United States Patent
`
`(19)
`
`AO
`[11] Patent Nirnher
`5,779,130
`
`$779 130A
`
`Alesi et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jul. 14, 1998
`
`
`[54] SELF-CONTAINED POWERED SURGICAL
`APPARATUS
`
`477L.774
`4.784.137
`
`9/1988 Simpson etal. .
`11/1988 Kulik et al.
`.
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Daniel E. Alesi. Sherman: Robert J.
`Geiste, Milford: Dominick L. Mastri.
`Bridgeport. all of Conn.: Wayne P.
`Young. Brewster. N.¥.: Kenneth E.
`Toso, Wilton. Conn.
`
`:
`;
`BUCS
`espag
`[73] Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation.
`Norwalk. Conn.
`
`Appl. No.:
`21]
`a
`Bol
`Noes
`Pl
`(22) Filed:
`Oct. 7, 1994
`
`319,90
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`ve
`[63] Continuation-in-part of Ser, No, 287,455, Aug. 5, 1994,
`abandoned.
`6
`arermneinnmnnnrinnnninnnie AGIB 17068
`[S51] Ent CLS
`[52] U.S. C1. ccc cecsesscseccecnes Z2ITT6.L: 227/178. 1:
`227/180.1; 227/19
`. 227/175.1, 176.1.
`“227/178.1. 179.1, 180.1, 19
`
`[58] Field of Search.
`
`..........
`
`(56]
`
`:
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`~
`10/1932 Tomlinson .
`1,881,250
`11/197] Bryan .
`3,618,842
`6/1974 Green et al. .
`3815476
`ne .oe Soren 2 4
`4.289.131
`9/1981 Mueller .
`4.334.539
`6/1982 Childs et al.
`.
`4,484,503 11/1984 Sitte et al. .
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`12/1984 Amegger .
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`1/1985 Hotta.
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`6/1985 Green.
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`8/1986 Rothfuss et al.
`Paes eae eee a al.
`4650460
`3/1987 Roizeablett
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`4/1987 Hawkes .
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`11/1987 Sjostrom etal. .
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`3/1988 Mihalko .
`
`ms
`
`.
`.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`OLS6774
`LOVI98S European Pat. Off.
`.
`0216532
`4/1987
`European Pat. Off.
`.
`0536903
`4/1993
`European Pat. Off. .
`0539762
`5/1993
`European Pat. Off.
`.
`0552050
`7/1993
`European Pat. Off.
`0593920
`4/1994
`European Pat. Off. .
`0598579
`5/1994
`European Pat. Off.
`.
`0621006
`10/1994
`European Pat. Off. .
`0634144
`1/1995 European Pat. Off.
`.
`2660851
`10/1991
`France .
`2903159
`7/1980 Germany.
`3114135
`10/1982 Germany .
`4213426
`10/1992 Germany.
`659146
`4/1979 USSR.
`9308754
`5/1993 WIPO.
`9314706
`8/1993 WIPO.
`primary Examiner—Scott 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. Thecartridge 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 anvilfroman 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
`associated with the actuation assembly for effectuating 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
`peasewithin the clongate body for energizing the motor
`:
`
`20 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`1
`
`IS 1010
`
`IS 1010
`
`1
`
`

`

`5,779,130
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4.867.158
`4.887599
`4,936,845
`4,995,877
`5.040715
`5.059.203
`5.071.430
`5,133,359
`5.133.713
`5,133.729
`5,170,925
`5,192,292
`
`9/1989
`
`12/1991
`7/992
`T1992
`7/1992
`12/1992
`3/1993
`
`.
`
`Sugg .
`Muller .
`Stevens .
`Ams etal. .
`Green et al.
`Husted .
`de Salis et al. .
`Kedem .
`Huang etal. .
`Sjostrom .
`Maddenet al.
