U.S. patent application number 15/385908 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for firing assembly comprising a fuse.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC. Invention is credited to Nicholas Fanelli, Adam D. Hensel, Mark D. Overmyer, Jason M. Rector, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Bingshi Wang.
Application Number | 20180168609 15/385908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66810593 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180168609 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fanelli; Nicholas ; et
al. |
June 21, 2018 |
FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE
Abstract
Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise a firing
assembly configured to apply a firing load to an end effector of
the surgical instrument during a firing stroke. The firing assembly
comprises a fuse configured to interrupt the firing stroke and/or
prevent the firing load from being applied to the end effector.
Inventors: |
Fanelli; Nicholas; (Morrow,
OH) ; Shelton, IV; Frederick E.; (Hillsboro, OH)
; Swayze; Jeffrey S.; (West Chester, OH) ; Hensel;
Adam D.; (Gahanna, OH) ; Rector; Jason M.;
(Maineville, OH) ; Wang; Bingshi; (Mason, OH)
; Overmyer; Mark D.; (Cincinnati, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC |
Guaynabo |
PR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66810593 |
Appl. No.: |
15/385908 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/07228
20130101; A61B 2090/0808 20160201; A61B 17/07207 20130101; A61B
2017/07257 20130101; A61B 2017/2939 20130101; A61B 2017/07221
20130101; A61B 2017/00818 20130101; A61B 2017/07271 20130101; A61B
2017/07242 20130101; A61B 2017/0725 20130101; A61B 90/94 20160201;
A61B 2017/00017 20130101; A61B 17/2816 20130101; A61B 2017/2933
20130101; A61B 2017/2936 20130101; A61B 17/068 20130101; A61B
2017/07214 20130101; A61B 2090/037 20160201; A61B 2017/2947
20130101; A61B 2017/2937 20130101; A61B 2017/2927 20130101; A61B
17/0682 20130101; A61B 2017/00469 20130101; A61B 2017/07235
20130101; A61B 17/072 20130101; A61B 34/30 20160201; A61B
2017/00039 20130101; A61B 2017/2912 20130101; A61B 2017/2946
20130101; A61B 2017/00734 20130101; A61B 90/92 20160201; A61B
2090/0814 20160201; A61B 2017/0046 20130101; A61B 2090/034
20160201; A61B 2090/0811 20160201; A61B 18/1445 20130101; A61B
2017/2934 20130101; A61B 2017/07278 20130101; A61B 17/00234
20130101; A61B 17/2833 20130101; A61B 2017/07264 20130101; A61B
2017/07285 20130101; A61B 2017/00398 20130101; A61B 2017/00477
20130101; A61B 2017/2929 20130101; A61B 2017/2943 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/072 20060101
A61B017/072; A61B 34/30 20060101 A61B034/30; A61B 17/068 20060101
A61B017/068 |
Claims
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: an end effector; and a firing
assembly configured to transmit a firing load to said end effector
during a firing stroke, wherein said firing assembly comprises: a
first portion; a second portion; and a fuse portion, wherein said
fuse portion is configured to transmit said firing load from said
first portion to said second portion when said fuse portion is
intact, wherein said fuse portion is configured to fail when said
firing load exceeds a threshold, and wherein said first portion
cannot transmit said firing load to said second portion once said
fuse portion has failed.
2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said fuse portion is
resettable.
3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein said end effector
comprises a distal end, wherein said firing assembly is advanced
toward said distal end during said firing stroke, and wherein said
firing assembly is advanced away from said distal end to reset said
fuse portion.
4. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said first portion
comprises a flexible first rod, wherein said second portion
comprises a second rod, and wherein said flexible first rod is
configured to bend and disengage from said second rod when said
firing load exceeds said threshold.
5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said flexible rod
resiliently bends out of engagement with said second rod when said
firing load exceeds said threshold, and wherein said flexible first
rod is configured to snap back into engagement with said second rod
when said flexible first rod is realigned with said second rod.
6. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein said firing assembly
further comprises a collar, wherein said second rod is slidably
positioned in said collar, wherein said flexible first rod is not
positioned in said collar when said firing stroke is initiated,
wherein said flexible first rod enters into said collar during said
firing stroke, and wherein said collar prevents said flexible first
rod from disengaging from said second rod.
7. The surgical instrument of claim 4, further comprising a frame,
wherein said flexible first rod is configured to engage said frame
and block said firing assembly from performing said firing stroke
when said flexible first rod disengages from said second rod.
8. The surgical instrument of claim 4, further comprising a biasing
member configured to bias said flexible first rod into engagement
with said second rod.
9. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said fuse portion
comprises a first barb defined on said first portion and a second
barb defined on said second portion engaged with said first barb,
and wherein said first barb disengages from said second barb when
said firing force exceeds said threshold.
10. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said fuse portion
comprises a first foot defined on said first portion and a second
foot defined on said second portion engaged with said first foot,
and wherein said first foot slips relative to said second foot when
said firing force exceeds said threshold.
11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, further comprising a
frame, wherein said first portion comprises a biasing member
engaged with said frame, and wherein said biasing member is
configured to bias said first foot into engagement with said second
foot.
12. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said second portion
comprises a plurality of layers, wherein said fuse portion
comprises a proximal portion of said layers which splays outwardly
when said firing force exceeds said threshold.
13. The surgical instrument of claim 12, further comprising a
frame, wherein said splayed layers are configured to engage said
frame and block said firing assembly from performing said firing
stroke when said firing load exceeds said threshold.
14. The surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein said layers
resiliently splay outwardly when said firing load exceeds said
threshold, and wherein said layers are configured to flex inwardly
to reset said fuse portion when said firing assembly is
retracted.
15. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said fuse portion
is not resettable.
16. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein said fuse portion
comprises a wall defined in said first portion, and wherein said
wall is configured to break away from said first portion when said
firing load exceeds said threshold.
17. The surgical instrument of claim 15, wherein said fuse portion
comprises a series of collapsible walls arranged along a
longitudinal axis in said first portion, and wherein said
collapsible walls are configured to fail sequentially when said
firing force exceeds said threshold.
18. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said end effector
comprises a staple cartridge.
19. A surgical instrument, comprising: an end effector comprising a
staple cartridge, wherein said staple cartridge comprises: a
cartridge body; staples removably stored in said cartridge body;
and a sled configured to eject said staples from said cartridge
body; and a firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to
said sled during a staple firing stroke, wherein said firing
assembly comprises: a first portion; a second portion; and a fuse
configured to transmit said firing load from said first portion to
said second portion when said fuse is intact, wherein said fuse is
configured to fail when said firing load exceeds a threshold, and
wherein said firing assembly cannot transmit said firing stroke to
said sled once said fuse has failed.
20. A surgical instrument, comprising: an end effector comprising a
staple cartridge, wherein said staple cartridge comprises: a
cartridge body; staples removably stored in said cartridge body;
and a sled configured to eject said staples from said cartridge
body; and a firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to
said sled during a staple firing stroke, wherein said firing
assembly comprises a fuse configured to transmit said firing load
to said sled when said fuse is intact, wherein said fuse is
configured to fail when said firing load exceeds a threshold, and
wherein said firing assembly cannot transmit said firing load to
said sled once said fuse has failed.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and,
in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting
instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are
designed to staple and cut tissue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] Various features of the embodiments described herein,
together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance
with the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings as follows:
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument
including a handle and an interchangeable shaft assembly comprising
an end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0004] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 1 illustrated with some components removed;
[0005] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a distal portion of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated with some components
removed;
[0006] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated with some components
removed;
[0007] FIG. 1D is an exploded view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 1E is an exploded view of the distal end of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 1F is an exploded view of the proximal end of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 1G is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating the end effector in an
unarticulated configuration;
[0011] FIG. 1H is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating the end effector in an
articulated configuration;
[0012] FIG. 1I is a partial exploded view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 1J is a cross-sectional view of an anvil jaw of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a cartridge jaw in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an end effector including
the anvil jaw of FIG. 1 and the cartridge jaw of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial elevational view of an end effector in
accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated in an open
configuration;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of
FIG. 4 illustrated in a fully-closed configuration;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing assembly in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument including the firing assembly of FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 7 illustrated in a partially-opened
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a coupling member of a
firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the firing member
of FIG. 9 including a layered firing bar attached to the coupling
member;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an end view of the firing member of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a coupling member of a
firing member in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a firing bar of the
firing member of FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the firing member
of FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a coupling member
and a firing bar layer of a firing member in accordance with at
least one embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the firing bar
layer attached to the coupling member of FIG. 15;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of additional layers
of the firing bar attached to the coupling member of FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of the coupling member and
the firing bar of FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a firing assembly
comprising a coupling member, a firing bar, and a lockout bar in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument including the firing assembly of FIG. 19 illustrated in
a locked out configuration;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 20 illustrated in an unlocked configuration;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument illustrated in a locked out configuration;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 22 illustrated in an unlocked configuration;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument illustrated in a locked out configuration;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 24 illustrated in an unlocked configuration;
[0038] FIG. 26 is an exploded view of a cartridge jaw, a staple
cartridge, and a firing member of a surgical instrument in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 27 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 26 illustrated in an unfired configuration;
[0040] FIG. 28 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 26 illustrated in a partially-fired configuration;
[0041] FIG. 29 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of
FIG. 26 illustrated in a fully-fired configuration;
[0042] FIG. 30 illustrates the surgical instrument of FIG. 26
clamped onto a vessel;
[0043] FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a cartridge jaw in accordance
with at least one embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the cartridge jaw of FIG.
31;
[0045] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge jaw of
FIG. 31 taken along line 33-33 in FIG. 31;
[0046] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge jaw of
FIG. 31 taken along line 34-34 in FIG. 31;
[0047] FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument comprising a firing assembly including a firing force
lockout illustrated in an unlocked condition;
[0048] FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 35 illustrating the firing force lockout in a
locked configuration;
[0049] FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 35 illustrating the firing force lockout in an
unlocked configuration and the firing assembly in a fired
position;
[0050] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument
of FIG. 35 taken along line 38-38 in FIG. 37;
[0051] FIG. 39 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge
comprising a cartridge lockout in accordance with at least one
embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 40 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of
FIG. 39 illustrating a firing member partially advanced through the
staple cartridge;
[0053] FIG. 41 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the
staple cartridge of FIG. 39 illustrating the firing member in a
partially-advanced position;
[0054] FIG. 42 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of
FIG. 39 illustrating the firing member in a retracted position and
the cartridge lockout in a locked configuration;
[0055] FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view of a firing lockout
assembly of a surgical instrument illustrated in an unlocked
configuration in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the
firing lockout assembly of FIG. 43 illustrated in its unlocked
configuration;
[0057] FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 43 illustrating the firing lockout in
its unlocked configuration;
[0058] FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 43 illustrating the firing lockout in a
locked configuration;
[0059] FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the
surgical instrument of FIG. 43 illustrating the firing lockout
being returned to its unlocked configuration;
[0060] FIG. 48 is a partial perspective view of a surgical
instrument comprising a firing lockout in accordance with at least
one embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 48 illustrating the firing lockout in an
unlocked configuration;
[0062] FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 48 illustrating the firing lockout in a locked
configuration;
[0063] FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 48 illustrating the firing lockout after it has
been returned to its unlocked configuration;
[0064] FIG. 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument comprising a firing member and a firing force lockout in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 52 illustrating the firing member moved
distally;
[0066] FIG. 54 is an end cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 52 taken along line 54-54 in FIG. 52;
[0067] FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 52 illustrating the firing member in a fired
position;
[0068] FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 52 illustrating the firing force lockout in a
locked condition;
[0069] FIG. 57 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument comprising a firing member and a firing force lockout in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0070] FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 57 illustrating the firing force lockout in a
locked condition;
[0071] FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 57 illustrating the firing force lockout after
it has been reset and the firing member advanced distally to
perform a staple firing stroke;
[0072] FIG. 60 is a partial exploded view of a firing assembly of a
surgical instrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0073] FIG. 61 is a detail view of a fuse region of the firing
assembly of FIG. 60 configured to fail when the firing load
transmitted through the firing assembly exceeds a threshold;
[0074] FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 60 illustrating the firing assembly in an
unfired position and the fuse region in an intact state;
[0075] FIG. 63 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 60 illustrating the fuse region in a failed
state;
[0076] FIG. 64 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 60 illustrating the firing assembly in a
collapsed state;
[0077] FIG. 65 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument comprising a firing assembly having a resettable fuse
portion in accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0078] FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 65 illustrating the firing assembly in a fired
position;
[0079] FIG. 67 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 65 illustrating the fuse portion in a failed
state;
[0080] FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 65 illustrating the fuse portion being retracted
and reset;
[0081] FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 65 illustrating the fuse portion in a reset
state;
[0082] FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 65 illustrating the firing assembly in a fired
position;
[0083] FIG. 71 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical
instrument comprising a firing assembly having a fuse portion in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0084] FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 71 illustrating the firing assembly in a fired
position;
[0085] FIG. 73 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 71 illustrating the fuse portion in a failed
state prior to the firing assembly being advanced distally to
perform a staple firing stroke, wherein the fuse portion is also
acting as a firing force lockout preventing the staple firing
stroke;
[0086] FIG. 74 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 71 illustrating the fuse portion in a
first-stage failed state during the staple firing stroke of the
firing assembly;
[0087] FIG. 75 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 71 illustrating the fuse portion in a
second-stage failed state during the staple firing stroke of the
firing assembly;
[0088] FIG. 76 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 71 illustrating the firing assembly being
reset;
[0089] FIG. 77 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical
instrument of FIG. 71 illustrating the firing assembly in a reset
state;
[0090] FIG. 77A is a perspective view of a staple cartridge in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0091] FIG. 77B is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of
FIG. 77A and an anvil for use therewith;
[0092] FIG. 77C is a perspective view of a staple cartridge in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[0093] FIG. 77D is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of
FIG. 77C and an anvil for use therewith;
[0094] FIG. 77E comprises elevational views of the staples of the
staple cartridge of FIG. 77C in an unformed configuration,
elevational views of the staples of the staple cartridge of FIG.
77C in a formed configuration, and plan views of the staples of the
staple cartridge of FIG. 77C in an unformed configuration;
[0095] FIG. 77F illustrates the staples of FIG. 77E implanted into
the tissue of a patient;
[0096] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument
including a handle and an interchangeable shaft assembly in
accordance with at least one embodiment; and
[0097] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a robotic surgical system
operably supporting a plurality of surgical tools in accordance
with at least one embodiment.
[0098] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one
form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0099] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0100] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES
THEREOF;
[0101] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;
[0102] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled
LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;
[0103] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled
SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF;
[0104] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled
LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE
TOOL ASSEMBLIES; and
[0105] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled
SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR.
[0106] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0107] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES
THEREIN;
[0108] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled
SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING
BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND
ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS;
[0109] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;
[0110] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled
SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION
FEATURES;
[0111] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES
THEREIN;
[0112] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;
[0113] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW
OPENING DISTANCE;
[0114] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled
METHODS OF STAPLING TIS SUE;
[0115] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING
MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END
EFFECTORS;
[0116] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled
SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP
ARRANGEMENTS;
[0117] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;
[0118] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;
[0119] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING
FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS
PRESENT; and
[0120] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES
THEREIN.
[0121] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0122] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD
FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;
[0123] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE
FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF
STAPLES;
[0124] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL;
[0125] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED
THEREIN;
[0126] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER;
[0127] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE
FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE
LOCKOUT;
[0128] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT;
[0129] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A
FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; and
[0130] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE.
[0131] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0132] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE
FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS;
[0133] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;
[0134] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD
OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES
WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;
[0135] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled
BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS;
[0136] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled
CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING
SYSTEMS;
[0137] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING
SYSTEMS;
[0138] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES;
[0139] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS;
[0140] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE
FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET
SIDEWALLS;
[0141] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled
NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL
STAPLERS;
[0142] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING
MEMBER PIN ANGLE;
[0143] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE
FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE
GROOVES;
[0144] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES;
[0145] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;
[0146] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED
AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING
SYSTEMS;
[0147] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL
HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH;
[0148] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled
CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and
[0149] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING
MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS.
[0150] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0151] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled
STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES;
[0152] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled
STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING
FEATURES;
[0153] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;
[0154] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled
DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;
[0155] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE
OPENING FEATURES; and
[0156] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled
CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL
STAPLING INSTRUMENTS.
[0157] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0158] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD
FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND,
ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT;
[0159] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE
WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;
[0160] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE
SYSTEMS;
[0161] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A
ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS;
[0162] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled
SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN
ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL
SYSTEM;
[0163] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; and
[0164] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT
ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS.
[0165] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0166] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;
[0167] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;
[0168] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;
[0169] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO
DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;
[0170] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;
[0171] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW
ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING
MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS
INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR;
[0172] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled
AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE
MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;
[0173] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled
PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A
MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;
[0174] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled
SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING
FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS;
[0175] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT
ARRANGEMENT;
[0176] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE
LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK;
[0177] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled
ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN
ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE
SYSTEM;
[0178] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled
LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN
END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED
CONFIGURATION; and
[0179] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE
AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.
[0180] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0181] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;
[0182] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled
STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;
[0183] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled
STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;
[0184] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and
[0185] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.
[0186] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S.
Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entireties:
[0187] U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled
SURGICAL FASTENER;
[0188] U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled
SURGICAL FASTENER;
[0189] U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled
SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and
[0190] U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled
SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE.
[0191] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0192] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD
FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;
[0193] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled
MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;
[0194] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A
RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD;
[0195] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP
PORTION;
[0196] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY
POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT
SYSTEM;
[0197] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled
SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC
DRIVE MEMBER;
[0198] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled
INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR
THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;
[0199] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;
[0200] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF
TISSUE;
[0201] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;
[0202] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION
LOCKOUT;
[0203] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;
[0204] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;
[0205] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;
[0206] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;
[0207] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;
[0208] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;
[0209] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;
[0210] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF
STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS;
[0211] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;
[0212] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL
MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;
[0213] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;
[0214] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled
CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE
SUPPORT;
[0215] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled
CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and
[0216] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled
CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.
[0217] Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S.
Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31,
2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their
respective entirety:
[0218] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled
MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;
[0219] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled
MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and
[0220] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL
CIRCUITS.
[0221] Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S.
Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9,
2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their
respective entirety:
[0222] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END
EFFECTOR;
[0223] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION
ARRANGEMENTS;
[0224] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY
CONSTRAINT;
[0225] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY
ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;
[0226] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION
ARRANGEMENTS;
[0227] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK
ARRANGEMENTS;
[0228] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN
ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;
[0229] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM
ARRANGEMENTS; and
[0230] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION
ARRANGEMENTS.
[0231] Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S.
Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12,
2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their
respective entirety:
[0232] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled
MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;
[0233] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled
MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;
[0234] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled
MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and
[0235] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled
MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.
[0236] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0237] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled
SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;
[0238] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled
SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING
FEATURES;
[0239] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled
MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS;
[0240] U.S. Patent Application Serial No.14/742,900, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM
STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION
SUPPORT;
[0241] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL
ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS; and
[0242] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled
PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS.
[0243] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0244] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled
POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0256184;
[0245] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled
MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/02561185;
[0246] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled
ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR
MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0256154;
[0247] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled
OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO
MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2016/0256071;
[0248] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled
MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR
POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0256153;
[0249] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME
DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP,
AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0256187;
[0250] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled
INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186;
[0251] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled
CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT
WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0256155;
[0252] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART
SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0256163;
[0253] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM
FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A
SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0256160;
[0254] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL
AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and
[0255] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.
[0256] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0257] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;
[0258] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled
SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE
PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE
PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0249915;
[0259] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled
SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE
BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0249910;
[0260] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled
CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A
BATTERY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0249918;
[0261] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM
FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;
[0262] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled
REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0249908;
[0263] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER
ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0249909;
[0264] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled
ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0249945;
[0265] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled
MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2016/0249927; and
[0266] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled
SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.
[0267] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0268] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END
EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING
MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0174977;
[0269] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;
[0270] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978;
[0271] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled
LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0174976;
[0272] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT
A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972;
[0273] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;
[0274] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE
FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0174975;
[0275] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED
FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0174973;
[0276] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION
SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970;
and
[0277] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION
SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0174971.
[0278] Applicant of the present application owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0279] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR
SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0246471;
[0280] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY
POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;
[0281] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled
THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;
[0282] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled
ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;
[0283] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled
MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;
[0284] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled
JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat.
No. 9,326,767;
[0285] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR
STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,468,438;
[0286] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled
CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT
PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0246475;
[0287] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY
POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now
U.S. Patent No. 9,398,911; and
[0288] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.
[0289] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0290] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;
[0291] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled
CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;
[0292] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled
INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263564;
[0293] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;
[0294] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0263538;
[0295] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled
MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;
[0296] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE
SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;
[0297] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled
ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;
[0298] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE
TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now
U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and
[0299] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD
AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.
[0300] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety:
[0301] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled
CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.
[0302] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each
herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:
[0303] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER
MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;
[0304] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled
STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0272581;
[0305] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled
VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;
[0306] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER
MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP
CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0272574;
[0307] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled
MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT
ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0272579;
[0308] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled
FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL
INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0272569;
[0309] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;
[0310] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;
[0311] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;
[0312] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled
INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;
[0313] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled
MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0272557;
[0314] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;
[0315] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER
MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE
PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0280424;
[0316] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0272583; and
[0317] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.
[0318] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0319] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled
CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0066912;
[0320] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled
ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;
[0321] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled
MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;
[0322] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled
MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT
OR INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2016/0066909;
[0323] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled
POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;
[0324] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART
CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;
[0325] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled
MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and
[0326] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL
DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.
[0327] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0328] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR
DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;
[0329] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE
OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0305989;
[0330] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE
OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0305988;
[0331] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled
POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2014/0309666;
[0332] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled
TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2014/0305991;
[0333] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled
MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES
FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;
[0334] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled
POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2014/0309665;
[0335] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE
SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and
[0336] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled
MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION
ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0305992.
