U.S. patent application number 15/210890 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-11 for end effector of surgical linear stapler.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEDI TULIP CO., Ltd. The applicant listed for this patent is MEDI TULIP CO., Ltd. Invention is credited to Tae Woong KANG.
Application Number | 20180008264 15/210890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57850960 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180008264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KANG; Tae Woong |
January 11, 2018 |
END EFFECTOR OF SURGICAL LINEAR STAPLER
Abstract
Disclosed is an end effector of a surgical linear stapler, which
includes a staple cartridge, an anvil, a pusher unit, a driving
wedge, a stabilizer unit and a blade unit, wherein the stabilizer
unit is arranged on the staple cartridge while neighboring on the
pusher unit and at least partially discharged from the staple
cartridge by the driving wedge so as to hold tissue placed in
between the staple cartridge and the anvil.
Inventors: |
KANG; Tae Woong; (Daejeon,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MEDI TULIP CO., Ltd |
Cheongju-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
MEDI TULIP CO., Ltd
Cheongju-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
57850960 |
Appl. No.: |
15/210890 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2090/0807 20160201;
A61B 17/07207 20130101; A61B 2017/07228 20130101; A61B 2017/07278
20130101; A61B 2017/07257 20130101; A61B 2017/07285 20130101; A61B
2017/07271 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/072 20060101
A61B017/072 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 8, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0087182 |
Claims
1. An end effector of a surgical linear stapler, comprising: a
staple cartridge which is internally loaded with staples for
stapling tissue; an anvil which corresponds to the staple cartridge
and forms the staple discharged from the staple cartridge; a pusher
unit which is arranged within the staple cartridge while
corresponding to the staple and pushes the staple in a first
direction defining a height direction of the staple cartridge while
being moved by external force so that the staple can be discharged
from the staple cartridge; a driving wedge which is arranged within
the staple cartridge and presses the pusher unit in the first
direction while being moving along a second direction defining a
lengthwise direction of the staple cartridge by external force; a
stabilizer unit which is arranged within the staple cartridge while
being disposed adjacent to the pusher unit and at least partially
discharged from the staple cartridge in the first direction while
being moved by the driving wedge, wherein the stabilizer unit is
configured to contact tissue after pressed by the driving wedge so
that the tissue is placed between the stabilizer unit and the anvil
without being stapled by the staple; and a blade unit which
comprises a blade for cutting the tissue stapled by the staples and
moves the driving wedge in the second direction, wherein the staple
cartridge comprises a cartridge main body, and the cartridge main
body comprises a first guide slit for guiding the blade to move, a
first staple discharge hole array and a second staple discharge
hole array formed at opposite sides with respect to the first guide
slit, and a stabilizer discharge slit formed in between the first
staple discharge hole array and the first guide slit and allowing
the stabilizer unit to be at least partially discharged.
2. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the stabilizer unit comprises a contact member to
be in contact with tissue, and a press member extended from one
side of the contact member and pressed by the driving wedge, and
the contact member comprises a lower body to be in direct contact
with the tissue, the lower body comprising a rounded surface formed
gently toward a bottom center region of the lower body to prevent
the tissue from being damaged.
3. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 2, wherein a second cross-section parallel with the second
direction among cross-sections of the lower body comprises a
rounded rectangular shape, and tapers toward the bottom center
region of the lower body.
4. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 2, wherein the contact member is constant in height along the
second direction, and the press member is gradually increased in
height along the second direction.
5. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 2, wherein the press member is bent and extended from one end
of the contact member, and the stabilizer unit is gradually
increased in height along the second direction.
6. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 2, wherein the press member protrudes from a lateral side of
the contact member, and the stabilizer unit is constant in height
along the second direction.
7. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the pusher unit and the stabilizer unit are formed
as a single body and simultaneously moved in the first direction by
the driving wedge.
8. (canceled)
9. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein a first distance between a 1-1 staple discharge
hole of the first staple discharge hole array, which is the most
adjacent to the first guide slit line, and the first guide slit is
greater than a second distance between a 2-1 staple discharge hole
line of the second staple discharge hole array, which is the most
adjacent to the first guide slit, and the first guide slit, in
order to obtain tissue for pathological examination, which is not
damaged by the staples, from tissue to be cut by the blade and
removed.
10. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge main
body, and the cartridge main body is formed with a first guide slit
for guiding the blade to move, and the stabilizer unit is arranged
on the staple cartridge and comprises a first stabilizer and a
second stabilizer arranged at opposite sides with respect to the
first guide slit.
11. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 10, wherein the cartridge main body comprises a first staple
discharge hole array and a second staple discharge hole array,
which are formed at opposite sides with respect to the first guide
slit, a first stabilizer discharge slit formed in between the first
staple discharge hole array and the first guide slit and allowing
the first stabilizer to be at least partially discharged, and a
second stabilizer discharge slit formed in between the second
staple discharge hole array and the first guide slit and allowing
the second stabilizer to be at least partially discharged.
12. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the stabilizer unit comprises a plurality of unit
stabilizers arranged at regular intervals along the second
direction, and the pusher unit comprises a plurality of unit
pushers arranged at regular intervals along the second direction,
and the unit stabilizer is longer in the second direction than the
unit pusher.
13. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 12, wherein the first staple discharge hole array comprises a
plurality of first staple discharge hole lines arranged at regular
intervals along a third direction defining a widthwise direction of
the staple cartridge, and each of the first staple discharge hole
lines comprises a plurality of first unit staple discharge holes
arranged at regular intervals along the second direction, the
stabilizer discharge slit comprises a plurality of unit discharge
slits formed at regular intervals along the second direction, and
the unit discharge slit is longer in the second direction than the
first unit staple discharge hole.
14. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the stabilizer unit comprises a plurality of unit
stabilizers arranged at regular intervals along the second
direction, and the pusher unit comprises a plurality of unit
pushers arranged at regular intervals along the second direction,
the first staple discharge hole array comprises a plurality of
first unit staple discharge holes, and the stabilizer discharge
slit comprises a plurality of unit discharge slits along the second
direction, and the unit stabilizer has the same length in the
second direction as the unit pusher, and the first unit staple
discharge hole has the same length in the second direction as the
unit discharge slit.
15. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the driving wedge comprises a first wedge pressing
the pusher unit, and a second wedge arranged neighboring on the
first wedge and pressing the stabilizer unit, and a protruding
height of the second wedge in the first direction is greater than a
protruding height of the first wedge so that a first discharge
height of the stabilizer unit discharged from the staple cartridge
can be greater than a second discharge height of the pusher unit
discharged from the staple cartridge.
16. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the stabilizer unit is higher in the first
direction than the pusher unit so that a first discharge height of
the stabilizer unit discharged from the staple cartridge can be
greater than a second discharge height of the pusher unit
discharged from the staple cartridge.
17. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 1, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body, the anvil body
comprising a second guide slit for guiding the blade to move, and a
first anvil groove array and a second anvil groove array which are
formed at opposite sides with respect to the second guide slit, and
a third distance between a 1-1 anvil groove line of the first anvil
groove array, which is the most adjacent to the second guide slit,
and the second guide slit is greater than a fourth distance between
a 2-1 anvil groove line of the second anvil groove array, which is
the most adjacent to the second guide slit, and the second guide
slit.
18. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 17, wherein the anvil body comprises a stabilizer
corresponding surface defined in between the 1-1 anvil groove line
and the second guide slit, the stabilizer corresponding surface
holds the tissue while facing a bottom of the stabilizer unit, and
the stabilizer corresponding surface is flat.
19. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 17, wherein the anvil body comprises a stabilizer
corresponding groove recessed on a surface between the 1-1 anvil
groove line and the second guide slit and corresponding to a bottom
of the stabilizer, or a stabilizer corresponding projection
protruding from the surface and corresponding to the bottom of the
stabilizer.
20. The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
claim 10, wherein the anvil comprises an anvil body, the anvil body
comprising a second guide slit for guiding the blade to move, and a
first anvil groove array and a second anvil groove array which are
formed at opposite sides with respect to the second guide slit, and
the anvil body comprises a first surface formed in between the
first anvil groove array and the second guide slit and holing the
tissue while facing a bottom of the first stabilizer, and a second
surface formed in between the second anvil groove array and the
second guide slit and holing the tissue while facing a bottom of
the second stabilizer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2016-0087182, filed on Jul. 8, 2016 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(a) Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an end effector of a
surgical linear stapler, and more particularly to an end effector
of a surgical linear stapler which can stably and conveniently
obtain tissue for pathological examination, which is not damaged by
a staple, while stapling and cutting a surgical site.
(b) Description of the Related Art
[0003] In general, a surgical stapler is a medical instrument
mainly used for cutting and anastomosis of an organ in abdominal
and thoracic surgery. Such a surgical stapler is classified into an
open stapler used in thoracotomy and laparotomy and an endo stapler
used in thoracoscopic surgery and celioscopic surgery.
[0004] The surgical stapler has advantages of not only shortening
operation time since cutting of a surgical site and anastomosis of
an organ are performed at a time, but also accurately stapling the
surgical site. Besides, the surgical stapler has advantages of a
quicker recovery and a smaller scar than those of when tissue is
cut and stapled using a surgical stapling thread, and has been thus
widespread in the modern surgical operation. In particular, the
surgical stapler has been widely used for cutting cancer tissue and
stapling a cut site in cancer surgery.
[0005] However, biological tissue adjacent to a section obtained
for frozen section tissue examination from a surgical site removed
after being stapled and cut by a conventional stapler is damaged by
a staple, and it is therefore difficult to correctly examine
whether a cancer cell is remained in a cutting margin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is conceived to solve the
foregoing problems, and an aspect of the present invention is to
provide an end effector of a surgical linear stapler capable of
stably and conveniently obtaining tissue for pathological
examination, which is not damaged by a staple, while stapling and
cutting a surgical site.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided an end effector of a surgical linear stapler,
including: a staple cartridge which is internally loaded with
staples for stapling tissue; an anvil which corresponds to the
staple cartridge and forms the staple discharged from the staple
cartridge; a pusher unit which is arranged on the staple cartridge
while corresponding to the staple and pushes the staple in a height
direction of the staple cartridge, i.e. a first direction while
being moved by external force so that the staple can be discharged
from the staple cartridge; a driving wedge which is arranged on the
staple cartridge and presses the pusher unit in the first direction
while being moving along a lengthwise direction of the staple
cartridge, i.e. a second direction by external force; a stabilizer
unit which is arranged on the staple cartridge while neighboring on
the pusher unit and at least partially discharged from the staple
cartridge by the driving wedge to hold tissue placed in between the
staple cartridge and the anvil; and a blade unit which includes a
blade for cutting tissue stapled by the staples and moves the
driving wedge in the second direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The above and/or other aspects of the present invention will
become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical linear stapler according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a part of an end effector of the surgical
linear stapler in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a cartridge main body provided in the end
effect of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a unit stabilizer provided in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a first pusher and a second pusher
provided in the end effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates states before and after a pusher unit and
a stabilizer unit are pressed by a driving wedge in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates states before stapling tissue and after
cutting tissue by the surgical linear stapler of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a part of an end effector of a surgical
linear stapler according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a cartridge main body provided in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a stabilizer unit provided in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a part of an end effector of a surgical
linear stapler according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a cartridge main body provided in the
end effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 11;
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates a unit stabilizer provided in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 14 illustrates states before and after a pusher unit
and a stabilizer unit are pressed by a driving wedge in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 15 illustrates states before stapling tissue and after
cutting tissue by the end effector of the surgical linear stapler
in FIG. 11;
[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates a part of an end effector of a surgical
linear stapler according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 17 illustrates a cartridge main body provided in the
end effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 16;
[0026] FIG. 18 illustrates a stabilizer unit provided in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 19 illustrates a part of an end effector of a surgical
linear stapler according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 20 illustrates a cartridge main body provided in the
end effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 19;
[0029] FIG. 21 illustrates a unit stabilizer provided in the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 19;
[0030] FIG. 22 illustrates an anvil provided in an end effector of
a surgical linear stapler according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 23 illustrates an anvil provided in an end effector of
a surgical linear stapler according to a seventh embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 24 illustrates a part of an end effector of a surgical
linear stapler according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 25 illustrates an anvil provided in an end effector of
a surgical linear stapler according to a ninth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 26 illustrates an anvil provided in an end effector of
a surgical linear stapler according to a tenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a pusher-stabilizer
unit that can replace both the stabilizer unit and the pusher unit
used in the end effector of the surgical linear stapler in FIG. 24
according to the eighth embodiment; and
[0036] FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment of a
pusher-stabilizer unit that can replace both the stabilizer unit
and the pusher unit used in the end effector of the surgical linear
stapler in FIG. 24 according to the eighth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
for solving the foregoing problems will be described with reference
to accompanying drawings. Throughout the following exemplary
embodiments, like numerals refer to like elements and repetitive
descriptions will be avoided as necessary.
