Apparatus and method for applying reinforcement material to a surgical stapler
US6939358B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/07292
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method used to apply a self-adherent strip of bio-compatible, staple line reinforcement material onto a working surface of a surgical stapler. The apparatus effectively contains and supports reinforcement material during sterilization and shipment. At the point of use, the apparatus provides a simple method for applying the reinforcement material to a variety of staplers. Once the reinforcement material is applied, no excess material remains attached to the stapler thus post-attachment removal of excess material is avoided. The apparatus is simple to manufacture, accommodates a wide variety of reinforcement material shapes and configurations, allows for accurate sizing of the reinforcement material to a variety of stapler jaws, and provides a very low profile package to reduce packaging, shipping, and storage costs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.