Circular stapler introducer with rigid cap assembly configured for easy removal

US8353438B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Chester O. Baxter, III · Loveland, US
• John V. Hunt · Cincinnati, US
• Danius P. Silkaitis · Seattle, US
• Jeffrey P. Wiley · Cincinnati, US
• Paul T. Franer · Cincinnati, US
• John B. Schulte · Sharonville, US
• Daniel J. Abbott · Loveland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 19, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 15, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 22, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/08021
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a hollow flexible sheath that has a distal end and an open proximal end that is sized to receive a stapling head portion of the circular stapler therein. A rigid cap assembly may be attached to the distal end of the hollow flexible sheath The rigid cap assembly may be configured to selectively move between a closed position wherein a distal face of the stapling head is covered and an open position wherein the distal face of the stapling head is exposed. A portion of the rigid cap assembly has a shape that substantially matches a perimetrical shape of a portion of the stapling head to enable the rigid cap assembly to pass proximally over the stapling head when the introducer is withdrawn from the patient.