Tissue stapler anvil feature to prevent premature jaw opening

US10226246B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kevin D. Felder · Cincinnati, US
• John F. Cummings · Madeira, US
• Joseph P. Schowalter · South Lebanon, US
• Patrick J. Swindon · Santa Clara, US
• Johnny H. Alexander, III · Sharonville, US
• Patrick A. Weizman · Monroe, US
• Cory G. Kimball · Cincinnati, US
• Edward G. Chekan · Cincinnati, US
• Joseph E. Young · Loveland, US
• Christopher C. Miller · Loveland, US
• Barry T. Jamison · Lancaster, US
• John V. Hunt · Cincinnati, US
• Kent P. Baker · Monroe, US
• Cortney E. Henderson · Loveland, US
• Chester O. Baxter, III · Loveland, US
• Jerome R. Morgan · Cincinnati, US
• Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs · Cincinnati, US
• Venkataramanan Mandakolathur Vasudevan · Cincinnati, US
• Carl J. Shurtleff · Mason, US
• Julia F. Serber · Brookline, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 13, 2015
• Grant date: Mar 12, 2019
• Expiry date: Dec 25, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0811
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a trigger operable to fire a staple driver to staple tissue. The instrument includes a pointed rod to which an anvil may be coupled. An anvil detection feature is included to determine when the anvil is coupled to the rod. In some versions, the anvil detection feature comprises a translatable rod that inhibits a lockout feature from disengaging. In other versions, an anvil sensing tube is disposed about the pointed rod and interferes with actuation of the trigger in a first position. A recess in the tube permits trigger to actuate when the anvil sensing tube is in the second position. Alternatively, a resilient tab is coupled to the pointed rod and resists actuation of the staple driver. A trigger lockout assembly may include a spring-loaded button that “pops” out when a push rod is actuated, thereby freeing a pivotable lockout feature.