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Publication Number
US-9687241-B1
Publication Date
2017-06-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
An anastomosis device includes a stapler and an anvil. The stapler includes a clamp head with opposing first and second clamp jaws and a clamp actuator and clamp lock. Staple magazines are connected to the clamp jaws for retaining a plurality of staples in an array, and drivers are provided for moving the plurality of staples in the array out of the staple magazine. An anvil includes a clamp head with opposing first and second clamp jaws, a clamp actuator and a clamp lock. Anvil portions are connected to the clamp jaws. The stapler detachably engages to the anvil, and aligns the staple magazines with the anvils. The drivers are operated to move the staples from the staple magazines into contact with the anvil portions. A method for performing anastomosis is also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The document describes a linear anastomosis device that includes a stapler and an anvil. Each includes opposing clamp jaws and a clamp actuator, and each uses a lock to secure the clamp jaws in a clamping position. The stapler retains staples in a first staple magazine connected to the first clamp jaw and a second staple magazine connected to the second clamp jaw, with drivers associated with the respective staple magazines for simultaneously moving the staples out of the magazines.
The anvil includes first and second anvil portions connected to corresponding anvil clamp jaws, and the first and second anvil portions are positioned adjacent to and aligned with the first and second staple magazines when the stapler and the anvil are detachably engaged. In that engagement condition, the drivers operate so that staples from the first and second staple magazines move into contact with the corresponding first and second anvil portions.
The device further includes an engagement structure on the stapler and the anvil for detachable engagement, with selectable engagement and alignment structures to accommodate spacing or tissue thickness. The anvil portions and anvil surfaces cooperate with the staple magazines to drive and bend staple ends to close vessel flaps, forming a linear anastomosis.
A workflow is outlined in which the device clamps vessel ends with the stapler and anvil, engages them with alignment, actuates to drive staples into the anvil surfaces to form the linear anastomosis, and then releases or disengages. Various embodiments describe ratchet locks and other engagement structures, and optional closure of side openings by suturing.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim covering an anastomosis device with a stapler and anvil that detachably engage, clamp vessel ends, and simultaneously drive linear staple arrays into corresponding anvil portions using first and second staple magazines and drivers. Dependent claims refine the independent claim with specific engagement and locking structures and driver/staple-array features.
Detachable stapler-anvil engagement with aligned staple magazines and anvil portions
An engagement structure on the stapler and the anvil for detachable engagement of the stapler to the anvil, whereupon the first anvil portion is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the first staple magazine and the second anvil portion is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the second staple magazine.
Dual clamp jaws with clamp actuators and locks on stapler and anvil
A stapler and an anvil, each comprising a clamp head with opposing clamp jaws and a clamp actuator for moving the opposing jaws toward one another to a clamping position, and a lock for securing the clamp jaws in the clamping position.
Simultaneous staple-array delivery from first and second staple magazines
A first staple magazine connected to the first clamp jaw for retaining a plurality of staples in an array, and a first driver associated with the first staple magazine for simultaneously moving the plurality of staples in the array out of the staple magazine; and a second staple magazine connected to the second clamp jaw for retaining a plurality of staples in an array, and a second driver associated with the second staple magazine for simultaneously moving the plurality of staples in the array out of the staple magazine, so that the first and second drivers can be operated to move the staples into contact with the first and second anvil portions, respectively.
Across the independent claim, the core inventive coverage centers on detachable stapler-anvil engagement that aligns first and second staple magazines with corresponding first and second anvil portions, while both stapler and anvil provide opposing clamp jaws secured in a clamping position and two drivers simultaneously move staples into contact with the aligned anvil portions.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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