WO2023028913A1

WO2023028913A1 - Audible feedback for curved stapling device

Info

Publication number: WO2023028913A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/115939
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zhaokai Wang
Original assignee: Covidien Lp
Priority date: 2021-09-01
Filing date: 2021-09-01
Publication date: 2023-03-09

Abstract

A stapling device (10) includes a handle assembly (12) having a housing (18), a trigger (22), and an audible indicator mechanism (44) that provides an audible indication to a clinician after the trigger (22) is moved through a clamping stroke and after the trigger (22) is moved through a firing stroke. The audible indicator mechanism (44) includes a link (62), a clicker (64), and a retraction spring (66). The housing (18) of the handle assembly (12) defines a track (60) that has a triangular configuration and receives the clicker (64). The clicker (64) is movable through the track (60) to provide an audible indication to a clinician that the clamping and firing strokes are complete.

Description

AUDIBLE FEEDBACK FOR CURVED STAPLING DEVICE

FIELD

This technology is generally related to surgical stapling devices and, more particularly, to surgical stapling devices with audible feedback for clamping and firing.

BACKGROUND

Surgical stapling devices for applying rows of staples through compressed living tissue are known in the art and are commonly used for closure of tissue or organs prior to transection or resection of the tissue and for occlusion of the organs during thoracic or abdominal procedures. Such stapling devices sometimes include a knife for transecting or resecting the tissue or organs simultaneously with application of the staples to the tissue.

Typically, the stapling devices include a tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, an approximation assembly for moving the tool assembly between spaced and clamped positions, and a drive member for advancing a pusher to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The tool assembly is available in a variety of configurations including linear, curved, and circular. In addition, the tool assembly is available in a variety of orientations in relation to a longitudinal axis of the stapling device including parallel orientations and transverse orientations.

Typically, in transverse type stapling devices, the cartridge assembly is supported on a clamp slide assembly that is movable between retracted and advanced positions in response to actuation of a trigger through a clamping stroke to move the stapling device between the spaced and clamped positions. Subsequently, the pusher is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position in response to actuation of the trigger through a firing stroke to eject the staples from the cartridge assembly.

A continuing need exists in the art for a surgical stapling device that provides audible indication to a clinician that the clamping stroke and the firing stroke are complete.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device that includes a handle assembly including a housing, a trigger, and an audible indicator mechanism. The audible indicator mechanism is coupled to the trigger and provides an audible indication to a clinician after the trigger is moved through a clamping stroke and after the trigger is moved through a firing stroke.

Aspects of this disclosure are directed to a handle assembly including a housing, a trigger, and an audible indicator mechanism. The housing defines a stationary handle and a track having a triangular configuration that is positioned within the housing. The trigger is supported on the housing by a pivot member and is movable towards the stationary handle through a clamping stroke and subsequently through a firing stroke. The audible indicator mechanism includes a link, a clicker, and a retraction spring. The link couples the trigger to the clicker. The clicker includes first and second protrusions that are received within the track such that the clicker is movable about the track in response to movement of the trigger through the clamping stroke and through the firing stroke. The retraction spring causes movement of the clicker into a wall defining a portion of the track to provide an audible indication to a clinician that the clamping stroke and the firing stroke are complete.

In aspects of the disclosure, the housing defines a cavity within the stationary handle and the audible indicator mechanism is received within the cavity.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the housing is formed of first and second half-sections, and each of the first and second half-sections defines a portion of the track.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the first protrusion of the clicker is received within the portion of the track defined by the first half-section of the housing and the second protrusion of the clicker is received within the portion of the track defined by the second half-section of the housing.

In aspects of the disclosure, the clicker is coupled to the stationary handle by the retraction spring.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the clicker includes a central body and first and second semi-circular loops, and the link is coupled to the first semi-circular hoop of the clicker and the retraction spring coupled to the second semi-circular hoop of the clicker.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the link is formed from a non-elastic material.

In aspects of the disclosure, the first semi-circular loop of the clicker defines an opening that receives one end of the link.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the retraction spring is a coil spring.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the track includes an upper track section, and first and second side track sections, and the first and second side track sections extend downwardly from opposite ends of the upper track section and intersect each other at a lower end of the track.

