide feedback of the status of
the stapling, or display information relating to the location of
the drive screw, or drive member. In another embodiment of the
present disclosure, the surgical stapler 10 may not have separate
clamping and firing actuators and include a clamping gradient
indicator 36 or simultaneous clamping and firing indication
mechanism. For example, the surgical stapler 10 may be configured
to allow control of the firing speed which, in turn, controls the
clamping speed and timing and then provide optimal compression for
squeezing the tissue and pushing the blood and fluid out of the
tissue at the desired site.
[0059] FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of a number of components of
the surgical stapler 10 of FIG. 1. The stapler 10 has a rack 100
that is slidable in the handle portion 14. The rack 100 interfaces
with a clamp tube 102. On a distal side of the clamp tube 102 is a
channel 104. The channel 104 engages with the clamp tube 102 and a
pair of forks 106, 108 on a distal side thereof. The stapler 10
also has an upper cover 110 and a lower cover 112, and an extension
tube 114. The extension tube 114 engages with a collar tube 116.
The stapler 10 also has a rotation knob 118 with a channel portion
120. The channel portion 120 has a pair of camming surfaces 122 on
a distal end. The distal end also has a crimp 124 in a distal side
to receive the anvil 22.
[0060] In operation, the rack 100 slides and moves the clamp tube
102 distally. The damp tube 102 is provided to interconnect the
handle portion 14 and the extension tube 114. The channel 104 is
slidably mounted for reciprocal longitudinal motion. The extension
tube 114 provides support for the surgical stapler 10 and has slots
that interface with the collar tube 116. The surgical stapler 10
also has a support 120 for longitudinal motion and to operate the
stapling mechanism as described in FIG. 2b. The operation of these
components is well known and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,318,221 to Green, et al., which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0061] Advantageously, the rack 100 moves distally to advance the
channel 104 in a distal manner. The channel 104 delivers
longitudinal motion to a pusher cam bar as is known in the art for
operation of the stapler cartridge 21 shown in FIG. 2b. It should
be appreciated that the components shown in FIG. 2a only illustrate
one embodiment of the present surgical stapler 10, and instead of
the rack 100, the surgical stapler 10 may have a drive screw (not
shown) for longitudinal motion and in order to actuate the stapler
cartridge 21. Referring now to FIG. 2b, there is shown an exploded
view of the anvil 22 and the stapler cartridge 132 having an
actuation sled 169.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 2b, the stapler cartridge 21 includes an
anvil assembly 130 and a cartridge assembly 132 shown in an
exploded view for illustration purposes. The anvil assembly 130
includes anvil portion 22 having a plurality of staple deforming
concavities (not shown) and a cover plate 136 secured to a top
surface of anvil portion 134 to define a cavity (not shown). The
cover plate 136 prevents pinching of tissue during clamping and
firing of the surgical stapler 10. The cavity is dimensioned to
receive a distal end of an axial drive assembly 138.
[0063] The anvil 130 has a longitudinal slot 140 that extends
through anvil portion 130 to facilitate passage of retention flange
142 of the axial drive assembly 138 into the anvil slot 140. A
camming surface 144 formed on anvil 22 is positioned to engage
axial drive assembly 138 to facilitate clamping of tissue. A pair
of pivot members 146 formed on anvil portion 130 is positioned
within slots 146' formed in carrier 148 to guide the anvil portion
130 between the open and clamped positions.
[0064] The stapler 10 has a pair of stabilizing members 152 engage
a respective shoulder formed on carrier 148 to prevent anvil
portion 30 from sliding axially relative to staple cartridge 132 as
camming surface of the anvil 130 is deformed. Cartridge assembly
132 includes the carrier 148 which defines an elongated support
channel 154. Elongated support channel 154 is dimensioned and
configured to receive the staple cartridge 132 which is shown above
the carrier 148 in the exploded view of FIG. 2b. Corresponding tabs
and slots formed along staple cartridge 132 and elongated support
channel 148' function to retain staple cartridge 132 within support
channel 154 of carrier 148. A pair of support struts formed on the
staple cartridge 132 are positioned to rest on side walls of
carrier 148 to further stabilize staple cartridge 132 within
support channel 154, however other arrangements to support the
cartridge 132 on the channel 154 can be used and this arrangement
is not limiting.