[0337] Applicant of the present application also owns the following
patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are
each herein incorporated by reference in their respective
entirety:
[0338] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A
SINGLE MOTOR;
[0339] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376,
entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;
[0340] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382,
entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;
[0341] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS
AND MOTOR CONTROL; and
[0342] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372,
entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A
SINGLE MOTOR.
[0343] Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a
thorough understanding of the overall structure, function,
manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the
specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been
described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described
in the specification. The reader will understand that the
embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting
examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein may be
representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may
be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
[0344] The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as
"comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such
as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as
"includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain,
such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs.
As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that
"comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more elements
possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to
possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of
a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes"
or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more
features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more
features.
[0345] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with
reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the
surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion
closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the
portion located away from the clinician. It will be further
appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such
as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", and "down" may be used herein
with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are
used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not
intended to be limiting and/or absolute.
[0346] Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for
performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various
methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous
surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in
connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed
Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the
various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in
any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or
puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end
effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into
a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that
has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate
shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.
[0347] A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end
effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a
first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple
cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable
from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in
which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily
replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil
configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The
second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure
axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first
jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling
system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit
the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the
shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis
extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are
envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.
[0348] The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The
cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck
extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the
staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be
stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue.
The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and
clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably
stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The
cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein
staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple
cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of
staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal
slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second
side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple
cavities and staples may be possible.
[0349] The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge
body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position,
and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the
staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by
a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body
and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge
body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are
movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions
by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent
the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The
sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide
under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported
thereon, toward the anvil.
[0350] Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing
member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and
push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined
in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member.
The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing
member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which
engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second
jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and
the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the
deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also
comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured
intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable
for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the
ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the
knife.
[0351] A surgical instrument comprising a handle 110 and a shaft
assembly 1100 removably attachable to the handle 110 is illustrated
in FIGS. 1-1J. The shaft assembly 1000 comprises an attachment
portion 1100 configured to releasably attach the shaft assembly
1000 to the handle 110, a frame assembly 1200 extending distally
from the attachment portion 1100, and an end effector rotatably
coupled to the frame assembly 1200 about an articulation joint
1700. The end effector comprises a cartridge jaw 2020--which is
configured to receive a staple cartridge 2010 therein--and an anvil
jaw 2030. Referring primarily to FIG. 1E, the anvil jaw 2030 is
rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 2020 about pins 2025. The
shaft assembly 1000 further comprises a closure system 1300
configured to move the anvil jaw 2030 toward the cartridge jaw
2020, as discussed in greater detail further below. In addition,
the shaft assembly 1000 further comprises a firing system 1400
configured to eject the staples removably stored in the staple
cartridge 2010 and deform the staples against the anvil jaw
2030.
[0352] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1D, the attachment
portion 1100 comprises a lower frame 1110 and, in addition, an
upper frame 1120 attached to the lower frame 1110. The upper frame
1120 comprises a latch 1130 which is configured to releasably
engage the frames 1110 and 1120 to a frame of the handle 110. The
attachment portion 1100 further comprises housing portions 1140 and
a nozzle 1150 attached to the housing portions 1140. The housing
portions 1140 comprise one or more grooves and/or one or more walls
defined therein which are configured to permit the housing portions
1140 and the nozzle 1150 to rotate--but not translate, or at least
substantially translate--relative to the frames 1110 and 1120.
Moreover, the housing portions 1140 comprise one or more grooves
and/or one or more walls defined therein which are configured to
mount the frame assembly 1200 thereto. The frame assembly 1200 is
engaged with the housing portions 1140 such that the frame assembly
1200, the housing portions 1140, and the nozzle 1150 are rotatable
together about a longitudinal axis 1001 of the shaft assembly
1000.
[0353] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the frame
assembly 1200 comprises a proximal frame portion 1210, an
intermediate frame portion 1220, and a distal frame portion 1230.
The frame portions 1210, 1220, and 1230 comprise a rigid, or at
least substantially rigid, spine of the shaft assembly 1100. The
proximal end of the proximal frame portion 1210 is mounted to a
slip joint interface 1260. The slip joint interface 1260
co-operates with a slip joint interface 1160 defined on the lower
frame 1110 of the attachment portion 1100 which is configured to
permit the frame assembly 1200 to rotate relative to the frames
1110 and 1120, as discussed above. In addition, the slip joint
interfaces 1160 and 1260 co-operate to provide an electrical
interface which can electrically couple sensors in the end
effector, for example, and the attachment portion 1100. The
attachment portion 1100 comprises one or more circuits in
electrical communication with the slip joint interface 1160 which
can be placed in electrical communication with a control module
and/or microprocessor of the handle 110, for example, when the
shaft assembly 1000 is attached to the handle 110.
[0354] Further to the above, referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E,
and 1F, the frame assembly 1200 further comprises a spine cover
1250. The spine cover 1250 co-operates with the frame portions
1210, 1220, and 1230 to enclose, or at least substantially enclose,
the firing system 1400 therein. The frame assembly 1200 further
comprises spacers 1280 which are configured to prevent, or at least
limit, relative movement between the frame assembly 1200 and the
closure system 1300. Each spacer 1280 comprises one or more pins
extending therefrom which extend into apertures defined in the
closure system 1300.
[0355] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the closure
assembly 1300 comprises a closure actuator 1310 that is operably
coupled with a closure trigger 130 of the handle 110 when the shaft
assembly 1000 is assembled to the handle 110. The closure assembly
1300 further comprises a closure tube 1330 and, in addition, a tube
retainer 1320 configured to mount the closure tube 1330 to the
closure actuator 1310. More specifically, the tube retainer 1320
mounts the closure tube 1330 to the closure retainer 1310 such that
the closure retainer 1310 can push the closure tube 1330 distally
and pull the closure tube 1330 proximally. Referring primarily to
FIG. 1E, the closure assembly 1300 further comprises a distal
closure tube 1340 which is rotatably coupled to the closure tube
1330 via articulation links 1350. When the closure tube 1330 is
pushed distally by the closure actuator 1310, the closure tube 1330
pushes the distal closure tube 1340 into engagement with the anvil
jaw 2030 and moves the anvil jaw 2030 toward the cartridge jaw
2020. When the closure tube 1330 is pulled proximally by the
closure actuator 1310, the distal closure tube 1340 can disengage
from the anvil jaw 2030 which can allow the anvil jaw 2030 to be
opened. In other instances, the distal closure tube 1340 can pull
the anvil jaw 2030 into an open, or an at least partially open,
position when the distal closure tube 1340 is retracted.
[0356] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the firing
assembly 1400 comprises a proximal firing rod 1410 that is operably
engaged with a firing system of the handle 110 when the shaft
assembly 1000 is assembled to the handle 110. The firing assembly
1400 further comprises an intermediate firing rod 1420 coupled to
the proximal firing rod 1410 and, in addition, a firing bar 1430
coupled to the intermediate firing rod 1420. The firing bar 1430 is
comprised of a plurality of flexible layers, but can comprise any
suitable configuration. The firing assembly 1400 further comprises
a coupling member 1440 mounted to the firing bar 1430. When the
firing assembly 1400 is advanced distally by the firing system of
the handle 110, the coupling member 1440 pushes a sled 2015 of the
staple cartridge 2010 distally to eject the staples from the staple
cartridge 2010 and into tissue captured between the staple
cartridge 2010 and the anvil jaw 2030. The coupling member 1440
also comprises a cutting edge which incises the tissue as the
coupling member 1440 is advanced distally to eject the staples.
[0357] Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 1F and 1I, the
shaft assembly 1000 further comprises a frame pin 1240. The frame
pin 1240 couples the frame assembly 1200 and the firing assembly
1400 together such that they can rotate in unison about the
longitudinal axis 1001 when the nozzle 1150 is rotated about the
longitudinal axis 1001, as discussed above. Referring primarily to
FIG. 1I, the frame pin 1240 extends through, and is snugly
positioned within, an aperture 1222 defined in the intermediate
frame portion 1220. The frame pin 1240 also comprises projections
1242 which extend into apertures 1212 defined in the proximal frame
portion 1210. Similar to the above, the projections 1242 are snugly
positioned in the apertures 1212. In addition, the frame pin 1240
also comprises a slot 1244 defined therein. The proximal firing rod
1410 extends through the slot 1244 and slides relative to the frame
pin 1240 when the proximal firing rod 1410 is moved proximally and
distally, as discussed above. The sidewalls of the slot 1244 are
spaced apart from one another in order to closely receive the
lateral sides 1412 of the proximal firing rod 1410 therebetween. As
a result, the frame pin 1240 can transfer the rotation of the frame
assembly 1200 to the firing assembly 1400 when the frame assembly
1200 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 1001, as discussed
above. Referring primarily to FIG. 1F, the closure tube 1330 can
also comprise a clearance aperture 1332 defined therein which is
configured to receive a portion of the frame pin 1240 therein.
[0358] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1E, 1F, 1G, and 1H, the shaft
assembly 1000 further comprises an articulation system 1500
configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation
joint 1700. The articulation system 1500 comprises an articulation
driver 1510 mounted to the proximal firing rod 1410 and, in
addition, an articulation bar 1520 which is selectively engageable
with the articulation driver 1510. When the articulation bar 1520
is engaged with the articulation driver 1510, the movement of the
proximal firing rod 1410 is transmitted to the articulation bar
1520. In such instances, the shaft assembly 1000 is in an
articulation operating mode. When the articulation bar 1520 is not
engaged with the articulation driver 1510, the movement of the
proximal firing rod 1410 is not transmitted to the articulation bar
1520. In such instances, the shaft assembly 1000 is in a firing
operating mode. As a result of the above, the movement of the
firing assembly 1400 is selectively transferable to the
articulation system 1500. As discussed in greater detail below, the
shaft assembly 1000 further comprises a switching system 1600
configured to switch the shaft assembly 1000 between its
articulation operating mode and its firing operating mode.
[0359] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1C and 1F, the switching system
1600 comprises a shift collar 1610 and a shift plate 1620. The
shift collar 1610 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis 1001 of
the shaft assembly 1000 between an unactuated position and an
actuated position. The closure assembly 1300 is configured to drive
the switching system 1600 and rotate the shift collar 1610 from its
unactuated position to its actuated position when the closure
assembly 1300 is advanced distally to close the anvil jaw 2030. The
shift collar 1610 is configured to drive the shift plate 1620
longitudinally from a first position to a second position when the
shift collar 1610 is moved from its unactuated position to its
actuated position. When the shift plate 1620 is in its first
position, the articulation bar 1520 is operably engaged with the
proximal firing rod 1410 and the shaft assembly 1000 is in its
articulation operating mode. In such instances, the proximal and
distal movement of the firing assembly 1400 is transferred to the
articulation assembly 1500. When the shift plate 1620 is moved into
its second position, the shift plate 1620 operably decouples the
articulation bar 1520 from the proximal firing rod 1410 and the
shaft assembly 1000 is in its firing operating mode. In such
instances, the proximal and distal movement of the firing assembly
1400 is not transferred to the articulation assembly 1500.
[0360] When the closure assembly 1300 is pulled proximally to
disengage the distal closure tube 1340 from the anvil jaw 2030,
further to the above, the shift collar 1610 can be rotated back
into its unactuated position. Referring again to FIG. 1F, the
switching system 1600 further comprises a biasing member, or
spring, 1630 configured to bias the shift collar 1610 into its
unactuated position.
[0361] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the articulation
system 1500 further comprises an articulation assembly 1530 fixedly
mounted to the distal frame portion 1230. The articulation assembly
1530 comprises an articulation frame 1540 and, in addition, a lock
system 1550 slidably mounted to the articulation frame 1540. The
lock system 1550 is slidable in a distal direction to allow the end
effector to be rotated about the articulation joint 1700 in a first
direction. The lock system 1550 is also slidable in a proximal
direction to allow the end effector to be rotated about the
articulation joint 1700 in a second direction. The articulation bar
1520 is operably engaged with the lock system 1550 such that the
articulation bar 1520 can push the lock system 1550 distally when
the articulation bar 1520 is pushed distally by the proximal firing
rod 1410. Moreover, the articulation bar 1520 is operably engaged
with the lock system 1550 such that the articulation bar 1520 can
pull the lock system 1550 proximally when the articulation bar 1520
is pulled proximally by the proximal firing rod 1410.
[0362] Further to the above, the articulation assembly 1530 further
comprises an articulation link 1560. Similar to the lock system
1550, the articulation bar 1520 is configured to push the
articulation link 1560 distally when the articulation bar 1520 is
pushed distally and, correspondingly, configured to pull the
articulation link 1560 proximally when the articulation bar 1520 is
pulled proximally. The distal end of the articulation link 1560 is
engaged with a channel retainer 1570 fixedly mounted in the
cartridge jaw 1220. More specifically, the channel retainer 1570
comprises a pin extending therefrom which is positioned within an
aperture defined in the articulation link 1560. When the
articulation link 1560 is pushed distally, further to the above,
the articulation link 1560 drives the end effector in its first
direction. When the articulation link 1560 is pulled proximally,
the articulation link 1560 drives the end effector in a second, or
opposite, direction, as illustrated in FIG. 1H.
[0363] The articulation assembly 1530, further to the above, is
configured and arranged such that it prevents the rotation of the
end effector about the articulation joint 1700 when the lock system
1550 is in a neutral, or unpushed, state. When the lock system 1550
is pushed distally or pulled proximally by the articulation bar
1520, the articulation assembly 1530 is unlocked so that the end
effector can be rotated about the articulation joint 1700. In order
to relock the end effector in position, the articulation bar 1520
can be used to re-position the lock system 1550 in its neutral
state and/or allow a biasing member to re-position the lock system
1550 in its neutral state.
[0364] Referring again to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the shaft assembly 1000
further comprises a knife guide 1450 positioned within and/or
adjacent to the articulation joint 1700. The knife guide 1450 is
configured to support the firing bar 1430 when the end effector is
in an articulated configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1H, among
other configurations. The knife guide 1450 comprises lateral
sidewalls 1454 defined therein which are configured to support
and/or guide the layers of the firing bar 1430--especially when the
firing bar 1430 is moved proximally and distally, as described
above. The knife guide 1450 is configured to rotate within the
articulation joint 1700 when the end effector is rotated. More
specifically, the knife guide 1450 rotates in a first direction
when the end effector is rotated in a first direction and,
correspondingly, the knife guide 1450 rotates in a second direction
when the end effector is rotated in a second direction. The distal
end 1456 of the knife guide 1450 comprises a post extending
therefrom which is positioned in an aperture defined in the channel
retainer 1570 which can serve as a pivot joint between the knife
guide 1450 and the channel retainer 1570.
[0365] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the shaft assembly
1000 further comprises a cap 1460 engaged with the channel retainer
1570. In at least one instance, the cap 1460 is engaged with the
channel retainer 1570 in a snap-fit manner, for example. The cap
1460 is configured to limit the vertical movement of the firing bar
1430 and hold the firing bar 1430 in the knife guide 1450.
[0366] Referring again to FIG. 1H, the knife guide 1450 comprises
lateral pushers 1452 extending therefrom. The lateral pushers 1452
are configured to push the tissue of a patient out of the
articulation joint 1700 when the end effector and the knife guide
1450 are rotated, as described above. Stated another way, the
lateral pushers 1452 are configured to push the tissue away from
the pinch points between the cartridge jaw 2020 and the frame
assembly 1200, for example. Moreover, the lateral pushers 1452 are
configured to block, or close, gaps defined between the cartridge
jaw 2020 and the frame assembly 1200.
[0367] A surgical instrument 2000 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The
surgical instrument 2000 comprises a cartridge jaw 2020 and an
anvil jaw 2030. The cartridge jaw 2020 comprises a staple cartridge
2010 which includes a plurality of staples removably stored
therein. The staple cartridge 2010 is replaceable and can be
removed from the cartridge jaw 2020; however, other embodiments are
envisioned in which the staple cartridge 2020 is not replaceable.
The staple cartridge 2010 comprises a proximal end 2011, a distal
end 2013, and a tissue compression surface 2012 extending between
the proximal end 2011 and the distal end 2013. The staple cartridge
2010 further comprises staple cavities defined in the tissue
compression surface 2012 and staples removably stored in the staple
cavities. The anvil jaw 2030 comprises a proximal end 2031, a
distal end 2033, and a tissue compression surface 2032 extending
between the proximal end 2031 and the distal end 2033. The anvil
jaw 2030 further comprises staple forming pockets defined in the
tissue compression surface 2032.
[0368] The anvil jaw 2030 is rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw
2020. Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge jaw 2020 comprises
apertures 2016 defined on opposite sides thereof. Each aperture
2016 is elongate and extends along a vertical axis 2001. The anvil
jaw 2030 comprises projections 2036 that extend laterally therefrom
in opposite directions. The projections 2036 are slidably
positioned within the apertures 2016. The apertures 2016 and the
projections 2036 define a joint about which the anvil jaw 2030 can
be rotated relative to the cartridge jaw 2020 between an open
position and a closed position. The projections 2036 are closely
received between the vertical sidewalls of the apertures 2016 such
that proximal and/or distal longitudinal movement of the anvil jaw
2030 relative to the cartridge jaw 2020 is prevented, or at least
inhibited. That said, the projections 2036 are movable vertically
within the apertures 2016, as described in greater detail further
below. In some embodiments, an anvil jaw may comprise a pivot pin
about which the anvil jaw is rotatable relative to a cartridge jaw
between an open position and a fully-closed position.
[0369] Further to the above, the surgical instrument 2000 comprises
a closure member, or tube, 2040 configured to contact the anvil jaw
2030 and move the anvil jaw 2030 from its open position toward its
closed position (FIG. 3) during a closure stroke. More
specifically, the closure tube 2040 comprises a distal tube end
2045 configured to engage a cam surface 2035 defined on the anvil
jaw 2030 and rotate the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030
toward the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010. The
closure tube 2040 slides distally along the cam surface 2035 until
the distal tube end 2045 comes into contact with a push shoulder
2037 defined on the anvil jaw 2030. In such instances, the
projections 2036 rotate within the apertures 2016 as the anvil jaw
2030 is rotating relative to the cartridge jaw 2020.
[0370] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, the rotation of the anvil jaw
2030, without more, may result in the tissue gap between the distal
end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010 and the distal end 2033 of
the anvil jaw 2030 (DTG) being larger than the tissue gap between
the proximal end 2011 of the staple cartridge 2010 and the proximal
end 2031 of the anvil jaw 2030 (PTG). When the distal tissue gap
DTG is larger than the proximal tissue gap PTG, the tissue captured
within the distal tissue gap DTG may experience less clamping
force, or compression, than the tissue captured within the proximal
tissue gap PTG. Moreover, in such instances, the tissue compression
surface 2032 of the anvil jaw 2030 may not be parallel to the
tissue compression surface 2012 of the staple cartridge 2010 and,
as a result, the staples deformed by the distal end 2033 of the
anvil jaw 2030 may be larger than the staples deformed by the
proximal end 2031.
[0371] Further to the above, the closure tube 2040 further
comprises one or more lift cams 2046 configured to move the distal
end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 closer to the distal end 2013 of the
staple cartridge 2010. The lift cams 2046 of the closure tube 2040
are configured to engage the projections 2036 of the anvil jaw 2030
and push the projections 2036 upwardly within the apertures 2016
during the closure stroke of the closure tube 2040. In such
instances, the lift cams 2046 can drive the distal end 2033 of the
anvil jaw 2030 toward the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge
2010 and increase the clamping force applied to the tissue captured
within the distal tissue gap DTG. In various instances, the lift
cams 2046 can position the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the staple
cartridge 2010 such that the distal tissue gap DTG is the same, or
at least substantially the same, as the proximal tissue gap PTG;
however, the reader should understand that the thickness of the
tissue captured between the tissue compression surfaces 2012 and
2032 can affect the distal tissue gap DTG and the proximal tissue
gap PTG. In any event, the clamping force applied to the tissue in
distal tissue gap DTG can be the same, or at least substantially
the same, as the clamping force applied to the tissue in the
proximal tissue gap PTG.
[0372] In various instances, further to the above, the tissue
captured within the distal tissue gap DTG can be pushed out of the
distal tissue gap DTG when the tissue is being incised by a cutting
member. In at least one instance, the lift cams 2046 can position
the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the staple cartridge 2010 such that
the distal tissue gap DTG is smaller than the proximal tissue gap
PTG. In such instances, the clamping force applied to the tissue in
distal tissue gap DTG can be larger than the clamping force applied
to the tissue in the proximal tissue gap PTG. As a result, the
tissue captured in the DTG is less likely to be pushed out of the
distal tissue gap DTG.
[0373] In at least one sense, further to the above, the distal tube
end 2045 of the closure tube 2040 comprises a first, or initial,
cam and the lift cams 2046 of the closure tube 2040 comprise a
second, or subsequent, cam. That said, the lift cams 2046 can be
configured to engage the projections 2036 at any suitable point in
the closure stroke. In at least one instance, the lift cams 2046
are configured to engage the projections 2036 at the same time that
the distal tube end 2045 engages the push shoulder 2037. In such
instances, the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 can be pushed
downwardly toward the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010
at the end of the closure stroke. In other instances, the lift cams
2046 are configured to engage the projections 2036 before the
distal tube end 2045 engages the push shoulder 2037. In such
instances, the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 can be
cambered downwardly as the anvil jaw 2030 is being closed. In some
instances, the lift cams 2046 are configured to engage the
projections 2036 after the distal tube end 2045 has engaged the
push shoulder 2037. In such instances, the closure tube 2040 can
apply a significant clamping force to the tissue at the very end of
the closure stroke which includes, one, a push-to-close force
component from the distal tube end 2045 and, two, a lift-to-close
force component from the lift cams 2046.
