Patent · US Expired

Surgical stapling instrument having preloaded firing assistance mechanism

US7357287B2 · kind B2 · utility

2,244Cited by
23References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 29, 2005
Grant dateApr 15, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 20, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/320052
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A surgical severing and stapling instrument clamps tissue in a staple applying assembly comprising a lower jaw of an elongate channel holding a staple cartridge and a pivotally opposed upper jaw (anvil). A firing handle drives a rack in a handle connected to a firing rod and bar that pass through an elongate shaft and into the staple applying assembly to sever and staple tissue. Upon release of the firing handle, a retraction spring assists in withdrawing the rack and other firing components. To advantageously assist in firing, a spring biased plunger is cocked prior to firing to impart assistance upon depression of the firing trigger. Alternatively, a torsion coil spring ratchet mechanism is preload to act through a gear into the rack to assist. As a further alternative, a retraction spring is preload and disengaged until the rack is fully fired.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.