Circular stapler introducer with rigid distal end portion

US8622275B2 · 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 7, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 26, 2031

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 is 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distal face of the stapling head is covered when inserted therein and an open position wherein the cap assembly may be withdrawn from around the stapling head and elongated shaft. A release arrangement interfaces with the rigid cap assembly such that upon an application of a release motion thereto, the rigid cap is movable from the closed position to the open position.