Surgical stapler

US4592498A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Intermedicat GmbH · CH

Inventors

• Karl Braun · Lauffen am Neckar, DE
• Jurgen Fetzer · Herbrechtingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 1985
• Grant date: Jun 3, 1986
• Expiry date: Mar 13, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B17/0684
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A stapler, particularly for suturing skin wounds or incisions, is disclosed which comprises a channel in which a driver is advanced by a slide in the direction of an anvil surface. A staple magazine which extends substantially parallel with the driver includes a curved section which opens into the channel to deliver staples into the channel for engagement by the driver. During forward displacement of the driver, a projection on the driver presses a leaf spring to which the anvil surface is connected. The anvil surface at the forward end of the leaf spring is thereby brought into its operating position and is automatically moved back into its retracted position upon release of the spring after the driver is retracted. The curved section in the staple magazine enables the stapler to have a slim profile which does not obscure the working area during a stapling operation. After completion of a stapling operation, the anvil surface is automatically retracted from a closed, implanted staple.