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Publication Number
US-8348128-B2
Publication Date
2013-01-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for performing anastomosis includes a plurality of staples, an annular staple support having structure for holding the staples, and a staple closing device for closing the staples to secure the canal ends together. A method for performing anastomosis and staples for performing anastomosis are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
An anastomosis system is provided for performing anastomosis on opposing free ends of a body canal using a plurality of staples having an open and a closed position. The staples define an included space between first and second opposing sides and are circumferentially arranged and secured to an annular staple support about an interior opening when in the open position. The annular staple support comprises first and second annular portions and annular ledge portions that surround a body canal positioned in the interior opening.
With the staples in the open position, a first free end of the body canal can be positioned in the included space between the first and second sides, folded back over itself and over the side of the staple adjacent the ledge. When the staples are moved to the closed position by a staple closing mechanism, the free ends of the body canal are clamped between the opposing sides of the staples and the staples are released from the support. The lumen at the anastomosis junction remains substantially unchanged.
The annular staple support may hold the staples via pins and slots, where the slots comprise a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and the pins include a large diameter head configured so the head is smaller than the large diameter portion but larger than the small diameter portion, thereby retaining the staple. The staple closing mechanism may include a pair of jaws with concave portions dimensioned to substantially mate with corresponding portions of the annular staple support, and the engagement surfaces can cause the staples to be closed substantially simultaneously.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides three independent claims, covering an anastomosis stapling system using an annular staple support with staples in open and closed positions, including pin-and-slot retention and a jaw/support mating closure geometry.
Open and closed staples on an annular staple support for clamping opposing canal ends
A plurality of staples having first and second opposing sides joined together at a junction and defining an included space between the sides, the staples having an open and a closed position; and an annular staple support comprising first and second annular portions defining an interior opening, holding the plurality of staples about the opening when the staples are in the open position, wherein the support includes annular ledge portions surrounding a body canal positioned in the interior opening, and when moved to the closed position by a staple closing mechanism the free ends are clamped between the opposing sides and the staples are released from the support.
Pin-and-slot retention with large diameter head and slot portions for staple retaining
An anastomosis system comprising a plurality of staples having an open and a closed position, and an annular staple support defining an interior opening holding the plurality of staples when in the open position and releasing the staples when moved to the closed position by a staple closing mechanism, wherein the support comprises pins and the staples comprise slots for engaging the pins, the slots comprising a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and the pins comprising a large diameter head smaller than the large diameter portion but larger than the small diameter portion, whereby the pin will retain the staple.
Pair of jaws with concave portions dimensioned to substantially mate with the annular support
An anastomosis system comprising a plurality of staples having an open and a closed position, and an annular staple support defining an interior opening holding the plurality of staples when in the open position and releasing the staples when moved to the closed position by a staple closing mechanism; wherein the staple closing mechanism comprises a pair of jaws, each jaw comprising a concave portion dimensioned to substantially mate with a corresponding portion of the annular support.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on staples that transition from an open position to a closed position under a staple closing mechanism, supported by an annular staple support with an interior opening for positioning opposing free ends of a body canal. Additional claim scope includes pin-and-slot retention geometry and a jaw/support concave mating relationship for closing the staples.
Stated Advantages
The lumen at the anastomosis junction remains substantially unchanged.
Documented Applications
Performing anastomosis on opposing free ends of a body canal using staples and an annular staple support.
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