`Cezana et al.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`5.201.750
`5.207.697
`5.221.279
`5.237.884
`5.249.583
`5.258.007
`5.261.877
`5.268.622
`5.289.963
`5.312.023
`5.318.221
`5.326.013
`5.467.911
`
`4/1993
`5/1993
`6/1993
`8/1993
`10/1993
`11/1993
`11/1993
`12/1993
`3/1994
`H1994
`6/1994
`WALG94
`11/1995
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Hocherl et al.
`Carusillo et al,
`Cook et al.
`.
`Seto .
`Mallaby ,
`Spetzler et al.
`Fine et al.
`.
`Philipp .
`McGarry et al.
`Green et al.
`.
`Green et al.
`.
`Green et al.
`.
`Tsuruta et al. .
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 14, 1998
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`5,779,130
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 1998
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 1998
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`U.S. Patent
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`5,779,130
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`Jul. 14, 1998
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`Sheet 8 of16
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 1998
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`Jul. 14, 1998
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 14, 1998
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`Sheet 16 of 16
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`5,779,130
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`5.779.130
`
`1
`SELF-CONTAINED POWERED SURGICAL
`APPARATUS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of copending
`application Ser. No. 08/287.455 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.
`
`15
`
`2. Background of Related Art
`Surgical devices wherein tissueis first grasped or clamped
`between opposing jawstructure and then joined by means of
`surgical fasteners are well known in the art. In someinstru-
`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.
`
`25
`
`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 U.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. Appin. No. 0
`$52 050. 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.
`ic.
`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
`
`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
`A self-contained powered surgical apparatus for applying
`a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue is provided.
`anvil which defines a surface for forming the staple legs as
`The apparatus includes an elongate instrument body defining
`the fasteners are driven from the cartridge. Generally, the
`a longitudinal axis, a cartridge assembly housing a plurality
`stapling operation is effected by a pusher which travels
`of surgical fasteners, and an anvil member mounted adjacent
`longitudinally through the cartridge carrying member, with
`the cartridge assembly and configured for movement with
`the pusher acting upon the staples to sequentially eject them
`respect thereto between an open and a closed position.
`from the cartridge. A knife may travel with the pusher
`The apparatus further includes a motor assembly disposed
`between the staple rows to longitudinally cut and/or open the
`within the elongate instrument body. an actuating assembly
`stapled tissue between the rowsofstaples. Such instruments
`are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3.079.606 to Bobrovet al, and
`driven by the motor assembly for effectuating progressive
`U.S. Pat. No. 3.490.675 to Green.
`closure of the anvil and sequential ejection of the surgical
`fasteners and a power source disposed within the body for
`A later stapler disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3.499.591 to
`energizing the motor assembly. Preferably.
`the actuating
`Green applies a double row of staples on each side of the
`assembly includes a drive member which is threadably
`incision. This is accomplished by providing a cartridge
`associated with an axial drive screw that is driven by the
`assembly in which a cam member moves through an elon-
`motor assembly.
`gate guide path between twosets of staggered staple carry-
`ing grooves. Staple drive members are located within the
`the actuating assembly
`In a preferred embodiment.
`grooves and are positioned in such a manner so as to be
`includes a first camming mechanism configured to move the
`contacted by the longitudinally moving cam to effect ejec-
`anvil member into a closed position to clamp tissue, and a
`tion of the staples.
`second camming mechanism configured to sequentially
`eject fasteners from the cartridge as it
`translates there-
`Each of the instruments described above were designed
`through. A tissue cutting member is preferably associated
`for use in conventional surgical procedures wherein sur-
`with the actuating assembly for translating through the
`geons have direct manual access to the operative site.
`cartridge assembly to incise the stapled body tissue. A
`However. in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, surgery
`control for the motor assembly to operate the powered
`is performed through a small incision or through narrow a
`surgical apparatus preferably includes first and second con-
`cannula inserted through small entrance woundsin the skin.
`trol buttons for effecting distal and proximal movement of
`In order to address the specific needs of endoscopic and/or
`the actuating assembly.