[0065] Staple cartridge 132 includes retention slots 156 for
receiving a plurality of fasteners 158 and pushers 160.
Longitudinal slots 156 extend through staple cartridge 132 to
accommodate upstanding cam wedges 162 of the actuation sled 164. A
central longitudinal slot 166 extends along the length of staple
cartridge 132 to facilitate passage of a knife blade (not shown).
During operation of surgical stapler 10, actuation sled 164 is
drive distally to translate through longitudinal slot 156 of staple
cartridge 132 and to advance cam wedges 162 distally and into
sequential contact with pushers 160, to cause pushers 160 to
translate vertically within slots 156 and urge fasteners 158 from
slots 156 into the staple deforming cavities of anvil assembly 130
to effect the stapling of tissue.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the surgical stapler 10 may include
indicator 36 which may be any device known in the art to provide
sensory feedback to the surgeon. The indicator 36 may be any device
that permits a visual, tactile or audible monitoring of one or more
conditions of the surgical stapler 10. The indicator 36 may be
disposed on outer surface 34 and disposed on the handle 14.
Alternatively, the indicator 36 may be disposed on portion 16, on
the trigger switch 26, on the lever 24 or in any other suitable
location where the indicator 36 may be easily viewed by the surgeon
without a change in position of change in footing by the
surgeon.
[0067] In one embodiment, as shown the indicator 36 includes a
number of light bulbs 38. The lights 38 may be one light or a
series of many lights bulbs or LEDs with one color or an assortment
of two or more colors. Each of the lights 38 may have a color
representing one or more conditions of the surgical stapler 10.
Alternatively, one or all of the lights 36 may flash to indicate a
condition of the surgical stapler 10.
[0068] Upon being actuated by the trigger switch 26, the surgical
stapler 10 may impart a delay before firing of the staples.
However, in order to provide the proper feedback to the surgeon,
the lights 38 provide, for example, a visual indication of the
progress of the firing of the stapling cartridge 21. For example,
still referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a first light 40, a
second light 42, a third light 44, a fourth light 46, and a fifth
light 48. As the axial drive screw (not shown and in the handle)
travels the predetermined drive path the lights 40, 42, 44, 46, and
48 illuminate in series to portray the relative distance of the
drive screw on the exterior of the handle. When the lights 40, 42,
44, 46, and 48 are illuminated, the stapling cartridge 21 fires
which ensures that proper tissue compression occurs prior to
deployment of the staples.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 4, in another exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure, the surgical stapler 10 includes a linear
indicator 50 having a plurality of discrete segments, first segment
52, second segment 54, third segment 56, fourth segment 58, and
fifth segment 60. Again, once the trigger switch 26 is actuated to
fire the stapling cartridge 21, the segments 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60
each illuminate in a predetermined pattern to indicate to the
surgeon the status of the progression of the drive screw in the
handle 14.
[0070] Upon all of the segments 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60 being
illuminated, the stapling cartridge 21 fires the staple into the
body tissue with assurance that an amount of compression time of
the body tissue has lapsed. Linear display 50 may have one or more
different colors or combinations of colors to indicate a position
of the drive screw such as "red" to indicate firing and "green" to
indicate that the firing is complete or vice versa. Still further
the linear display 50 may display one or more graphical
representations, images, or pictures to indicate one or more
conditions or operating parameters of the surgical stapler 10.
[0071] For example, the linear display 50 may indicate "FIRE" or
"COMPLETE", or any other graphical representation to indicate that
surgical stapler 10 will fire at the predetermined time period.
Various possible combinations are possible and all are within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0072] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure shown in FIG. 5, the surgical stapler 10 may include a
digital display 62. The digital display 62 may indicate a count
down or count up (or other time interval) after actuation of the
trigger switch 26. For example, the digital display 62 may count
down to the desired stapling time after compression to ensure a
predetermined amount of tissue compression by the jaws 21, 22. The
digital display 62 may be activated by the jaws 21, 22 being
brought in close alignment with one another or activated
independent of clamping. A desired clamping interval may be preset
for desired tissue.