[0038] A surgical linear stapler and an end effector for the same
according to a first embodiment of the present invention for
obtaining tissue for pathological examination will be described
with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the surgical linear stapler includes a
handle assembly, an extension shaft 5 and an end effector.
[0040] The handle assembly includes a support grip 1, a control
grip 2, a pull grip 3, a rotary head 4, and a control bar (not
shown).
[0041] The control bar is interlocked with the control grip 2 while
penetrating the extension shaft 5 and the rotary head 4 and also
connects with the pull grip 3.
[0042] The control bar moves forward when the control grip 2 is
manipulated, and moves backward when a user pulls the pull grip 3
backward.
[0043] The rotary head 4 is provided in a front area of the handle
assembly and makes the extension shaft 5 and the end effector be
rotated 360.degree. in the front area of the handle assembly while
inserting the control bar therein.
[0044] The extension shaft 5 is placed in between the end effector
and the rotary head 4, and a part of the control bar is arranged
inside the extension shaft 5.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the end effector of the
surgical linear stapler includes a stapling shaft 10, a staple
cartridge assembly 20, an anvil 600, a pusher unit 200, a driving
wedge 300, a stabilizer unit 400 and a blade unit with a blade
510.
[0046] The staple cartridge assembly 20 includes a staple cartridge
100, an upper cover 21 placed over the staple cartridge 100, and an
indicator 23 provided on the upper cover 21. The staple cartridge
100 is internally loaded with staples for stapling tissue A.
[0047] The anvil 600 corresponds to the staple cartridge 100 and
forms the staple discharged from the staple cartridge 100.
[0048] The pusher unit 200 is arranged on the staple cartridge 100
while corresponding to the staples, and pushes the staple in a
height direction of the staple cartridge 100, i.e. a first
direction Z while moving by external force, thereby making the
staples be discharged from the staple cartridge 100.
[0049] The driving wedge 300 is arranged on the staple cartridge
100 and moves a lengthwise direction of the staple cartridge 100,
i.e. a second direction X by external force, thereby pressing the
pusher unit 200 in the first direction Z.
[0050] The stabilizer unit 400 is arranged on the staple cartridge
100 and adjacent to the pusher unit 200. The stabilizer unit 400 is
at least partially discharged from the staple cartridge 100 by the
driving wedge 300 and holds tissue positioned in between the staple
cartridge 100 and the anvil 600.
[0051] The blade unit includes the blade 510 for cutting the tissue
stapled by the staples, and moves the driving wedge 300 along the
second direction X.
[0052] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the staple
cartridge 100 includes a cartridge main body 110, and the cartridge
main body 110 is formed with a first guide slit 120, a first staple
discharge hole array 130, a second staple discharge hole array 140
and a stabilizer discharge slit 150.
[0053] The first guide slit 120 is formed in a center region of the
cartridge main body 110 along the lengthwise direction of the
staple cartridge 100, i.e. the second direction X and guides the
blade 510 to move.
[0054] The stabilizer discharge slit 150 is formed in between the
first staple discharge hole array 130 and the first guide slit 120
and serves as a passage through which the stabilizer unit 400 is at
least partially discharged.
[0055] The stabilizer discharge slit 150 includes a plurality of
unit discharge slits formed at regular intervals along the second
direction X, in which the length of the unit discharge slit in the
second direction X is longer than the length of the first unit
staple discharge hole in the second direction X.
[0056] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the
foregoing. Alternatively, the stabilizer discharge slit 150 may be
different in width from the first unit staple discharge hole.
[0057] The first staple discharge hole array 130 and the second
staple discharge hole array 140 are arranged at opposite sides with
respect to the first guide slit 120. The first staple discharge
hole array 130 is arranged neighboring on the stabilizer discharge
slit 150.
[0058] The first staple discharge hole array 130 includes a
plurality of first staple discharge hole lines arranged at regular
intervals along a widthwise direction of the staple cartridge 100,
i.e. a third direction Y with respect to the first guide slit
120.
[0059] Specifically, the first staple discharge hole array 130
includes a 1-1 staple discharge hole line 131 the most adjacent to
the first guide slit 120, and a 1-2 staple discharge hole line 132
spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the 1-1 staple
discharge hole line 131 in the third direction Y.
[0060] The 1-1 staple discharge hole line 131 includes a plurality
of first unit staple discharge holes formed in a row on the
cartridge main body 110 at regular intervals along the second
direction X.
