Surgical stapling apparatus with retractable firing systems

US7819296B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Geoffrey C. Hueil · Cincinnati, US
• Douglas B. Hoffman · Cadiz, US
• Patrick A. Weizman · Monroe, US
• Dean B. Bruewer · Lancaster, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• Steven G. Hall · Cincinnati, US
• Randall J. Tanguay · Lebanon, US
• Jeffrey D. Messerly · Cincinnati, US
• Galen C. Robertson · Apex, US
• Andrew M. Zwolinski · Cincinnati, US
• Gregory B. Blair · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 14, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 26, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/2927
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical stapling apparatus configured for use with disposable loading units. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling apparatus includes a retraction system that interfaces with an actuation shaft that is movably supported within a handle housing. The actuation shaft is configured to move axially within the handle housing from a fully retracted position to a fully fired position in response to manipulation of a movable handle operably mounted to the handle housing. The retraction system serves to automatically retract the actuation shaft to the fully retracted position when the actuation shaft has moved to the fully fired position.