Devices and methods for introducing a surgical circular stapling instrument into a patient

US8899466B2 · 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
• John B. Schulte · Sharonville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 19, 2009
• Grant date: Dec 2, 2014
• Expiry date: May 24, 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 cover members that are applied over a stapling head portion of the circular stapler. In some embodiments, the cover members are fabricated from a flexible stretchable material and have a bumper portion that protrudes distally beyond the distal face of the stapling head. The staples may be fired through the cover member and the balance of the cover member is withdrawn from the patient with the stapling head. Other cover embodiments are selectively movable from a position wherein the distal face of the stapling head is covered and other positions wherein the distal face of the stapling head is exposed.