[0374] As discussed above, referring again to FIG. 3, the lift cams
2046 are configured to affect, or close, the distal tissue gap DTG
during the closure stroke of the closure tube 2040. The lift cams
2046 do not affect, or at least substantially affect, the proximal
tissue gap PTG. In various instances, the tissue positioned in the
proximal tissue gap PTG can act as a fulcrum about which the anvil
jaw 2030 is rotated when the lift cams 2046 engage the anvil
projections 2036. In certain instances, the proximal tissue gap PTG
can adjust to the thickness of the tissue captured between the
anvil compression surface 2032 and the cartridge compression
surface 2012.
[0375] Referring again to FIG. 1, the anvil jaw 2030 comprises a
longitudinal slot 2038 which is configured to receive a portion of
a firing assembly, or a cutting member portion of the firing
assembly, during a tissue cutting stroke. As described in greater
detail below, a firing assembly can comprise a cam member
configured to engage the anvil jaw 2030 and position the anvil jaw
2030 relative to the staple cartridge 2010 during the tissue
cutting stroke. The longitudinal slot 2038 comprises a cam surface
2039 which is engaged by the firing assembly to compress the
tissue, or control the compression of the tissue, captured between
the cartridge compression surface 2012 and the anvil compression
surface 2032. The cam surface 2039 of the anvil jaw 2030 is
parallel to the tissue compression surface 2032. In other
embodiments, the cam surface 2039 is not parallel to the tissue
compression surface 2032. In at least one such embodiment, the cam
surface 2039 extends along a plane which is not parallel to a plane
including the tissue compression surface 2032. For instance, the
distance between the cam surface 2039 and the tissue compression
surface 2032 can be larger at the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw
2030 as compared to the proximal end 2031. In such instances, the
compression force applied to the tissue by the firing assembly can
increase as the cutting member portion is progressed through its
tissue cutting stroke which can prevent, or at least reduce the
possibility of, the tissue being pushed out of the distal tissue
gap DTG, for example.
[0376] In various instances, further to the above, the cam surface
2039 of the anvil jaw 2030 can be pointed downwardly toward the
distal end 2013 of the cartridge jaw 2010 when the anvil jaw 2030
has reached its fully-closed position.
[0377] A surgical instrument 2100 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
The surgical instrument 2100 is similar to the surgical instrument
2000 in many respects. The surgical instrument 2100 comprises a
cartridge jaw 2120 and an anvil jaw 2030. The cartridge jaw 2120
comprises a staple cartridge 2010 which includes a plurality of
staples removably stored therein. The staple cartridge 2010 is
replaceable and can be removed from the cartridge jaw 2120;
however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the staple
cartridge 2010 is not replaceable. Similar to the above, the anvil
jaw 2030 is rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 2120. The
cartridge jaw 2120 comprises apertures 2116 defined on opposite
sides thereof. Each aperture 2116 is elongate and extends along a
vertical axis 2001.
[0378] Also similar to the above, the anvil jaw 2030 comprises
projections 2036 that extend laterally therefrom in opposite
directions. The projections 2036 are slidably positioned within the
apertures 2116. The apertures 2116 and the projections 2036 define
a joint about which the anvil jaw 2030 can be rotated relative to
the cartridge jaw 2120 between an open position and a closed
position. The projections 2036 are closely received between the
vertical sidewalls of the apertures 2116 such that longitudinal
proximal and/or distal movement of the anvil jaw 2030 relative to
the cartridge jaw 2120 is prevented, or at least inhibited. That
said, the projections 2036 are movable vertically within the
apertures 2116. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge jaw
2120 further comprises longitudinal slots 2117 defined on opposite
sides thereof. Each longitudinal slot 2117 intersects a bottom
portion of an aperture 2116.
[0379] Further to the above, the surgical instrument 2100 comprises
a closure member, or tube, 2040 configured to contact the anvil jaw
2030 and move the anvil jaw 2030 from its open position (FIG. 4)
toward its closed position (FIG. 5) during a closure stroke. More
specifically, further to the above, the distal tube end 2045 of the
closure tube 2040 is configured to engage a cam surface 2035
defined on the anvil jaw 2030 and rotate the anvil jaw 2030 toward
the cartridge jaw 2120. The closure tube 2040 slides distally along
the cam surface 2035 until the distal tube end 2045 comes into
contact with a push shoulder 2037 defined on the anvil jaw 2030. In
such instances, the projections 2036 rotate within the apertures
2116 as the anvil jaw 2030 is rotating relative to the cartridge
jaw 2120.
[0380] Further to the above, the lift cams 2046 of the closure tube
2040 are configured to engage the projections 2036 of the anvil jaw
2030 and push the projections 2036 upwardly within the apertures
2116 during the closure stroke of the closure tube 2040. In such
instances, the lift cams 2046 can drive the distal tip of the anvil
jaw 2030 toward the distal tip of the cartridge jaw 2120 and
increase the clamping force applied to the tissue captured between
the distal tips of the cartridge jaw 2120 and the anvil jaw 2030.
The movement of the lift cams 2046 is limited to a longitudinal
path defined by the longitudinal slots 2117. In at least one
instance, the longitudinal path comprises a longitudinal axis which
is orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, to the
vertical axis 2001, for example. The intersection of the
longitudinal slots 2117 and the apertures 2116 allows the lift cams
2046 to engage the projections 2036 as the closure tube 2040 is
advanced distally during its closure stroke.
[0381] As discussed above, the surgical instruments 2000 and 2100
comprise a fixed cartridge jaw and a movable anvil jaw. However,
other embodiments are envisioned. For instance, a surgical
instrument can comprise a fixed anvil jaw and a movable cartridge
jaw. Such embodiments can be useful when the space between the
targeted tissue and a body cavity wall is limited, for example.
More specifically, in various instances, the anvil jaw 2030 is
thinner than the staple cartridge jaw 2020 and, if the anvil jaw
2030 is fixed, the anvil jaw 2030 could provide a thin, but stiff,
jaw that could be slid behind tissue in tight spaces.
[0382] A surgical instrument 2200 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. The
surgical instrument 2200 is similar to the surgical instruments
2000 and 2100 in many respects. The surgical instrument 2200
comprises a cartridge jaw 2220 and an anvil jaw 2230 rotatably
coupled to the cartridge jaw 2220. The cartridge jaw 2220 comprises
a replaceable staple cartridge 2210 including a plurality of
staples removably stored therein. In other embodiments, the staple
cartridge 2210 is not removable from the cartridge jaw 2220. The
cartridge jaw 2220 and the anvil jaw 2230 are similar to the
cartridge jaw 2020 and the anvil jaw 2030, respectively. The
surgical instrument 2200 further comprises a closure tube 2240. The
closure tube 2240 is similar to the closure tube 2040 in many
respects. Among other things, the closure tube 2240 comprises a
distal tube end 2245 configured to engage a cam surface 2035 and/or
a push shoulder 2037 on the anvil jaw 2230 to rotate the anvil jaw
2230 toward the cartridge jaw 2220.
[0383] The surgical instrument 2200 further comprises a firing
assembly 2250. The firing assembly 2250 comprises a coupling member
2251, a firing bar 2254 mounted to the coupling member 2251, and a
firing rod 2252. The coupling member 2251 is configured to be
advanced distally from a proximal unfired position to a distal
fired position by the firing rod 2252 and the firing bar 2254
during a firing stroke of the firing assembly 2250 to eject the
staples from the staple cartridge 2210. The coupling member 2251
comprises a first cam configured to engage the cartridge jaw 2220
and a second cam configured to engage the anvil jaw 2230 during the
firing stroke. Among other things, the first and second cams lock
the anvil jaw 2230 in a closed position during the firing stroke.
After at least a portion of the firing stroke has been completed,
the firing assembly 2250 can be retracted to disengage the first
and second cams from the jaws 2220 and 2230, respectively. At such
point, the closure tube 2240 can be retracted proximally to
disengage the distal tube end 2245 from the cam surface 2035.
[0384] The closure tube 2240 further comprises at least one crimp
tab 2249 (FIG. 3). The crimp tab 2249 is configured to positively
open the anvil jaw 2230. As the closure tube 2240 is being
retracted proximally, further to the above, the distal tube end
2245 slides proximally across the cam surface 2035 and, after the
closure tube 2240 has been sufficiently retracted, the crimp tab
2249 contacts a cam tab 2239 defined on the anvil jaw 2230. Stated
another way, the crimp tab 2249 does not initially engage the cam
tab 2239 as the closure tube 2240 is being retracted; rather, the
crimp tab 2249 comes into contact with the cam tab 2239 as the
closure tube 2240 is being retracted. Once the crimp tab 2249 is
engaged with the cam tab 2239, further retraction of the closure
tube 2240 will open the anvil jaw 2230. the closure tube 2240 must
be sufficiently retracted before the biasing member can open the
anvil jaw 2230. As a result, the anvil jaw 2230 may not open
immediately during the retraction stroke of the closure tube 2240
absent the use of a resilient biasing feature which can drive the
anvil jaw 2230 into an at least partially open position while the
closure tube 2240 is being retracted, as discussed in greater
detail below.
[0385] Further to the above, the firing assembly 2250 comprises a
biasing member, or spring, 2256, for example, positioned
intermediate the firing rod 2252 and a proximal tail 2255 of the
firing bar 2254. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the spring 2256
comprises an end securely mounted in a recess 2257 defined in the
distal end of the firing rod 2252 and, in addition, a cantilever
end 2258 which extends into a longitudinal opening 2253 defined in
the firing rod 2252. When the firing assembly 2250 is retracted, as
illustrated in FIG. 7, the firing rod 2252 applies a retraction
force to the firing bar 2254 via the spring 2256. This retraction
force resiliently compresses the spring 2256, as also illustrated
in FIG. 7. As the firing assembly 2250 is retracted, the coupling
member 2251 comes into contact with the anvil jaw 2230. More
specifically, a shoulder 2259 defined on the coupling member 2251
contacts the cam tab 2239 defined on the anvil jaw 2230. At such
point, the spring 2256 is still in its compressed state and is
applying a load to the anvil jaw 2230 through the coupling member
2251. This load, however, does not open the anvil jaw 2230 until
the closure tube 2240 is moved proximally away from the push
shoulder 2037. Once the closure tube 2240 begins its opening
motion, however, the load can quickly open, or at least partially
open, the anvil jaw 2230, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In various
instances, as a result, very little, if any, lag exists between the
opening motion of the closure tube 2240 and the opening motion of
the anvil jaw 2230.
[0386] Further to the above, the spring 2256 will apply the
quick-opening force to the anvil jaw 2230 so long as the spring
2256 is resiliently compressed between the firing rod 2252 and the
firing bar 2254. Once the spring 2256 has returned to its
uncompressed state, the firing assembly 2250 may no longer apply an
opening force to the anvil jaw 2230. Further opening of the anvil
jaw 2230 can be accomplished through retraction of the closure
system so that the positive jaw opening crimp tab 2249 applies
force to the cam tab 2239 to fully open the anvil jaw 2230.
[0387] A coupling member 2551 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 and a
portion of a firing assembly 2550 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The
coupling member 2551 comprises a first cam 2552 configured to
engage a first jaw and second cams 2553 configured to engage a
second jaw. The coupling member 2551 further comprises a recess
2555 defined therein. The recess 2555 is configured to receive a
firing bar 2554 therein. In at least one instance, the lateral side
of the firing bar 2554 is flush with the lateral side of the
coupling member 2551 when the firing bar 2554 is fully seated in
the coupling member 2551. In other instances, the lateral side of
the firing bar 2554 is recessed with respect to the lateral side of
the coupling member 2551.
[0388] Further to the above, the firing bar 2554 comprises a
plurality of flexible layers. Each of the layers is mounted to the
coupling member 2551. The coupling member 2551 comprises a first,
or proximal, mounting post, or projection, 2557p and a second, or
distal, mounting post, or projection, 2557d. Each layer of the
firing bar 2554 comprises an aperture 2558p configured to closely
receive the mounting post 2557p. In at least one instance, the
mounting post 2557p is press fit into the apertures 2558p such that
little, if any, relative movement is possible between the firing
bar 2554 and the mounting post 2557p. Similarly, each layer of the
firing bar 2554 comprises an aperture 2558d configured to closely
receive the mounting post 2557d. In at least one instance, the
mounting post 2557d is press fit into the apertures 2558d such that
little, if any, relative movement is possible between the firing
bar 2554 and the mounting post 2557d. Mounting posts 2557p and
2557d provide, one, a mechanical attachment of the coupling member
2551 to the firing bar 2554 and, two, surfaces which extend out to
the exterior surface of the firing bar 2554 that provide
significant exposed surface area that allows a welded connection to
be made between the coupling member 2551 and the firing bar 2554.
In various instances, the perimeters of the mounting posts 2557p
and 2557d are welded to the layers, or at least the outer layer, of
the firing bar 2554. In some instances, the ends of the mounting
posts 2557p and 2557d are entirely welded over to make the
connection between the coupling member 2551 and the firing bar
2554.
[0389] The mounting post 2557p and the mounting post 2557d are not
aligned longitudinally. Referring primarily to FIG. 9, the mounting
posts 2557p and 2557d are positioned on opposite sides of a
longitudinal axis 2558. The longitudinal axis 2558 is collinear
with and/or parallel to the longitudinal path of the firing
assembly 2550. As a result of the above, the interconnection
between the coupling member 2251 and the firing bar 2554 can
withstand torque loads which act to rotate the coupling member 2551
upwardly and/or downwardly. In alternative embodiments, the
mounting posts 2557p and 2557d are aligned longitudinally. In such
instances, the mounting posts 2557p and 2557d can comprise an
alignment datum for properly orienting the coupling member 2551
relative to the firing bar 2554.
[0390] Referring primarily to FIG. 10, the firing assembly 2550
comprises a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue of a
patient as the firing assembly 2550 is advanced distally through a
staple cartridge. The coupling member 2551 comprises a first
cutting part 2556' of the cutting portion and the firing bar 2554
comprises a second cutting part 2556'' of the cutting portion. The
first cutting part 2556' is positioned laterally with respect to
the second cutting part 2556''. The face of the first cutting part
2556', however, is aligned with the face of the second cutting part
2556'' such that these faces comprise a continuous, or at least
substantially continuous, cutting edge, as illustrated in FIG. 10.
In at least one instance, only one layer of the firing bar 2554
constitutes the second cutting part 2556''; however, alternative
embodiments are envisioned in which more than one layer of the
firing bar 2554 constitutes the second cutting part 2556''. In
certain embodiments, the coupling member 2551 does not constitute
part of the cutting portion. In at least one such embodiment, the
firing bar 2554 comprises the entirety of the cutting portion. In
any event, the arrangements discussed above can reduce the cost of
creating the firing assembly 2250 by eliminating the need to
sharpen and hone the coupling member 2251, and transferring the
sharpening operation to one of the flat layers of the firing bar
2554.
[0391] A coupling member 2651 is illustrated in FIG. 12, a portion
of a firing bar 2654 is illustrated in FIG. 13, and a portion of a
firing assembly 2650 comprising the coupling member 2651 and the
firing bar 2654 is illustrated in FIG. 14. The coupling member 2651
comprises a first cam 2552 configured to engage a first jaw and
second cams 2553 configured to engage a second jaw. Referring to
FIG. 12, the coupling member 2651 further comprises a recess 2655
defined therein. The recess 2655 is configured to receive the
firing bar 2654 therein, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In at least one
instance, the lateral side of the firing bar 2654 is flush with the
lateral side of the coupling member 2651 when the firing bar 2654
is fully seated in the recess 2655. In other instances, the lateral
side of the firing bar 2654 is recessed with respect to the lateral
side of the coupling member 2651.
[0392] Referring primarily to FIG. 12, the coupling member 2651
comprises a proximal mounting post 2657p and a distal mounting post
2657d. The firing bar 2654, referring to FIG. 13, comprises a
proximal aperture 2658p configured to closely receive the mounting
post 2657p. In at least one instance, the mounting post 2657p is
press-fit within the proximal aperture 2658p of the firing bar
2654. The firing bar 2654 further comprises a distal aperture 2658d
configured to closely receive the distal mounting post 2657d of the
coupling member 2651. In at least one instance, the mounting post
2657d is press-fit within the distal aperture 2658d of the firing
bar 2654. Mounting posts 2657p and 2657d provide, one, a mechanical
attachment of the coupling member 2651 to the firing bar 2654 and,
two, surfaces which extend out to the exterior surface of the
firing bar 2654 that provide significant exposed surface area that
allows a welded connection to be made between the coupling member
2651 and the firing bar 2654. In various instances, the perimeters
of the mounting posts 2657p and 2657d are welded to the layers, or
at least the outer layer, of the firing bar 2654. In some
instances, the ends of the mounting posts 2657p and 2657d are
entirely welded over to make the connection between the coupling
member 2651 and the firing bar 2654.
[0393] Referring again to FIG. 13, the firing bar 2654 further
comprises a hook, or catch, 2653. Referring now to FIG. 14, the
hook 2653 is engaged with the coupling member 2651. More
specifically, the hook 2653 is at least partially wrapped around
the distal end of a second cam 2553. In various instances, the hook
2653 can be used to align the firing bar 2654 with the coupling
member 2651 before seating the firing bar 2654 into the recess 2655
in the coupling member 2651. Moreover, the hook 2653 extends over
the cutting part 2556'' of the coupling member 2651 and can be
configured to direct the flow of tissue toward the cutting edge of
the cutting part 2556''. The firing bar 2654 comprises a single
layer and the hook 2653 is defined on that layer; however, the hook
2653 can be defined on multiple layers in other firing bars. In any
event, the hook 2653, the distal aperture 2658d, and the proximal
aperture 2658p are configured to retain the firing bar 2654 to the
coupling member 2651.
[0394] As discussed above, the firing bar 2654 is positioned within
a lateral recess 2655. Referring to FIG. 12, the second cam 2553
that extends over the recess 2655 is longer than the other second
cam 2553. Moreover, the firing bar 2654 is offset laterally with
respect to the center of the coupling member 2651. In use, as a
result, the firing bar 2654 can experience a lateral twist when the
firing assembly 2650 is being advanced distally during its firing
stroke. To account for this twist, in various instances, the second
cams 2553 can be closely received within a jaw, such as the anvil
jaw 2030, for example. More specifically, referring again to FIG.
1, the sidewalls of the slot 2038 are configured such that there is
little, if any, lateral gap between the sidewalls and the lateral
sides of the second cams 2553. Other means can be used.
[0395] Turning now to FIGS. 15-18, a firing assembly 2750 comprises
a coupling member 2751 and a firing bar 2754 including multiple
layers attached to the coupling member 2751. The coupling member
2751 comprises a first cam 2752 configured to engage a first jaw,
second cams 2753 configured to engage a second jaw, and a cutting
edge 2756 configured to transect tissue during a firing stroke of
the firing assembly 2750. The coupling member 2751 comprises a
mounting tab 2754a extending proximally therefrom and lateral
recesses 2755 defined on opposite sides of the mounting tab 2754a.
Referring to FIG. 16, a center layer 2754b of the firing bar 2754
is attachable to the mounting tab 2754a. The mounting tab 2754a and
the center layer 2754b define apertures 2754c therebetween which
are configured to receive welds 2754d therein to retain the center
layer 2754b to the mounting tab 2754a; however, any suitable
joining method could be used to join the center layer 2754b to the
mounting tab 2754a.
[0396] Further to the above, referring now to FIG. 17, the firing
bar 2754 further comprises lateral layers 2754e which are mounted
to the coupling member 2751 in the lateral recesses 2755. Each of
the lateral layers 2754e is mounted to the coupling member 2751 via
welds 2754f; however, other joining methods could be used. In
various instances, the welds 2754f are located distally with
respect to the welds 2754d. As a result, the attachment points of
the lateral layers 2754e to the coupling member 2751 are positioned
distally with respect to the attachment point of the center layer
2754b. Due to this longitudinal offset, the welds 2754d and 2754f
can withstand and transmit torque loads. Moreover, the welds 2754d
and 2754f are not in the same shear plane and the possibility of
the coupling member 2751 becoming detached from the firing bar 2754
is reduced.
[0397] As discussed in greater detail below, a firing assembly, or
cutting member, can be part of, and/or comprise, a lockout system
configured to prevent or limit the distal advancement of the firing
assembly in certain instances. Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10,
the coupling member 2551 of the firing assembly 2550 comprises a
distal projection 2559. The distal projection 2559 is part of a
lockout arrangement configured to prevent the firing assembly 2550
from being advanced distally in the event that an unspent staple
cartridge is not properly positioned in front of the firing
assembly 2550. In such instances, the firing assembly 2550 can be
pushed downwardly into a locked out state by a biasing member when
the firing assembly 2550 is advanced distally in order to prevent
the firing assembly 2550 from performing a staple firing stroke. To
the extent that an unspent staple cartridge is properly positioned
in front of the firing assembly 2550, the distal projection 2559
can be supported by a sled in the staple cartridge which can allow
the firing assembly 2550 to complete the staple firing stroke. The
entire disclosures of:
[0398] U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF
FIRING, which issued on May 16, 2006;
[0399] U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, which
issued on Dec. 5, 2006;
[0400] U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, which issued on Jan.
24, 2006;
[0401] U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS,
which issued on Feb. 21, 2006; and
[0402] U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which issued
on Dec. 27, 2005, are incorporated by reference herein.
[0403] A firing assembly 2350 of a surgical instrument 2300 is
illustrated in FIGS. 19-21. The firing assembly 2350 comprises a
coupling member 2351 and a firing bar 2354 mounted to the coupling
member 2351. The coupling member 2351 is similar to the coupling
member 2551 in many respects. The firing bar 2354 comprises a
plurality of layers including central layer 2354b and lateral
layers 2354e. The surgical instrument 2300 is configured to receive
a staple cartridge having a sled stored therein that, during a
staple firing stroke, is advanced distally by the firing assembly
2350. The staple cartridge 2010, for example, comprises a cartridge
body 2011 and, in addition, a sled 2014 which is movable through
the cartridge body 2011 from a proximal, unfired position to a
distal, fired position during the staple firing stroke. When the
sled 2014 is in its proximal, unfired position, the staple
cartridge 2010 is unspent. When the sled 2014 has been moved
distally from its proximal, unfired position, the staple cartridge
2010 becomes spent.
