Surgical stapler having interchangeable loading units
US5651491A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2050/005
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical stapler is disclosed which includes a first body portion supporting an anvil which defines a fastener forming surface and a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion and having an elongate retention channel extending from a distal end thereof. A first disposable loading unit is provided which is configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and which includes a staple housing carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which, when applied to body tissue, form staple lines having a first lengthwise dimension. A second disposable loading unit is provided which is configured to be removably supported in the retention channel and which includes a staple housing carrying a plurality of staples arranged in at least two parallel rows which, when applied to body tissue, form staple lines having a second lengthwise dimension different from that of the staple lines formed by the first loading unit. The loading units and stapler can be packaged as a kit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.