[0061] Further, the second staple discharge hole array 140 includes
a 2-1 staple discharge hole line 141 the most adjacent to the first
guide slit 120, a 2-2 staple discharge hole line 142 spaced apart
at a predetermined distance from the 2-1 staple discharge hole line
141 in an opposite direction to the third direction Y, i.e. a
fourth direction Y', and a 2-3 staple discharge hole line 143
spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the 2-2 staple
discharge hole line 142 in the fourth direction.
[0062] A first distance between the 1-1 staple discharge hole line
131 and the first guide slit 120 is greater than a second distance
between the 2-1 staple discharge hole line 141 and the first guide
slit 120.
[0063] The staples loaded into the 1-1 staple discharge hole line
131 are discharged out by the pusher unit 200 and formed by the
anvil 600, thereby forming a first stapling line 1aa on tissue.
Likewise, staples loaded into the 2-1 staple discharge hole line
141 form a second stapling line 3aa.
[0064] Therefore, a distance D1 from the cutting section A1, in
which tissue A is cut, to the first stapling line 1aa is greater
than a distance D2 from the cutting section A1 to the second
stapling line 3aa.
[0065] In result, the tissue placed in between the cutting section
A1 and the first stapling line 1aa is not damaged by the staples,
and it is thus possible to obtain a tissue area for pathological
examination, which is not damaged by the staples, from the tissue
removed by the blade 510.
[0066] Specifically, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7, a surgical site A
of tissue arranged on the cartridge main body 110 is cut by the
blade 510 into two surgical sites with respect to a virtual cutting
line A0. One of the two surgical sites is a first surgical site C
to be removed, and the other one is a second surgical site B to be
remained in a human body.
[0067] If the end effector of the surgical linear stapler according
to this embodiment starts operating, as show in (b) of FIG. 4 the
first surgical site C has stapling lines of two rows parallel with
a cutting section A1, and the second surgical site B has stapling
lines of three rows parallel with the cutting section A1.
[0068] Here, the distance D1 between the first stapling line 1aa,
which is the nearest to the cutting section A1, of the stapling
lines in the first surgical site C and the cutting section A1 is
greater than the distance D2 between a second stapling line 3aa,
which is the nearest to the cutting section A1, of the stapling
lines in the second surgical site B and the cutting section A1.
[0069] Thus, biological tissue placed in between the cutting
section A1 and the first stapling line 1aa in the first surgical
site C is suitable for the tissue for pathological examination
since it is not damaged at all.
[0070] In result, the distance from the cutting section to the
stapling line of an organ site to be removed while cutting one
organ into two areas and stapling them is set to be greater than
the distance from the cutting section to the stapling line of the
surgical site to be remained in a human body, thereby preventing a
cutting margin of biological tissue for examination from being
damaged in the surgical site to be removed. Therefore, it is
possible to stably and conveniently obtain a tissue area for
pathological examination, which is not damaged by a staple, in a
surgical site of an organ to be removed.
[0071] In particular, when the staple cartridge 100 and the anvil
600 relatively move to staple the tissue, the stabilizer unit 400
is discharged from the staple cartridge 100 and holds the tissue
between the cutting section A1 of the tissue and the first stapling
line 1aa, so that the blade 510 can stably cut the tissue in the
state that the tissue is not torn.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the indicator 23 indicates a
position where the stabilizer unit 400 is arranged with respect to
the first guide slit 120 on the staple cartridge 100. Here, the
tissue placed in between the stabilizer unit 400 and the anvil 600
is not damaged since it is not stapled by the staples.
[0073] In result, the indicator 23 indicates where the tissue
having a tissue area for pathological examination, which is not
damaged while the tissue is cut by the blade 510, i.e. the tissue
to be removed from a human body is positioned, and thus prevents a
mistake in surgery.
[0074] The indicator 23 may be provided on an outer surface of the
upper cover 21 in the form of painting with certain color, a
colored tape distinctive from a view of the exterior, a projection
or groove having a certain shape, etc. Alternatively, the indicator
23 may be made of a material with a fluorescent substance, or a
lighting unit such as a light emitting diode (LED).
[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the stabilizer unit
400 includes a plurality of unit stabilizers arranged at regular
intervals along the second direction X.
[0076] Specifically, the stabilizer unit 400, i.e. the unit
stabilizer includes a contact member 410 to be in contact with
tissue, and a press member 420 extended from one side of the
contact member 410 and pressed by the driving wedge 300.
[0077] The contact member 410 includes an upper body 413 extended
from the press member 420, and a lower body 411 extended from the
upper body and discharged from the staple cartridge 100 to directly
contact the tissue.
[0078] The lower body 411 has a rounded surface 411b gently formed
toward a bottom center region 411a of the lower body 411 in order
to prevent the tissue from being damaged.
[0079] In detail, a cross-section of the lower body 411 parallel
with the second direction X has a rounded rectangular shape and
tapers toward the bottom center region 411a of the lower body
411.
[0080] Here, the bottom center region 411a of the lower body may be
formed as a surface having a narrow width along the second
direction X, or may be formed as a line.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the press member 420 is bent
and extended from one end of the contact member 410, and the height
of the press member 420 gradually increases along the second
direction X.
[0082] A first end of the press member 420 is smaller in height
than a second end opposite to the first end. Here, the first end of
the press member 420 refers to an end of the press member near to
the stapling shaft 10.
[0083] Thus, the height of the stabilizer unit 400 in this
embodiment gradually increases along the second direction X.
Referring to FIG. 4, `S1` is smaller than `S2`.
[0084] The height of the contact member 410 is constant along the
second direction X, so that a part of the contact member 410
discharged from the staple cartridge 100 has a constant discharging
height.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the pusher
unit 200 includes a first pusher 210 for pressing the staples
loaded into the first staple discharge hole array 130 in the first
direction Z, and a second pusher 220 for pressing the staples
loaded into the second staple discharge hole array 140 in the first
direction Z.
[0086] The first pusher 210 includes a plurality of first unit
pushers arranged at regular intervals in the second direction X,
and the second pusher 220 includes a plurality of second unit
pushers arranged at regular intervals in the second direction.