[0404] The firing assembly 2350 further comprises a lockout system.
The lockout system is configured to prevent the firing assembly
2350 from being advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke
if an unspent staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 2010, for
example, is not properly positioned in the surgical instrument
2300, as illustrated in FIG. 20. In fact, a staple cartridge is
entirely missing from the surgical instrument 2300 in FIG. 20.
Correspondingly, the lockout system is configured to permit the
firing assembly 2350 to be advanced distally to perform a staple
firing stroke if an unspent staple cartridge, such as staple
cartridge 2010, for example, is properly positioned in the surgical
instrument 2300, as illustrated in FIG. 21.
[0405] Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the firing assembly 2350
comprises a lockout bar 2360 slidably mounted to the firing bar
2354. The lockout bar 2360 comprises a longitudinal portion 2364
and a distal end 2366. The longitudinal portion 2364 of the lockout
bar 2360 extends through a longitudinal clearance slot defined
between the lateral layers 2354e of the firing bar 2354. The distal
end 2366 of the lockout bar 2360 extends through an aperture 2359
defined in the coupling member 2351 and projects distally from the
coupling member 2351. The lockout bar 2360 is slidable between a
distal, or locked, position (FIG. 20) and a proximal, or unlocked,
position (FIG. 21) when an unspent staple cartridge 2010 is
properly positioned in the cartridge jaw 2020. More specifically,
further to the above, an unspent staple cartridge 2010 comprises a
sled 2014 in its proximal, unfired position which contacts the
lockout bar 2360 and pushes the lockout bar 2360 proximally when
the unspent staple cartridge 2010 is inserted into the cartridge
jaw 2020. The sled 2014 is releasably retained to the cartridge
body 2011 such that the sled 2014 remains in its proximal, unfired
position while pushing the lockout bar 2360 proximally. In at least
one instance, the cartridge body 2011 comprises one or more detents
which releasably hold the sled 2014 in its proximal, unfired
position.
[0406] The firing assembly 2350 further comprises a firing rod 2352
having a longitudinal slot 2358 defined therein. The firing bar
2354 comprises a proximal end 2355 positioned in the longitudinal
slot 2358 and, similarly, the lockout bar 2360 comprises a proximal
end 2365 which is also positioned in the longitudinal slot 2358.
When the lockout bar 2360 is in its locked position, as illustrated
in FIG. 20, a lock 2370 is engaged with the firing rod 2352 which
prevents the firing rod 2352 from being advanced distally.
Correspondingly, in such instances, the lock 2370 prevents the
firing rod 2352 from advancing the firing bar 2354, and the
coupling member 2351, through a staple firing stroke. The lock 2370
is rotatably mounted to a shaft 2340 of the surgical instrument
2300 about a pivot 2371 and comprises a lock shoulder engaged with
a lock recess, or notch, 2378 defined in the firing rod 2352. The
lock 2370 is biased into engagement with the firing rod 2352 by a
spring 2372.
[0407] Upon comparing FIGS. 20 and 21, further to the above, it can
be seen that the lockout bar 2360 moves relative to the firing bar
2354 when the lockout bar 2360 is moved between its locked position
(FIG. 20) and its unlocked position (FIG. 21) when an unspent
staple cartridge 2010 is loaded into the surgical instrument 2300.
The firing assembly 2350 further comprises a biasing member, or
spring, 2368 positioned intermediate the proximal end 2355 of the
firing bar 2354 and the proximal end 2365 of the lockout bar 2360
which is compressed between the proximal ends 2355 and 2365 when
the lockout bar 2360 is moved proximally. If the unspent staple
cartridge 2010 were to be removed from the cartridge jaw 2020
before the staple cartridge 2010 is fired, the biasing member 2368
would resiliently expand and push the lockout bar 2360 distally
into its locked position and allow the spring 2372 to return the
lock 2370 into its locked position and re-engage the firing rod
2352. Stated another way, the spring 2368 biases the lockout bar
2360 into its locked position in the absence of an unspent staple
cartridge in the cartridge jaw 2020.
[0408] When the lockout bar 2360 is moved proximally into its
unlocked condition, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the proximal end
2365 of the lockout bar 2360 engages the lock 2370 and rotates the
lock 2370 downwardly out of engagement with the firing rod 2352
against the bias of the spring 2372. At such point, the firing
assembly 2350 can be advanced distally to perform the staple firing
stroke. Notably, the firing rod 2352 pushes the firing bar 2354
distally. More specifically, the proximal sidewall of the
longitudinal slot 2358 abuts the proximal end 2355 of the firing
bar 2354 as the firing rod 2352 is advanced distally. Also,
notably, the firing bar 2354 pushes the lockout bar 2360 distally
via the spring 2368. As a result, the lockout bar 2360 travels with
the firing bar 2354 when the firing bar 2354 is moved distally
during the staple firing stroke.
[0409] Further to the above, the distal movement of the firing bar
2354 and the lockout bar 2360 during the staple firing stroke moves
the proximal end 2365 of the lockout bar 2360 away from the lock
2370. In such instances, however, the lock recess 2378 defined in
the firing rod 2352 is no longer in alignment with the lock 2370.
As a result, the lock 2370 cannot re-engage the firing rod 2352 and
lock the firing rod 2352 in position even though the lockout bar
2360 has been disengaged from the lock 2370. When the firing rod
2352 is retracted in order to reset the surgical instrument 2300,
the firing rod 2352 can pull the firing bar 2354 and the lockout
bar 2360 proximally to the position illustrated in FIG. 20. In such
instances, the lock recess 2378 is re-aligned with the lock 2370
such that the spring 2372 can re-engage the lock 2370 with the
firing rod 2352 and re-lock the firing assembly 2350 in position.
In various instances, the firing rod 2352 further comprises a ramp
2375 configured to deflect the lock 2370 downwardly as the firing
rod 2352 is being retracted.
[0410] Further to the above, the firing rod 2352 is pulled
proximally after a staple firing stroke to retract the firing bar
2354, the lockout bar 2360, and the coupling member 2351 of the
firing assembly 2350. Notably, the sled 2014 of the staple
cartridge 2010 is not retracted by the firing rod 2352. Instead,
the sled 2014 remains in its fired position. As a result, the
lockout bar 2360 is pushed out of its locked position when the
firing assembly 2350 is returned to its reset position and, as
such, the firing assembly 2350 is prevented from being advanced
distally once again until the spent staple cartridge 2010 is
removed from the cartridge jaw 2020 and an unspent staple cartridge
2010, for example, is properly positioned in the cartridge jaw
2020.
[0411] Moreover, further to the above, it should be appreciated
that the sled 2014 of a spent staple cartridge 2010 cannot contact
the lockout bar 2360 when the spent staple cartridge 2010 is loaded
into the cartridge jaw 2020 because the sled 2014 is not in its
proximal position and, as a result, the sled 2014 cannot unlock the
firing assembly 2350.
[0412] A surgical instrument 2900 comprising a firing assembly 2950
is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. Similar to the above, the firing
assembly 2950 comprises a lockout system configured to prevent the
firing assembly 2950 from being advanced distally to perform a
staple firing stroke without an unspent staple cartridge 2910, for
example, properly positioned in the cartridge jaw 2020. In at least
one instance, the surgical instrument 2900 can comprise the lock
2370 and lock spring 2372 arrangement discussed above in connection
with the surgical instrument 2300, for example, which can block the
distal advancement of the firing assembly 2950 when an unspent
staple cartridge is not properly seated in the cartridge jaw 2020,
as illustrated in FIG. 22. When an unspent staple cartridge 2910 is
properly seated in the cartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG.
23, the lockout system can permit the firing assembly 2950 to
perform the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 2910 is
similar to the staple cartridge 2010 in many respects and comprises
a cartridge body 2912 and a sled 2916 movable from a proximal,
unfired position (FIG. 23) to a distal, fired position by the
firing assembly 2950 during the staple firing stroke.
[0413] The firing assembly 2950 comprises a firing rod 2952, a
firing bar 2954, and a coupling member 2951 mounted to the firing
bar 2954. The coupling member 2951 is similar to the coupling
member 2551 in many respects. The firing bar 2954 comprises a
proximal portion 2955 slidably positioned in a longitudinal slot
2958 defined in the firing rod 2952. The firing assembly 2950
further comprises a biasing member, or compression spring, 2966
positioned in the longitudinal slot 2958 intermediate the proximal
portion 2955 of the firing bar 2954 and the firing rod 2952. When
an unspent staple cartridge 2910 is not positioned in the cartridge
jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the spring 2966 is configured
to bias the firing bar 2954 forward. In this forward position of
the firing bar 2954, a key 2965 of the firing bar 2954 is not
engaged with the lock 2370 and, as a result, the spring 2372 biases
the lock 2370 into the lock recess 2378 defined in the firing rod
2952 which prevents the firing rod 2952 from being advanced
distally to perform a staple firing stroke.
[0414] When an unspent staple cartridge 2910 is properly positioned
in the cartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the sled 2916
directly contacts the coupling member 2951 and pushes the firing
bar 2954 proximally into its unlocked position. In this proximal
position of the firing bar 2954, the key 2965 of the firing bar
2954 is engaged with the lock 2370 and holds the lock 2370 out of
the lock notch 2378 in the firing rod 2952. In such instances, as a
result, the firing rod 2952 can be advanced distally to push the
firing bar 2954, the coupling member 2951, and the sled 2916
through the staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, the firing
rod 2952 can be retracted to pull the firing bar 2954 and the
coupling member 2951 proximally to reset the surgical instrument
2900. Also similar to the above, the sled 2916 is not retracted
with the firing assembly 2950 and, as a result, the firing bar 2954
is in its forward, or locked, position after the firing assembly
2950 has been retracted. The reader should appreciate that the
spent staple cartridge 2910 must be replaced with an unspent staple
cartridge 2910 to unlock the lock 2370 from the firing assembly
2950 and use the surgical instrument 2900 once again.
[0415] A surgical instrument 3000 comprising a shaft 3040 and a
firing assembly 3050 is illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25. Similar to
the above, the firing assembly 3050 comprises a lockout system
configured to prevent the firing assembly 3050 from being advanced
distally to perform a staple firing stroke without an unspent
staple cartridge 3010, for example, properly positioned in the
cartridge jaw 2020. The surgical instrument 3000 comprises a lock
3070 in the shaft 3040 which, similar to lock 2370, can block the
distal advancement of the firing assembly 3050, as illustrated in
FIG. 24. When an unspent staple cartridge 3010 is properly seated
in the cartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the lockout
system can permit the firing assembly 3050 to perform the staple
firing stroke. The staple cartridge 3010 is similar to the staple
cartridge 2010 in many respects and comprises a cartridge body 3012
and a sled 3016 movable from a proximal, unfired position (FIG. 25)
to a distal, fired position by the firing assembly 3050 during the
staple firing stroke.
[0416] The firing assembly 3050 comprises a firing rod 3052, a
firing bar 3054, and a coupling member 2951 mounted to the firing
bar 3054. The firing bar 3054 comprises a proximal portion 3055
slidably positioned in a longitudinal slot 3058 defined in the
firing rod 3052. The firing assembly 3050 further comprises a
biasing member, or compression spring, 3066 positioned in the
longitudinal slot 3058 intermediate the firing rod 3052 and
proximal portion 3055 of the firing bar 3054. When an unspent
staple cartridge 3010 is not positioned in the cartridge jaw 2020,
as illustrated in FIG. 24, the spring 3066 is configured to bias
the firing bar 3054 forward. In this forward position of the firing
bar 3054, a leaf spring 3072 biases the lock 3070 into the lock
notch 2378 defined in the firing rod 3052 which prevents the firing
rod 3052 from being advanced distally to perform a staple firing
stroke.
[0417] When an unspent staple cartridge 3010 is positioned in the
cartridge jaw 2020, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the sled 3016
directly contacts the coupling member 2951 and pushes the firing
bar 3054 proximally into its unlocked position. In this proximal
position of the firing bar 3054, the proximal end 3055 of the
firing bar 3054 is engaged with the lock 3070 and holds the lock
3070 out of the lock notch 2378 in the firing rod 3052 against the
biasing force of the leaf spring 3072. In such instances, as a
result, the firing rod 3052 can be advanced distally to push the
firing bar 3054, the coupling member 2951, and the sled 3016
through the staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, the firing
rod 3052 can be retracted to pull the firing bar 3054 and the
coupling member 2951 proximally to reset the surgical instrument
3000. Also similar to the above, the sled 3016 is not retracted
with the firing assembly 3050 and, as a result, the firing bar 3054
is in its forward, or locked, position after the firing assembly
3050 has been retracted. The reader should appreciate that the
spent staple cartridge 3010 must be replaced with an unspent staple
cartridge 3010 to unlock the lock 3070 from the firing assembly
3050 and use the surgical instrument 3000 once again.
[0418] As discussed above, the lock 2370 is positioned in the
shafts of the surgical instruments 2900 and 3000; however, the lock
2370 can be placed in any suitable location. In various instances,
the surgical instrument 2900 and/or 3000, for example, can comprise
an articulation joint about which an end effector, including the
jaws 2020 and 2030, can be articulated. In at least one instance,
the lock 2370 is positioned distally with respect to the
articulation joint. In such instances, the lockout system is
unaffected by the articulation joint. In other instances, the lock
2370 is positioned proximally with respect to the articulation
joint. Placing the lock 2370 in such a position can shorten the
portion of the surgical instrument which is distal to the
articulation joint and improve the accessibility of the surgical
instrument into a small surgical site, for instance.
[0419] As discussed above, a firing assembly of a surgical
instrument can be advanced distally through a staple cartridge to
eject the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing
stroke. As also discussed above, the staple cartridge can comprise
a sled which is pushed distally by the firing assembly to drive the
staples out of the staple cartridge during the staple firing
stroke. In various instances, however, a clinician may not be able
to observe the progress of the staple firing stroke. Absent such
information, the clinician may not know whether the tissue captured
within the surgical instrument has been sufficiently stapled.
[0420] Turning now to FIGS. 26-30, a surgical instrument 3100
comprises a cartridge jaw 3120 configured to receive a staple
cartridge 3110 therein. The cartridge jaw 3120 comprises a bottom
portion and lateral side walls 3122 extending from the bottom
portion. The staple cartridge 3110 is positionable between the
lateral side walls 3122 of the cartridge jaw 3120. The staple
cartridge 3110 and the cartridge jaw 3120 comprise co-operating
features configured to align and releasably hold the staple
cartridge 3110 in a seated position (FIGS. 27-29). The staple
cartridge 3110 further comprises a sled 3116 movable between a
proximal, unfired position (FIGS. 26 and 27) and a distal, fired
position (FIG. 29) by the firing assembly 2550 during a staple
firing stroke.
[0421] The cartridge jaw 3120 comprises a series of openings, or
windows, defined in a lateral side wall 3122. The windows of the
cartridge jaw 3120 comprise a proximal window 3127, a distal window
3129, and an intermediate window 3128 positioned intermediate the
proximal window 3127 and the distal window 3129. Each window 3127,
3128, and 3129 comprises an elongate longitudinal through hole
positioned along a longitudinal axis 3121; however, the windows
3127, 3128, and 3129 can have any suitable arrangement. In at least
one instance, the intermediate window 3128 is positioned at the
midpoint between the proximal window 3127 and the distal window
3129. In other instances, the intermediate window 3128 can be
positioned at any suitable location between the proximal window
3127 and the distal window 3129. In at least one instance, the
cartridge jaw 3120 can comprise more than one intermediate window
3128.
[0422] The staple cartridge 3110 comprises a series of openings, or
windows, defined in the lateral sides of the cartridge body 3112.
The windows of the staple cartridge 3110 comprise a proximal window
3117, a distal window 3119, and an intermediate window 3118
positioned intermediate the proximal window 3117 and the distal
window 3119. Each window 3117, 3118, and 3119 comprises an elongate
longitudinal through hole positioned along a longitudinal axis
3111; however, the windows 3117, 3118, and 3119 can have any
suitable arrangement. In at least one instance, the intermediate
window 3118 is positioned at the midpoint between the proximal
window 3117 and the distal window 3119. In other instances, the
intermediate window 3118 can be positioned at any suitable location
between the proximal window 3117 and the distal window 3119. In at
least one instance, the staple cartridge 3110 can comprise more
than one intermediate window 3118.
[0423] When the staple cartridge 3110 is fully seated in the
cartridge jaw 3120, the windows in the staple cartridge 3110 are
aligned with the windows in the cartridge jaw 3120. More
specifically, the proximal cartridge window 3117 is aligned with
the proximal jaw window 3127, the intermediate cartridge window
3118 is aligned with the intermediate jaw window 3128, and the
distal cartridge window 3119 is aligned with the distal jaw window
3129. In such instances, the windows 3117 and 3127 form a first
pair of aligned apertures, the windows 3118 and 3128 form a second
pair of aligned apertures, and the windows 3119 and 3129 form a
third pair of aligned apertures. As a result, a clinician can look
into the staple cartridge 3110 through the cartridge jaw 3120 at
three distinct locations.
[0424] Further to the above, the staple cartridge 3110 engages the
cartridge jaw 3120 in a snap-fit connection when the staple
cartridge 3110 is fully seated within the cartridge jaw 3120. In
such instances, the longitudinal axis 3111 of the staple cartridge
3110 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 3121 of the cartridge
jaw 3120. When the axes 3111 and 3121 are perfectly aligned, the
edges of the cartridge windows 3118 and 3119 are not offset with
respect to the jaw windows 3128 and 3129, respectively. To the
extent that the axes 3111 and 3121 are somewhat aligned, but not
perfectly aligned, the cartridge windows 3118 and 3119 may be
offset with respect to the jaw windows 3128 and 3129. In either
event, the at least substantially aligned windows can serve the
purpose of observing the position of the sled 3116 during the
firing stroke, as discussed below.
[0425] When the sled 3116 is in its proximal, unfired position, as
illustrated in FIG. 27, the sled 3116 is visible through the
aligned cartridge window 3117 and jaw window 3127. In such
instances, a clinician can visually observe that the staple
cartridge 3110 is unspent. If the sled 3116 is not visible through
the aligned cartridge window 3117 and jaw window 3127 prior to the
beginning of the staple firing stroke, then the clinician can
assume that the staple cartridge 3110 has been at least partially
spent and that a lockout of the stapling instrument 3100, such as
those described herein, for example, may be actuated if the spent
staple cartridge 3110 is not replaced with an unspent staple
cartridge. Moreover, if the sled 3116 is not visible through the
aligned cartridge window 3117 and jaw window 3127 during the staple
firing stroke, then the clinician can assume that the staple firing
stroke is in progress.
[0426] When the sled 3116 has been moved half-way through the
staple firing stroke, referring now to FIG. 28, the sled 3116 is
visible through the aligned cartridge window 3118 and jaw window
3128. In such instances, a clinician can visually observe that the
staple cartridge 3110 has been partially spent. Although the
windows 3118 and 3128 are aligned at the midpoint of the staple
firing stroke, the windows 3118 and 3128 can be aligned at any
suitable location. Moreover, any suitable number of window pairs
3118 and 3128 can be utilized to observe the sled 3116 during the
staple firing stroke. When the sled 3116 is in its distal, fired
position, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the sled 3116 is visible
through the aligned cartridge window 3119 and jaw window 3129. In
such instances, a clinician can visually observe that the staple
cartridge 3110 has been completely spent. Understanding whether or
not a staple cartridge has been completely, or at least
sufficiently, spent is important for a clinician in determining
whether or not to retract the firing assembly 2550. For instance,
referring to FIG. 30, a clinician would know that the vessel V
captured between the staple cartridge 3010 and the anvil jaw 2030
has been completely stapled when they can observe the sled 3116 in
the distal window 3129.
[0427] Referring primarily to FIG. 26, the sled 3116 comprises a
demarcation 3115 which is observable through the aligned cartridge
and jaw windows and can assist a clinician in understanding the
position of the sled 3116 within the staple cartridge 3110. In at
least one instance, the demarcation 3115 comprises a color which is
different than the color of the cartridge jaw 3120 and/or the sled
3116, such as blue, for example. In certain instances, the
demarcation can comprise a ridge, for example.
[0428] Referring primarily to FIG. 26, the cartridge jaw 3120
further comprises a proximal datum 3123p and a distal datum 3123d.
When the sled 3116 is in its proximal, unfired position, the
demarcation 3115 is aligned with the proximal datum 3123p. In such
instances, the proximal datum 3123p can assist a clinician in
determining whether the staple cartridge 3110 is unspent. When the
sled 3116 is in its distal, completely fired position, the
demarcation 3115 is aligned with the distal datum 3123d. In such
instances, the proximal datum 3123p can assist a clinician in
determining whether the staple cartridge 3110 has been completely
spent. The datums 3123p and 3123d comprise narrow linear vertical
markings on the cartridge jaw 3120; however, the datums 3123p and
3123d can comprise any suitable configuration. In at least one
instance, the datums 3123p and 3123d are the same color as the
demarcation 3115. In other instances, the datums 3123p and 3123d
are a different color than the demarcation 3115.
[0429] Further to the above, the intermediate cartridge window 3118
is the same size as the intermediate jaw window 3128. Similarly,
the distal cartridge window 3119 is the same size as the distal jaw
window 3129. That said, the proximal cartridge window 3117 is not
the same size as the proximal jaw window 3127. The proximal
cartridge window 3117 is narrower than the proximal jaw window 3127
as measured along the longitudinal axes 3111 and 3121. In at least
one instance, the proximal cartridge window 3117 has the same width
as the demarcation 3115. In such instances, a clinician can
accurately assess whether or not the sled 3116 has been advanced
distally even the slightest amount.
[0430] As discussed above, the cartridge jaw 3120 is configured to
receive a replaceable staple cartridge therein; however, the
cartridge and jaw windows disclosed herein can be used with a
stapling assembly that does not comprise a replaceable staple
cartridge. Moreover, the cartridge and jaw windows disclosed herein
can be adapted to either side or both sides of a stapling
assembly.