[0073] Alternatively, the digital display 62 may be selectively
preset and input by the surgeon using an input device (not shown)
or button. The surgeon may input a time period of clamping into the
display 62. Thereafter, the display 62 will suggest firing at the
elapse of the clamping time period, or may automatically fire after
a predetermined clamping time elapses (e.g., such as from about ten
seconds to forty five seconds) to ensure proper tissue compression.
The digital display 62 may be configured to count down from the
predetermined set interval of clamping and visually communicate a
signal to the controller 28. The controller 28 after receiving the
signal allows the to desired time period of clamping to elapse.
After the set time period expires, the controller 28 may
communicate a second signal to actuate the stapling cartridge 21.
Alternatively, the controller 28 may simply modulate the speed of
the motor to commence operation at a speed suitable to actuate the
stapling cartridge 21 at the end of the desired time period. In
still yet another embodiment, the digital display 62 may be
configured to initiate counting after commencement of the clamping
of tissue and then simply display the time from that point onwards
to allow the surgeon to monitor and manually actuate the trigger
switch 26 at the expiration of the desired time period. Thereafter,
the digital display 62 may simply display or flash the compression
time to the surgeon and the exact amount of elapsed time. It is
appreciated that the instrument may provide a predetermined delay
and then indicate that the instrument is ready to be manually
fired, or alternatively the instrument may delay then indicate and
then automatically fire.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 6, the surgical stapler 10 may
alternatively have an analog display 64 disposed on the outer
surface of the handle 14 which functions similar to the digital
display 62. Analog display 64 may have an audible alarm or
alternatively have a flashing light to indicate that the
appropriate tissue compression time has been reached or
exceeded.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a cross sectional
view of the handle 12 of the surgical stapler along line 7-7 of
FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the surgical stapler 10 is a powered
device and has a motor 66 with a driving mechanism. The driving
mechanism is a drive output shaft 68. Shaft 68 connects to a first
gear 70. The first gear 70 is connected to a second gear 72 which,
in turn, engages an axial drive screw 74. The motor 66 may be a
device that drives one or more components of the surgical stapler
10.
[0076] The drive screw 74 is a threaded rod having a number of
helical grooves that are intended to rotate and contact another
member to actuate the stapling cartridge 21 in the distal location
of the surgical stapler 10 once compression is made by the surgeon
using the clamp or jaws 21, 22. The axial drive screw 74 is
disposed in toothed engagement through a central bore 76 of the
second gear 72. The axial drive screw may also be disposed offset
from the second gear 72 or in any other desired geared arrangement.
Upon actuation of the motor 66, the axial drive screw 74 rotates
and traverses distally through the portion 16 of the surgical
stapler 10 to engage the stapler cartridge 21 as is well known in
the art. Alternatively, the surgical stapler 10 may have a drive
piston or plunger instead of the axial drive screw 74 or a single
drive mechanism to control both the anvil 22 and the stapling
cartridge 21. Such mechanisms are well known in the art and may be
found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,965 B1 to Milliman, et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,250,532 B1 to Green, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,139 B1 to
Milliman, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,500 to Alli et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 6,202,914 B1 to Geiste, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,849 to
Mastri, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,259 to Viola, et al., which
are all herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0077] The surgical stapler 10 may include a first switch 80.
Switch 80 is located in a fixed position of the handle as shown.
The stapler 10 also has a second switch 82 disposed distally
relative to the first switch 80 that is distal or near the path of
the drive screw 74 in the first initial position 78. Likewise, the
second switch 82 in a second firing position 84 which is disposed
distally from the first initial position and proximal or near the
path of the drive screw 74. Each of the first and second switches
80, 82 is a limit switch, but alternatively may be any switch known
in the art to change or toggle from a first position to a second
position by a simple motion of the axial drive screw 74 traversing
past or adjacent to the respective limit switch.
[0078] Once the axial drive screw 74 or a portion thereof traverses
past the first switch 80, the first switch communicates a signal to
the controller 28 by lead 86. The controller 28 thus illuminates
the indicator 36 or a portion thereof by lead 88 to indicate to the
surgeon a first location of the axial drive screw 74.