[0087] Referring to (a) of FIG. 5, the first pusher 210 includes a
1-1 pusher 211 for pushing 1-1 staples loaded into the 1-1 staple
discharge hole line 131, a 1-2 pusher 213 for pushing 1-2 staples
loaded into the 1-2 staple discharge hole line 132, a first pusher
connector 214 for connecting the 1-1 pusher 211 and the 1-2 pusher
213, and a first pusher presser 212 to be pressed by the driving
wedge 300.
[0088] The 1-1 pusher 211 includes a 1-1 body presser 211b to press
a body of the 1-1 staple, and 1-1 leg pressers 211a protruding from
opposite sides of the 1-1 body presser 211b to press legs of the
1-1 staple.
[0089] The 1-2 pusher 213 includes a 1-2 body presser 213b to press
a body of the 1-2 staple, and 1-2 leg pressers 213a protruding from
opposite sides of the 1-2 body presser 213b to press legs of the
1-2 staple.
[0090] A bottom of the 1-1 body presser 211b and a bottom of the
1-2 body presser 213b have to be flat to respectively press the
body of the 1-1 staple and the body of the 1-1 staple.
[0091] Further, the 1-1 leg presser 211a and the 1-2 leg presser
213a are inserted in staple setting grooves (not shown) formed in
the cartridge main body 110 and press the 1-1 staple and the 1-2
staple, respectively.
[0092] The 1-1 pusher 211 and the 1-2 pusher 213 are formed as a
single body by the first pusher connector 214, and asymmetrically
formed with respect to a center line of the first pusher 210
parallel with the second direction X.
[0093] Referring to (b) of FIG. 5, the second pusher 220 includes a
2-1 pusher 221 and a 2-3 pusher 223 symmetrically arranged with
respect to a center line of the second pusher 220 parallel with the
second direction X, and a 2-2 pusher 222 extended toward front ends
of the 2-1 pusher 221 and the 2-3 pusher 223, i.e. in the second
direction and formed in a center region with respect to a widthwise
direction of the second pusher 220.
[0094] The 2-1 pusher 221, the 2-2 pusher 222 and the 2-3 pusher
223 are moved by external force to press the 2-1 staple, the 2-2
staple and the 2-3 staple loaded into the 2-1 staple discharge hole
line 141, the 2-2 staple discharge hole line 142 and the 2-3 staple
discharge hole line 143, respectively.
[0095] The 2-1 pusher 221, the 2-2 pusher 222 and the 2-3 pusher
223 have substantially the same shape as the 1-2 pusher 213, and
thus repetitive descriptions thereof will be avoided.
[0096] Here, the length of the unit pusher in the second direction
X is smaller than the length of the unit stabilizer. That is, the
length of the unit stabilizer of the stabilizer unit in the second
direction X is larger than the length of the unit pusher
corresponding to the unit staple discharge hole.
[0097] Further, the height H2 of the stabilizer unit 400 in the
first direction is greater than the height H1 of the pusher unit
200. Therefore, a first discharge height H4 of the stabilizer unit
400 discharged from the staple cartridge is higher than a second
discharge height H3 of the pusher unit 200 discharged from the
staple cartridge 100.
[0098] The second discharge height H3 approximates 0.1.about.1 mm,
and the first discharge height H4 approximates 0.12.about.1.25 mm.
Alternatively, the first discharge height and the second discharge
height may be equal to each other.
[0099] Tissue is directly placed in between the stabilizer unit 400
and the anvil 600, but the staple is interposed in between the
pusher unit 200 and the anvil 600. Therefore, the first discharge
height H4 has to be higher than the second discharge height H3 by
the thickness of the staple in order to stably hold the tissue
between the anvil 600 and the staple cartridge 100. In this state,
the tissue is not torn but safely cut by the blade.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the driving wedge 300
includes a wedge body 310, a first wedge 320, a second wedge 330, a
third wedge 340, a fourth wedge 350 and a guide wedge 360.
[0101] The first wedge 320 protrudes downward from and is extended
from the wedge body 310, and is moved by external force to press
the first pusher 210.
[0102] The second wedge 330 is arranged neighboring on the first
wedge 320. The second wedge 330 protrudes downward from and is
extended from the wedge body 310, and presses the stabilizer unit
400.
[0103] The guide wedge 360 is extended downward from a center
region of the wedge body 310, and moves in the second direction X
along the slit formed inside the cartridge main body 110.
[0104] The third wedge 340 and the fourth wedge 350 protrude
downward from and are extended from the wedge body 310. The third
wedge 340 and the fourth wedge 350 are formed at the side opposite
to the first wedge 320 and the second wedge 330 with respect to the
guide wedge 360. Here, the third wedge 340 and the fourth wedge 350
presses the second pusher 220.
[0105] In this embodiment, the protruding height of the first wedge
320 in the first direction Z is equal to the protruding height of
the second wedge 330, but not limited thereto. Alternatively, the
protruding height of the second wedge 330 may be greater than the
protruding height of the first wedge 320. Further, the wedges may
be separated from one another and formed independently of each
other.
[0106] If the stabilizer unit 400 and the pusher unit 200 have the
same height with each other, the protruding height of the second
wedge 330 is greater than the protruding height of the first wedge
320 so that the first discharge height H4 of the stabilizer unit
400 discharged from the staple cartridge 100 can be greater than
the second discharge height H3 of the pusher unit 200 discharged
from the staple cartridge 100.
[0107] In the end effector of the surgical linear stapler according
to this embodiment, the staple cartridge assembly is placed above
the anvil. In other words, the anvil is placed below the staple
cartridge assembly, but not limited thereto. Alternatively, the end
effector of the surgical linear stapler according to this
embodiment may have a structure where the anvil is placed above the
staple cartridge assembly. That is, the staple cartridge assembly
may be placed below the anvil.
