||1|||l|l|||||||||l||| ||||l|||||||11||||||||1||l|||11111111111111
`
`1'301'35779 130A
`
`United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[1 1] Patent Number:
`
`5,779,130
`
`Alesi et al.
`[451 Date of Patent: Jul. 14. 1998
`
`
`
`[5-1] SELF-CONTAINED POWERED SURGICAL
`APPARATUS
`
`{WIJ'H 931988 Simpson eta]. .
`4384.13?
`1111988 Kulik eta]. _
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Daniel E. Alesi. Sherman: Robert J.
`Geiste. Milford: Dominick L Mastri.
`Bridgeport. all of Conn: Wayne P.
`Young- Brewster. HY; Kenneth E.
`Toso. Wilton. Conn.
`
`[t3] Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation.
`Norwalk. Conn.
`
`1211 Appl. No.2 319.907
`
`{22] Filed:
`
`Oct. 7, 1994
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`[63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 231.455. Aug. 5. 1994.
`abandoned.
`
`Int. CL"
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl.
`
`[53] Field of Search
`
`A6113 17I068
`231176.12 227x173n:
`2271‘ 180.1: 221119
`2271175. 1. 176.1.
`22731781. 179.1. 180.1. 19
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`[15. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.
`
`.
`
`101’1932 Tondinson .
`1.881.250
`11(19'r'1 Bryan _
`3.613342
`.
`611974 Green et aI.
`3.815.476
`.
`4.31976 Kaliber et a1.
`3.952.748
`”1978 Richmond et a1.
`4.0711329
`9fl981 Mueller.
`4.289.131
`6!] 982 Childs el al.
`4.334539
`4.484.503 11.31984 Sine et a1.
`_
`4.489.124
`l21'1984 Amegger .
`4.49-1.05?
`”1985 Hotta .
`4.520.817
`611985 Green .
`4.605.001
`8111936 Rollifitss et a].
`4.610.383
`9f1986 Rothfuss et a1.
`4.644.952
`21193? Patipaet a1.
`.
`4.650.460
`31198? Roizenblatt .
`4.655.673
`41198? Hawkes _
`4.705.038
`11.3198? Sjostrom et al. .
`4,733,118
`31'1988 Mihalko .
`
`.
`.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT MX‘lMENTS
`
`0156—17-1
`0‘2 16532
`05 36903
`05 393162
`05 S2 0541)
`11593 920
`05985?9
`0621 006
`063-11 44
`2660851
`2903 1 59
`3114135
`4213426
`659 1 46
`9308154
`93 [“06
`
`10’1985
`#198?
`#1993
`51’1993
`"1'!l 993
`41" 1994
`510994
`10411994
`U1 995
`104199 I
`131980
`1031982
`1021992
`4/1919
`511993
`191993
`
`.
`European Pat. OH.
`.
`European Pat. OH.
`European Pat. Ofl. _
`European Pat. Off.
`.
`European Par. 01?.
`.
`European Pat. Oil. .
`European Pat. Off.
`.
`European Pat. Off. .
`European Pat. Ofi’.
`.
`France _
`Germany _
`Germany .
`(‘nenuany .
`1.1.5.53.
`.
`WIPO .
`WIPO _
`
`Priman‘ Examiner—Scot”! A. Smith
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A self-contained powered surgical stapling device is pro-
`vided which includes an elongate body and a disposable
`cartridge assembly detachably supported in a. distal end
`portion of the body. The cartridge assembly includes a frame
`configured to engage the distal end portion of the body. a
`housing supported within the frame and containing a plu-
`rality of surgical fasteners. an anvil mounted for movement
`with respect to the housing. an actuation assembly config—
`ured to translate relative to the housing and the anvil to
`progressively move the anvil from an open position to a
`closed position and to sequentially eject the surgical fasten~
`ers from the housing to be formed against the anvil. and an
`axial drive screw mounted in the frame and threadably
`assooiated with the actuation assembly for efl’ectuating the
`longitudinal translation thereof. A motor assembly having an
`axial drive shaft is disposed within the elongate body. and a
`coupling is provided for detachably connecting the axial
`drive shaft and the axial drive screw. A power source is
`disposed within the elongate body for energizing the motor
`assembly.