In aspects of the disclosure, the first side track section is positioned rearwardly of the second side track section, and the upper track section slopes downwardly from the first side track section to the second side track section.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an elongate body, an end effector, and a clamp slide assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing, a trigger, and an audible indicator mechanism. The housing defines a stationary handle and a track having a triangular configuration that is positioned within the housing. The trigger is supported on the housing by a pivot member and is movable towards the stationary handle through a clamping stroke and subsequently through a firing stroke. The audible indicator mechanism includes a link, a clicker, and a retraction spring. The link couples the trigger to the clicker. The clicker includes first and second protrusions that are received within the track such that the clicker is movable about the track in response to movement of the trigger through the clamping stroke and through the firing stroke. The retraction spring causes movement of the clicker into a wall defining a portion of the track to provide an audible indication to a clinician that the clamping stroke and the firing stroke are complete. The elongate body defines a longitudinal axis and has a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly and a distal portion. The end effector includes an end effector frame, a cartridge assembly, and an anvil assembly. The end effector frame is coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body. The clamp slide assembly has a distal portion that is configured to releasably support the cartridge assembly, and the clamp slide assembly is movable in relation to the anvil assembly to move the cartridge assembly in relation to the anvil assembly between spaced and clamped positions.

In aspects of the disclosure, the end effector frame includes a distal transverse portion, a proximal transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion that supports the distal and proximal transverse portions in spaced relation to each other.

In aspects of the disclosure, the anvil assembly is supported on the distal transverse portion of the end effector frame.

In aspects of the disclosure, the distal portion of the clamp slide assembly is movable between the distal and proximal transverse portions of the end effector frame to move the cartridge assembly between the spaced and clamped positions.

Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a stapling device according to aspects of the disclosure in an open, pre-fired position;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a handle assembly of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with a half-section of a handle housing removed;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a half-section of the handle housing, a firing trigger, and audible indicator mechanism of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 4 illustrating a clicker of the audible indicator mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the clicker shown in FIG. 5 rotated ninety degrees;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the half-section of the handle housing, the firing trigger, and the audible indicator mechanism of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 2 with the stapling device in an open, pre-fired position;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the handle housing, the firing trigger, and the audible indicator mechanism of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 2 with the stapling device in the clamped position; and

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the handle housing, the firing trigger, and the audible indicator mechanism of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 2 with the stapling device in the clamped position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician during use of the stapling device in its customary manner, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician during use of the stapling device in its customary manner. In addition, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel. Further, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, and similar terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

This disclosure is directed to a stapling device that includes a handle assembly including a housing, a trigger, and an audible indicator mechanism that provides an audible indication to a clinician after the trigger is moved through a clamping stroke and after the trigger is moved through a firing stroke. The audible indicator mechanism includes a link, a clicker, and a retraction spring. The housing of the handle assembly defines a track that has a triangular configuration. The clicker includes protrusions that are received within the track. The clicker is coupled to the trigger by the link and is movable from a bottom of the track through a first side section of the track when the trigger is moved through clamping and firing strokes. The trigger is moved from an upper end of the first side track section through an upper track section by the retraction spring into engagement with a wall portion defining the upper portion of a second side track section to provide an audible indication to a clinician that the clamping and firing strokes are complete. The retraction spring returns the clicker to its original position when the trigger is returned to its non-actuated position.

FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical stapling device according to aspects of the disclosure shown generally as stapling device 10. The stapling device 10 includes a handle assembly 12, an elongate body 14 that extends distally from the handle assembly 12, and an end effector 16 that is supported on a distal portion of the elongate body 14. The elongate body 14 defines a longitudinal axis “X” . The handle assembly 12 includes a housing 18 that defines a stationary handle 20 and supports a movable trigger 22. In aspects of the disclosure, the trigger 22 is supported by the housing 18 to pivot towards the stationary handle 20 between non-actuated and actuated positions to actuate the end effector 16, i.e., move the end effector 16 between open and clamped positions and fire the stapling device 10. The handle assembly 12 includes two buttons 26 (only one is shown) , one being positioned on each side of the housing 18, that are movable along the housing 18 to advance and retract an alignment pin pusher 30. The handle assembly 12 also includes a release button 28 that can be depressed to move the end effector 16 from the clamped position to the open position. For a more detailed description of a representative handle assembly 12, see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 6,817,508 ( “the ’508 Patent” ) .

The stapling device 10 includes a frame 32 that extends from the handle assembly 12 and includes a distal portion 32a that supports the end effector 16. The frame 32 includes spaced frame members 34 that define a channel 36 that receives a thrust bar 37 and the alignment pin pusher 30. The thrust bar 37 (FIG. 2) is movable within the channel 36 between retracted and advanced positions in response to movement of the trigger 22 through a firing stroke to actuate the stapling device 10. The channel 36 defined by the frame members 34 also receives a clamp slide assembly 40 that extends into the end effector 16 and includes a distal portion 40a that releasably supports a cartridge assembly 38. In aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge assembly 38 is movable with the clamp slide assembly 40 in response to movement of the trigger 22 through a clamping stroke between retracted and advanced positions. For a more detailed description of the interaction between the trigger 22, the thrust bar 37, and the clamp slide assembly 40, see the ’ 508 Patent.