[0108] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10. In this embodiment,
the end effector of the surgical linear stapler is substantially
similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical linear
stapler according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0109] However, in the end effector of the surgical linear stapler
according to the second embodiment on the contrary to the first
embodiment, a stabilizer unit 1400 is provided as a single body
elongated in the second direction without including the plurality
of unit stabilizers, and provided on the cartridge main body
110.
[0110] Accordingly, the cartridge main body 110 includes a single
stabilizer discharge slit 1150 elongated in the second direction
between the first guide slit 120 and the first staple discharge
hole array 130.
[0111] The stabilizer unit 1400 has substantially the same
cross-section as the stabilizer unit according to the foregoing
first embodiment. Specifically, the stabilizer unit 1400 includes a
contact member 1410 and a press member 1420. The contact member
1410 includes an upper body 1413 and a lower body 1411. The lower
body 1411 has a rounded surface gently formed toward a bottom
center region thereof in order to prevent tissue from being
damaged.
[0112] In this embodiment, the height of the stabilizer unit 1400
gradually increases in the second direction X. Referring to FIG.
10, S3 is smaller than S4.
[0113] Since the stabilizer unit 1400 is provided as a single
member elongated in the second direction X, it is possible to hold
tissue placed in between the staple cartridge 100 and the anvil 600
at once.
[0114] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 15. The end effector of
the surgical linear stapler according to this exemplary embodiment
is substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the
surgical linear stapler according to the first embodiment.
[0115] However, in the end effector of the surgical linear stapler
according to the third embodiment, a stabilizer unit 2400 is placed
on the staple cartridge 100 and includes a first stabilizer 2410
and a second stabilizer 2420 arranged at opposite sides with
respect to the first guide slit 120.
[0116] The first stabilizer 2410 includes a plurality of first unit
stabilizers, and the second stabilizer 2420 includes a plurality of
first unit stabilizers. Further, the first unit stabilizer has the
same shape as the second stabilizer.
[0117] The first unit stabilizer includes a contact member 2411 to
be in contact with tissue, and a press member 2413 extended from
one side of the contact member 2411 and pressed by the driving
wedge 300.
[0118] The contact member 2411 includes an upper body 2411b
extended from the press member 2413, and a lower body 2411a
extended from the upper body 2411b and discharged from the staple
cartridge 100 to directly contact the tissue.
[0119] The lower body 2411a has a rounded surface gently formed
toward a bottom center region thereof in order to prevent the
tissue from being damaged.
[0120] The press member 2413 protrudes from a lateral side of the
contact member 2411, and the height of the press member 2413
gradually increases along the second direction X.
[0121] Although the height of the press member 2413 gradually
increases along the second direction X, the height of the first
unit stabilizer is constant along the second direction X since the
press member 2413 protrudes from the lateral side of the contact
member 2411 and the height of the contact member 2411 is constant
along the second direction X.
[0122] In addition, the cartridge main body 110 includes a first
staple discharge hole array 1130 and a second staple discharge hole
array 1140, which are formed at opposite sides with respect to the
first guide slit 120, a first stabilizer discharge slit 1161 formed
between the first staple discharge hole array 1130 and the first
guide slit 120 and allowing at least a part of the first stabilizer
2410 to be discharged, and a second stabilizer discharge slit 1163
formed between the second staple discharge hole array 1140 and the
first guide slit 120 and allowing at least a part of the second
stabilizer 2420 to be discharged.
[0123] Further, a pusher unit 1200 includes a first pusher 1210 for
pressing the staples loaded into the first staple discharge hole
array 1130 in the first direction Z, and a second pusher 1220 for
pressing the staples loaded into the second staple discharge hole
array 1140 in the first direction Z. Here, the first pusher 1210
and the second pusher 1220 have the same shape with each other, and
is equivalent to the first pusher 210 as shown in (a) of FIG. 5.
Thus, repetitive descriptions thereof will be avoided.
[0124] In FIG. 14, (a) shows a state before the stabilizer unit and
the pusher unit are pressed by the driving wedge 300, and (b) shows
a state that the stabilizer unit and the pusher unit are being
pressed by the driving wedge 300.
[0125] In FIG. 15, (a) shows a state before tissue is stapled by
the staples, and (b) shows a state that the tissue is stapled and
then cut by the blade 510.
[0126] In the state that the first stabilizer 2410 and the second
stabilizer 2420 are placed inside the cartridge main body 110 and
the staples are respectively loaded into the first staple discharge
hole array 1130 and the second staple discharge hole array 1140, if
the first pusher 1210, the second pusher 1220, the first stabilizer
2410 and the second stabilizer 2420 are pressed by the driving
wedge 300, stapling lines of two rows are formed at regular
intervals in tissue at each side with respect to the cutting
section A1 of the tissue as shown in (b) of FIG. 15.
[0127] Specifically, as shown in (a) of FIG. 15, the surgical site
A of tissue arranged on the cartridge main body 110 is cut by the
blade 510 into two surgical sites with respect to a virtual cutting
line A0. One of the two surgical sites is a first surgical site C,
and the other one is a second surgical site B to be remained in a
human body.
[0128] If the end effector of the surgical linear stapler according
to this embodiment starts operating, as shown in (b) of FIG. 15 the
first surgical site C has stapling lines of two rows parallel with
a cutting section A1, and the second surgical site B has stapling
lines of two rows parallel with the cutting section A1.
[0129] Here, the distance D1 between a first stapling line 1aa,
which is the nearest to the cutting section A1, of the stapling
lines in the first surgical site C and the cutting section A1 is
equal to the distance D1 between a second stapling line 3aa, which
is the nearest to the cutting section A1, of the stapling lines in
the second surgical site B and the cutting section A1.
[0130] Since both the first stapling line 1aa and the second
stapling line 3aa are positioned more than a predetermined distance
from the cutting section, tissue to be removed, i.e., biological
tissue placed in between the cutting section A1 and the first
stapling line 1aa in the first surgical site C is suitable for the
tissue for pathological examination since it is not damaged at
all.