`
`20 Claims. 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`181010
`
`IS 1010
`
`1
`
`

`

`5,779,130
`Page 2
`
`[1.5. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4.361158
`4.88? .599
`4.936.845
`4395.87?
`5.01-0.7'15
`5.059203
`5.071.430
`5. I 33359
`5.] 33.?13
`5.133329
`5.1?0.925
`5,1922%
`
`91'1989
`1211989
`6fl990
`2.11991
`831991
`{011991
`[2(1991
`7II992
`?:’I99Q
`”HIM
`1231992
`331993
`
`Sugg.
`Muller .
`Stevens .
`_
`films at a].
`Green a a].
`Huslcd .
`dc Salis el al, .
`Kedem .
`Huang el al.
`Sjostmm .
`Madden et a].
`Cezana el al.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`5.201.150
`5.2 07.69?
`5.22 l 2??
`5.231884
`5249.58]
`5258.00?
`5.26] 3??
`5268.622
`5.2 89.963
`5.312.023
`5.3 1822 l
`5.326.013
`5.46191 l
`
`“I993
`5fl993
`(“993
`8H993
`IOII993
`llfl993
`ll!1993
`[21‘19‘93
`3le
`51994
`621994
`”1994
`Ilii995
`
`_
`
`.
`
`Hocherl e1 2]..
`Camsillo at a].
`Cook 04 a].
`.
`Solo _
`Mallaby .
`Speak: cs! 3].
`Fine et a1.
`.
`Phlljpp .
`McGan‘y el al.
`Green et a].
`.
`Green at a].
`.
`Green cl 3}.
`.
`Tsuruta et a].
`
`.
`
`.
`
`2
`
`

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`US. Patent
`
`Jui. 14, 1998
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`Jul. 14, 1993
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`Jul. 14. 1998
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 14. 1993
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 14. 1993
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`5.779.130
`
`l
`SELF-CONTAINED POWERED SURGICAL
`APPARATUS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of copending
`application Ser. No. OSIZSYJES filed Aug. 5. 1994. now
`abandoned. the contents of which are incorporated herein by
`reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Technical Field
`
`A self—contained powered surgical stapling apparatus is
`provided for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical
`fasteners to body tissue and optionally incising the fastened
`tissue.
`
`2. Background of Related Art
`Surgical devices wherein tissue is first grasped or clamped
`bettveen Opposingjaw structure and thenjoined by means of
`surgical fasteners are well known in the art. in some instru—
`ments a knife is provided to cut the tissue which has been
`joined by the fasteners. The fasteners are typically in the
`form of surgical staples however. two part polymeric fas-
`teners are also utilized
`
`Instrtunents for this purpose can include two elongated
`members which are reSpecrively used to capture or clamp
`tissue. Typically. one of the members carries a disposable
`cartridge which houses a plurality of staples arranged in at
`least two lateral rows while the other member includes an
`anvil which defines a surface for forming the staple legs as
`the fasteners are driven from the cartridge. Generally. the
`stapling operation is effected by a pusher which travels
`longitudinally through the cartridge carrying member. with
`the pusher acting upon the staples to sequentially eject them
`from the cartridge. A [mile may travel with the pusher
`between the staple rows to longitudinally cut anda’or open the
`stapled tissue between the rows of staples. Such instruments
`are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3.079.606 to Bobrov et al. and
`U.S. Pat. No. 3.490.675 to Green.
`A later stapler disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3.499.591 to
`Green applies a double row of staples on each side of the
`incision. This is accomplished by providing a cartridge
`assembly in which a cam member moves through an elon—
`gate guide path between two sets of staggered staple carry-
`ing grooves. Staple drive members are located within the
`grooves and are positioned in such a manner so as to be
`contacted by the longitudinally moving cam to effect ejec—
`tion of the staples.
`Each of the instruments described above were designed
`for use in couventional surgical procedures wherein sur-
`geons have direct manual access to the operative site.
`However. in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. surgery
`is performed through a small incision or through narrow a
`cannula inserted through small entrance wounds in the skin.
`In order to address the specific needs of endoscopic andlor
`laperoscopic surgical procedures. an endoscopic surgical
`stapling apparatus has been developed and is disclosed in
`CS. Pat. No. 5.040.715. This apparatus is well suited for
`such procedures and includes a fastener applying assembly
`having an anvil and a staple cartridge provided at the distal
`end of an endoscopic body portion which permits the
`instrument to be inserted into a cannula and be remotely
`operated by the surgeon through manipulation of a proximal
`handle mechanism
`
`The instruments discussed above all require some degree
`of manually applied force in order to clamp. fasten andlor
`
`it)
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`2
`cut tissue. Surgeons have thus recognized the benefits of
`using self—powered instruments that are actuable with only a
`limited degree of physical
`force. Self-powered surgical
`instruments have been provided to serve these needs and
`include both gas powered surgical staplers. as shown. for
`example. in L'.S. Pat. No. 5.312.023. and electrically pow-
`ered surgical
`instruments as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
`4.635.638 and 5.258.007. and European Pat. Apple. No. 0
`552 050. In general. prior an electrically powered surgical
`instruments have been driven by external power sources.
`The instruments were connected to the power sources by
`conductive cables. Such cables could. however. become
`entangled during a surgical procedure. thereby complicating
`the operation.
`It Would be beneficial to provide a self-contained powered
`surgical apparatus for applying a plurality of surgical staples
`to body tissue and concomitantly incising the stapled tissue.
`Such an apparatus should be compact. lightweight and easy
`to manufacture. Currently. surgical instruments are designed
`for use in either open.
`i.e.
`invasive procedures. or
`endoscopicilaparoscopic procedures. As noted above. endo—
`scopic instruments require elongate shafts to access remote
`surgical sites. Conventional surgical
`instruments are not
`constructed in this matter.
`It would be advantageous to
`provide a powered surgical instrument which can be readily
`adapted for use in both conventional and laparoscopic
`procedures.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`A self—contained powered surgical apparatus for applying
`a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue is provided
`The apparatus includes an elongate instrument body defining
`a longitudinal axis. a cartridge assembly housing a plurality
`of surgical fasteners. and an anvil member mounted adjacent
`the cartridge assembly and configured for movement with
`respect thereto between an open and a closed position.
`The apparatus further includes a motor assembly disposed
`within the elongate instrument body. an actuating assembly
`driven by the motor assembly for effectuating progressive
`closure of the anvil and sequential ejection of the surgical
`fasteners and a power source disposed within the body for
`energizing the motor assembly. Preferably. die actuating
`assembly includes a drive member which is threadably
`associated with an axial drive screw that is driven by the
`motor assembly.
`the actuating assembly
`In a preferred embodiment.
`includes a first camming mechanism configured to move the
`anvil member into a closed position to clamp tissue. and a
`second camming mechanism configured to sequentially
`eject fasteners from the cartridge as it
`translates there-
`Ihrough. A tissue cutting member is preferably associated
`with the acmating assembly for translating through the
`cartridge assembly to incise the stapled body tissue. A
`control for the motor assembly to operate the powered
`surgical apparatus preferably includes first and second con-
`trol buttons for effecting distal and proximal movement of
`the actuating assembly.
`the powered surgical apparatus
`In one embodiment.
`includes an elongate shaft configured to engage with a
`proximal end of the main instrument body to facilitate
`utilization of the apparatus during an endoscopic procedure.
`Preferably.
`the extension shaft interacts with the motor
`control buttons at the proximal end of the main instrument
`body to operate the apparatus from a location remote from
`the surgical site.
`In another embodiment the powered surgical apparatus is
`intended to be employed during a laparoscopic procedure by
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`5.779.130
`
`3
`
`providing a mechanical hand which is configured to extend
`into the abdominal cavity through a cannula and be remotely
`manipulated to actuate the apparatus.
`In another embodiment. the powered surgical apparatus
`includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis. and
`a disposable cartridge assembly which is detachably sup
`ported in a distal end portion of the elongate body.
`The disposable cartridge assembly includes a frame hav-
`ing a proximal end portion configured to engage the distal
`end portion of the elongate body. and a housing supported
`within the frame and containing a plurality of surgical
`fasteners. An anvil member is pivotably associated with the
`frame and is mounted for movement with respect to the
`housing between an open position and a closed position. An
`actuation assembly is disposed within the frame and is
`configured to translate in a longitudinal direction relative to
`the housing and the anvil to progressively move the anvil
`from the open position to the closed position and sequen-
`tially eject the surgical fasteners from the housing to be
`formed against the anvil. An axial drive screw is rotatably
`maimed within the frame and threadably associated with the
`actuation assembly for effectuating the longitudinal transla-
`tion thereof
`
`The surgical apparatus further includes a motor assembly
`having an axial drive shaft. and a coupling to detachably
`connect the axial drive screw of the cartridge assembly to the
`axial drive shaft of the motor. A. power source is disposed
`within the elongate body for energizing the motor assembly.
`Preferably. a bayonet-type fitting is associated with the distal
`end portion of the elongate body and the proximal end
`portion of the frame to facilitate the detachable connection
`of the cartridge assembly.
`Further features of the powered surgical apparatus will
`become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from
`the following detailed description of the invention talren in
`conjunction with the drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Various embodiments of the powered surgical apparatus
`will be described hereinbelow with reference to the draw
`
`ings wherein:
`FIG. I is a perspective view of a powered stapling device
`constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment:
`FIG. 2A is an illustration depicting the powered stapling
`device of FIG. 1 with a flexible extension shaft attached
`thereto in use din-log a laparoscopic procedure;
`FIG. 23 is an illustration depicting the powered stapling
`device of FIG. 1 with a rigid extension shaft attached thereto
`in use during a laparosoopic procedure:
`FIG. 3 is an illustration depicting a mechanical hand
`operating the powered stapling device of FIG. 1 during a
`laparosoopic procedure:
`FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the powered
`stapling device of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the switching
`mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor assem—
`bly:
`FIG. 6 is a side elevational view in cross-section taken
`along line 6—6 of FIG. 1 illustrating the relative position of
`the internal components of the powered stapling device prior
`to actuation:
`FIG. 7 is a top plan view in cross-section illustrating the
`relative position of the internal components of the powered
`stapling device prior to actuation:
`FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8—8 of
`FIG. 6 illustrating the actuating assembly:
`
`4
`FIG. 9 is a cross—sectional view taken along line 9—9 of
`FIG. 6 illustrating the drive shaft of the motor as sembly:
`FIG. 10 is a cross—sectional view taken along line 10—10
`of FIG. 6 illustrating the interaction between the drive shaft
`of the motor assembly and the axial drive screw:
`FIG. 11 is a side elevational view in cross-section illus-
`trating the relative position of the internal components of the
`powered stapling device during a stapling operation:
`FIG. 12 is a side elevational view in cross-section illus-
`trating the relative position of the internal components of are
`powered stapling device at
`the completion of a stapling
`operation:
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another powered stapling
`device constructed in accordance with a preferred embodi-
`ment of the subject application which includes a detachable
`cartridge assembly that can be discarded after a stapling
`operation:
`FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the detachable
`cartridge assembly illustrated in FIG. 13:
`FIG. 15 is an enlarged side elevational view in cross
`section of a portion of the stapling device of FIG. 13
`illustrating the coupling engagement of the axial drive screw
`of the cartridge assembly and the axial drive shaft of the
`motor assembly:
`FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view in partial cross-
`section illustrating the components of the stapling deceive
`which facilitate the detachable connection of the cartridge
`assembly and the instrument body:
`FIG. 1'! is a side elevational view in cross—section taken
`along line 17—17 of FIG. 13 illustrating the motor assembly
`and power cells housed within the elongate body of the
`surgical apparatus of FIG. 13;
`FIG. 18 is a side elevational view in cr'ossnsection taken
`along line 17—17 of FIG. 13 illustrating the cartridge
`assembly of the subject application prior to a stapling
`operation: and
`FIG. 19 is a side elevational view in cross-section taken
`along line 17—17 of FIG. 13 illustrating the cartridge
`assembly of the subject invention at the conclusion of a
`stapling operation.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`In the drawings and in the description which follows. the
`term "proximal”. as is traditional. will refer to the end of the
`apparatus which is closest to the operator. while the term
`“distal“ will refer to the end of the apparatus which is
`furthest from the operator.
`The apparatus shall be discussed in terms of both con-
`ventional and endoscopic procedures. However. use herein
`of terms such as “endoscopic”. “endoscopicalty”. and
`“endoscopic portion”. among others. should not be con-
`stored to limit the present apparatus for use only in con-
`junction with an endoscopic tube. To the contrary.
`it
`is
`believed that the present apparatus may find use in proce-
`dures wherein access is limited to a small incision including
`but not limited to arthroscopic andJ'ot' laparoscopic proce-
`dures.
`
`Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
`numerals identify similar structural elements of the
`apparatus. there is illustrated in FIG.
`I a self-contained
`powered surgical stapler constructed in accordance with a
`preferred embodiment and designated generally by refer-
`ence numeral 10.
`
`Referring to FIG. 1. powered surgical apparatus 10 is
`configured for use as a hand-held device for applying a
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`4s
`
`55
`
`6.5
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`5.??9.|30
`
`5
`plurality of surgical staples to tubular vessels and body
`tissue during conventional invasive surgical procedures. By
`way of example only. surgical apparatus 10 may have a
`length measuring from about 5.0 inches to about 7.0 inches.
`and an outer diameter of about 0.450 inches to about 0.500
`inches. Preferably. the length of surgical apparatus 10 is
`between 6.0 inches and 6.5.
`inches. while the preferred
`diameter is between 0.470 inches and 0.480 inches. Clearly.
`other dimensions are contemplated. In one embodiment.
`surgical apparatus 10 is also adapted for use in endoscopic
`procedures through remote actuation from a location outside
`the patients body. as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. This is
`achieved by providing an elongated extension shaft 12
`which attaches to the proximal end of surgical apparatus 10
`by commonly known connective methods such as snap fit.
`Extension shaft 12 is preferably dimensioned and configured
`for insertion through a cannula or trocar device and has a
`length measuring from about 10.0 inches to about 17.0
`inches. A flexible shaft 12 or rigid shaft 12' can be utilized
`Referring to FIG. 3.
`in another embodiment. surgical
`apparatus 10 is intended to be operated by a mechanical
`hand 15 which is configured to extend through trocar device
`17 during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. Mechanical
`hand 15 includes four articulated fingers 150—154‘ and an
`opposable thumb 152 which are hinged together to enable
`relative movement between a constricted position wherein
`the forehand and fingers are drawn together into a narrowed
`formation to facilitate their extension through trocar 17 and
`a relaxed position wherein the forehand and fingers are
`deployed into a spread position to perform dexterous tasks
`such as operating surgical apparatus 10 by actuating a switch
`provided on the apparatus.
`Referring to FIG. 4. surgical apparatus 10 includes an
`elongate body 20 including complimentary body sections 22
`and 24 which define a series of internal chambers for
`housing and supporting various mechanical components of
`apparatus 10. The internal chambers defined within body
`sections 22 and 24 include distal chamber 26. medial cham-
`ber 28. and proximal chamber 30.
`The components housed within body sections 22 and 24
`of surgical apparatus 10 include an elongate housing channel
`32 having a base 34 and opposed upstanding channel walls
`380 and 381:. Housing channel 32 is maintained within the
`distal chamber 26 of body 20 and is configured to support
`the assembly 40 and the actuating assembly 42.
`The assembly 40 includes an elongate staple cartridge 44
`having a plurality of transverse slots 46 each configured to
`support a respective staple 48 and staple pusher 50. Car-
`tridge 44 is also provided with five spaced apart longitudinal
`slots including a central slot 52 and lateral slot pairs 54a, 54b
`and 56:2. 56b. The lateral slot pairs 54a, 54b and 56a, 56b
`serve to accommodate longitudinal translation of the elon—
`gate camming bars 58a. 58b and 60a, 60b of actuating
`assembly 42 while the central slot 52 serves to accommodate
`longitudinal translation of a cutting blade 62. Actuating
`assembly 42 and the components associated therewith will
`be described in greater detail hereinbelow.
`Assembly 40 further includes an elongate anvil 64 which
`defines an interior fastener forming surface 65 against which
`staples are driven when ejected from cartridge 44 by the
`actuating assembly 42. A pair of outwardly depending wings
`660 and 6613 are formed adjacent the proximal end of anvil
`64 for engaging a pair of correspondingly positioned recep-
`tion slots 680 and 68b formed in the opposed upstanding
`channel walls 380 and 38b of housing channel 32. The
`engagement of wings 66a and 66!: within slots 68a and 68b
`
`6
`facilitates pivotal movement at anvil 64 with respect to
`cartridge 44. A longitudinal slot 70 extends along a substan—
`tial portion of the length of anvil 64 to accommodate the
`longitudinal translation of cutting blade 62 and the portion
`of actuating assembly 42 which supports the cutting blade.
`Similarly. a longitudinal slot 75 is formed in the base 34 of
`housing channel 32 l see FIG. 6}. The orientation and length
`of slots 70 and 75 correspond substantially to that of the
`central slot 52 provided in cartridge 44.
`A spring 65 extends from the proximal end of anvil 64 and
`is attached to body section 22 [or alternatively base 34) to
`bias the anvil towards the cartridge 44. Thus. in use. as tissue
`is positioned between the anvil and cartridge. the anvil is
`forced away from the cartridge by the tissue. Actuation of
`the actuating assembly (discussed below} forces anvil 64
`into closer cooperative alignment with cartridge 44 to more
`firmly and progressively clamp the tissue. In an alternate
`embodiment. the anvil 64 is biased to an open position. ie.
`biased away from cartridge 44. by. for example. a pair of
`springs positioned at a proximal end of the anvil between the
`anvil and cartridge 44. It is also contemplated that the anvil
`can be connected for free movement with respect to the
`cartridge without a spring bias.
`As best seen in FIG. 4. actuating assembly 42 includes
`tWo pairs of elongate carnming bars 580. 58b and 60a, 60b.
`The camming bars serve to sequentially eject staples 48
`from cartridge 44 through interaction with staple pushers 50.
`In particular. each of the elongate cumming bars includes a
`distal head portion 72 having an angled camming surface 74.
`Camrning surface 74 is configured to contact staple pushers
`50 and drive the staple pushers in a direction transverse to
`the longitudinal axis of cartridge 44. thereby urging the
`staples from cartridge 44. An engagement notch 76 is
`formed adjacent the proximal end of each of the carmning
`bars for engaging corresponding grooves 78 provided in
`drive member 80.
`
`Drive member 89 includes a threaded bore 82 for opera—
`tively engaging an axial drive screw 84. Drive screw 84 is
`driven by a motor assembly 86 and is connected to the drive
`shaft 88 of motor assembly 86 by a supporting hub assembly
`which includes an outer support hub 90. an intermediate
`support hub 92. and an inner engagement hub 94 (see FIG.
`9). Engagement hub 94 is fastened to the proximal end of
`drive screw 84 and is engaged within the intermediate
`suppott hub 92.As shown in FIG. 10. drive shaft 88 is keyed
`into the opposed end of support hub 92. Support hub 92 is
`coaxially disposed within outer support hub 90 which is
`maintained with the medial chamber 28 of elongate body 20.
`Motor assembly 86 and the power cells 9812—9: which
`supply energy thereto are maintained with the proximal
`chamber 30 of elongate body 20. A transfer plate 158 is
`disposed between the distal-most power cell 98a and the
`proximal end of motor assembly 86 for transferring energy
`from the power cell to the motor assembly.
`Actuating assembly 42 ftu'ther includes a camming beam
`100 for efiectuating the progressive closure of anvil 64 to
`clamp body tissue disposed between fastener forming sur-
`face 65 of anvil 64 and the tissue contacting surface 45 of
`staple cartridge 44. Camming beam 100 includes an upper
`beam portion 102. a central web portion 104. and a lower
`beam portion 106. Central web portion 104 supports cutting
`blade 62. Upper and lower beam extensions 10% and 109
`extend proximally from central web portion 104 to engage
`drive member 80. As shown. the upper and lower beam
`portions 102. 106 are substantially planar. Thus. the mecha-
`nism for clamping the anvil {camming beam 100) and the
`mechanism for firing the staples from the cartridge
`
`ll]
`
`15
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`45
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`55
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`65
`
`21
`
`21
`
`

`

`5.779.130
`
`'l'
`
`(camming bars 58a, 58b and 60a. 60b] are directly con-
`nected to drive member 80. In use. the upper beam portion
`102 of camrnirig beam 100 progressively contacts the outer
`surface 67 of anvil 64 to effect progressive anvil closure. The
`central web [04 translates through slots 52. 70. and 75. and
`the lower beam portion 186 translates along the outer
`surface 35 of the base 34 of housing channel 32 to maintain
`anvil closure during a stapling procedure.
`Referring to FIG. 8 in conjunction with FIG. 4. a support
`gate 110 is mounted intermediate housing channel 32 which
`has an aperture 115 for supporting the distal end portion of
`axial drive screw 84. As best seen in FIG. 4. support gate 110
`includes a pair of opposed winglets 112a and 1121: for
`engaging corresponding reception slots 114a and 114!) in the
`opposed channel walls 38a and 38b of housing channel 32.
`Upper and lower grooves 116 and 118 are formed in support
`gate 110 to accommodate the translation of the upper and
`lower beam extensions 108 and 109. lateral slot pairs 1200.
`120!) and 1220. 122b are provided in support gate 110 to
`accommodate the translation of carrtnming bar pairs 58a,
`58b and 600. 60b.
`
`Surgical apparanrs 10 further includes a switching assem-
`bly 130 for selectively controlling the operation of motor
`assembly 86. Switching assembly 130 includes distal and
`proximal switch housings 132 and 134. and right and left
`spring biased actuation buttons 136 and 138. A plurality of
`coiled compression springs 135 bias actuation buttons 136
`and 138 in a proximal direction. Switch housings 132 and
`134 are mounted to one another and fastened to the proximal
`end of surgical apparatus 10 by a threaded connector 140.
`and are operatively separated from one another by a distal
`insulating ring 141. a distal contact plate 142. a medial
`insulating ring 143. and a proximal contact plate 144. A
`distal contact ring 145 is disposed between distal switch
`housing 132 and spring 137.
`Distal contact plate 142 includes a pair of opposed
`upturned contact tabs 1420 and 1421), and proximal contact
`plate 144 includes a pair of opposed upturned contact tabs
`144a and 1446 which are positioned 60° out of phase with
`tabs 1420 and 142b, Each actuation button has associated
`therewith three contact pins.
`two of which interact with
`contact plates 142 and 144 to control the relative movement
`of drive screw 84.
`In particular. actuation button 136
`includes two long pins 146:: and 1465 and one short pin
`l46c. Short pin 146:: is seated within a central reception port
`1471:. while long pins 146:: and 1461: are seated within
`lateral reception ports 147:: and 147i).
`Long pin 146a and short pin 146C are positioned to
`selectively engage contact tabs 142a and 1446 respectively.
`while long pin 1461: remains free from electrical contact
`Similarly. actuation button 133 includes long pins 1500 and
`15015. and short pin 15°C. Short pin 150:: is seated within a
`central reception port lSlc. while long pins 150;: and 1506
`are seated within lateral reception ports 151a and 1511:.
`Long pin 1501: and short pin 1506 are positioned to selec-
`tively engage contact tabs 1422: and 1441) respectively. while
`long pin 150a remains free from electrical contact.
`The wiring configuration of switching assembly 130 is
`illustrated in FIG. 5 and includes motor line 152 which
`interconnects the positive terminal 860 of motor assembly
`86 to contact pins 146a and 150C, and a motor line 154
`which interconnects the negative terminal 861; of motor
`assembly 86 to contact pins 146c- and 15%. In addition. a
`transmission line 156 extends between battery transfer plate
`158 and contact plate 144. and a transmission line 160
`interconnects contact plate 142 and contact ring 145.
`
`8
`In use. when actuation button 138 is depressed. long pin
`150!) contacts tab 142i: of distal contact plate 142 and short
`pin 150a contacts tab 144!) of proximal contact plate 144.
`Thus. the positive terminals of power cells 980—518;" will be
`connected to the negative terminal 86b of motor assembly
`86 and the negative terminals of power cells 980—98c will be
`connected to the positive terminal 86a of motor assembly
`86. causing drive shaft 88 to rotate in a clockwise direction
`to move drive member 80 distally. When actuation button
`136 is depressed. long pin 146a contacts tab 142:: of distal
`contract plate 142 and short pin 146(- contacts tab 1440
`proximal contact plate 144. Thus. the positive terminals of
`power cells 98a—9‘8c will be connected to the positive
`terminal 860 of motor assembly 36 and the negative termi-
`nals of power cells 980—98c will be connected to the
`negative terminal 861: of motor assembly 86. causing drive
`shaft 88 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction to move
`the axial drive member 80 in a proximal direction. It is also
`envisioned that a single actuator button can be provided
`which will be actuable to operate an axial drive screw having
`a reverse thread formed therein. The reverse thread will
`cause a distally translating drive screw to automatically
`translate in a proximal direction at the conclusion of a
`fastener forming stroke.
`As discussed briefly hereinabove. surgical apparatus 10 is
`preferably designed for insertion throug