[0431] Referring to FIGS. 31-34, a cartridge jaw 3220 comprises a
bottom portion, or wall, 3221 and lateral side portions, or walls,
3222 extending from the bottom wall 3221. Similar to the above, the
cartridge jaw 3220 is configured to receive a replaceable staple
cartridge between the side walls 3222. The bottom wall 3221
comprises a longitudinal slot 3223 defined therein which is
configured to receive the bottom cam of the firing assembly 2550,
for example.
[0432] Referring primarily to FIGS. 33 and 34, the longitudinal
slot 3223 comprises a central portion 3224. The central portion
3224 is part of a T-shaped configuration that includes lateral
portions 3225 which extend laterally from the central portion 3224.
The longitudinal slot 3223 further comprises a proximal opening, or
window, 3227 and a distal opening, or window, 3229 at the opposite
ends of the central portion 3224. The sled of a staple cartridge is
aligned with the proximal opening 3227 when the sled is in its
proximal, unfired position. In such instances, a clinician can
observe whether or not the staple cartridge has been spent.
Similarly, the sled is aligned with the distal opening 3229 when
the sled is in its distal, fully-fired position. In such instances,
a clinician can observe whether or not the staple cartridge has
been completely spent.
[0433] Referring again to FIGS. 31 and 32, the longitudinal slot
3223 further comprises intermediate openings, or windows, 3228
defined in the bottom wall 3221 between the proximal opening 3227
and the distal opening 3229. Similar to the above, the progression
of the sled during the staple firing stroke can be observed through
the openings 3228. The openings 3228 are elongate in the
longitudinal direction; however, the openings 3228 can comprise any
suitable configuration. The openings 3228 are spaced periodically
such that the bottom wall 3221 is sufficiently stiff between the
lateral side walls 3222. Moreover, any suitable number of openings
3228 can be used, although the bottom wall 3221 will be stiffer
with less openings 3228.
[0434] Referring primarily to FIG. 32, the openings 3228 are offset
with respect to the central portion 3224 of the longitudinal slot
3223. Stated another way, each opening 3228 comprises a
longitudinal axis which is not collinear with a longitudinal axis
of the central portion 3224. Moreover, the openings 3228 are
staggered with respect the longitudinal axis of the central portion
3224 in an alternating manner. In at least one instance, a first
opening 3228 is defined on one side of the longitudinal axis while
a second opening 3228 is defined on the opposite side of the
longitudinal axis. This pattern of the openings 3228 repeats along
the length of the longitudinal slot 3223. Such an arrangement can
increase the width of the walls between the openings 3228 and, as a
result, increase the stiffness of the bottom wall 3221 as compared
to embodiments where all of the openings 3228 are positioned along
the longitudinal axis of the central portion. Other embodiments,
however, are envisioned.
[0435] As discussed herein, a surgical instrument can comprise a
firing assembly configured to apply a firing load, or force, to a
sled of a staple cartridge during a firing stroke. The firing load
is sufficient to push the staples out of the staple cartridge and
into the tissue of a patient, deform the staples against an anvil,
and incise the tissue. In certain instances, the firing load can
increase significantly beyond a threshold which is deemed safe
and/or suitable for the operation of the surgical instrument. In at
least one such instance, the firing load can increase significantly
when the firing assembly abuts a missing cartridge lockout and/or a
spent cartridge lockout, for example.
[0436] Referring now to FIGS. 35-38, a surgical instrument 3500
comprises a shaft 3540 and a firing assembly 3550. The firing
assembly 3550 comprises a first firing rod 3551, a second firing
rod 3552, and a firing bar 3554. The firing assembly 3550 further
comprises a biasing member, or spring, 3556 positioned intermediate
the first firing rod 3551 and the second firing rod 3552. When the
first firing rod 3551 is advanced distally, the first firing rod
3551 pushes the second firing rod 3552 distally via the spring
3556. The distal end of the second firing rod 3552 is connected to
the firing bar 3554 at an interconnection 3553 and, when the second
firing rod 3552 is advanced distally, the second firing rod 3552
pushes the firing bar 3554 distally. Stated another way, a firing
load can be transmitted from the first firing rod 3551 to the
second firing rod 3552 through the spring 3556 and ultimately to
the firing bar 3554.
[0437] Further to the above, the spring 3556 is compressed between
the first firing rod 3551 and the second firing rod 3552 in
response to the firing load, or force, transmitted through the
firing assembly 3550. When the firing load transmitted through the
firing assembly 3550 is below a predetermined force threshold, the
spring 3556 transmits the firing load to the second firing rod 3552
to perform the firing stroke, as illustrated in FIG. 35. When the
firing load exceeds the threshold, the spring 3556 is compressed to
a point in which a proximal end 3555 of the second firing rod 3552
actuates a lockout system which prevents the firing assembly 3550
from being advanced through its staple firing stroke, as
illustrated in FIG. 36. At such point, the clinician can evaluate
the surgical instrument 3500 as to why the firing force threshold
of the surgical instrument 3500 was exceeded.
[0438] Further to the above, the spring 3556, when compressed,
applies a biasing force to the second firing rod 3552 which opposes
the proximal movement of the second firing rod 3552 relative to the
first firing rod 3551. The threshold force of the firing assembly
3550 accounts for the firing force needed to staple and cut the
tissue and, in addition, the biasing force created by the spring
3556. In various instances, the biasing force of the spring 3556
opposes the firing force transmitted through the second firing rod
3552. Moreover, the biasing force of the spring 3556 increases
linearly, and proportionately, in response to the relative movement
between the second firing rod 3552 and the first firing rod 3551.
That said, once the force transmitted through the firing assembly
3550 exceeds the threshold force, the lockout system switches
between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, as
discussed in greater detail below.
[0439] Further to the above, and as also described in greater
detail below, the lockout system of the firing assembly 3550 can be
tripped, or actuated, into a locked stated when the compression of
the spring 3556 has exceeded a threshold compression, or
deflection. Stated another way, the lockout system does not actuate
into a locked state while the compression of the spring 3556 is
below the threshold compression of the spring 3556.
[0440] The lockout system comprises, further to the above, a lock
3570 rotatably mounted to a frame 3542 of the shaft 3540 about a
pivot 3571 and, in addition, a lock actuator 3577 mounted to the
first firing rod 3551. The lock 3570 is held in an unlocked
position, or configuration, by the lock actuator 3577 when the lock
actuator 3577 has not been actuated. The lock actuator 3577 is
rotatably mounted to the first firing rod 3551 and is rotatable
between an unactuated position (FIG. 35) and an actuated position
(FIG. 36). When the spring 3556 of the firing assembly 3550 is not
compressed more than its threshold compression, or above its force
threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the lock actuator 3577 is
biased into its unactuated position by a torsion spring 3576 and
the lock 3570 is held out of engagement with the firing assembly
3550.
[0441] When the spring 3556 is compressed more than its threshold
compression, or above its force threshold, the proximal end 3555 of
the second firing rod 3552 engages the lock actuator 3577 and
rotates the lock actuator 3577 into its actuated position, as
illustrated in FIG. 36. In such instances, the lock 3570 is
released by the lock actuator 3577 and engages the second firing
rod 3552. More specifically, the lockout system further comprises a
biasing member, or spring, 3572 configured to push the lock 3570
into engagement with the second firing rod 3552 once the lock 3570
is released. The lock 3570 comprises a lock shoulder 3578 which is
configured to be received within a lock recess, or notch, 3558
defined in the second firing rod 3552 which prevents the firing
assembly 3550 from being advanced distally.
[0442] The reader should appreciate that the lock 3570 of the
lockout system can only stop the advancement of the firing assembly
3550 when the lock notch 3558 defined in the second firing rod 3552
is aligned with the lock 3570. Once the firing assembly 3550 is
advanced distally during the staple firing stroke and the lock
notch 3558 is moved out of alignment with the lock shoulder 3578,
as illustrated in FIG. 37, the lock 3570 is constrained in its
unlocked position, or configuration, by the first firing rod 3551
throughout the firing stroke of the firing assembly 3550. As such,
the lockout system of the firing assembly 3550 comprises a
beginning-of-stroke lockout that stops the firing assembly 3550
from performing a staple firing stroke.
[0443] Further to the above, a missing cartridge lockout and/or a
spent cartridge lockout in the end effector of the surgical
instrument 3500, for example, can block the distal advancement of
the firing assembly 3550 when a spent staple cartridge is seated in
the end effector of the surgical instrument 3500 and/or an unspent
staple cartridge is missing from the end effector altogether. In
such instances, the force transmitted through the firing assembly
3550 will increase above the threshold force and the lockout system
of the firing assembly 3550 can respond by also blocking the distal
advancement of the firing assembly 3550. In various instances, the
firing assembly lockout can bolster the missing cartridge and/or
spent cartridge lockout. In such instances, as a result, the firing
assembly 3550 cannot be used to cut tissue without an unspent
staple cartridge properly seated in the end effector of the
surgical instrument 3500.
[0444] In order to reset the firing assembly 3550, further to the
above, the clinician can operate the surgical instrument 3500 to
retract the firing assembly 3550 proximally. In at least one
instance, the surgical instrument 3500 comprises an electric motor
configured to drive the firing assembly 3550 through its staple
firing stroke which can be operated in reverse to retract the
firing assembly 3550. When the firing assembly 3550 is at least
partially retracted, the spring 3556 can re-expand and push the
second firing rod 3552 away from the first firing rod 3551 to
disengage the second firing rod 3552 from the lock actuator 3577 of
the lockout system. At such point, the firing assembly 3550 can be
advanced distally to complete its staple firing stroke, as
illustrated in FIG. 37.
[0445] A staple cartridge 3610 comprising a spent cartridge lockout
is illustrated in FIGS. 39-42. The staple cartridge 3610 comprises
a cartridge body 3612 including staple cavities and a longitudinal
slot 3614 defined therein. Referring primarily to FIG. 41, the
staple cartridge 3610 further comprises a sled 3616 which is
movable between a proximal, unfired position (FIG. 39) and a
distal, fired position by a firing assembly, such as firing
assembly 2550, for example, to eject staples removably stored in
the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke. Referring now to
FIG. 39, a portion of the sled 3616 travels within the longitudinal
slot 3614 during the staple firing stroke. Moreover, referring to
FIG. 40, a portion of the firing assembly 2550 also travels within
the longitudinal slot 3614 during the staple firing stroke. More
specifically, the firing assembly 2550 comprises a coupling member
2551 that travels within the slot 3614.
[0446] The staple cartridge 3610 further comprises a lock 3670. The
lock 3670 comprises a first end mounted to the cartridge body 3612
and a second end 3672 that extends into the longitudinal slot 3614.
When the staple cartridge 3610 is in an unfired condition and the
sled 3616 is in its proximal, unfired position, referring again to
FIG. 40, the second end 3672 of the lock 3670 is flexed into and
held in an unlocked state by the sled 3616. In such instances, the
lock 3670 cannot prevent the staple firing stroke from being
initiated by the firing assembly 2550. As the sled 3616 is advanced
distally by the firing assembly 2550, the sled 3616 is moved out of
contact with the lock 3670. In such instances, the firing assembly
2550 continues to hold the lock 3670 in its unlocked configuration
throughout the staple firing stroke.
[0447] After the staple firing stroke has been at least partially
completed, the firing assembly 2550 can be retracted. In such
instances, the sled 3616 is not retracted with the firing assembly
2550. Instead, the sled 3616 is left behind in a distal position
within the cartridge body 3616. Thus, after the firing assembly
2550 has been completely retracted, referring to FIG. 42, the lock
3670 can unflex into a locked configuration such that the second
end 3672 blocks the longitudinal slot 3614. Stated another way, the
second end 3672 of the lock 3670 can block the firing assembly 2550
from being advanced through another staple firing stroke.
[0448] Further to the above, the lock 3670 comprises a spent
cartridge lockout. After the sled 3616 has been advanced distally
out of alignment with the lock 3670, the staple cartridge 3610 has
become a spent staple cartridge whether or not all of, or any of,
the staples have been ejected from the staple cartridge 3610.
Retraction of the firing assembly 2550 into its unfired position,
at such point, would cause the staple cartridge 3610 to lock itself
out. Accordingly, the staple cartridge 3610 would have to be
removed from the surgical instrument and replaced with an unspent
staple cartridge before the surgical instrument could be used once
again.
[0449] Further to the above, the cartridge body 3610 can include a
notch 3615 configured to receive a portion of the lock 3670 when
the lock 3670 moves into its locked configuration, as illustrated
in FIG. 42. The notch 3615 is defined in a sidewall of the
longitudinal slot 3614 and positioned opposite the first portion of
the lock 3670 which is mounted to the cartridge body 3612.
Interaction between the second end 3672 of the lock 3670 and the
sidewalls of the notch 3615 can strengthen the lockout and reduce
the possibility of the firing assembly 2550 being pushed by the
lock 3670. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the firing
assembly 2550 can comprise a lockout which is triggered, or
actuated, when the firing assembly 2550 abuts the lock 3670.
[0450] Turning now to FIGS. 43-47, a firing assembly 3750 of a
surgical instrument 3700 comprises a firing rod 3752 and a firing
bar 3754. The firing rod 3752 comprises an aperture 3755 defined in
the distal end thereof. The aperture 3755 comprises a proximal
endwall 3756 and a distal endwall 3757. The firing bar 3754
comprises a lockout 3770 positioned in the aperture 3755 at an
interface 3753. When the firing rod 3752 is advanced distally
during a staple firing stroke, the proximal endwall 3756 of the
aperture 3755 contacts the lockout 3770 and pushes the firing bar
3754 distally. In the event that the force transmitted between the
firing rod 3752 and the firing bar 3754 exceeds a predetermined
force threshold, the lockout 3770 moves from an unlocked state
(FIG. 45) into a locked state (FIG. 46). Similar to the above, the
force threshold can be exceeded when the firing assembly 3750 abuts
a spent cartridge lockout and/or a missing cartridge lockout, for
example.
[0451] The lockout 3770 is rotatably and slidably mounted to the
firing bar 3754. The firing bar 3754 comprises a longitudinal slot
3775 defined therein and the lockout 3770 comprises a pin 3771
slidably positioned within the slot 3775. The firing bar 3754
further comprises a spring 3776 positioned intermediate the pin
3771 and a distal end of the slot 3775. As a result, a firing force
transmitted from the firing rod 3752 can flow through the lockout
3770 and the lockout pin 3771, through the spring 3776, and into
the firing bar 3754--so long as the firing force is below the force
threshold. In the event that the firing force exceeds the force
threshold, the firing rod 3752 can push the lockout 3770 distally
within the longitudinal slot 3775, as illustrated in FIG. 46. In
such instances, the lockout 3770 can also rotate upwardly into
engagement with a shaft 3740 of the surgical instrument 3700. More
specifically, referring primarily to FIG. 44, the firing bar 3754
comprises ledges 3772 extending laterally therefrom which prevent
the lockout 3770 from rotating upwardly when the firing force is
below the threshold and the lockout 3770 is positioned in the
proximal end of the longitudinal slot 3775; however, once the
lockout 3770 is pushed distally away from the ledges 3772, the
firing force acts to rotate the lockout 3770 upwardly as
illustrated in FIG. 46.
[0452] Further to the above, the shaft 3740 comprises a frame 3742
including a lock aperture 3748 defined therein which is configured
to receive a portion of the lockout 3770 when the lockout 3770 is
rotated upwardly. The interaction between the lockout 3770 and the
sidewalls of the lock aperture 3748 prevent the firing assembly
3750 from being advanced distally through its staple firing stroke.
Similar to the above, the lock aperture 3748 is defined in the
shaft 3740 at a location which corresponds to the initiation of the
staple firing stroke. As a result, the lockout 3770 is configured
and arranged to assist in locking out the surgical instrument 3700
in the event that a staple cartridge is missing from, or a spent
staple cartridge is positioned within, the surgical instrument
3700. That said, the lock aperture 3748 can be positioned in any
suitable location. Moreover, more than one lock aperture 3748 can
be utilized to provide more than one location in which the firing
assembly 3750 can be locked out.
[0453] The lockout 3770 can be reset after it has been moved into
its locked configuration (FIG. 46). Turning now to FIG. 47, the
firing rod 3752 can be moved proximally until the distal endwall
3757 of the aperture 3755 contacts the lockout 3770 and, at such
point, the endwall 3757 can rotate the lockout 3770 downwardly and
positively return the lockout 3770 to its unlocked configuration as
the firing rod 3752 continues to move proximally. Moreover, the
firing rod 3752 can pull the lockout 3770 back under the ledges
3772 (FIG. 44) as the firing rod 3752 is being retracted. At such
point, the firing assembly 3750 is reset and can be re-advanced
distally--assuming that the impediment which blocked the firing
assembly 3750 has been addressed.
[0454] Turning now to FIGS. 48-51, a surgical instrument 3800
comprises a shaft 3840 and a firing assembly 3850. The shaft 3840
comprises a frame 3842 and a longitudinal passage configured to
slidably receive the firing assembly 3850. The firing assembly 3850
comprises a first firing rod 3851, a second firing rod 3852, and a
firing bar 3854. The first firing rod 3851 is coupled to the second
firing rod 3852 at an interconnection 3853. In use, referring to
FIG. 49, the interconnection 3853 is configured to transmit a
force, or firing load, between the first firing rod 3851 and the
second firing rod 3852. However, as discussed in greater detail
below, the interconnection 3853 is configured to slip when the
firing load transmitted through the firing assembly 3850 exceeds a
predetermined force threshold.
[0455] Further to the above, the second firing rod 3852 comprises a
proximal end 3855 positioned in a cavity defined in the distal end
of the first firing rod 3851. The first firing rod 3851 further
comprises lock arms 3857 engaged with the proximal end 3855 of the
second firing rod 3852 which are configured to transmit the firing
load from the first firing rod 3851 to the second firing rod 3852
when the firing load is below the force threshold. More
specifically, the lock arms 3857 push on inclined surfaces 3859
defined on the proximal end 3855 of the second firing rod 3852.
When the firing load exceeds the force threshold, the lock arms
3857 slide along the inclined surfaces 3859 causing the
interconnection 3853 to slip, splay, and elastically flare
outwardly to disrupt the firing stroke of the firing assembly
3850.
[0456] Further to the above, referring to FIG. 50, the lock arms
3857 are configured to engage lock shoulders 3847 defined on the
shaft frame 3842 when the lock arms 3857 slide relative to the
inclined surfaces 3859 and flare outwardly. The interaction between
the lock arms 3857 and the lock shoulders 3847 prevents the firing
assembly 3850 from being advanced through its staple firing stroke.
Similar to the above, the lock shoulders 3847 are positioned at the
beginning of the staple firing stroke of the firing assembly 3850
such that the lockout feature of the firing assembly 3850 is
responsive to a beginning-of-stroke lockout; however, the lock
shoulders 3847 can be placed at any suitable location, or
locations.
[0457] Further to the above, the firing assembly 3850 can be reset
after it has been locked out. The first firing rod 3851 can be
retracted proximally to operably re-engage the lock arms 3857 with
the proximal end 3855 of the second firing rod 3852. In such
instances, the lock arms 3857 can resiliently move inwardly to
grasp the proximal end 3855. The firing assembly 3850 further
comprises a biasing member, or spring, 3856 configured to bias a
head of the proximal end 3855 against the lock arms 3857. Once the
interconnection 3853 has been reset, referring to FIG. 51, the
firing assembly 3850 can be advanced through its staple firing
stroke--assuming that the force threshold is not exceeded once
again. Notably, the shaft frame 3842 prevents the lock arms 3857
from disengaging from the second firing rod 3852 during the staple
firing stroke.
[0458] Turning now to FIGS. 52-56, a surgical instrument 3900
comprises a shaft 3940, an end effector positioned at a distal end
of the shaft 3940, an articulation actuator 3980 configured to
articulate the end effector relative to the shaft 3940, and a
firing assembly 3950. The shaft 3940 comprises a shaft frame 3942
which has a longitudinal cavity 3949 defined therein. The firing
assembly 3950 comprises a first firing rod 3951, a second firing
rod 3952, and a firing bar 3954. The first firing rod 3951
comprises a distal end 3957 operably engaged with a proximal end
3955 of the second firing rod 3952 at an interface 3953. When the
firing load transmitted through the firing assembly 3950 is below a
predetermined force threshold, referring to FIGS. 52-55, the firing
assembly 3950 can be pushed through a staple firing stroke. When
the firing load exceeds the predetermined threshold within, and
only within, a lockout zone that is prior to or at the beginning of
the staple firing stroke, referring to FIG. 56, the distal end 3957
of the first firing rod 3951 can slip relative to the proximal end
3955 of the second firing rod 3952 and stop the distal advancement
of the second firing rod 3952.
[0459] Further to the above, in at least one embodiment, the distal
end 3957 of the first firing rod 3951 comprises a barb and the
proximal end 3955 of the second firing rod 3952 comprises a barb
catch configured to be coupled with the barb of the distal end
3957. When the distal end 3957 decouples from the proximal end
3955, the barb of the distal end 3957 can engage a wall 3948 in the
shaft 3940 and stop the distal advancement of the first firing rod
3951, and the firing assembly 3950, when the first firing rod 3951
slips relative to the second firing rod 3952.
[0460] Referring again to FIGS. 52 and 53, the firing assembly 3950
further comprises a firing collar 3959 slidably positioned in the
longitudinal cavity 3949 of the shaft 3940. The firing collar 3959
is comprises of a resilient material which is frictionally-engaged
with the sidewalls of the longitudinal cavity 3949, for example.
Upon comparing FIGS. 52 and 53, it can be seen that the second
firing rod 3952 slides within the firing collar 3959 while the
firing collar 3959 remains stationary during the initial distal
movement of the firing assembly 3950. This initial distal movement
of the firing assembly 3950 is not part of the staple firing
stroke. Such initial distal movement of the firing assembly 3950,
however, can be used to perform a different function within the end
effector, such as closing the end effector, for example.