`laparoscopic surgical procedures. an endoscopic surgical
`stapling apparatus has been developed and is disclosed in
`the powered surgical apparatus
`In one embodiment,
`includes an elongate shaft configured to engage with a
`U.S. Pat. No. 5.040.715. This apparatus is well suited for
`such procedures and includes a fastener applying assembly
`proximal end of the main instrument body to facilitate
`
`having an anvil andastaple cartridge provided at the distal utilization of the apparatus during an endoscopic procedure.
`end of an endoscopic body portion which permits the
`Preferably,
`the extension shaft interacts with the motor
`control buttons at the proximal end of the main instrument
`instrument to be inserted into a cannula and be remotely
`body to operate the apparatus from a location remote from
`operated by the surgeon through manipulation of a proximal
`handle mechanism.
`the surgical site.
`In another embodiment the powered surgical apparatus is
`intended to be employed during a laparoscopic procedure by
`
`BS
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`19
`
`The instruments discussed aboveall require some degree
`of manually applied force in order to clamp. fasten and/or
`
`19
`
`

`

`5.779.130
`
`10
`
`25
`
`35
`
`4
`3
`FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional viewtaken along line 9—9 of
`providing a mechanical hand whichis configured to extend
`FIG.6illustrating the drive shaft of the motor assembly:
`into the abdominal cavity through a cannula and be remotely
`FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10—10
`manipulated to actuate the apparatus.
`of FIG. 6 illustrating the interaction between the drive shaft
`In another embodiment. the powered surgical apparatus
`of the motor assembly and the axial drive screw:
`includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, and
`FIG. 11 is a side elevational view in cross-section illus-
`a disposable cartridge assembly which is detachably sup-
`trating the relative position of the internal components ofthe
`ported in a distal end portion of the elongate body.
`powered stapling device during a stapling operation:
`The disposable cartridge assembly includes a frame hav-
`FIG. 12 is a side elevational view in cross-section illus-
`ing a proximal end portion configured to engage the distal
`end portion of the elongate body. and a housing supported
`trating the relative position of the internal componentsof the
`powered stapling device at
`the completion of a stapling
`within the frame and containing a plurality of surgical
`fasteners. An anvil memberis pivotably associated with the
`operation;
`frame and is mounted for movement with respect to the
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another poweredstapling
`housing between an open position and a closed position. An
`device constructed in accordance with a preferred embodi-
`actuation assembly is disposed within the frame and is
`ment of the subject application which includes a detachable
`configured to translate in a longitudinal direction relative to
`cartridge assembly that can be discarded after a stapling
`the housing and the anvil to progressively move the anvil
`operation:
`from the open position to the closed position and sequen-
`FIG.14 is an exploded perspective view of the detachable
`tially eject the surgical fasteners from the housing to be
`cartridge assembly illustrated in FIG. 13:
`formed against the anvil. An axial drive screw is rotatably
`FIG. 15 is an enlarged side elevational view in cross
`mounted within the frame and threadably associated with the
`section of a portion of the stapling device of FIG. 13
`actuation assembly for effectuating the longitudinal transla-
`illustrating the coupling engagementofthe axial drive screw
`tion thereof
`of the cartridge assembly and the axial drive shaft of the
`The surgical apparatus further includes a motor assembly
`motor assembly;
`having an axial drive shaft. and a coupling to detachably
`FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view in partial cross-
`connectthe axial drive screw ofthe cartridge assemblyto the
`section illustrating the components of the stapling deceive
`axial drive shaft of the motor. A power source is disposed
`which facilitate the detachable connection of the cartridge
`within the elongate body for energizing the motor assembly.
`assembly and the instrument body:
`Preferably. a bayonet-type fitting is associated with the distal
`FIG. 17 is a side elevational view in cross-section taken
`end portion of the elongate body and the proximal end
`along line 17-17 of FIG.13 illustrating the motor assembly
`portion of the frameto facilitate the detachable connection
`and power cells housed within the elongate body of the
`of the cartridge assembly.
`surgical apparatus of FIG. 13.