The end effector 16 includes a curved end effector frame 16a that includes a distal transverse portion 24a, a proximal transverse portion 24b, and a longitudinal portion 24c that connects the first and second

transverse portions

24a and 24b together. The distal transverse portion 24a of the end effector frame 16a supports an anvil assembly 42. The clamp slide assembly 40 and the cartridge assembly 38 are movable in relation to the anvil assembly 42 between spaced and clamped positions. In some aspects of the disclosure, the end effector frame 16a, the cartridge assembly 38, and the anvil assembly 42 have curved configurations along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis “X” of the elongate body 14.

FIGS. 2-4 and 7 illustrate the housing 18 (FIG. 1) of the handle assembly 12 is formed from half-sections 42a (FIG. 1) and 42b and receives an audible indicator mechanism 44. The housing 18 forms the stationary handle 20 and defines a cavity 46 within the stationary handle 20. The trigger 22 is pivotably coupled to the housing 18 by a pivot member 48 and is pivotable towards the stationary handle 20 through clamping and firing strokes. The trigger 22 has a first end portion that includes a grip 50 and a second end portion 52 that includes a hook 54. The pivot member 48 is positioned on the second end portion of the trigger 22 between the hook 54 and the grip 50. The half-

sections

42a and 42b of the housing 18 each define a portion of a track 60 that is positioned within the stationary handle 20 and has a triangular configuration. The track 60 has an upper track section 60a, and two

side track sections

60b and 60c that converge towards one another and intersect at a bottom 61 of the track 60 in a lower end of the stationary handle 20. The side track section 60b is positioned rearwardly of the side track section 60c, and the upper track section 60a is angled downwardly from the side track section 60b towards the side track section 60c.

The audible indicator mechanism 44 includes a link 62, a clicker 64, and a retraction spring 66. In aspects of the disclosure, the retraction spring 66 is in the form of a coil spring although the use of other spring types is envisioned. The link 62 has a first end portion 68 that is coupled to the hook 54 of the trigger 22 and a second end portion 70 that is coupled to the clicker 64. In aspects of the disclosure, the first end portion 68 of the link 62 defines a loop 72 (FIG. 4) that receives the hook 54 of the trigger 22, and the second end portion 70 of the link 62 extends through an opening 74 in the clicker 64 and has a bend 76 that prevents withdrawal of the link 62 back through the opening 74. In aspects of the disclosure, the link 62 is formed of a non-elastic material. In some aspects of the disclosure, the link 62 is formed from a metal such as stainless steel, e.g., SST 304 1/2 hard. In other aspects of the disclosure, the link 62 is formed using a wire bending process.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the clicker 64 which includes a central body 78 that supports protrusions 80 that are received within the track 60 (FIG. 8) formed in the half-

sections

42a and 42b of the housing 18 of the handle assembly 12. In aspects of the disclosure, the protrusions 80 have cylindrical configurations although other configurations are envisioned. The central body 78 of the clicker 64 supports

semi-circular loops

84a and 84b that are coupled to or formed integrally with the central body 78. In aspects of the disclosure, the opening 74 is formed in the semi-circular loop 84a of the clicker 64 and receives the second end portion 70 of the link 62 to couple the second end portion 70 of the link 62 to the clicker 64. The retraction spring 66 has a first end portion 88a that is coupled to the semi-circular loop 84b of the clicker 64 and a second end portion 88b that is coupled to a post 90 (FIG. 4) that is formed on an inner surface of the half-section 42b of the housing 18. The retraction spring 66 urges the clicker 64 towards the bottom 61 of the track 60.

FIG. 9 illustrates the handle assembly 12 with the half-section 42a of the housing 18 removed and the trigger 22 in a pre-clamped, pre-fired position. In the pre-clamped, pre-fired position, the clicker 74 is positioned and retained in the bottom 61 (FIG. 7) of the track 60 by the retraction spring 66. When the trigger 22 is moved through the clamping stroke of the stapling device 10 (FIG. 1) in the direction of arrow “A” in FIG. 10, the link 62 pulls the clicker 64 in the direction of arrow “B” upwardly within the side track section 60c. When the clicker 64 reaches the top of the side track section 60b, the retraction spring 66 pulls the clicker 64 downwardly in the direction of arrow “C” in FIG. 11 along the upper track section 60a. When the clicker 64 engages the wall 92 (FIG. 11) between the upper track section 60a and the side track section 60c, engagement between the clicker 64 and the wall 92 makes an audible sound to indicate to a clinician that the clamping stroke is complete. When the trigger 22 is released and returns to its non-actuated position, the retraction spring 66 pulls the clicker 64 in the direction of arrow “D” downwardly along the side track section 60c to its original position at the bottom 61 of the track 60.