[0461] Further to the above, the first firing rod 3951 comprises a
projection 3960 defined thereon configured to engage the firing
collar 3959 to initiate the staple firing stroke. At such point,
the interface 3953 is positioned within the firing collar 3959
which prevents the distal end 3957 of the first firing rod 3951
from slipping relative to the proximal end 3955 of the second
firing rod 3952 during the staple firing stroke. As a result of the
above, the interface 3953 can decouple prior to or at the beginning
of the staple firing stroke but, on the other hand, remain intact
throughout the staple firing stroke. The firing collar 3959
comprises a rigid proximal end 3958 that is engaged by the
projection 3960 and is pushed distally by the projection 3960
during the staple firing stroke, as illustrated in FIG. 56. The
firing assembly 3950 further comprises a spring 3956 positioned
intermediate and compressed between the firing bar 3954 and the
firing collar 3959 which can assist in controlling the relative
position between the firing bar 3954 and the firing collar
3959.
[0462] Turning now to FIGS. 57-59, a surgical instrument 4000
comprises a shaft 4040 and a firing assembly 4050. The shaft 4040
comprises a frame 4042 including a longitudinal aperture 4048
defined therein. The firing assembly 4050 comprises a firing rod
4052 and a plurality of flexible firing bars, or layers, 4054 that
are operably coupled to a distal end 4057 of the firing rod 4052 at
an interface 4053. The layers 4054 are configured to transmit a
firing force from the firing rod 4052 to a coupling member 4051 of
the firing assembly 4050 when the firing force is below a
predetermined force threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 57. In the
event that the firing force exceeds the force threshold, the layers
4054 can flex outwardly, as illustrated in FIG. 58, which can
prevent the firing assembly 4050 from performing the staple firing
stroke. In order to reset the firing assembly 4050, the firing rod
4052 can be retracted proximally to permit the layers 4054 to
resiliently flex inwardly to their unflexed state. As illustrated
in FIG. 59, the firing assembly 4050 further comprises a firing
collar 4059 configured to bolster the layers 4054 and prevent the
layers 4054 from flexing outwardly during the staple firing stroke.
Similar to the above, the firing collar 4059 is comprised of a
flexible material that is frictionally-engaged with the sidewalls
of the longitudinal shaft aperture 4048 and does not initially move
with the layers 4054. Stated another way, the firing collar 4059
does not travel with the layers 4054 until the distal end 4057 of
the firing rod 4052 contacts the firing collar 4059.
[0463] Turning now to FIGS. 60-64, a surgical instrument 4100
comprises a shaft 4040 and a firing assembly 4150. The firing
assembly 4150 comprises a first firing rod 4151, a second firing
rod 4152, and a firing bar 4154. The first firing rod 4151
comprises a distal end positioned within an aperture 4153 defined
in a proximal end of the second firing rod 4152. The second firing
rod 4152 comprises a distal end comprising a longitudinal slot 4155
defined therein configured to receive a proximal end of the firing
bar 4154. Referring primarily to FIGS. 60 and 61, the second firing
rod 4152 comprises a wall 4157 configured to transmit a firing
force from the second firing rod 4152 to the firing bar 4154. The
wall 4157 comprises a fuse. When the firing force is below a
predetermined force threshold, the wall 4157 is configured to
remain intact, as illustrated in FIG. 62. In at least one instance,
the force threshold is 80 lbf, for example. The wall 4157, however,
is configured to fail when the firing force exceeds the force
threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 63. At such point, the firing bar
4154 slidable within a longitudinal slot 4158 defined in the second
firing rod 4152 and the distal movement of the second firing rod
4152 is not transmitted to the firing bar 4154. The fuse, or wall,
4157 is not resettable.
[0464] The firing assembly 4150 can comprise other fuses in
addition to or in lieu of the above. For instance, the second
firing rod 4152 further comprises fuses 4156 positioned proximally
with respect to the wall 4157. Fuses 4156 comprise displaceable
elements positioned within and frictionally-engaged with the
sidewalls of the longitudinal slot 4158. In certain embodiments,
the fuses 4156 comprise walls integrally formed with the sidewalls
of the slot 4158. In at least one instance, the fuses 4156 are each
configured to fail at the same force threshold as the wall 4157,
such as 80 lbf, for example. In such instances, a fuse 4156 can
push the firing bar 4154 distally and the staple firing stroke can
be completed in the event that the firing force exceeded the force
threshold for only a moment. In the event that the firing force
exceeds the force threshold for more than a moment, the fuses 4156
can fail sequentially, as illustrated in FIG. 64. Alternatively,
the fuses 4156 can be configured to fail at a threshold, or
thresholds, that are larger than the force threshold of the wall
4157. For instance, the wall 4157 can have a force threshold of 60
lbf while the fuses can have a force threshold of 80 lbf. In at
least one embodiment, the fuses 4156 can be configured to fail at
increasingly higher force thresholds. For instance, the distal-most
fuse 4156 can comprise the weakest fuse 4156, the fuse 4156
adjacent to the distal-most fuse 4156 can be stronger than the
distal-most fuse 4156, and so forth. In other embodiments, the
fuses 4156 fail at a lower force threshold than the wall 4157. In
at least one such instance, the wall 4157 has a force threshold of
80 lbf and the fuses 4156 each have a force threshold of 60 lbf,
for example.
[0465] Further to the above, the longitudinal slot 4158 has a
length which is equal to or greater than the firing stroke of the
firing assembly 4150. As a result, the second firing rod 4152 can
be moved through its entire firing stroke after the wall 4157 and
fuses 4156 fail without the firing bar 4154 abutting the proximal
end of the longitudinal slot 4158. In order to retract the firing
bar 4154 after the wall 4157 and/or the fuses 4156 have failed, the
second firing rod 4152 can be retracted until the distal end of the
longitudinal slot 4158 engages the firing bar 4154 and pulls the
firing bar 4154 proximally. In certain instances, the firing bar
4154 is frictionally-engaged with the sidewalls of the longitudinal
slot 4158 such that the firing bar 4154 can be retracted by the
second firing rod 4152 if the wall 4157 and/or the fuses 4156 have
failed.
[0466] Turning now to FIGS. 65-70, a surgical instrument 4200
comprises a shaft 4040 and a firing assembly 4250. The firing
assembly 4250 comprises a first firing rod 4251, a second firing
rod 4252 mounted to the first firing rod 4251, and a firing bar
4254. The second firing rod 4252 comprises a distal end shoulder
4257 operably engaged with a proximal end shoulder 4255 of the
firing bar 4254 at an interface 4253 to transmit a firing load
through the firing assembly 4250 during a staple firing stroke when
the firing load is below a predetermined force threshold, as
illustrated in FIGS. 65 and 66. The second firing rod 4252 further
comprises one or more biasing members 4256 extending laterally
therefrom. The biasing members 4256 are slidably engaged with the
sidewalls of the longitudinal aperture 4048 in the shaft frame
4042. The biasing members 4256 are configured to bias the second
firing rod 4252 into engagement with the firing bar 4254. When the
firing load exceeds the force threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 67,
the biasing members 4256 can compress or deflect and permit the
second firing rod 4252 to deflect laterally and operably disengage
from the firing bar 4254. At such point, the second firing rod 4252
can slide relative to the firing bar 4254 without transmitting the
firing force to the second firing rod 4252.
[0467] Further to the above, the firing assembly 4250 is
resettable. Referring now to FIG. 68, the first firing rod 4251 can
be retracted proximally to retract the second firing rod 4252 such
that, referring to FIG. 69, the distal end shoulder 4257 of the
second firing rod 4252 is realigned and operably re-coupled with
the proximal end shoulder 4255 of the firing bar 4254. In such
instances, the biasing members 4256 can unflex and re-expand to
re-align the second firing rod 4252 with the firing bar 4254. At
such point, referring now to FIG. 70, the firing assembly 4250 can
be advanced distally once again to complete the staple firing
stroke. The reader should note that the interface 4253 of the
firing assembly 4250 can decouple, and be recoupled, at any point
before and/or during the staple firing stroke. Thus, the interface
4253 can decouple when the firing assembly 4250 engages a missing
cartridge lockout, a spent cartridge lockout, and/or at any other
moment in which the firing force becomes excessive.
[0468] Turning now to FIGS. 71-77, a surgical instrument 4300
comprises a shaft 4340 and a firing assembly 4350. The shaft 4340
comprises a frame 4342. The frame 4342 comprises a proximal
longitudinal aperture 4346 and a distal longitudinal aperture 4349
configured to receive the firing assembly 4350. The firing assembly
4350 comprises a first firing rod 4351, a second firing rod 4352
operably coupled to the first firing rod 4351, and a firing bar
4354 operably coupled to the second firing rod 4352 at an interface
4353. The interface 4353 comprises a multi-stage fuse, as described
in greater detail below.
[0469] Further to the above, the firing bar 4354 comprises a
proximal connector 4355 including drive recesses 4359 defined on
opposite sides thereof. The proximal connector 4355 is positioned
in a longitudinal slot 4358 defined in the second firing rod 4352
and is operably, and releasably, coupled to the second firing rod
4352 via projections 4356 which extend inwardly from the sidewalls
of the second firing rod 4352 to engage the drive recesses 4359. In
use, a firing load is transmitted from the first firing rod 4351,
through the second firing rod 4352, and into the firing bar 4354 to
perform a staple firing stroke when the firing load is below a
predetermined force threshold, as illustrated in FIGS. 71 and
72.
[0470] When the firing load transmitted through the firing assembly
4350 exceeds the force threshold, referring now to FIG. 73, the
sidewalls of the second firing rod 4352 can flex outwardly such
that the projections 4356 can disengage from the drive recesses
4359 defined in the connector 4355. At such point, the firing bar
4354 is operably disengaged from the second firing rod 4352 and the
staple firing stroke has been interrupted. When the interface 4353
decouples at the initiation of the staple firing stroke, referring
again to FIG. 73, the deflected sidewalls of the second firing rod
4352 can flex outwardly into the longitudinal aperture 4346 and
engage the shaft frame 4342 to prevent the staple firing stroke of
the firing assembly 4350. Stated another way, the deflected
sidewalls of the second firing rod 4352 cannot enter the
longitudinal aperture 4349 when the firing load exceeds the force
threshold which prevents the second firing rod 4352 from being
advanced distally.
[0471] When the firing load exceeds the force threshold during the
staple firing stroke, however, the sidewalls of the second firing
rod 4352 cannot deflect outwardly, or substantially outwardly,
owing to their close proximity to the sidewalls of the longitudinal
aperture 4349. As a result, a complete decoupling of the interface
4353 does not immediately occur if the force threshold is exceeded.
Instead, referring to FIG. 74, the firing assembly 4350 can enter
into a first failed state. In the first failed state of the firing
assembly 4350, the projections 4356 of the second firing rod 4352
have decoupled from the drive recesses 4359 defined in the proximal
connector 4355 of the firing bar 4354, however, the projections
4356 are still engaged with the proximal connector 4355. More
specifically, the projections 4356 are compressed against the
lateral sides of the proximal connector 4355 by the sidewalls of
the longitudinal aperture 4349 such that a firing force, and/or a
retraction force, can still be transmitted from the second firing
rod 4352 to the firing bar 4354. In such instances, the staple
firing stroke can be completed and/or the clinician can decide to
retract the firing assembly 4350.
[0472] Further to the above, referring now to FIG. 75, the
interface 4353 between the second firing rod 4352 and the firing
bar 4354 can completely decouple and enter into a second failed
state. In the second failed state, the projections 4356 are no
longer engaged with the proximal connector 4355 of the firing bar
4354 and, as a result, the second firing rod 4352 can no longer
deliver a firing motion and/or firing force to the firing bar 4354.
Instead, the second firing rod 4352 will move relative to the
firing bar 4354 as the second firing rod 4352 is moved distally. As
illustrated in FIG. 71, the second firing rod 4352 comprises a
longitudinal slot 4358 configured to accommodate relative movement
between the second firing rod 4352 and the firing bar 4354. The
longitudinal slot 4358 is long enough such that the firing bar 4354
does not contact the proximal end 4357 of the slot 4358.
[0473] In various instances, further to the above, the force
threshold for the firing assembly 4350 to enter into its first
failed state and the force threshold for the firing assembly 4350
to enter into is second failed state are the same. In such
instances, the firing assembly 4350 can switch into its first
failed state if a momentary pulse, or increase, in the firing force
occurs and, yet, still operate in the first failed state. If,
however, the increase in the firing force is not momentary, the
firing assembly 4350 can then quickly enter into its second failed
state. In at least one instance, the first and second force
thresholds are 80 lbf, for example. In other instances, the force
threshold for the firing assembly 4350 to enter into its first
failed state and the force threshold for the firing assembly 4350
to enter into is second failed state are different. For instance,
the first force threshold is 60 lbf and the second force threshold
is 80 lbf, for example. Alternatively, the first force threshold is
80 lbf and the second force threshold is 60 lbf, for example. In
either event, the firing assembly 4350 may be able to push through
high firing force conditions and still be functional.
[0474] In either event, referring now to FIGS. 71 and 72, the
firing assembly 4350 can be reset by retracting the second firing
rod 4352. In at least one instance, the firing assembly 4350 can be
reset into its first failed state and then re-operated. In other
instances, the second firing rod 4352 is retracted until the
projections 4356 resiliently re-engage the drive recesses 4359
defined in the proximal connector 4355 of the firing bar 4354 to
completely reset the interface 4353 of the firing assembly 4350
before the firing assembly 4350 is re-operated. In either event,
the retraction force applied to the second firing rod 4352 can be
less than first force threshold and/or the second force threshold,
for example.
[0475] A staple cartridge 4400 is illustrated in FIGS. 77A and 77B.
The staple cartridge 4400 is similar to the staple cartridges
disclosed herein in many respects--most of which are not discussed
herein for the sake of brevity. Moreover, the staple cartridge 4400
is usable with any of the surgical instruments disclosed herein.
The staple cartridge 4400 comprises a cartridge body 4410 and a
sled movable through the cartridge body 4410 by a firing member
during a firing stroke. The cartridge body 4410 comprises a
longitudinal slot 4415 defined therein which is configured to
receive the firing member. The cartridge body 4410 further
comprises longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4420 and
longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4430. More specifically, the
cartridge body 4410 comprises two inner rows of staple cavities
4420 positioned on each side of the longitudinal slot 4415 and an
outer row of staple cavities 4430 positioned on each side of the
rows of staple cavities 4420. That said, the staple cartridge 4400
can comprise any suitable number and arrangement of staple cavities
4420 and 4430. The longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4420 and
4430 are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one
another; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the
longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4420 and 4430 are not parallel
to one another.
[0476] The staple cartridge 4400 further comprises staples 4440
removably stored in the staple cavities 4420 and staples 4450
stored in the staple cavities 4430. The staples 4440 comprise
stamped staples which have been stamped from one or more sheets of
material. The staples 4450 comprise wire staples which have been
bent into a substantially V-shaped configuration, for example. The
V-shaped configuration is an unformed, or unfired, configuration.
That said, the staples 4450 can have any suitable unfired
configuration. In any event, the staple cartridge 4400 further
comprises staple drivers 4480 configured to eject the staples 4450
from the staple cavities 4430. During the firing stroke, the sled
is configured to engage the staple drivers 4480 and push the
staples 4450 upwardly out of the staple cavities 4430.
Concurrently, the sled directly engages the staples 4440 to eject
the staples 4440 from the staple cavities 4420. Referring to FIG.
77B, the staples 4440 and 4450 contact an anvil 4490, or any other
suitable anvil, positioned opposite the staple cartridge 4400 as
the staples 4440 and 4450 are being ejected from the staple
cartridge 4400. The anvil 4490 comprises forming pockets 4470
defined therein which are aligned with the legs of the staples 4440
and 4450 and are configured to deform the staples 4440 and 4450
during the firing stroke. In alternative embodiments, an anvil can
comprise a first type of forming pocket aligned with each staple
4440 and a second, or different, type of forming pocket aligned
with each staple 4450.
[0477] Further to the above, the anvil 4490 is configured to deform
the staples 4440 to a first formed height and the staples 4450 to a
second, or different, formed height. In at least one such instance,
the first formed height of the staples 4440 is taller than the
second formed height of the staples 4450. In alternative
embodiments, the anvil 4490 is configured to deform the staples
4440 and the staples 4450 to the same formed height. In any event,
the anvil 4490 further comprises a longitudinal slot 4495 defined
therein which is configured to receive the firing member during the
firing stroke. The longitudinal anvil slot 4495 is aligned, or
centered, with the longitudinal cartridge slot 4415 along a
longitudinal axis 4405.
[0478] A staple cartridge 4500 is illustrated in FIGS. 77C and 77D.
The staple cartridge 4500 is similar to the staple cartridges
disclosed herein in many respects--most of which are not discussed
herein for the sake of brevity. Moreover, the staple cartridge 4500
is usable with any of the surgical instruments disclosed herein.
The staple cartridge 4500 comprises a cartridge body 4510 and a
sled movable through the cartridge body 4510 by a firing member
during a firing stroke. The cartridge body 4510 comprises a
longitudinal slot 4415 defined therein which is configured to
receive the firing member. The cartridge body 4510 further
comprises longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520' and
longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520''. More specifically, the
cartridge body 4510 comprises an inner row of staple cavities 4520'
positioned on each side of the longitudinal slot 4415 and two outer
rows of staple cavities 4520'' positioned on each side of the rows
of staple cavities 4520'. That said, the staple cartridge 4500 can
comprise any suitable number and arrangement of staple cavities
4520' and 4520''. The longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520'
and 4520'' are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one
another; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the
longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520' and 4520' are not
parallel to one another.
[0479] The staple cartridge 4500 further comprises staples 4540'
removably stored in the staple cavities 4520' and staples 4540''
stored in the staple cavities 4520''. The staples 4540' comprise
stamped staples which have been stamped from one or more sheets of
material. The staples 4540'' also comprise stamped staples which
have been stamped from one or more sheets of material. As
illustrated in FIG. 77E, the staples 4540'' are larger than the
staples 4540'. More specifically, the staples 4540'' are taller
than the staples 4540'. In addition, the staples 4540'' are wider
than the staples 4540'. During the firing stroke, the sled directly
engages the staples 4540' and 4540'' to eject the staples 4540'
from the staple cavities 4520' and the staples 4540'' from the
staple cavities 4520''. Referring to FIG. 77D, the staples 4540'
and 4540'' contact an anvil 4590, or any other suitable anvil,
positioned opposite the staple cartridge 4500 as the staples 4540'
and 4540'' are being ejected from the staple cartridge 4500. The
anvil 4590 comprises forming pockets 4570' defined therein which
are aligned with the legs of the staples 4540' and, in addition,
forming pockets 4570'' defined therein which are aligned with the
legs of the staples 4540''. The forming pockets 4570' and 4570''
are configured to deform the staples 4540' and 4540'',
respectively, during the firing stroke.
[0480] Referring to FIGS. 77E and 77F, the anvil 4590 is configured
to deform the staples 4540' to a first formed height and the
staples 4540'' to a second, or different, formed height. In at
least one instance, the second formed height of the staples 4540''
is taller than the first formed height of the staples 4540'. In
use, the innermost row of staples 4540' in the staple cartridge
4500 are configured to apply a sufficiently-hemostatic seal in the
incised tissue T, referring to FIG. 72F, and the outer row of
larger staples 4540'' are configured to provide a certain amount of
flexibility in the staple line. In alternative embodiments, the
staples 4540' and 4540'' are deformed to the same formed height. In
any event, the anvil 4590 further comprises a longitudinal slot
4595 defined therein which is configured to receive the firing
member during the firing stroke. The longitudinal anvil slot 4595
is aligned, or centered, with the longitudinal cartridge slot 4415
along a longitudinal axis 4505.
[0481] FIG. 78 illustrates an exemplary surgical instrument 100
comprising a handle 110 and an interchangeable shaft assembly 200
operably coupled thereto. The handle 110 comprises a housing 140
that is configured to be grasped, manipulated, and/or actuated by a
clinician. The shaft assembly 200 comprises a shaft 210 and an end
effector 300. The shaft 210 comprises a shaft frame (not shown in
FIG. 78), and a hollow outer sleeve or closure tube 250 through
which the shaft frame extends. The shaft assembly 200 further
includes a nozzle assembly 290 configured to interface with the
outer sleeve 250 and enable the clinician to selectively rotate the
shaft 210 about a longitudinal axis. The shaft assembly 200 also
includes a latch 230 which is a part of a lock system that
releasably locks the shaft assembly 200 to the handle 110. In
various circumstances, the latch 230 can close an electrical
circuit in the handle 110, for example, when the latch 230 is
engaged with the handle 110. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL
INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, which was filed on Mar.
14, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein. All of the
embodiments disclosed herein are usable with the handle 110.
[0482] FIG. 79 depicts an exemplary surgical robot 500 configured
to actuate a plurality of surgical tools, generally designated as
600, for example. The surgical robot 500 may be used in connection
with a master controller, not shown, configured to allow a surgeon
to control and view a surgical procedure being performed by the
surgical robot 500. In various forms, the surgical robot 500
includes a base 510 from which, in the illustrated embodiment,
three surgical tools 600 are supported, for example. In various
forms, the surgical tools 600 are each supported by a series of
articulatable linkages, generally referred to as arms 520, and are
operably coupled with one or more drive systems 530. These
structures are illustrated with protective covers which obscure
much of the movable components thereof. These protective covers may
be optional, and may be limited in size or entirely eliminated in
some embodiments to minimize the inertia that is encountered by
servo mechanisms used to manipulate the arms 520. In various forms,
the surgical robot 500 has wheels that allow the surgical robot 500
to be positioned adjacent an operating table by a single attendant.