[0131] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 18. The end effector of
the surgical linear stapler according to the fourth embodiment is
substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical
linear stapler according to the third embodiment.
[0132] However, in the end effector of the surgical linear stapler
according to the fourth embodiment on the contrary to the third
embodiment, each of a first stabilizer 3410 and a second stabilizer
3420 is formed as a single body elongated in the second direction
and provided on the cartridge main body 110 instead of including a
plurality of unit stabilizers.
[0133] Accordingly, the cartridge main body 110 also includes a
single first stabilizer discharge slit 1171 elongated in the second
direction X between the first guide slit 120 and the first staple
discharge hole array 1130, and another single second stabilizer
discharge slit 1173 elongated in the second direction X between the
first guide slit 120 and the second staple discharge hole array
1140.
[0134] Each cross-section of the first stabilizer 3410 and the
second stabilizer 3420 has substantially the same shape as that of
the first unit stabilizer provided in the stabilizer unit according
to the foregoing third embodiment, and thus repetitive descriptions
thereof will be avoided.
[0135] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 19 to FIG. 21. The end effector of
the surgical linear stapler according to the fifth embodiment is
substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical
linear stapler according to the first embodiment.
[0136] However, in the end effector of the surgical linear stapler
according to the fifth embodiment on the contrary to the first
embodiment, the length of the unit stabilizer of the stabilizer
unit in the lengthwise direction of the cartridge main body 110,
i.e. in the second direction, the length of the unit pusher of the
pusher unit, the length of the unit staple discharge hole of the
first staple discharge hole array 2130, and the length of the unit
staple discharge hole of the second staple discharge hole array
2140 are substantially the same with one another.
[0137] Specifically, a stabilizer unit 4400 includes a plurality of
unit stabilizers arranged at regular intervals along the second
direction X, and the pusher unit 200 includes a plurality of unit
pushers arrange at regular intervals along the second direction
X.
[0138] The first staple discharge hole array 2130 includes a
plurality of first unit staple discharge holes, and the stabilizer
discharge slit 1180 includes a plurality of unit discharge slits
along the second direction X. The length of the unit stabilizer in
the second direction X is substantially equal to the length of the
unit pusher in the second direction X, and the length of the first
unit staple discharge hole in the second direction X is
substantially equal to the length of the unit discharge slit in the
second direction X.
[0139] Here, the pusher unit 200 is substantially the same as the
pusher unit according to the first embodiment, and thus repetitive
descriptions thereof will be avoided. The unit stabilizer includes
a contact member 4410, and a press member 4420. The contact member
4410 includes an upper body 44137 and a lower body 4411. The lower
body 4411 has a rounded surface 4411b gently formed toward a bottom
center region 4411a thereof in order to prevent the tissue from
being damaged.
[0140] In addition, the anvil 600 according to this embodiment
includes an anvil body 610, and the anvil body 610 includes a
second guide slit 620 for guiding the blade 510 to move, and a
first anvil groove array 630 and a second anvil groove array 640
which are formed at opposite sides with respect to the second guide
slit 620.
[0141] Specifically, the first anvil groove array 630 includes a
1-1 anvil groove line 631 the most adjacent to the second guide
slit 620, and a 1-2 anvil groove line 633 arranged at a
predetermined distance from the 1-1 anvil groove line 631.
[0142] The 1-1 anvil groove line 631 includes a plurality of first
unit anvil grooves formed at regular intervals on the cartridge
main body 110 along the second direction X while forming one
row.
[0143] Further, the second anvil groove array 640 includes a 2-1
anvil groove line 641 the most adjacent to the second guide slit
620, a 2-2 anvil groove line 642 arranged at a predetermined
distance from the 2-1 anvil groove line 641, and a 2-3 anvil groove
line 643 arranged at a predetermined distance from the 2-2 anvil
groove line 642.
[0144] Here, a third distance between the 1-1 anvil groove line 631
and the second guide slit 620 is greater than a fourth distance
between the 2-1 anvil groove line 641 and the second guide slit
620.
[0145] The 1-1 anvil groove line 631 corresponds to a 1-1 staple
discharge hole line 2131, and the 2-1 anvil groove line 641
corresponds to a 2-1 staple discharge hole line 2141.
[0146] Therefore, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7, the distance D1 from
the cutting section A1, where the tissue A is cut, to the first
stapling line 1aa is greater than the distance D2 from the cutting
section A1 to the second stapling line 3aa.
[0147] In result, the tissue between the cutting section A1 and the
first stapling line 1aa is not damaged by the staples, and it is
possible to obtain a tissue area for pathological examination,
which is not damaged by the staples, from the tissue to be removed
by the blade 510.
[0148] Further, the anvil body 610 includes a stabilizer
corresponding surface 650 defined between the 1-1 anvil groove line
631 and the second guide slit 620.
[0149] The stabilizer corresponding surface 650 holds the tissue
while facing a bottom of the stabilizer unit 4400.
[0150] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 22. The end effector of the
surgical linear stapler according to the sixth embodiment is
substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical
linear stapler according to the fifth embodiment.
[0151] However, on the contrary to the fifth embodiment, the anvil
body 610 in this embodiment includes a stabilizer corresponding
projection 1650 protruding from a surface between the 1-1 anvil
groove line 631 and the second guide slit 620 and facing the bottom
of the stabilizer unit 4400 of FIG. 19.
[0152] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 23. The end effector of the
surgical linear stapler according to the seventh embodiment is
substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical
linear stapler according to the fifth embodiment.
[0153] However, on the contrary to the fifth embodiment, the anvil
body 610 in this embodiment includes a stabilizer corresponding
groove 2650 recessed on a surface between the 1-1 anvil groove line
631 and the second guide slit 620 and facing the bottom of the
stabilizer unit 4400 of FIG. 19.
[0154] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 24. The end effector of the
surgical linear stapler according to the eighth embodiment is
substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical
linear stapler according to the fifth embodiment.