[0079] Thereafter, the drive screw 74 or a portion thereof
traverses or contacts the second switch 82 at the second firing
position 84. The second switch 82 is also a limit switch and
communicates a second signal to the controller 28 by lead 90 of the
location or firing of the stapler cartridge 21. The controller 28
then illuminates indicator 36 (or another portion thereof) by lead
88 to indicate to the surgeon that the stapling has been completed.
At the conclusion of the stapling, the surgeon/operator will
initiate retraction and then will reverse a direction of the motor
66 by lead 92. The motor 66 then reverses operation and returns the
axial drive screw 74 to the initial position 78 for the next
stapling operation.
[0080] Alternatively, controller 28 upon receiving the first signal
from the first switch 80 by lead 86 modulates one or more
operations of the surgical stapler 10. For example, in response to
receiving of the first signal, the controller 28 can control one or
more parameters of the surgical stapler 10 including tissue gap,
speed of the motor 66, control stroke of the axial drive screw 74,
axial drive screw travel distance, rotational rate of the axial
drive screw and any combinations thereof.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 8, the surgeon may operate/engage the
firing mechanism in order to actuate the stapling cartridge 21. The
firing mechanism actuates the motor 66 shown in FIG. 8. The axial
drive screw 74 commences rotation and by traversing past switch 80
the drive screw 74 actuates the first switch 80. The first switch
80 outputs the signal to the controller 28 by lead 86. The
controller 28 in response to the signal from the first switch 80
then actuates the first light 40 by lead 92. The surgical stapler
10 may further have a suitable structure in order to engage a stop
feature. The stop feature prohibits overdrive of the drive screw
74. Thereafter, after the axial drive screw 74 traverses a
predetermined distance to ensure tissue compression by the clamp or
jaws 21, 22. The second switch 82 is actuated and outputs a second
signal to the controller 28 by lead 90. The controller 28 in
response to the second signal illuminates the second light 42 by
lead 94. The second light 42 indicates that the stapling cartridge
21 has fired. The second switch 82 may further emit a signal to the
controller 28 to reverse or cease motion in that direction of the
motor 66 or to return the axial drive screw 74 to the initial
position. The physician/operator may also manually reverse the
direction of the motor 66. A third light 44 may illuminate to
indicate to the surgeon that the axial drive screw 74 is returning
to the initial position 78.
[0082] FIG. 8A illustrates another embodiment of the present
stapler. In the embodiment shown, the surgeon may operate/engage
the firing mechanism in order to actuate the stapling cartridge 21.
However, the first switch 80' is in a different location than the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment the first switch 80'
is located immediately under the lever 24 proximal to handle 14.
The switch 80' in the embodiment of FIG. 8A engages a tab 24'
disposed on the lever 24. When the lever 24 is actuated and driven
toward the handle 14, the tab 24' contacts switch 80', and the
switch 80' outputs the signal to the controller 28 by lead 86. The
controller 28 in response to the signal from the first switch 80
then actuates the first light 40 by lead 92.
[0083] Thereafter, after the axial drive screw 74 traverses a
predetermined distance to ensure tissue compression by the clamp or
jaws 21, 22, the second switch 82 is actuated and outputs a second
signal to the controller 28 by lead 90. Again, the controller 28 in
response to the second signal illuminates the second light 42 by
lead 94. The second light 42 indicates that the stapling cartridge
21 has fired. The second switch 82 that is actuated by switch 80'
may further emit a signal to the controller 28 to reverse or cease
motion in that direction of the motor 66 or to return the axial
drive screw 74 to the initial position. A third indicator 44 may be
included to indicate to the surgeon that the axial drive screw 74
is returning to the initial position 78.
[0084] FIG. 8B shows still another embodiment wherein the first
switch 80'' is located at still another location of the handle 14,
and on an opposite distal side of the lever 24 in proximity to
pivot Various configurations are possible and within the scope of
the present disclosure, and switch 80'' may be placed in various
configurations relative to the lever 24.