When the trigger 22 is subsequently moved through its firing stroke, this same process is repeated to provide an audible indication to the clinician that the firing stroke is complete.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

A handle assembly comprising:

a housing, a trigger, and an audible indicator mechanism, the housing defining a stationary handle and a track having a triangular configuration positioned within the housing, the trigger supported on the housing by a pivot member and movable towards the stationary handle through a clamping stroke and subsequently through a firing stroke, the audible indicator mechanism including a link, a clicker, and a retraction spring, the link coupling the trigger to the clicker, the clicker including first and second protrusions that are received within the track such that the clicker is movable about the track in response to movement of the trigger through the clamping stroke and through the firing stroke, wherein the retraction spring causes movement of the clicker into a wall defining a portion of the track to provide an audible indication to a clinician that the clamping stroke and the firing stroke are complete.
The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a cavity within the stationary handle and the audible indicator mechanism is received within the cavity.
The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is formed of first and second half-sections, each of the first and second half-sections defining a portion of the track, the first protrusion of the clicker received within the portion of the track defined by the first half-section of the housing and the second protrusion of the clicker received within the portion of the track defined by the second half-section of the housing.
The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the clicker is coupled to the stationary handle by the retraction spring.
The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the clicker includes a central body and first and second semi-circular loops, the link coupled to the first semi-circular hoop of the clicker and the retraction spring coupled to the second semi-circular hoop of the clicker.
The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the link is formed from a non-elastic material.
The handle assembly of claim 6, wherein the first semi-circular loop of the clicker defines an opening that receives one end of the link.
The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the retraction spring is a coil spring.
The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the track includes an upper track section, and first and second side track sections, the first and second side track sections extending downwardly from opposite ends of the upper track section and intersecting at a lower end of the track.
The handle assembly of claim 9, wherein the first side track section is positioned rearwardly of the second side track section, and the upper track section slopes downwardly from the first side track section to the second side track section.
A surgical stapling device comprising:

a handle assembly including a housing, a trigger, and an audible indicator mechanism, the housing defining a stationary handle and a track having a triangular configuration positioned within the housing, the trigger supported on the housing by a pivot member and movable towards the stationary handle through a clamping stroke and a firing stroke, the audible indicator mechanism including a link, a clicker, and a retraction spring, the link coupling the trigger to the clicker, the clicker including first and second protrusions that are received within the track such that the clicker is movable about the track in response to movement of the trigger through the clamping stroke and the firing stroke, wherein the retraction spring causes movement of the clicker into a wall defining a section of the track to provide an audible indication to a clinician that the clamping stroke and the firing stroke are complete;

an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly and a distal portion;

an end effector including an end effector frame coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body, a cartridge assembly, and an anvil assembly; and

a clamp slide assembly having a distal portion configured to releasably support the cartridge assembly, the clamp slide assembly movable in relation to the anvil assembly to move the cartridge assembly in relation to the anvil assembly between spaced and clamped positions.
The stapling device of claim 11, wherein the housing defines a cavity within the stationary handle and the audible indicator mechanism is received within the cavity.
The stapling device of claim 11, wherein the housing is formed of first and second half-sections, each of the first and second half-sections defining a portion of the track, the first protrusion of the clicker received within the portion of the track defined by the first half-section and the second protrusion of the clicker received within the portion of the track defined by the second half-section.
The stapling device of claim 11, wherein the clicker is coupled to the stationary handle by the retraction spring.
The stapling device of claim 11, wherein the clicker includes a central body and first and second semi-circular loops, the link coupled to the first semi-circular hoop of the clicker and the retraction spring coupled to the second semi-circular hoop of the clicker.
The stapling device of claim 11, wherein the link is formed from a non-elastic material.
The stapling device of claim 16, wherein the first semi-circular loop of the clicker defines an opening that receives one end of the link.
The stapling device of claim 9, wherein the end effector frame includes a distal transverse portion, a proximal transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion supporting the distal and proximal transverse portions in spaced relation to each other.
The stapling device of claim 17, wherein the anvil assembly is supported on the distal transverse portion of the end effector frame.
The stapling device of claim 18, wherein the distal portion of the clamp slide assembly is movable between the distal and proximal transverse portions of the end effector frame to move the cartridge assembly between the spaced and clamped positions.