[0155] However, the anvil 600 provided in the end effector of the
surgical linear stapler according to this embodiment includes the
anvil body 610, and the anvil body 610 includes the second guide
slit 620 for guiding the blade 510 to move, and a first anvil
groove array 1630 and a second anvil groove array 1640 which are
formed at opposite sides with respect to the second guide slit
620.
[0156] Further, the anvil body 610 includes a first surface 3651
formed between the first anvil groove array 1630 and the second
guide slit 620 and holding tissue while facing a bottom of a first
stabilizer 5410, and a second surface 3652 formed between the
second anvil groove array 1640 and the second guide slit 620 and
holding the tissue while facing a bottom of a second stabilizer
5420. Here, the first surface 3651 and the second surface 3652 are
flat.
[0157] If the end effector of the surgical linear stapler in this
embodiment starts operating, as shown in (b) of FIG. 15, a first
surgical site C has stapling lines of two rows parallel with the
cutting section A1, and a second surgical site B has stapling lines
of two rows parallel with the cutting section A1.
[0158] The distance D1 between the first stapling line 1aa the
nearest to the cutting section A1 between the stapling lines of the
first surgical site C and the cutting section A1 is equal to the
distance D1 between the second stapling line 3aa the nearest to the
cutting section A1 between the stapling lines of the second
surgical site B and the cutting section A1.
[0159] Here, both the first stapling line 1aa and the second
stapling line 3aa are positioned more than a predetermined distance
from the cutting section A1, so that tissue to be removed, i.e.
biological tissue positioned from the cutting section A1 to the
first stapling line 1 aa within the first surgical site C can be
suitable for the tissue for pathological examination since it is
not damaged at all.
[0160] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 25. The end effector of the
surgical linear stapler according to the ninth embodiment is
substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical
linear stapler according to the eighth embodiment.
[0161] However, on the contrary to the eighth embodiment, the anvil
body 610 includes a first stabilizer corresponding projection 4651
protruding from a surface between the 1-1 anvil groove line 1631
and the second guide slit 620 and corresponding to the bottom of
the first stabilizer 5410 (see FIG. 24), and a second stabilizer
corresponding projection 4652 protruding from a surface between the
2-1 anvil groove line 1641 and the second guide slit 620 and
corresponding to the bottom of the second stabilizer 5420 (see FIG.
24).
[0162] Below, an end effector of a surgical linear stapler
according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 26. The end effector of the
surgical linear stapler according to the tenth embodiment is
substantially similar to the foregoing end effector of the surgical
linear stapler according to the eighth embodiment.
[0163] However, on the contrary to the eighth embodiment, the anvil
body 610 includes a first stabilizer corresponding groove 5651
protruding from a surface between the 1-1 anvil groove line 1631
and the second guide slit 620 and corresponding to the bottom of
the first stabilizer 5410 (see FIG. 24), and a second stabilizer
corresponding groove 5652 protruding from a surface between the 2-1
anvil groove line 1641 and the second guide slit 620 and
corresponding to the bottom of the second stabilizer 5420 (see FIG.
24).
[0164] Below, an embodiment of a pusher-stabilizer unit capable of
replacing the stabilizer unit and the pusher unit, which are used
in the eighth embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.
27.
[0165] In FIG. 27, (a) shows the pusher-stabilizer unit 700
obliquely viewed from, and (b) shows the pusher-stabilizer unit 700
viewed upside down from (a).
[0166] In this embodiment, the pusher-stabilizer unit 700 is
achieved by forming the pusher unit and the stabilizer unit of the
eighth embodiment as a single body. The pusher-stabilizer unit 700
is arranged at the right side with respect to the second guide slit
620 (see FIG. 24).
[0167] Specifically, the pusher-stabilizer unit 400 includes a
pusher 710 and a stabilizer 720. The pusher is substantially the
same as the first pusher show in (a) of FIG. 5, and the stabilizer
720 is the same as the stabilizer unit of FIG. 21. Since the pusher
710 and the stabilizer 720 are integrated, they are simultaneously
moved by the driving wedge in the height direction of the cartridge
main body, i.e. in the first direction Z.
[0168] Below, another embodiment of a pusher-stabilizer unit
capable of replacing the stabilizer unit and the pusher unit, which
are used in the eighth embodiment, will be described with reference
to FIG. 28.
[0169] In FIG. 28, (a) shows the stabilizer unit 7000 obliquely
viewed from, and (b) shows the stabilizer unit 7000 viewed upside
down from (a).
[0170] The pusher-stabilizer unit 7000 in this embodiment is
analogous to the foregoing pusher-stabilizer unit. However, on the
contrary to the foregoing pusher-stabilizer unit, the
pusher-stabilizer unit in this embodiment includes a pusher 7100
and a stabilizer 7200 which are arranged in sequence along the
lengthwise direction of the staple cartridge and formed as a single
body. Here, the pusher-stabilizer unit 7000 is arranged at a left
side with respect to the second guide slit 620 (see FIG. 24).
[0171] The end effector of the surgical linear stapler according to
the present invention is as follows.
[0172] First, the stabilizer unit stably holds tissue between the
cutting section of the tissue and the stapling line while being
discharged from the staple cartridge when the staple cartridge and
the anvil relatively move in order to staple the tissue, thereby
having an advantage of stably cutting the tissue with the blade in
the state that the tissue is not torn.
[0173] Second, the distance from the cutting section to the
stapling line of an organ site to be removed is greater than the
distance from the cutting section to the stapling line of the
surgical site to be remained in a human body while cutting one
organ into two areas and stapling them, thereby having an advantage
of preventing the cutting margin of the biological tissue for the
examination from being damaged within the surgical site to be
removed. In result, it is possible to stably and conveniently
obtain a tissue area for pathological examination, which is not
damaged by a staple, in a surgical site of an organ to be
removed.
[0174] Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present
invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these
embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the
invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *