IMIIIIMIIIiIIllIflMIMMIIIIIIl
`USOOS653374A
`
`United States Patent
`
`[191
`
`Young et a].
`
`[ll]
`
`[45]
`
`Patent Number:
`
`Date of Patent:
`
`5,653,374
`
`Aug. 5, 1997
`
`[541
`
`[75]
`
`[73]
`
`[21]
`
`[22]
`
`[63]
`
`[5 1]
`[52]
`
`[58]
`
`[55]
`
`SELF-CONTAINED POWERED SURGICAL
`APPARATUS
`
`Inventors: Wayne P. Young. Brewster, N.Y.;
`Daniel E. Alesi, Sherman, Conn;
`Kenneth E. Toso, Wilton. Conn;
`Henry Bolanos, East Norwalk, Conn.
`
`Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation,
`Norwalk, Conn.
`
`App]. No: 639,413
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 29, 1996
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Continuation of Ser. No. 287,455,Aug. 5, 1994, abandoned.
`
`Int. Cl.6 ..
`...... A6113 17/068
`US. Cl. .......
`.. 227/1761; 227/19; 227/1781;
`227/1801
`Field of Search .............................. 227/1751, 176.1,
`227/1781. 179.1, 180.1, 181.1, 19
`
`References Cited
`
`.
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`.
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`.
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`6/1982 Childs et a1.
`11/1984 Sitte et a1.
`.
`12/1984 Amegger .
`1/1985 Hotta .
`6/1985 Green.
`8/1986 Rothfnss et a]. .
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`2/1987 Pafipa et a]. .
`3/1987 Roizenblatt.
`4/1987 Hawkes.
`11/1987 Sjostrom et al. .
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`.
`
`1,881,250
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`4,644,952
`4,650,460
`4,655,673
`4,705,033
`4,733,118
`4,771,774
`4,734,137
`
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`4,887,599
`4,936,845
`4,995,377
`5,040,715
`5,059,203
`5,071,430
`5,133,359
`5,133,713
`5,133,729
`
`9/1989
`12/1989
`6/1990
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`10/1991
`12/1991
`7/1992
`7/1992
`7/1992
`
`.
`
`Sugg .
`Muller .
`Stevens .
`.
`Ams et a1.
`Green et a].
`Husted .
`de Salis et a1.
`Kedem .
`Huang et a]. .
`Sjostrom .
`
`.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`.
`Ofi‘.
`Of. .
`Oil".
`.
`Of. .
`011’.
`.
`011“.
`,
`01f. .
`Off. .
`01f. .
`
`3/1985
`0156774
`8/1986
`0216532
`9/1992
`0536903
`0539762 10/1992
`0552050
`7/1993
`0593920
`9/1993
`0598579 11/1993
`0621006
`3/1994
`0634144
`1/1995
`2660851
`10/1991
`2903159
`7/1980
`3114135 10/1982
`4213426 10/1992
`51149985
`1/1950
`659146
`4/1979
`9308754
`5/1993
`9314706
`8/1993
`
`European Pat.
`European Pat,
`European Pat.
`European Pat.
`European Pat.
`European Pat.
`European Pat.
`European Pat.
`European Pat.
`France .
`Germany ,
`Germany .
`Germany .
`Japan .
`U.S.S.R .
`WIPO .
`WIPO .
`
`Primary Examiner—Scott A. Smith
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A self—contained powered surgical stapling device is pro-
`vided which includes an elongate body. A fastener applying
`assembly is operatively associated with a distal end of the
`elongate body and includes a cartridge housing a plurality of
`staples and an anvil actuable to move between an open
`position and a closed position. Amotor assembly is disposed
`within the elongate body for driving an actuation assembly
`configured to translate through the fastener applying assem-
`bly to progressively close the anvil and sequentially eject
`staples from the cartridge.
`
`22 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Exhibit 1032
`Intuitive v. Ethicon
`|PR2018—00935
`
`1
`
`Exhibit 1032
`Intuitive v. Ethicon
`IPR2018-00935
`
`

`

`5,653,374
`
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`Madden et 31.
`.
`Cezana et 31,
`Hochefl et a1.
`Carusillo et a1.
`Cook et a1.
`.
`Seto .
`Mallaby .
`
`5,170,925
`5,192,292
`5,201,750
`5,207,697
`5,221,279
`5,237,884
`5,249,583
`
`12/1992
`3/1993
`4/1993
`5/1993
`6/1993
`8/1993
`10/1993
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`5,258,007
`5,261 ,377
`5,268,622
`5,289,963
`5,312,023
`5,318,221
`5,326,013
`5,467,911
`
`11/1993
`11/1993
`12/1993
`3/1994
`5/1994
`6/1994
`7/1994
`11/1995
`
`.
`
`Spetzler et a1.
`Fine et a1.
`.
`Philipp .
`McGan'y et a1.
`Green et a1.
`.
`Green et 21.
`.
`Green et a1.
`.
`Tsuruta et a1.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 5, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`5,653,374
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 5, 1997
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`5,653,374
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`
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 5, 1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
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`5,653,374
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`
`5
`
`

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`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 5, 1997
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`Sheet 4 of 10
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`
`
`6
`
`

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`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 5, 1997
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
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`‘ 5,653,374
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`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 5, 1997
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`5,653,374
`
`1
`SELF-CONTAINED POWERED SURGICAL
`APPARATUS
`
`This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
`08/287,455 filed Aug. 5. 1994. now abandoned.
`
`5
`
`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 gasped or clamped
`between opposing jaw structure and then joined 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
`
`Instruments for this purpose can include two elongated
`members which are respectively 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 efiected 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 knife may travel with the pusher
`between the staple rows to longitudinally cut and/or open the
`stapled tissue between the rows of staples. Such instruments
`are disclosed in US. Pat No. 3,079,606 to Bobroy et at. 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 conventional 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 enhance wounds in the skin.
`In order to address the specific needs of endoscopic and/or
`laparoscopic surgical procedures, an endoscopic surgical
`stapling apparatus has been developed and is disclosed in
`US. 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.
`
`10
`
`20
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`The instruments discussed above all require some degree
`of manually applied force in order to clamp, fasten and/or
`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
`
`65
`
`2
`instruments have been provided to serve these needs and
`include both gas powered surgical staplers. as shown, for
`example. in US. Pat. No. 5.312.023. and electrically pow-
`ered surgical instruments as described in US. Pat. Nos.
`4,635,638 and 5.258.007, and European Pat. Appln. No. 0
`552 050. In general. prior art 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
`endoscopic/laparoscopic procedures. As noted above. endo-
`scopic instruments require elongate shafts to access remote
`surgical sites. Conventional surgical instruments are not
`constructed in this manner. 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, the 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 carnming 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-
`through. A tissue cutting member is preferably associated
`with the actuating 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
`providing a mechanical hand which is configured to extend
`into the abdominal cavity through a cannula and be remotely
`manipulated to actuate the apparatus.
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`5,653,374
`
`3
`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 taken 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. 1 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 during a laparoscopic procedure;
`FIG. 2B is an illustration depicting the powered stapling
`device of FIG. 1 with a rigid extension shaft attached thereto
`in use during a laparoscopic procedure;
`FIG. 3 is an illustration depicting a mechanical hand
`operating the powered stapling device of FIG. 1 during a
`laparoscopic 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;
`FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9—9 of
`FIG. 6 illustrating the drive shaft of the motor assembly;
`FIG. 10 is a cros s-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 clevational view in cross-section illus-
`trating the relative position of the internal components of the
`powered stapling device during a stapling operation; and
`FIG. 12 is a side elevational View in cross-section illus-
`trating the relative position of the internal components of the
`powered stapling device at the completion 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”, “endoscopically”, and
`“endoscopic portion”, among others, should not be con—
`strued 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 and/or laparoscopic
`procedures.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
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`25
`
`30
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`45
`
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`65
`
`4
`Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
`numerals identify similar structural elements of the
`apparatus, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 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
`plurality of surgical staples to tubular vessels and body
`tissue dining 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 patient’s 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 dirnensioued 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 forn' articulated fingers 15a—15d and an
`opposable thumb 15e 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 2A 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
`38a and 38b. 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 56a, 56b. The lateral slot pairs 54a, 54b and 56a, 56b
`serve to accommodate longitudinal translation of the elon-
`gate camming bars 580, 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
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`5,653,374
`
`5
`
`staples are driven when ejected from cartridge 44 by the
`actuating assembly 42. A pair of outwardly depending wings
`66a and 66!; are formed adjacent the proximal end of anvil
`64 for engaging a pair of correspondingly positioned recep-
`tion slots 68a and 68b formed in the opposed upstanding
`channel walls 38a and 38b of housing channel 32. The
`engagement of wings 66a and 66b within slots 68a and 68b
`facilitates pivotal movement of anvil 64 with respect to
`cartridge 44. Alongitudinal 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 (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. i.e.
`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 camming bars 58a, 58b and 60a, 60b.
`The camming bars serve to sequentially eject staples 48
`fiom cartridge 44 through interaction with staple pushers 50.
`In particular. each of the elongate camming bars includes a
`distal head portion 72 having an angled camming surface 74.
`Carnming 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 camming
`bars for engaging corresponding grooves 78 provided in
`drive member 80.
`
`Drive member 80 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
`support 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 98a—98c which
`supply energy thereto are maintained with the proxima/
`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
`tom the power cell to the motor assembly.
`Actuating assembly 42 further includes a camming beam
`100 for etfectuating 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
`
`6
`beam portion 106. Central web portion 104 supports cutting
`blade 62. Upper and lower beam extensions 108 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
`(camming bars 58a, 58b and 60a, 6012) are directly con-
`nected to drive member 80. In use. the upper beam portion
`102 of camming beam 100 progressively contacts the outer
`surface 67 of anvil 64 to effect progressive anvil closure. The
`central web 104 translates through slots 52. 70. and 75. and
`the lower beam portion 106 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 112b for
`engaging corresponding reception slots 114a and 11417 in the
`opposed channel walls 38:1 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 120a,
`12017 and 122a. 1221; are provided in support gate 110 to
`accommodate the translation of camming bar pairs 58a, 58b
`and 60a, 60b.
`Surgical apparatus 10 further includes a switching assem-
`bly 130 for selectively connolling 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 142a and 142b, and moximal contact
`plate 144 includes a pair of opposed upturned contact tabs
`144a and 14417 which are positioned 60" out of phase with
`tabs 142a and 14%. 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 146a and 1461) and one short pin
`l46c. Short pin 146a is seated within a central reception port
`147e, while long pins 146a and 146b are seated within
`lateral reception ports 147a and 147b.
`Long pin 146a and short pin 1460 are positioned to
`selectively engage contact tabs 142a and 144b respectively.
`while long pin 146b remains free from electrical contact.
`Similarly, actuation button 138 includes long pins 150a and
`150b, and short pin 150c. Short pin 150a is seated within a
`central reception port 1510, while long pins 150a and 15%
`are seated within lateral reception ports 15111 and 151b,
`Long pin 15% and short pin 150(: are positioned to selec—
`tively engage contact tabs 142b and l44b 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
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`interconnects the positive terminal 86:: of motor assembly
`86 to contact pins 146a and 150C, and a motor line 154
`which interconnects the negative terminal 86b of motor
`assembly 86 to contact pins 146c and 1501:. 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 ting 145.
`In use, when actuation button 138 is depressed, long pin
`150!) contacts tab 142!) of distal contact plate 142 and short
`pin 1500 contacts tab l44b of proximal contact plate 144.
`Thus, the positive terminals of power cells 98a—98c will be
`connected to the negative terminal 86b of motor assembly
`86 and the negative terminals of power cells 98a—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 142a of distal
`contract plate 142 and short pin 146C contacts tab 144a
`proximal contact plate 144. Thus, the positive terminals of
`power cells 98a—9Sc will be connected to the positive
`terminal 860 of motor assembly 86 and the negative tenni-
`nals of power cells 98a—98c will be connected to the
`negative terminal 86b 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 through a trocar or cannula
`device to apply surgical staples to body tissue located within
`a body cavity while being actuable remote from the surgical
`site. Shaft 12 includes elongate transmission members 12a
`and 12b (or 12a' and 12b') for efiectuating remote actuation
`of switching assembly 130 (see FIGS. 2A and 23). Trans-
`mission members 12a and 12b (or 12a and 1217) may include
`a pair of substantially rigid rods for transmitting a mechani-
`cal signal to actuation buttons 136 and 138, or,
`in the
`alternative, the transmission members may include trans-
`mission cables for directing an electrical signal to switching
`assembly 130. In either instance, the shaft would include
`two actuation buttons to respectively actuate buttons 136
`and 138 and cause the rotation of drive screw 84 in opposed
`directions.
`
`Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, prior to operating the
`surgical stapling device 10, the anvil 64 is disposed in a
`free-movement position to facilitate the capture of body
`tissue (or spring biased to a closed or an open position as in
`the aforementioned alternate embodiments). Movement of
`anvil 64 is accommodated by the pivotal engagement of
`anvil wings 66a and 66b in reception slots 68a and 68b. The
`pivotal movement of anvil 64 is best seen in FIG. 6. Prior to
`actuation, camming beam 100 is maintained within a sup-
`port seat 26a defined in the distal chamber 26 of instrument
`body 20. At such a time, the upper bearn portion 102 is out
`of contact with the outer surface 67 of anvil 64 permitting
`the pivotal movement thereof. Also at this time, the distal
`head portion 72 of each of the camming bars 58a, 58b and
`60a, 60b is disposed proximal to and out of contact with the
`proximal-most staple pushers 50 in cartridge 44.
`Upon actuation,
`i.e. when actuation button 136 is
`depressed, motor assembly 86 is energized and drive shaft
`88 rotates axial drive screw 84, causing drive member 80 to
`translate in a distal direction. As best seen in FIG. 11, as
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`drive member 80 translates distally, the upper beam portion
`102 of camming beam 100 progressively urges anvil 64
`toward cartridge 44 to clamp body tissue 16S therebetween.
`Concomitantly, the camming surface 74 on the distal head
`portion 72 of each of the camming bars of actuation assem-
`bly 42 interacts with staple pushers 50 to sequentially eject
`surgical staples 48 fiom cartridge 44.
`Staples ejected from cartridge 44 are driven through body
`tissue 165 and formed against the inner fastener forming
`surface 65 of anvil 64. As the rows of staples are placed in
`body tissue 165, cutting blade 62. which travels behind the
`distal head portion 72 of each of the camming bars of
`actuation assembly 42, cuts the stapled body tissue, forming
`an incision between the staple rows.
`Continued actuation of motor assembly 86 effects distal
`translation of drive member 80 until the drive member
`contacts support gate 110. At such a time, camrning beam
`100 is disposed at the distal end of fastener applying
`assembly 40 and the distal head 70 of each of the camming
`bars is disposed Within the distal portion 45 of staple
`cartridge 44. Following the stapling operation, depression of
`actuation button 138 causes drive member 80 to translate
`proximally, drawing therewith camming beam 100 and
`camming bars 58a, 58b and 60a, 60b to their proximal-most
`position (FIG. 6).
`It is also contemplated that the staple cartridge 44 can be
`removable so that once actuation assembly 42 has returned
`to its proximal-most position after firing the fasteners, staple
`cartridge 44 can be removed and replaced with a loaded
`staple cartridge and actuation button 136 can be depressed
`again to fire the stapling apparatus.
`Although the apparatus has been described with respect to
`preferred embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those
`having ordinary skill in the art to which it appertains that
`changes and modifications may be made thereto without
`departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A self—contained powered surgical apparatus for apply-
`ing surgical fasteners to body tissue comprising:
`a) an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis;
`b) a cartridge supported by said elongate body and
`housing a plurality of surgical fasteners and having a
`tissue engaging surface thereon;
`c) an anvil member having a fastener forming surface
`thereon, the anvil member mounted adjacent the car-
`tridge and configured for relative movement between
`an open position wherein said fastener forming surface
`is spaced from said tissue engaging surface and a
`closed position wherein said fastener forming surface is
`i