[0085] FIG. 9 shows the surgical stapler 10 with a lever 24. The
lever 24, shown in the elevated position, controls the clamp or
jaws 21, 22, however this arrangement is not limiting and another
driving member may control the clamp or jaws 21, 22 such as the
motor 66 (FIG. 7). The lever 24 opens and closes the jaws 21, 22 of
the clamp to compress the body tissue prior to surgical stapling.
The surgical stapler 10 further includes an electrical contact 96
with an electrically conductive member to complete a suitable
analog or digital circuit. The electrical contact 96 is in a
complementary nesting location of the lever 24 when the lever is in
a lowered position or mating with the handle 14. When the lever 24
is lowered from an elevated or raised position to the lowered
position or contacting the handle 14, the lever 24 engages the
electrical contact 96. The electrical contact may complete a
suitable timer circuit of the display 62 when in the lowered
position. In this embodiment, the electrical contact 96 commences
the display 62. The display 62 may count upwards from zero to a
predetermined time limit, or may count down from an ideal
predetermined tissue compression time interval. Once the displayed
time reaches the predetermined time interval, an audible alarm 98
may sound. The audible alarm 98 provides the surgeon with a cue
that the optimal tissue compression time has been reached, and that
the firing mechanism should be actuated in order to fire the staple
from the staple cartridge 21 to ensure a uniform staple
formation.
[0086] FIG. 10 illustrates in still another embodiment where the
clamp formed by jaws 21, 22 is actuated by lowering the lever 24.
Contemporaneously, the timer circuit of the display 62 is activated
by the electrical contact 96 on the lever 24. The indicator 36 may
be the linear display 50 which indicates a first color to prompt
for the actuation of the stapling mechanism 21 by the trigger
switch or button 26. The display 50 may then display a second image
or illuminate the number of segments corresponding to a travel path
of the axial drive screw 74 as shown in FIG. 7. Upon actuation, the
second switch 82 outputs a signal to the controller 28. The
controller 28 then stops the motor 66, and the controller outputs a
control signal to the display 50 to modulate the display from the
first color to another second color or from a first image to a
second image to indicate that the stapling cartridge 21 has fired.
Optionally, the controller 28 may further sound the audible alarm
98 indicating that the stapling cartridge 21 has fired. The alarm
may be any sound or audible pattern, including a buzzer, a song, a
chirp, a chime or any combinations thereof. Various indicator
configurations are possible and within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0087] In still another embodiment, the jaws 21, 22 may be actuated
by lowering the lever 24. Contemporaneously, the timer circuit of
the display 62 is activated by the lever 24. Thereafter, the
indicator 36 indicates a first indication to prompt for an
actuation of the stapling cartridge 21 by actuating switch 26 after
a desired time period elapses. Once the trigger switch 26 is
actuated, the controller 28 activates the motor 30. The motor 30
then moves the drive screw 74 as shown in FIG. 7.
[0088] As the axial drive screw 74 moves in an axial manner, the
drive screw (or another plunger 100 connected thereto as shown in
FIG. 11) contacts a second member 102. Second member 102 may be any
member that modulates based on the motion of the plunger 100 and
that can be detected or sensed by another device to provide an
indication to the surgeon. The second member 102 may be a resistor
strip which changes a resistance along a travel surface 104 of the
plunger 100 as the plunger 100 or the axial drive screw 74
traverses along the portion 16 of the surgical stapler 10 (or other
suitable travel surface location). The resistor strip 102 is
coupled to indicator 36 such that the change in resistance of the
resistor strip 102 selectively illuminates each of the lights 40
through 48 to signal an amount of travel by the axial drive screw
74 or the plunger 100 or other suitable drive member.
