Tissue stapler safety switch feature to prevent premature jaw opening

US9095340B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kevin D. Felder · Cincinnati, US
• John F. Cummings · Madeira, US
• Joseph P. Schowalter · South Lebanon, US
• Patrick J. Swindon · Santa Clara, US
• Johnny H. Alexander, III · Sharonville, US
• Christopher C. Miller · Loveland, US
• Barry T. Jamison · Lancaster, US
• John V. Hunt · Cincinnati, US
• Kent P. Baker · Monroe, US
• Julia F. Serber · Brookline, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2012
• Grant date: Aug 4, 2015
• Expiry date: Jan 11, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0811
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical stapler comprises an anvil assembly, an anvil shaft, a driver, an actuating arm, a safety switch, and a safety feature. The anvil assembly couples with the anvil shaft. The driver drives a plurality of staples into tissue. The actuating arm is in communication with the surgical stapler and is configured to actuate the driver to drive the plurality of staples into tissue. The safety switch is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The safety switch prevents operation of the actuating arm when the safety switch is in the locked position. The safety switch enables operation of the actuating arm when the safety switch is in the unlocked position. The safety feature may prevent operation of the driver even when the safety switch is in the unlocked position or prevent operation of the safety switch.