FIG. 79 further illustrates a work envelope 700 of the surgical
robot 500. The work envelope 700 refers to the range of movement of
the surgical tools 600 of the surgical robot 500. The shape and
size of the work envelope 700 depicted in FIG. 79 is merely
illustrative. Thus, a work envelope is not limited to the specific
size and shape of the sample work envelope depicted in FIG. 79. The
entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,060,770, entitled
ROBOTICALLY-DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH E-BEAM DRIVER, which
issued on Jun. 23, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein. All
of the embodiments disclosed herein are usable with the surgical
robot 500.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0483] A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw,
and a closure tube. The first jaw comprises a first proximal end
and a first distal end. The second jaw comprises a second proximal
end, a second distal end, a pivot pin about which the second jaw is
rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open and a
fully-closed position, and a cam surface. The closure tube is
movable toward the first distal end of the first jaw during a
closure stroke. The closure tube comprises a distal tube end
configured to engage the cam surface and move the second distal end
of the second jaw toward the first distal end of the first jaw
during the closure stroke. The closure tube further comprises a
wedge configured to engage the pivot pin and tilt the second distal
end of the second jaw toward the first distal end during the
closure stroke.
Example 2
[0484] The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein a distal
tissue gap is defined between the first distal end and the second
distal end when the second jaw is in the fully-closed position,
wherein a proximal tissue gap is defined between the first proximal
end and the second proximal end when the second jaw is in the
fully-closed position, and wherein the second jaw applies a larger
clamping force to the tissue captured in the distal tissue gap than
the proximal tissue gap.
Example 3
[0485] The surgical instrument of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the
surgical instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including
staples removably stored therein.
Example 4
[0486] The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a firing member configured to eject
the staples from the staple cartridge, wherein the firing member
comprises a first cam configured to engage the first jaw and a
second cam configured to engage the second jaw during a firing
stroke, and wherein the first cam and the second cam are configured
to co-operatively control a tissue gap between the first jaw and
the second jaw.
Example 5
[0487] The surgical instrument of Example 4, wherein the second jaw
further comprises a tissue compression surface, staple forming
pockets defined in the tissue compression surface, and a second cam
surface, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second
cam surface during the firing stroke to control the position, and
wherein the tissue compression surface is not parallel to the
second cam surface.
Example 6
[0488] The surgical instrument of Example 5, wherein a first
distance is defined between the tissue compression surface and the
second cam surface at the second proximal end of the second jaw,
wherein a second distance is defined between the tissue compression
surface and the second cam surface at the second distal end of the
second jaw, and wherein the second distance is larger than the
first distance.
Example 7
[0489] The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6,
wherein the distal tube end is configured to engage the cam surface
of the second jaw before the wedge engages the pivot pin during the
closure stroke.
Example 8
[0490] The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7,
wherein the first jaw comprises a vertical slot, and wherein the
pivot pin is slidably positioned in the vertical slot.
Example 9
[0491] The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the first jaw
comprises a longitudinal slot, wherein the wedge is slidably
positioned in the longitudinal slot, and wherein the longitudinal
slot is in communication with the vertical slot.
Example 10
[0492] The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or
8, wherein the wedge does not move the second proximal end relative
to the first proximal end.
Example 11
[0493] A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw,
and a closure tube. The first jaw comprises a first proximal end
and a first distal end. The second jaw comprises a second proximal
end, a second distal end, a pivot pin about which the second jaw is
rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a
fully-closed position, and a cam surface. The closure tube is
movable toward the first distal end of the first jaw during a
closure stroke. The closure tube comprises a distal tube end
configured to engaged the cam surface and move the second distal
end of the second jaw toward the first distal end of the first jaw
during the closure stroke and a wedge configured to engage the
pivot pin and push the second distal end of the second jaw toward
the first distal end of the first jaw during the closure stroke to
achieve the fully-closed position.
Example 12
[0494] The surgical instrument of Example 11, wherein the wedge
does not move the second proximal end relative to the first
proximal end.
Example 13
[0495] A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw,
a closure tube, and a cutting member. The first jaw comprises a
distal jaw end. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw
between an open position and a closed position. The second jaw
comprises a closure cam surface and an opening cam surface. The
closure tube is movable toward the distal jaw end during a closure
stroke. The closure tube comprises a distal tube end configured to
engage the closure cam surface and move the second jaw into the
closed position during the closure stroke. The cutting member is
movable toward the distal jaw end during a cutting stroke and
movable away from the distal jaw end during a retraction stroke.
The cutting member comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion,
and a biasing member positioned intermediate the proximal portion
and the distal portion, wherein the biasing member is configured to
bias the distal portion into engagement with the opening cam
surface of the second jaw to at least partially open the second jaw
after the retraction stroke.
Example 14
[0496] The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the closure
tube is movable away from the distal jaw end during an opening
stroke, and wherein the closure tube holds the second jaw in the
closed position against the bias of the biasing member until the
distal tube end is disengaged from the closure cam surface.
Example 15
[0497] The surgical instrument of Examples 13 or 14, wherein the
surgical instrument further comprises a staple cartridge comprising
staples removably stored therein, and wherein the cutting member is
configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during
the cutting stroke.
Example 16
[0498] The surgical instrument of Examples 13, 14, or 15, wherein
the cutting member comprises a first cam configured to engage the
first jaw and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw, and
wherein the first jaw and the second jaw co-operatively control the
position of the second jaw relative to the first jaw during the
cutting stroke.
Example 17
[0499] A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw comprising a
distal jaw end, a second jaw, and a cutting member. The second jaw
is movable relative the first jaw to capture the tissue of a
patient between the first jaw and the second jaw. The cutting
member is movable toward the distal jaw end during a cutting
stroke. The cutting member comprises a coupling portion comprising
a first cam configured to engage the first jaw and a second cam
configured to engage the second jaw during the cutting stroke and a
bar comprising a plurality of layers attached to the coupling
portion, wherein the bar comprises a cutting edge configured to cut
the patient tissue during the cutting stroke.
Example 18
[0500] The surgical instrument of Example 17, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staples
removably stored therein, and wherein the cutting member is
configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during
the cutting stroke to staple the patient tissue.
Example 19
[0501] The surgical instrument of Examples 17 or 18, wherein the
coupling portion further comprises a mounting recess, and wherein
the bar comprises a distal bar end positioned in the mounting
recess.
Example 20
[0502] The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the coupling
portion further comprises a mounting projection within the mounting
recess, and wherein the bar comprises a mounting aperture
configured to closely receive the mounting projection.
Example 21
[0503] The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, or 20,
wherein the coupling portion further comprises a plurality of
mounting projections, and wherein the bar comprises a plurality of
mounting apertures configured to receive the mounting
projections.
Example 22
[0504] The surgical instrument of Example 21, wherein the cutting
member is movable along a longitudinal axis during the cutting
stroke, and wherein the plurality of mounting projections comprises
a first projection positioned along the longitudinal axis and a
second projection positioned offset from the longitudinal axis.
Example 23
[0505] The surgical instrument of Examples 21 or 22, wherein the
cutting member is movable along a longitudinal axis during the
cutting stroke, and wherein the plurality of mounting projections
comprises a first projection positioned on a first side of the
longitudinal axis and a second projection positioned on a second
side of the longitudinal axis.
Example 24
[0506] The surgical instrument of Examples 21, 22, or 23, wherein
the plurality of mounting projections comprises a proximal
projection and a distal projection, and wherein the distal
projection is positioned distally with respect to the proximal
projection.
Example 25
[0507] The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, or 24, wherein the coupling portion comprises a shoulder, and
wherein the bar comprises a hook engaged with the shoulder.
Example 26
[0508] The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, or 25, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first
layer and a second layer, and wherein the cutting edge is defined
on the first layer and not defined on the second layer.
Example 27
[0509] The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a
first layer and a second layer, and wherein the cutting edge is
defined on the first layer and the second layer.
Example 28
[0510] The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a
first layer, a second layer, and an intermediate layer positioned
intermediate the first layer and the second layer. The coupling
portion comprises a first lateral recess, a second lateral recess,
and a mounting tab. The first layer is mounted to the coupling
portion in the first lateral recess, the second layer is mounted to
the coupling portion in the second lateral recess, and the
intermediate layer is attached to the mounting tab.
Example 29
[0511] A surgical stapler comprising a first jaw comprising a
distal jaw end, a second jaw, a staple cartridge comprising a
plurality of staples removably stored therein, and a firing member
movable toward the distal jaw end during a firing stroke to eject
the staples from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is movable
relative to the first jaw to capture the tissue of a patient
between the first jaw and the second jaw. The firing member
comprises a coupling portion comprising a first cam configured to
engage the first jaw and a second cam configured to engage the
second jaw during the firing stroke and a bar attached to the
coupling portion, wherein the bar comprises a cutting edge
configured to cut the patient tissue during the firing stroke.
Example 30
[0512] A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw comprising a
distal jaw end, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to
capture the tissue of a patient between the first jaw and the
second jaw, and a cutting member movable toward the distal jaw end
during a cutting stroke. The cutting member comprises a coupling
portion and a bar. The coupling portion comprises a first cam
configured to engage the first jaw during the cutting stroke, a
second cam configured to engage the second jaw during the cutting
stroke, a first lateral recess, a second lateral recess, and a
mounting tab. The bar comprises a first layer mounted to the
coupling portion in the first lateral recess, a second layer
mounted to the coupling portion in the second lateral recess, and
an intermediate layer positioned intermediate the first layer and
the second layer, wherein the intermediate layer is attached to the
mounting tab.
Example 31
[0513] The surgical instrument of Example 30, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staples
removably stored therein, and wherein the cutting member is
configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during
the cutting stroke to staple the patient tissue.
Example 32
[0514] The surgical instrument of Examples 30 or 31, wherein the
mounting tab extends distally with respect to the first lateral
recess and the second lateral recess.
Example 33
[0515] The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, or 32, wherein
the coupling portion comprises a cutting edge configured to cut the
patient tissue.
Example 34
[0516] The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, 32, or 33,
wherein the bar comprises a cutting edge configured to cut the
patient tissue.
Example 35
[0517] A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw comprising a
distal jaw end, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to
capture the tissue of a patient between the first jaw and the
second jaw, and a firing member movable toward the distal jaw end
during a firing stroke. The firing member comprises a coupling
portion comprising a lateral recess and a mounting tab and a bar
comprising a first layer mounted to the coupling portion in the
lateral recess and a second layer attached to the mounting tab.
Example 36
[0518] The surgical instrument of Example 35, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staples
removably stored therein, and wherein the firing member is
configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during
the firing stroke to staple the patient tissue.
Example 37
[0519] A surgical stapling instrument comprising a shaft, an end
effector extending from the shaft, a firing assembly, a lock in the
shaft, and a staple cartridge. The end effector comprises a first
jaw comprises a distal jaw end and a second jaw movable relative to
the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The
firing assembly is movable toward the distal jaw end during a
firing stroke, and the firing assembly comprises a coupling portion
configured to engage the first jaw and the second jaw during the
firing stroke and a lockout bar comprising a distal lockout end,
wherein the lockout bar is movable between a distal locked position
and a proximal unlocked position. The lock in the shaft is engaged
with the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when the lockout bar
is in the distal locked position, and the lock is disengaged from
the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when the lockout bar is
in the proximal unlocked position. The staple cartridge is
positionable in the first jaw and the staple cartridge comprises a
cartridge body, a plurality of staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, and a sled movable from a proximal unfired position
and a distal fired position to eject the staples from the cartridge
body during the firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured to
push the lockout bar into the proximal unlocked position when the
staple cartridge is loaded into the first jaw and the sled is in
the proximal unfired position.
Example 38
[0520] The surgical stapling instrument of Example 37, wherein the
coupling portion comprises an aperture, and wherein the distal
lockout end extends through the aperture.
Example 39
[0521] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37 or 38,
wherein the lockout bar is slidable within the firing bar.
Example 40
[0522] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, or 39,
wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a spring
configured to bias the lockout bar into the distal locked
position.
Example 41
[0523] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, 39, or
40, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a
spring configured to bias said lock into engagement with the firing
bar.
Example 42
[0524] The surgical stapling instrument of Example 41, wherein the
lockout bar comprises a key configured to engage the lock and
disengage the lock from the firing bar against the bias of the
spring.
Example 43
[0525] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, 39, 40,
41, or 42, wherein the cartridge body comprises a detent configured
to releasably hold the sled in the proximal unfired position when
the sled engages the lockout bar.
Example 44
[0526] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, 39, 40,
41, 42, or 43, wherein the lockout bar travels with the firing bar
during the firing stroke.
Example 45
[0527] The surgical stapling instrument of Example 44, wherein the
firing bar is retractable after the firing stroke, and wherein the
lockout bar travels with the firing bar when the firing bar is
retracted.
Example 46
[0528] The surgical stapling instrument of Example 45, wherein the
sled is not retracted with the firing bar and the lockout bar.
Example 47
[0529] The surgical stapling instrument of Example 46, wherein the
lockout bar cannot be reset into its proximal unlocked position
until the staple cartridge is removed from the first jaw and an
unspent staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.
Example 48
[0530] A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, a
firing assembly, a lock, and a staple cartridge loadable into the
end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw comprising a
distal jaw end and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw
between an open position and a closed position. The firing assembly
is movable toward the distal jaw end during a firing stroke, and
the firing assembly comprises a firing bar and a lockout bar,
wherein the lockout bar is movable between a distal locked position
and a proximal unlocked position relative to the firing bar. The
lock is engaged with the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when
the lockout bar is in the distal locked position, and the lock is
disengaged from the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when the
lockout bar is in the proximal unlocked position. The staple
cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a plurality of staples
removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled movable from a
proximal unfired position and a distal fired position to eject the
staples from the cartridge body during the firing stroke, wherein
the sled is configured to push the lockout bar into the proximal
unlocked position when the staple cartridge is loaded into the end
effector and the sled is in the proximal unfired position.
Example 49
[0531] A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, a
firing bar, a lock, and a staple cartridge loadable into the end
effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw comprises a distal
jaw end and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between
an open position and a closed position. The firing bar is movable
away from the distal jaw end between a distal unlocked position and
a proximal unlocked position, and the firing bar is then movable
toward the distal jaw end during a firing stroke. The lock is
engaged with the firing bar when the firing bar is in the distal
locked position to prevent the firing stroke, and the lock is
disengaged from the firing bar when the firing bar is in the
proximal unlocked position. The staple cartridge comprises a
cartridge body, a plurality of staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, and a sled movable from a proximal unfired position
and a distal fired position to eject the staples from the cartridge
body during the firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured to
push the firing bar into the proximal unlocked position when the
staple cartridge is loaded into the end effector and the sled is in
the proximal unfired position.
Example 50
[0532] The surgical stapling instrument of Example 49, wherein the
surgical stapling instrument further comprises a biasing member
configured to bias the firing bar into the distal locked
position.
Example 51
[0533] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49 or 50,
wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a
biasing member configured to bias the lock into engagement with the
firing bar.
Example 52
[0534] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, or 51,
wherein the firing bar comprises a key configured to engage the
lock and disengage the lock from the firing bar against the bias of
the firing bar.
Example 53
[0535] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, or
52, wherein the firing bar is retractable after the firing stroke,
and wherein the sled is not retracted with the firing bar.
Example 54
[0536] The surgical stapling instrument of Example 53, wherein the
firing bar cannot be reset into the proximal unlocked position
until the staple cartridge is removed from the end effector and an
unspent staple cartridge is loaded in the end effector.
Example 55
[0537] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, 52,
53, or 54, wherein the cartridge body comprises a detent configured
to releasably hold the sled in the proximal unfired position when
the sled engages the firing bar to move the firing bar into the
proximal unlocked position and permit the firing bar to move the
sled through the firing stroke.
Example 56
[0538] The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, 52,
53, 54, or 55, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further
comprises a shaft, wherein the end effector extends from the shaft,
and wherein the lock is positioned in the shaft.
Example 57
[0539] A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a
firing member, and a staple cartridge removably positionable in the
cartridge jaw. The cartridge jaw comprises a proximal end, a distal
end positioned opposite the proximal end, a bottom wall, a lateral
side wall extending from the bottom wall, and a plurality of jaw
windows defined in the lateral side wall. The firing member is
movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke. The staple
cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a plurality of cartridge
windows defined in the cartridge body, wherein the cartridge
windows are aligned with the jaw windows when the staple cartridge
is positioned in the cartridge jaw, staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, and a sled movable toward the distal end during the
firing stroke to eject the staples from the cartridge body, wherein
the progress of the sled during the firing stroke is observable
through the cartridge windows and the jaw windows.
Example 58
[0540] The surgical stapling assembly of Example 57, wherein the
sled comprises a datum observable through the cartridge windows and
the jaw windows.
Example 59
[0541] The surgical stapling assembly of Example 58, wherein the
sled is moved along a longitudinal axis during the firing stroke,
and wherein the datum comprises a vertical line orthogonal to the
longitudinal axis.
Example 60
[0542] The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 57, 58, or 59,
wherein the plurality of jaw windows comprises a proximal jaw
window and a distal jaw window, wherein the plurality of cartridge
windows comprises a proximal cartridge window aligned with the
proximal jaw window and a distal cartridge window aligned with the
distal jaw window, wherein the sled is movable between a proximal
unfired position and a distal fired position during the firing
stroke, wherein the sled is observable through the proximal jaw
window and the proximal cartridge window when the sled is in the
proximal unfired position, and wherein the sled is observable
through the distal jaw window and the distal cartridge window when
the sled is in the distal fired position.
Example 61
[0543] The surgical stapling assembly of Example 60, wherein the
plurality of jaw windows comprises an intermediate jaw window
positioned intermediate the proximal jaw window and the distal jaw
window, wherein the plurality of cartridge windows comprises an
intermediate cartridge window positioned intermediate the proximal
cartridge window and the distal cartridge window aligned with the
intermediate jaw window, and wherein the sled is observable through
the intermediate jaw window and the intermediate cartridge window
during the firing stroke.
Example 62
[0544] The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 57, 58, 59, 60,
or 61, wherein the jaw windows are positioned along a longitudinal
jaw window axis, wherein the cartridge windows are positioned along
a longitudinal cartridge window axis, and wherein the longitudinal
jaw window axis is aligned with the longitudinal cartridge window
axis when the staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge
jaw.
Example 63
[0545] The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 57, 58, 59, 60,
61, or 62, wherein the bottom wall comprises a longitudinal slot
configured to receive the firing member during the firing
stroke.
Example 64
[0546] The surgical stapling assembly of Example 63, wherein the
sled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal
fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the longitudinal
slot comprises a proximal bottom window, and wherein the sled is
observable through the proximal bottom window when the sled is in
the proximal unfired position.
Example 65
[0547] The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 63 or 64, wherein
the sled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a
distal fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the
longitudinal slot comprises a distal bottom window, and wherein the
sled is observable through the distal bottom window when the sled
is in the distal fired position.
Example 66
[0548] The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 63, 64, or 65,
wherein the longitudinal slot comprises a plurality of bottom
windows defined in the bottom wall, and wherein the progress of the
sled during the firing stroke is observable through the bottom
windows.
Example 67
[0549] The surgical stapling assembly of Example 66, wherein the
longitudinal slot defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the
bottom windows are offset with respect to the longitudinal
axis.
Example 68
[0550] The surgical stapling assembly of Example 67, wherein bottom
windows are staggered on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis in
an alternating manner.
Example 69
[0551] A surgical stapling assembly including a firing member, the
surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw and a staple
cartridge positioned in the cartridge jaw. The cartridge jaw
comprises a proximal end, a distal end positioned opposite the
proximal end, a bottom portion, a lateral side portion extending
from the bottom portion, and a plurality of jaw windows defined in
the lateral side portion. The staple cartridge comprises a
cartridge body comprising staple cavities, a plurality of cartridge
windows defined in the cartridge body, wherein the cartridge
windows are aligned with the jaw windows, staples removably stored
in the staple cavities, and a sled movable toward the distal end by
the firing member to eject the staples from the cartridge body,
wherein the progress of the sled toward the distal end is
observable through the cartridge windows and the jaw windows.
Example 70
[0552] A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a
firing member, and a staple cartridge. The cartridge jaw comprises
a proximal end, a distal end positioned opposite the proximal end,
a bottom wall, lateral side walls extending from the bottom wall,
and a longitudinal slot defined in the bottom wall, wherein the
longitudinal slot comprises a plurality of jaw windows defined in
the bottom wall. The firing member is movable toward the distal end
through the longitudinal slot during a firing stroke. The staple
cartridge is positionable between the lateral side walls in the
cartridge jaw. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body,
staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled movable
toward the distal end during the firing stroke to eject the staples
from the cartridge body, wherein the progress of the sled during
the firing stroke is observable through the jaw windows.
Example 71
[0553] The surgical stapling assembly of Example 70, wherein the
sled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal
fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the jaw windows
comprise a proximal bottom window, and wherein the sled is
observable through the proximal bottom window when the sled is in
the proximal unfired position.
Example 72
[0554] The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 70 or 71, wherein
the sled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a
distal fired position during the firing stroke, wherein the jaw
windows comprise a distal bottom window, and wherein the sled is
observable through the distal bottom window when the sled is in the
distal fired position.
Example 73
[0555] The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 70, 71, or 72,
wherein the longitudinal slot defines a longitudinal axis, and
wherein the jaw windows are offset with respect to the longitudinal
axis.
Example 74
[0556] A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw and
a staple cartridge. The cartridge jaw comprises a proximal end, a
distal end positioned opposite said proximal end, a bottom wall,
lateral side walls extending from the bottom wall, and a
longitudinal slot defined in the bottom wall, wherein the
longitudinal slot comprises a plurality of jaw windows defined in
the bottom wall. The staple cartridge is positioned between the
lateral side walls in the cartridge jaw. The staple cartridge
comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, and a sled movable toward the distal end during a
firing stroke to eject the staples from the cartridge body, wherein
the progress of the sled during the firing stroke is observable
through the jaw windows.
Example 75
[0557] A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector
comprising a staple cartridge, and a firing assembly. The staple
cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in
the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject the staples from
the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The firing
assembly is configured to apply a pushing force to the sled during
the staple firing stroke. The firing assembly comprises a first
portion, a second portion, wherein the second portion is
displaceable relative to the first portion, and a pushing force
lockout system at least partially positioned intermediate the first
portion and the second portion, wherein the pushing force lockout
system is configured to engage the shaft and stop the staple firing
stroke if the pushing force exceeds a threshold.
