Method of using lockout features for surgical stapler cartridge

US11278288B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cilag GmbH International · CH

Inventors

• Jason M. Rector · Maineville, US
• Douglas B. Hoffman · Cadiz, US
• Robert J. Simms · Monroe, US
• John C. Schuckmann · St. Bernard, US
• Ryan J. Laurent · Monroe, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Jeffrey C. Gagel · Loveland, US
• Nicholas Fanelli · Morrow, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 2, 2019
• Grant date: Mar 22, 2022
• Expiry date: Mar 27, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0814
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.