`Further features of the powered surgical apparatus will
`FIG. 18 is a side elevational view in cross-section taken
`become morereadily apparentto those skilled in the art from
`along line 17—17 of FIG. 13 illustrating the cartridge
`the following detailed description of the invention taken in
`assembly of the subject application prior to a stapling
`conjunction with the drawings.
`operation; and
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`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
`
`Various embodiments of the powered surgical apparatus
`will be described hereinbelow with reference to the draw-
`ings wherein:
`FIG, lis a perspective view of a powered stapling device
`constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
`FIG. 2Ais 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 anillustration 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 ofFIG.1 illustrating the relative position of
`the internal components ofthe poweredstapling 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:
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`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 proce-
`dures.
`
`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
`
`20
`
`20
`
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`

`5.779.130
`
`>
`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 snapfit.
`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 whichis configured to extend through trocar device
`17 during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. Mechanical
`hand 15 includes four articulated fingers 15a—15d and an
`opposable thumb LSe which are hinged together to enable
`relative movement between a constricted position wherein
`the forehand and fingers are drawn togetherinto 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 16. The internal chambers defined within body
`sections 22 and 24 include distal chamber 26, medial cham-
`ber 28. and proximal chamber 390.
`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 38, 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 spacedapart longitudinal
`slots including a central slot 52 andlateral slot pairs 54a, 54b
`and 56a, 56b. Thelateral slot pairs 54a, 546 and 56a, 56b
`serve to accommodate longitudinal translation of the elon-
`gate camming bars 58a, 586 and 60a, 60 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
`66a and 66b 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 384 and 38 of housing channel 32. The
`engagement of wings 66a and 665 within slots 68a and 685
`
`6
`facilitates pivotal movement of 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 (see FIG.6). The orientation and length
`of slots 70 and 75 correspond substantially to that of the
`central slot $2 provided in cartridge 44.
`A spring 65 extends fromthe 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 endofthe 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
`from 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.
`Camming 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 92is
`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-9c 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 powercell to the motor assembly.
`Actuating assembly 42 further includes a camming beam
`100 for effectuating 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 supportscutting
`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
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`21
`
`21
`
`

`

`5.779.130
`
`16
`
`30
`
`35
`
`8
`7
`In use. when actuation button 138 is depressed. long pin
`(camming bars 58a, 58b and 60a, 60b) are directly con-
`150b contacts tab 142b of distal contactplate 142 and short
`nected to drive member 80. In use. the upper beam portion
`pin 150¢ contacts tab 144b of proximal contact plate 144.
`102 of camming beam 100 progressively contacts the outer
`Thus. the positive terminals of power cells 98a—98c will be
`surface 67 of anvil 64 to effect progressive anvil closure. The
`connected to the negative terminal 86 of motor assembly
`central web 104 translates through slots 52. 70. and 75. and
`86 and the negative terminals of power cells 98a—98c will be
`the lower beam portion 106 translates along the outer
`connected to the positive terminal 86a of motor assembly
`surface 35 of the base 34 of housing channel 32 to maintain
`86. causing drive shaft 88 to rotate in a clockwise direction
`anvil closure during a stapling procedure.
`to move drive member 80 distally. When actuation button
`Referring to FIG. 8 in conjunction with FIG.4. a support
`136 is depressed. long pin 1462 contacts tab 142a of distal
`gate 110 is mounted intermediate housing channel 32 which
`contract plate 142 and short pin 146c¢ contacts tab 144a
`has an aperture 115 for supporting the distal end portion of
`proximal contact plate 144. Thus, the positive terminals of
`axial drive screw84. As best seen in FIG. 4, support gate 110
`power cells 98a—98c will be connected to the positive
`includes a pair of opposed winglets 112a and 112b for
`terminal 86a of motor assembly 86 and the negative termi-
`engaging corresponding reception slots L1da and 114d in the
`nals of power cells 98a-98c will be connected to the
`opposed channel walls 38a and 386 of housing channel 32.
`negative terminal 864 of motor assembly 86. causing drive
`Upper and lower grooves 116 and 118 are formed in support
`shaft 88 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction to move
`gate 110 to accommodate the translation of the upper and
`the axial drive member 8@ in a proximal direction. It is also
`lower beam extensions 108 and 109. Lateral slot pairs 120a,
`envisioned that a single actuator button can be provided
`120b and 122a, 1226 are provided in support gate 116 to
`which will be actuable to operate an axial drive screw having
`accommodate the translation of camnming bar pairs 58a,
`a reverse thread formed therein. The reverse thread will
`585 and 60a, 606.
`cause a distally translating drive screw to automatically
`Surgical apparatus 10 further includes a switching assem-
`translate in a proximal direction at the conclusion of a
`bly 130 for selectively controlling the operation of motor
`fastener forming stroke.
`25
`assembly 86. Switching assembly 130 includes distal and
`Asdiscussed briefly hereinabove. surgical apparatus 10 is
`proximal switch housings 132 and 134, andright andleft
`preferably designed for insertion throughatrocar or cannula
`spring biased actuation buttons 136 and 138. A plurality of
`device to apply surgical staples to body tissue located within
`coiled compression springs 135 bias actuation buttons 136
`a body cavity while being actuable remote from the surgical
`and 138 in a proximal direction. Switch housings 132 and
`site. Shaft 12 includes elongate transmission members 12a
`134 are mountedto one another and fastened to the proximal
`and 126 (or 12a' and 12b') for effectuating remote actuation
`end of surgical apparatus 10 by a threaded connector 140.
`of switching assembly 130 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). Trans-
`and are operatively separated from one another by a distal
`mission members 12a and 12 (or 12a' and 126’) may
`insulating ring 141, a distal contact plate 142. a medial
`include a pair of substantially rigid rods for transmitting a
`insulating ring 143. and a proximal contact plate 144. A
`mechanical signal to actuation buttons 136 and 138. or. in
`distal contact ring 145 is disposed between distal switch
`the alternative. the transmission members may include trans-
`housing 132 and spring 137.
`mission cables for directing an electrical signal to switching
`Distal contact plate 142 includes a pair of opposed
`assembly 130. In either instance, the shaft would include
`upturned contact tabs 142@ and 142, and proximal contact
`two actuation buttons to respectively actuate buttons 136
`plate 144 includes a pair of opposed upturned contact tabs
`and 138 and causethe rotation of drive screw 84 in opposed
`directions.
`144¢ and 1446 which are positioned 60° out of phase with
`tabs 142a and 1425. Each actuation button has associated
`Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7. prior to operating the
`therewith three contact pins,
`two of which interact with
`surgical stapling device 10, the anvil 64 is disposed in a
`contact plates 142 and 144 to controlthe relative movement
`free-movement position to facilitate the capture of body
`of drive screw 84.
`In particular, actuation button 136
`tissue (or spring biased to a closed or an open position as in
`includes two long pins 146a and 146b and one short pin
`the aforementioned alternate embodiments). Movement of
`146c. Short pin 146c is seated within a central reception port
`anvil 64 is accommodated by the pivotal engagement of
`147¢, while long pins 146a and 146b are seated within
`anvil wings 66a and 66d in reception slots 68a and 68. The
`lateral reception ports 147a and 1476.
`pivotal movementof anvil 64 is best seen in FIG.6. Prior to
`Long pin 146a and short pin 146c are positioned to
`actuation, camming beam 100 is maintained within a sup-
`selectively engage contact tabs 142a and 144b respectively.
`port seat 26a defined in the distal chamber 26 of instrument
`while long pin 1466 remains free from electrical contact
`body 20. At such a time. the upper beam portion 102 is out
`Similarly, actuation button 138 includes long pins 150a and
`of contact with the outer surface 67 of anvil 64 permitting
`150, and short pin 156c. Short pin 150c is seated within a
`the pivotal movement thereof. Also at this time. the distal
`central reception port 15ic, while long pins 150a and 1565
`head portion 72 of each of the camming bars 58a, 586 and
`are seated within lateral reception ports 15la and 151d.
`60a, 60b is dispo