Example 76
[0558] The surgical instrument of Example 75, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a biasing member positioned
intermediate the first portion and the second portion, and wherein
the biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the
second portion which opposes the pushing force.
Example 77
[0559] The surgical instrument of Example 76, wherein the threshold
comprises a pre-selected difference between the pushing force and
the biasing force.
Example 78
[0560] The surgical instrument of Example 77, wherein the pushing
force lockout system comprises a lock mounted to the shaft, a
spring, and an actuator rotatably mounted to the firing assembly.
The lock is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked
position, and the lock is configured to prevent the firing assembly
from performing the staple firing stroke when the lock is in the
locked position. The spring is configured to bias the lock into the
locked position. The second portion is configured to rotate the
actuator toward the lock and displace the lock into the unlocked
position when the threshold is exceeded.
Example 79
[0561] The surgical instrument of Example 78, wherein the actuator
is rotatably mounted to the first portion and the lock is
configured to engage the second portion.
Example 80
[0562] The surgical instrument of Examples 78 or 79, wherein the
surgical instrument further comprises an actuator spring configured
to bias the actuator out of engagement with the lock, wherein the
second portion overcomes the actuator spring when the second
portion is moved toward the first portion.
Example 81
[0563] The surgical instrument of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or
80, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a replaceable staple
cartridge.
Example 82
[0564] The surgical instrument of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80,
or 81, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a spent cartridge
lockout configured to block the firing assembly from performing the
staple firing stroke if the staple cartridge has been at least
partially spent.
Example 83
[0565] The surgical instrument of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80,
81, or 82, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an
electric motor configured to drive the firing assembly through the
staple firing stroke.
Example 84
[0566] A surgical instrument comprising a frame, an end effector
comprising a staple cartridge, a firing assembly, and a firing
force lockout system. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge
body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled
configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body during a
firing stroke. The firing assembly is configured to apply a firing
force to the sled during the firing stroke. The firing assembly
comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second
portion is displaceable relative to the first portion. The firing
force lockout system is configured to engage the frame and prevent
the staple firing stroke if the firing force exceeds a
threshold.
Example 85
[0567] The surgical instrument of Example 84, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a biasing member positioned
intermediate the first portion and the second portion, wherein the
biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the second
portion which opposes the firing force.
Example 86
[0568] The surgical instrument of Example 85, wherein the threshold
comprises a pre-selected difference between the firing force and
the biasing force.
Example 87
[0569] The surgical instrument of Example 86, wherein the firing
force lockout system comprises a lock mounted to the frame, a
spring, and an actuator rotatably mounted to the firing assembly.
The lock is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked
position, and the lock is configured to prevent the firing assembly
from performing the staple firing stroke when the lock is in the
locked position. The spring is configured to bias the lock into the
locked position. The second portion is configured to rotate the
actuator toward the lock and displace the lock into the unlocked
position when the threshold is exceeded.
Example 88
[0570] The surgical instrument of Example 87, wherein the actuator
is rotatably mounted to the first portion and the lock is
configured to engage the second portion.
Example 89
[0571] The surgical instrument of Examples 87 or 88, wherein the
surgical instrument further comprises an actuator spring configured
to bias the actuator out of engagement with the lock, and wherein
the second portion overcomes the actuator spring when the second
portion is moved toward the first portion.
Example 90
[0572] The surgical instrument of Examples 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, or
89, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a replaceable staple
cartridge.
Example 91
[0573] The surgical instrument of Examples 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,
or 90, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a spent cartridge
lockout configured to block the firing assembly from performing the
staple firing stroke if the staple cartridge has been at least
partially spent.
Example 92
[0574] A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising
a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a
cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and
a sled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body
during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument further comprises a
firing assembly configured to apply a firing force to the sled
during the firing stroke and means for stopping the staple firing
stroke if the firing force exceeds a threshold.
Example 93
[0575] The surgical instrument of Example 92, wherein the means is
resettable.
Example 94
[0576] A surgical instrument comprising a firing assembly movable
through a firing stroke, an end effector comprising a staple
cartridge, and a firing force lockout system. The staple cartridge
comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, a sled movable between a proximal unfired position
and a distal fired position to eject the staples from the cartridge
body during the firing stroke, and a spent cartridge lockout
configured to block the firing assembly from performing the firing
strong if the sled is not in the proximal unfired position at the
initiation of the firing stroke. The firing force lockout system is
configured to assist in preventing the firing assembly from
performing the firing stroke when the firing assembly is blocked by
the spent cartridge lockout.
Example 95
[0577] The surgical instrument of Example 94, wherein the firing
assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion, and
wherein the firing force lockout system is at least partially
positioned intermediate the first portion and the second portion of
the firing assembly.
Example 96
[0578] The surgical instrument of Example 95, wherein the second
portion is movable relative to the first portion, and wherein the
second portion is configured to deploy the firing force lockout
system into a locked configuration when the second portion is moved
toward the first portion.
Example 97
[0579] The surgical instrument of Example 96, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a biasing member positioned
intermediate the first portion and the second portion, and wherein
the biasing member is configured to push the second portion away
from the first portion.
Example 98
[0580] The surgical instrument of Example 97, wherein the firing
force lockout system is biased into an unlocked configuration.
Example 99
[0581] The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, or 98,
wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a frame, wherein
the firing force lockout system is mounted to the firing assembly,
and wherein the firing force lockout system is configured to engage
the frame in response to the spent cartridge lockout blocking the
firing assembly.
Example 100
[0582] The surgical instrument of Example 99, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a longitudinal shaft, and wherein the
frame is positioned within the longitudinal shaft.
Example 101
[0583] The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,
or 100, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an
electric motor configured to move the firing assembly through the
firing stroke.
Example 102
[0584] The surgical instrument of Example 101, wherein the firing
force lockout system is deployable into a locked configuration when
the firing assembly is blocked by the spent cartridge lockout, and
wherein the electric motor is operable to retract the firing
assembly to reset the firing force lockout system into an unlocked
configuration.
Example 103
[0585] The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,
100, 101, or 102, wherein the cartridge body comprises a
longitudinal slot configured to receive the firing assembly, and
wherein the spent cartridge lockout comprises a metal clip. The
metal clip comprises a mounting portion mounted to the cartridge
body and a lock portion deflectable between a locked configuration
and an unlocked configuration, wherein the lock portion extends
into the longitudinal slot to block the firing assembly when the
lock portion is in the locked configuration.
Example 104
[0586] The surgical instrument of Example 103, wherein the sled is
configured to hold the lock portion in the unlocked configuration
when the sled is in the proximal unfired position.
Example 105
[0587] The surgical instrument of Example 104, wherein the lock
portion is biased toward the locked configuration, and wherein the
sled is configured to release the lock portion when the sled is
advanced distally during the firing stroke.
Example 106
[0588] The surgical instrument of Example 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,
100, 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the staple cartridge is a
replaceable staple cartridge.
Example 107
[0589] The surgical instrument of Example 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,
100, 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the staple cartridge is
not a replaceable staple cartridge.
Example 108
[0590] A surgical instrument comprising a firing assembly movable
through a firing stroke, an end effector comprising a staple
cartridge, and a firing lockout. The staple cartridge comprises a
cartridge body, staple removably stored in the cartridge body, a
sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired
position to eject the staples from the cartridge body during the
firing stroke, and a cartridge lockout configured to block the
firing assembly if the sled is not in the proximal unfired position
at the initiation of the firing stroke. The firing lockout is
configured to prevent the firing assembly from performing the
firing stroke when the firing assembly is blocked by the cartridge
lockout.
Example 109
[0591] A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, a firing assembly
movable through an actuation stroke, an end effector, and a firing
lockout in the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a
second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, wherein the firing
assembly comprises a first cam configured to engage the first jaw
and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw to control the
position of the second jaw relative to the first jaw during the
actuation stroke, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge
comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, a sled movable between a proximal unfired position
and a distal fired position to eject the staples from the cartridge
body, and a cartridge lockout configured to block the firing
assembly if the sled is not in the proximal unfired position at the
beginning of the actuation stroke. The firing lockout is configured
to block the firing assembly if the firing assembly is blocked by
the cartridge lockout.
Example 110
[0592] A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a
firing assembly configured to transmit a firing load to the end
effector during a firing stroke. The firing assembly comprises a
first portion, a second portion, and a fuse portion, wherein the
fuse portion is configured to transmit the firing load from the
first portion to the second portion when the fuse portion is
intact, wherein the fuse portion is configured to fail when the
firing load exceeds a threshold, and wherein the first portion
cannot transmit the firing load to the second portion once the fuse
portion has failed.
Example 111
[0593] The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein the fuse
portion is resettable.
Example 112
[0594] The surgical instrument of Example 111, wherein the end
effector comprises a distal end, wherein the firing assembly is
advanced toward the distal end during the firing stroke, and
wherein the firing assembly is advanced away from the distal end to
reset the fuse portion.
Example 113
[0595] The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, or 112,
wherein the first portion comprises a flexible first rod, wherein
the second portion comprises a second rod, and wherein the flexible
first rod is configured to bend and disengage from the second rod
when the firing load exceeds the threshold.
Example 114
[0596] The surgical instrument of Example 113, wherein the flexible
rod resiliently bends out of engagement with the second rod when
the firing load exceeds the threshold, and wherein the flexible
first rod is configured to snap back into engagement with the
second rod when the flexible first rod is realigned with the second
rod.
Example 115
[0597] The surgical instrument of Examples 113 or 114, wherein the
firing assembly further comprises a collar, wherein the second rod
is slidably positioned in the collar, wherein the flexible first
rod is not positioned in the collar when the firing stroke is
initiated, wherein the flexible first rod enters into the collar
during the firing stroke, and wherein the collar prevents the
flexible first rod from disengaging from the second rod.
Example 116
[0598] The surgical instrument of Example 113, 114, or 115, wherein
the surgical instrument further comprises a frame, wherein the
flexible first rod is configured to engage the frame and block the
firing assembly from performing the firing stroke when the flexible
first rod disengages from the second rod.
Example 117
[0599] The surgical instrument of Examples 113, 114, 115, or 116,
wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a biasing member
configured to bias the flexible first rod into engagement with the
second rod.
Example 118
[0600] The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 116, or 117, wherein the fuse portion comprises a first barb
defined on the first portion and a second barb defined on the
second portion engaged with the first barb, and wherein the first
barb disengages from the second barb when the firing force exceeds
the threshold.
Example 119
[0601] The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 116, 117, or 118, wherein fuse portion comprises a first foot
defined on the first portion and a second foot defined on the
second portion engaged with the first foot, and wherein the first
foot slips relative to the second foot when the firing force
exceeds the threshold.
Example 120
[0602] The surgical instrument of Example 119, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a frame, wherein said first portion
comprises a biasing member engaged with said frame, and wherein
said biasing member is configured to bias said first foot into
engagement with said second foot.
Example 121
[0603] The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 116, 117, 118, 119, or 120, wherein the second portion
comprises a plurality of layers, wherein the fuse portion comprises
a proximal portion of the layers which splays outwardly when the
firing force exceeds the threshold.
Example 122
[0604] The surgical instrument of Example 121, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a frame, wherein the splayed layers
are configured to engage the frame and block the firing assembly
from performing the firing stroke when the firing load exceeds the
threshold.
Example 123
[0605] The surgical instrument of Examples 121 or 122, wherein the
layers resiliently splay outwardly when the firing load exceeds the
threshold, and wherein the layers are configured to flex inwardly
to reset the fuse portion when the firing assembly is
retracted.
Example 124
[0606] The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, wherein the fuse portion
is not resettable.
Example 125
[0607] The surgical instrument of Example 124, wherein the fuse
portion comprises a wall defined in the first portion, and wherein
the wall is configured to break away from the first portion when
the firing load exceeds the threshold.
Example 126
[0608] The surgical instrument of Examples 124 or 125, wherein the
fuse portion comprises a series of collapsible walls arranged along
a longitudinal axis in the first portion, and wherein the
collapsible walls are configured to fail sequentially when the
firing force exceeds the threshold.
Example 127
[0609] The surgical instrument of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, or 126,
wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge.
Example 128
[0610] A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising
a staple cartridge and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge
comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject the staples from the
cartridge body. The firing assembly is configured to apply a firing
load to the sled during a staple firing stroke. The firing assembly
comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a fuse configured
to transmit the firing load from the first portion to the second
portion when the fuse is intact, wherein the fuse is configured to
fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and wherein the
firing assembly cannot transmit the firing stroke to the sled once
the fuse has failed.
Example 129
[0611] A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising
a staple cartridge and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge
comprises a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the
cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject the staples from the
cartridge body. The firing assembly is configured to apply a firing
load to the sled during a staple firing stroke. The firing assembly
comprises a fuse configured to transmit the firing load to the sled
when the fuse is intact, wherein the fuse is configured to fail
when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and wherein the firing
assembly cannot transmit the firing load to the sled once the fuse
has failed.
Example 130
[0612] A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising
a staple cartridge and a firing assembly comprising a fuse. The
staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples removably
stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject the
staples from the cartridge body. The fuse comprises an intact
state, wherein the firing assembly is configured to transmit a
firing load to the sled during a firing stroke when the fuse is in
the intact state, a first failed state, wherein the firing assembly
is configured to transmit a load to the sled when the fuse is in
the first failed state, and a second failed state, wherein the
firing assembly cannot transmit a load to the sled when the fuse is
in the second failed state.
Example 131
[0613] The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the fuse is
resettable from the first failed state to the intact state.
Example 132
[0614] The surgical instrument of Example 131, wherein the end
effector comprises a distal end, and wherein the firing assembly is
retractable away from the distal end to reset the fuse into the
intact state.
Example 133
[0615] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, or 132,
wherein the fuse is resettable from the second failed state to the
first failed state.
Example 134
[0616] The surgical instrument of Example 133, wherein the end
effector comprises a distal end, and wherein the firing assembly is
retractable away from the distal end to reset said fuse into said
intact state.
Example 135
[0617] The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the fuse is
not resettable from the first failed state to the intact state.
Example 136
[0618] The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the fuse is
not resettable from the second failed state to the first failed
state.
Example 137
[0619] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, or 136, wherein the firing assembly can be used to finish the
firing stroke in the first failed state of the fuse.
Example 138
[0620] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, or 136, wherein the firing assembly cannot be used to finish
the firing stroke in the first failed state of the fuse.
Example 139
[0621] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, 136, 137, or 138, wherein the fuse is configured to stop the
firing stroke in the second failed state.
Example 140
[0622] The surgical instrument of Example 139, wherein the surgical
instrument further comprises a frame, wherein the fuse is
configured to engage the frame to stop the firing stroke in the
second failed state.
Example 141
[0623] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, 136, 137, 138, 139, or 140, wherein the firing assembly
further comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein
the fuse is positioned intermediate the first portion and the
second portion.
Example 142
[0624] The surgical instrument of Example 141, wherein the second
portion partially collapses relative to the first portion when the
fuse is in the first failed state.
Example 143
[0625] The surgical instrument of Example 141, wherein the second
portion completely collapses relative to the first portion when the
fuse is in the second failed state.
Example 144
[0626] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the firing
load is greater than the load.
Example 145
[0627] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the firing
load is equal to the load.
Example 146
[0628] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145, wherein
the fuse comprises a biasing portion configured to bias the fuse
into the intact state.
Example 147
[0629] The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134,
135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, or 146,
wherein the biasing portion is configured to bias the fuse into the
first failed state once the fuse has left the intact state.
Example 148
[0630] A surgical instrument comprising an electric motor, an end
effector comprising a staple cartridge, and a firing assembly
comprising a fuse. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body,
staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled
configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body. The fuse
comprises an intact state, wherein the fuse is configured to
transmit a firing load from the electric motor to the sled during a
firing stroke when the fuse is in the intact state, a slipped
state, wherein the fuse is configured to transmit a load from the
electric motor to the sled when the fuse is in the slipped state,
and a failed state, wherein the fuse cannot transmit a load to the
sled when the fuse is in the second failed state.
Example 149
[0631] A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising
a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a
cartridge body including a distal end, staples removably stored in
the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject the staples from
the cartridge body. The surgical instrument further comprises a
firing assembly configured to apply a firing force to and advance
the sled toward the distal end during a firing stroke and means for
limiting the functionality of the firing assembly in a plurality of
operating states if the firing force exceeds a threshold.
Example 150
[0632] A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising a
firing assembly including a fuse, wherein the method comprises the
steps of advancing the firing assembly to perform a staple firing
stroke and apply a firing load to a staple cartridge assembly,
stopping the firing assembly if the fuse in the firing assembly
fails from an excessive firing load, and retracting the firing
assembly to reset the fuse.
Example 151
[0633] The method of Example 150, wherein the method further
comprises the step of completing the staple firing stroke after the
retracting step.
Example 152
[0634] The method of Examples 150 or 151, wherein the method
further comprises the step of retracting the firing assembly to an
unfired position instead of completing the staple firing
stroke.
Example 153
[0635] The method of Examples 150, 151, or 152, wherein the
surgical instrument comprises an end effector, wherein the end
effector comprises a missing staple cartridge lockout, and wherein
the firing load becomes an excessive firing load when the firing
assembly abuts the missing staple cartridge lockout
Example 154
[0636] The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, or 153, wherein the
surgical instrument comprises an end effector, wherein the end
effector comprises a spent staple cartridge lockout, and wherein
the firing load becomes an excessive firing load when the firing
assembly abuts the spent staple cartridge lockout.
Example 155
[0637] The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, 153, or 154, wherein
the surgical instrument comprises a lockout configured to perform
the stopping step.
Example 156
[0638] The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, or 155,
wherein the method further comprises the steps of replacing the
staple cartridge assembly with an unspent staple cartridge assembly
and completing the staple firing stroke after the stopping
step.
Example 157
[0639] A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising a
firing assembly including a fuse, wherein the method comprises the
steps of advancing the firing assembly within a staple cartridge
assembly to perform a staple firing stroke and apply a firing load
to the staple cartridge assembly, completing the staple firing
stroke if the fuse in the firing assembly enters into a first
failed state, and stopping the staple firing stroke if the fuse in
the firing assembly enters into a second failed state after
entering into the first failed state.
Example 158
[0640] The method of Example 157, wherein the method further
comprises the step of resetting the fuse after the stopping
step.
Example 159
[0641] The method of Example 158, wherein the resetting step
comprises the step of retracting the firing assembly.
Example 160
[0642] The method of Examples 157, 158, or 159, wherein the
completing step comprises the steps of retracting the firing
assembly and then advancing the firing assembly.
Example 161
[0643] The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, or 160, wherein the
fuse enters into the first failed state when the firing load
exceeds a first force threshold, and wherein the fuse enters into
the second failed state when the firing load exceeds a second force
threshold.
Example 162
[0644] The method of Example 161, wherein the first force threshold
is different than the second force threshold.
Example 163
[0645] The method of Examples 161 or 162, wherein the second force
threshold is higher than the first force threshold.
Example 164
[0646] The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, or 163,
wherein the surgical instrument comprises a lockout configured to
perform the stopping step.
Example 165
[0647] The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, or
164, wherein the method further comprises the steps of replacing
the staple cartridge assembly with an unspent staple cartridge
assembly and completing the staple firing stroke after the stopping
step.
Example 166
[0648] The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163,
164, or 165, wherein the method further comprises the step of
resetting the fuse from the second failed state to the first failed
state after the stopping step.
Example 167
[0649] The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163,
164, 165, or 166, wherein the method further comprises the step of
resetting the fuse from second failed state to an unfailed state
after the stopping step.
Example 168
[0650] A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising a
firing assembly including a fuse, wherein the method comprises the
steps of advancing the firing assembly to perform a staple firing
stroke and apply a firing load to a staple cartridge assembly,
stopping the firing assembly if the fuse in the firing assembly
changes state, and resetting the fuse to an unfailed state.
[0651] Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are
motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument
systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner.
In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described
herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for
example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may
comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system.
Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed
herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL
STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several
examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater
detail.
[0652] The surgical instrument systems described herein have been
described in connection with the deployment and deformation of
staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so
limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners
other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover,
various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means
for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance
with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat
and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in
accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to
seal the tissue.
[0653] The entire disclosures of:
[0654] U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC
DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;
[0655] U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS,
which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;
[0656] U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL
CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK,
which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;
[0657] U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT
COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;
[0658] U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING
AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;
[0659] U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING
INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;
[0660] U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE
IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;
[0661] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,845,537;
[0662] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled
SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES,
filed Feb. 14, 2008;
[0663] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END
EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed
Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;
[0664] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled
MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,210,411;
[0665] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled
POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY
RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;
[0666] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled
MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,220,688;
[0667] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;
[0668] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,561,870;
[0669] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled
SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT
ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;
[0670] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled
ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed
on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;
[0671] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;
[0672] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE
CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013,
now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;
[0673] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955,
entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE
TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and
[0674] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194,
entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END
EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are
hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0675] Although various devices have been described herein in
connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations
to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in
connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part,
with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more
other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are
disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used.
Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component
may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may
be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or
functions. The foregoing description and following claims are
intended to cover all such modification and variations.
[0676] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed
of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple
times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for
reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any
combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the
disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of
particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the
device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical
team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing
particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for
subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for
disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such
techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within
the scope of the present application.
[0677] The devices disclosed herein may be processed before
surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when
necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one
sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and
sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and
instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can
penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or
high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the
instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then
be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep
the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A
device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in
the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma
radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.
[0678] While this invention has been described as having exemplary
designs, the present invention may be further modified within the
spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore
intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
invention using its general principles.
[0679] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in
whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference
herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the
incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions,
statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this
disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as
explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material
incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof,
that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which
conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other
disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to
the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated
material and the existing disclosure material.
* * * * *