[0089] Alternatively, the resistor strip 102 may be coupled to
another indicator 36 such as a linear display 50. The display 50
may illuminate the number of segments 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60
corresponding to a travel of the axial drive screw 74 or the
plunger 100 until the axial drive screw actuates the stapler
cartridge 21. Upon actuated, the resistor strip 102 outputs a
signal to the controller 28 which modulates the operation of the
motor 66, and sends another second signal to the display 50 to
indicate that the stapling cartridge 21 has fired. The display 50
in response thereto may then display a suitable graphical image,
another color, a textual message, or any other indication to
indicate to the surgeon that the firing of the stapling cartridge
21 has concluded. Various indicator configurations are possible and
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 12, in yet another embodiment of the
present disclosure, the surgical stapler 10 may further include a
non-contact sensor 106. The non-contact sensor 106 may optionally
be a so-called "Hall effect non-contact sensor" (or alternatively
any other non-contact sensor) that is based in part on the physical
principle of the Hall effect named after its discoverer E. H.
Hall.
[0091] For example, end 108 of the axial screw 74 is directly
connected, geared to, or offset from the motor 74, and a cap like
free end 110 of axial screw 74 contacts the stapler cartridge 21 to
actuate the stapler cartridge and to fire the staple as discussed
previously. The free end 110 of the drive screw 74 has a magnetic
member 112 which connects thereto and which will not become
dislodged by a rotation of the drive screw 74. Alternatively, the
magnetic member 112 may be disc shaped and simply connect to the
free end 110. In one initial orientation, free end 110 and the
magnetic member 112 are disposed closely adjacent, or near to the
non-contact sensor 106. At this initial orientation, the magnetic
member 112 is separated by a first distance "d" from the
non-contact sensor 106.
[0092] Once the trigger switch or button 26 is actuated, the motor
66 is actuated, and rotates, the drive axial screw 74 to traverse
distally to actuate the stapler cartridge 21 as described above. In
the second orientation after the motor 66 has been actuated, the
magnetic member 112 moves and is a second distance "d" away from
the non-contact sensor 106. The second distance is any distance
greater than the first distance "d". As the magnetic member 112
moves away from the non-contact sensor 106, the non-contact sensor
now located the second distance away from the magnetic field of the
magnetic member 112 modulates an operation of the motor 66.
[0093] The term "modulation" is defined as modulating amount of
voltage received by the motor 66 in a dynamic manner, turning the
motor "off" at a desired stroke, changing the motor speed, drive
gear reduction of the motor, reduction of the axial drive screw
pitch, or a change in the voltage or the current input of the
motor, or changing another firing component, a change of the motor
components and any combinations thereof. This may thereby slow the
operation of the motor 66 to increase an amount of compression time
of the body tissues between jaws 21, 22. In another alternative
embodiment, the magnetic member 112 may be disposed on a suitable
drive piston instead of the drive screw 66. As the drive piston
travels away from the non-contact sensor 106, a reduced or
modulated amount of voltage may be provided to the motor 66. Still
further in another alternative embodiment, the non-contact sensor
106 may be placed at the free end 110 of the drive screw 74 and the
magnetic member 112 fixed.
[0094] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
surgical stapler may have a combined drive mechanism. The combined
drive mechanism may control both a firing component of the stapling
mechanism and a clamping mechanism. The surgical stapler 10 may,
upon being actuated, has the drive mechanism advance to commence
the clamping using the clamping mechanism and then hold and wait
thus providing a predetermined delay. The surgical stapler 10 would
then provide an indication to the surgeon/operator once a desired
amount of compression is reached. Thereafter, the surgeon/operator
would then actuate the drive mechanism after the time delay. The
drive mechanism would then fire the staples from the stapling
cartridge 21 into the compressed tissues and thus ensure a uniform
staple formation. The surgical stapler 10 thus provides a time
delay prior to stapling to ensure tissue compression.
[0095] Although being shown as an endoscopic surgical stapler, the
present drive system may be used with any surgical stapling device
known in the art, such as endoscopic surgical stapling devices, a
pulmonary stapling device, a GIA surgical stapling devices, an
endo-GIA stapling device, a TA surgical stapling device and any
other stapler device for surgery know in the art. The present
disclosure may also be used with a single drive surgical stapler
that drives both the clamp and the stapling device. The present
disclosure may be incorporated into a device that approximates and
then fires such as with a TA surgical stapling device or with a
surgical stapler without any such approximation of tissue.
[0096] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives
and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present
disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances. The embodiments described with
reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to
demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements,
steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different
from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also
intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *