Abstract
An end effector includes first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another between open and clamped configurations about a pivot axis. The first and second jaw members each define a pivot hole which defines the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members also each define an articulation axis that is orthogonal to the pivot axis and position distal of the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members are articulatable about the articulation axis between straight and fully articulated configurations.
Claims
1. A surgical instrument comprising; two jaws with a straight configuration and a fully articulated configuration, the two jaws each having a proximally projecting tab; a jaw support having a body with sidewalls, the sidewalls defining an end effector channel therebetween and an upper clamping pocket and a lower clamping pocket; and an upper cam member and a lower cam member, the upper cam member being attached to one of the two jaws by an upper coupling member and the lower cam member being attached to the other of the two jaws by a lower coupling member, the upper cam member and the lower cam member being pivotally coupled together and moveable relative to one another to move the two jaws between an open configuration and a clamped configuration, the two jaws being pivotable about the upper coupling member and lower coupling member from the straight configuration to the fully articulated configuration, the sidewalls preventing the two jaws from moving to the clamped configuration by interaction with the projecting tabs.
2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein when the two jaws are in the straight configuration or the fully articulated configuration, the upper clamping pocket and the lower clamping pocket of the sidewalls allow the two jaws to pivot between the open configuration and the clamped configuration.
3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein one of the two jaws comprises a fastener cartridge.
4. The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein the fastener cartridge has deformable staples therein.
5. The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein the fastener cartridge has fasteners and the other of the two jaws has retainers corresponding to the fasteners.
6. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the upper cam member and the lower cam member are disposed proximal to the upper coupling member and the lower coupling member.
7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing member between the upper coupling member and the lower coupling member.
8. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the upper cam member and the lower cam member have support arms extending distally therefrom and receive the upper coupling member and the lower coupling member.
9. The surgical instrument according to claim 8, wherein the support arms increase the radius of the arc for movement of the two jaws between the open configuration and the clamped configuration.
10. The surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein the two jaws each have a tissue contacting surface and the tissue contacting surfaces maintain a substantially parallel relationship with one another, as the two jaws move between the open configuration and the closed configuration.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a loading unit provided in accordance with the present disclosure in a shipping configuration;
(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view, with parts separated, illustrating the internal components of the loading unit of FIG. 1;
(4) FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 2;
(5) FIG. 4 is an exploded view, with parts separated, of the end effector of FIG. 3;
(6) FIG. 5 is an exploded view, with parts separated, of the retainer jaw of FIG. 4;
(7) FIG. 6 is an exploded view, with parts separated, of the fastener jaw of FIG. 4;
(8) FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 1 with the lower housing portion and portions of the clamping assembly removed;
(9) FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the articulating mechanism of FIG. 7;
(10) FIG. 9 in an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7;
(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 3 in a straight configuration;
(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 10 in a fully articulated configuration;
(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2 which is disposed within the housing, with the housing removed;
(14) FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 2 which is supported at a distal end of the housing;
(15) FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 1 with the upper housing portion removed;
(16) FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 14;
(17) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 15 in an open configuration;
(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 15 in a shipping configuration between the open configuration and a clamped configuration;
(19) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 15 in the clamped configuration;
(20) FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 19-19 of FIG. 11;
(21) FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a distal portion of the loading unit and end effector of FIG. 1 in the fully articulated and clamped configuration;
(22) FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of a distal portion of the loading unit and end effector of FIG. 1 in the fully articulated and clamped configuration;
(23) FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 22-22 of FIG. 21;
(24) FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 21 with the upper coupling member removed;
(25) FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the firing assembly of the loading unit of FIG. 1;
(26) FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 25-25 of FIG. 24;
(27) FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a proximal end of a firing rod of the firing mechanism of FIG. 24;
(28) FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a distal end the firing rod of the firing mechanism of FIG. 24;
(29) FIG. 28A is cross-sectional view taken along the section line 28A-28A of FIG. 3 with a sled in an initial position;
(30) FIG. 28B is cross-sectional view taken along the section line 28B-28B of FIG. 3 with fasteners disposed within the fastener cartridge;
(31) FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 28A with the sled partially pulled through the fastener cartridge;
(32) FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 28B with the sled partially pulled through the fastener cartridge to eject fasteners from the fastener cartridge and including the retainer jaw in the clamped position;
(33) FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a completed two-part fastener of FIG. 29B;
(34) FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 31-31 of FIG. 30;
(35) FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 1 in a shipping configuration with the upper housing portion removed;
(36) FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 32;
(37) FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the loading unit of FIG. 32 with the lower housing portion removed and including the shipping lock of FIG. 1;
(38) FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 34;
(39) FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the shipping lock and locking ring of FIG. 2;
(40) FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the shipping lock and the locking ring of FIG. 36 with the locking ring rotated to an unlocked position;
(41) FIG. 38 is a cut-away view of the loading unit of FIG. 1 in use during a surgical procedure in accordance with the present disclosure with the loading unit in a straight configuration;
(42) FIG. 39 is a cut-away view of the loading unit of FIG. 38 with the end effector extending past a distal end of the cannula and in a straight, open configuration;
(43) FIG. 40 is a cut-away view of the loading unit of FIG. 39 in a fully articulated, open configuration with a vaginal cuff positioned between the jaws of the end effector;
(44) FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 41-41 of FIG. 40;
(45) FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 41 in a clamped configuration; and
(46) FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 42 in an open configuration after the fasteners have been fired through the vaginal cuff.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(47) Embodiments of the present disclosure are now described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term clinician refers to a doctor, a nurse, or any other care provider and may include support personnel. Throughout this description, the term proximal refers to the portion of the device or component thereof that is closest to the clinician and the term distal refers to the portion of the device or component thereof that is farthest from the clinician.
(48) This disclosure relates generally to a loading unit for a powered or manual surgical handle, or for use with a robotic surgical system, including an articulatable end effector for joining tissue with a substantially parallel closure. The end effector is articulatable relative to an elongated body of the loading unit and includes a retainer jaw and a fastener jaw that are moveable relative to one another. As described in greater detail below, during a procedure, the loading unit is inserted through an incision in a straight configuration with the entire end effector aligned with the elongated body. Portions of the end effector are then articulated to an articulated configuration such that the portions of the end effector are articulated from a longitudinal axis of the elongated body with the retainer and fastener jaws in an open configuration. The articulated portions of the fastener and retainer jaws are then moved in a substantially parallel manner towards a clamped configuration over an end of a vaginal cuff. Fasteners disposed within the fastener jaw are then fired through the vaginal cuff to close the vaginal cuff. Alternatively, the presently disclosed loading unit is useable in other minimally invasive procedures (e.g., laparoscopic, endoscopic, etc.).
(49) Referring now to FIG. 1, the loading unit 10 is provided in accordance with the present disclosure and includes an elongated body 12 extending from a connector 23 to an end effector 30. As shown in FIG. 1 and described in greater detail below, the loading unit 10 is in a shipping configuration with a shipping lock 40 secured about a proximal tube 14 of the elongated body 12. The connector 23 is configured to couple the loading unit 10 to a surgical instrument (not shown) including a drive rod which actuates the loading unit 10 to articulate the end effector 30 relative to the elongated body 12, to clamp tissue within the end effector 30, and to form fasteners 148b (FIG. 43) through the clamped tissue.
(50) The connector 23 of the loading unit 10 may be configured for selective connection to a powered hand held electromechanical instrument (not shown), may be configured for selective connection to an adapter for a powered or manual instrument (not shown), or may be configured for selective connection to a manually actuated handle assembly (not shown). For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary manually actuated handle assembly, please refer to commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,737, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary electromechanical instrument and adapter, please refer to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/484,975, filed on May 31, 2012, now published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0253329, each of these disclosures is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
(51) With additional reference to FIG. 2, the elongated body 12 includes an inner housing 20 (FIG. 1) formed from a lower housing portion 21 and an upper housing portion 22. The inner housing 20 includes the connector 23, a proximal cylinder 24, and a distal cylinder 26. The proximal cylinder 24 extends from the connector 23 and the distal cylinder 26 extends from the proximal cylinder 24. The distal cylinder 26 has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the proximal cylinder 24. A distal extension 27 extends from the distal cylinder 26 and supports portions of a clamping mechanism 60 as detailed below. The lower housing portion 21 and the upper housing portion 22 are secured together by a proximal tube 14 disposed over the proximal cylinder 24 and a distal tube 16 disposed over the distal cylinder 26. The proximal tube 14 has a first diameter and the distal tube 16 has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The first diameter may be in a range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm (e.g., 12 mm) and the second diameter may be in a range of about 12 mm to about 20 mm (e.g., 15 mm). The proximal tube 14 and the distal tube 16 may be joined by a housing ring 15 disposed over the proximal tube 14 and within the distal tube 16 as shown in FIG. 1. The housing ring 15 may seal a gap defined between the proximal and distal tubes 14, 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 23 extends proximally from proximal tube 14.
(52) Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the end effector 30 includes an upper cam member 28a, a lower cam member 28b, a fastener jaw 32, a retainer jaw 34, an upper coupling member 37a, and a lower coupling member 37b. The upper cam member 28a, retainer jaw 34 and upper coupling member 37a form a first jaw member of the end effector 30 and the lower cam member 28b, the fastener jaw 32, and the lower coupling member 37b form a second jaw member of the end effector 30. The upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b are pivotally coupled together and are moveable relative to one another to move the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 between an open configuration and a clamped configuration. As detailed below, the fastener jaw 32 is rotatably coupled to the lower cam member 28b and the retainer jaw 34 is rotatably coupled to the upper cam member 28a.
(53) With particular reference to FIG. 5, the upper cam member 28a includes sidewalls 112, a support arm 116, a camming surface 118, and a clamp stop 119. The sidewalls 112 each define a pivot hole 113 that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the housing 20 (FIG. 1). The support arm 116 extends distally from the sidewalls 112 and defines a rotation hole 117. The camming surface 118 and the clamp stop 119 are disposed on an upper surface of the sidewalls 112. The clamp stop 119 is positioned at a distal end of the camming surface 118 and extends above the camming surface 118. As shown the clamp stop 119 is positioned distal of the pivot hole 113; however, it is contemplated that the clamp stop 119 may be positioned proximal of the pivot hole 113.
(54) With particular reference to FIG. 6, the lower cam member 28b includes sidewalls 122, a support arm 126, a camming surface 128, and a clamp stop 129. The sidewalls 122 each define a pivot hole 123 that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the housing 20 (FIG. 1). The sidewalls 122 define a channel 124 therebetween. The support arm 126 extends distally from the sidewalls 122 and defines a rotation hole 127. The camming surface 128 and the clamp stop 129 are disposed on a lower surface of the sidewalls 122. The clamp stop 129 is positioned at a distal end of the camming surface 128 and extends below the camming surface 128. As shown the clamp stop 129 is positioned distal of the pivot hole 123; however, it is contemplated that the clamp stop 129 may be positioned proximal of the pivot hole 123.
(55) As shown in FIG. 3, the channel 124 of the lower cam member 28b receives the sidewalls 112 of the upper cam member 28a such that the pivot holes 113 of the upper cam member 28a are aligned with the pivot holes 123 of the lower cam member 28b. A pivot pin 36 (FIG. 4) is positioned within the pivot holes 113, 123 such that the cam members 28a, 28b are pivotal relative to one another about a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin 36.
(56) With particular reference to FIG. 5, the retainer jaw 34 includes a body 130 that has a proximal tab 132, a central portion 135, and locking fingers 139. The proximal tab 132 defines a rotation opening 133 and an articulation opening 134. The rotation opening 133 is positioned within a recess 132a that is defined within the proximal tab 132. The rotation opening 133 and the articulation opening 134 each pass through an upper surface of the proximal tab 132 and may also pass through a lower surface of the proximal tab 132. The central portion 135 releasably receives a retainer cartridge 136 that includes a cartridge body 137 and retainers 138. The cartridge body 137 has a tissue contacting surface 137a that defines wells 137b that releasably receive retainers 138. The locking fingers 139 extend from a distal end of the central portion 135.
(57) With particular reference to FIG. 6, the fastener jaw 32 includes a body 140 having a proximal tab 142, sidewalls 145, and protrusions 149. The proximal tab 142 defines a rotation opening 143 and an articulation opening 144. The rotation opening 143 and the articulation opening 144 each pass through a lower surface of the proximal tab 142 and may also pass through an upper surface of the proximal tab 142. The sidewalls 145 define a cartridge channel 145a that releasably receives a fastener cartridge 146 that includes a cartridge body 147. The cartridge body 147 has a tissue contacting surface 147a that defines openings 147b. The cartridge body 147 includes pushers 148a and fasteners 148b. A sled 94 is disposed within the cartridge channel 145a and is translatable through a sled channel 141 defined by the body 140 to eject the fasteners 148b from the fastener cartridge 146 as detailed below. The protrusions 149 are disposed on an outer surface of the sidewalls 145 adjacent a distal end of the body 140. The protrusions 149 rotatably support a locking member 49.
(58) The locking member 49 includes legs 152 and a backspan 154 connecting the legs 152. Each of the legs 152 defines an opening 153 that is sized to receive and rotate about one of the protrusions 149. As detailed below, the locking member 49 is rotatable over the locking fingers 139 of the retainer jaw 34 to secure the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 in the closed configuration.
(59) With continued reference to FIGS. 3-6, the upper coupling member 37a rotatably couples the retainer jaw 34 to the upper cam member 28a. The upper coupling member 37a includes a rotation post 38a and an articulation post 39a. The rotation post 38a of the upper coupling member 37a passes through the rotation hole 117 of the upper cam member 28a and is press-fit into the rotation opening 133 of the retainer jaw 34 to rotatably couple the retainer jaw 34 to the upper cam member 28a. The rotation post 38a of the upper coupling member 37a defines an articulation axis of the retainer jaw 34. When the articulation post 38a of the upper coupling member 37a is press-fit into the rotation opening 133 of the retainer jaw 34, the upper coupling member 37a is received in the recess 132a defined by the proximal tab 132 of the retainer jaw 34 such that an outer surface of the upper coupling member 37a is contiguous with an outer surface of the central portion 135 of the retainer jaw 34. Further, when the retainer jaw 34 is in a straight configuration, as detailed below, the outer surface of the upper coupling member 37a may be contiguous with the clamp stop 119 of the upper cam member 28a. The articulation post 39a of the upper coupling member 37a is disposed in the articulation opening 134 of the retainer jaw 34 to rotatably fix the upper coupling member 37a relative to the retainer jaw 34.
(60) The lower coupling member 37b rotatably couples the fastener jaw 32 to the lower cam member 28b. The lower coupling member 37b includes a rotation post 38b and an articulation post 39b. The rotation post 38b of the lower coupling member 37b passes through the rotation hole 127 of the lower cam member 28b and is press-fit into the rotation opening 143 of the fastener jaw 32 to rotatably couple the fastener jaw 32 to the lower cam member 28b. The rotation post 38b of the lower coupling member 37b defines an articulation axis of the fastener jaw 32. When the articulation post 38b of the lower coupling member 37b is press-fit into the rotation opening 143 of the fastener jaw 32, the lower coupling member 37b is received in a recess 142a defined by the proximal tab 142 of the fastener jaw 32 such that an outer surface of the lower coupling member 37b is contiguous with an outer surface of the central portion 145 of the fastener jaw 32. Further, when the fastener jaw 32 is in a straight configuration, as detailed below, the outer surface of the lower coupling member 37b may be contiguous with the clamp stop 129 of the lower cam member 28b. The articulation post 39b of the lower coupling member 37b is disposed in the articulation opening 144 of the fastener jaw 32 to rotatably fix the lower coupling member 37b relative to the fastener jaw 32.
(61) Referring briefly back to FIG. 2, the housing 20 includes an articulation mechanism 50, a clamping mechanism 60, and a firing mechanism 80 that manipulate the end effector 30 as detailed below. With additional reference to FIGS. 7-11, the articulation mechanism 50 includes an articulation shaft 52, an articulation pivot arm 56, and articulation rods 58. The articulation shaft 52 has a body 52a, a proximal flag 53 and a distal arm 54. The body 52a of the articulation shaft 52 is disposed parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing 20 and is offset from the longitudinal axis of the housing 20. The distal arm 54 of the articulation shaft 52 is longitudinally offset from the body 52a of the articulation shaft 52 and is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing 20 and has a distal end 54a. The distal arm 54 of the articulation shaft is also vertically offset (e.g., below) the body 52a of the articulation shaft 52.
(62) With particular reference to FIG. 9, the articulation pivot arm 56 includes a first pivot 56a, a second pivot 56b, and a third pivot 56c. The first pivot 56a is positioned on one end of the articulation pivot arm 56, the third pivot 56c is positioned on the other end of the articulation pivot arm 56, and the second pivot 56b is positioned between the first and third pivots 56a, 56c. The first pivot 56a of the articulation pivot arm 56 is rotatably supported by the upper housing portion 22 and may also be rotatably supported by the lower housing portion 21 (FIG. 2). The second pivot 56b is coupled to the distal end 54a of the distal arm 54 of the articulation shaft 52. The third pivot 56c is coupled to a proximal end 58a of each of the articulation rods 58. As shown, the proximal ends 58a of the articulation rods 58 are coupled to the upper and lower ends of the third pivot 56c; however, it is contemplated that the proximal ends 58a of the articulation rods 58 may be positioned anywhere along the third pivot 56c an equal distance in opposing directions from the pivot arm 56. The articulation rods 58 each include a distal end 58b that is coupled to a respective one of the articulation posts 39a, 39b of the upper and lower coupling members 37a, 37b.
(63) With particular reference to FIG. 10, the end effector 30 is in a straight configuration such that the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are substantially aligned with the elongated body 12 of the loading unit 10. In the straight configuration of the end effector 30, a longitudinal axis of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated body 12. In the straight configuration, an angle defined between the longitudinal axis of the end effector 30 and the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 12 is in a range of about 175 to about 185 (e.g., 180). In other words, the longitudinal axis of the end effector 30 may be articulated in a range of about 5 to about 5 (e.g., 0) from the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 12 in the straight configuration.
(64) With particular reference to FIG. 11, the end effector 30 is in a fully articulated configuration such that the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are articulated in relation to the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b. As such, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are articulated relative to the pivot axis defined by the pivot pin 36. In the fully articulated configuration of the end effector 30, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are also articulated relative to elongated body 12 of the loading unit 10. Accordingly, the longitudinal axis of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 defines an angle with the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 12 in the fully articulated configuration of the end effector 30. In the fully articulated configuration, the angle defined between the longitudinal axis of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 and the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 12 is in a range of about 30 to about 105 (e.g., 90). It will be appreciated that the end effector 30 may be articulated at any angle between the straight configuration and the fully articulated configuration. As detailed in greater detail below, the body 52a of the articulation shaft 52 defines an articulation locking notch 55 (FIG. 2) that is engaged by the shipping lock 40 (FIG. 1) to lock the loading unit 10 in a shipping configuration (FIG. 1) which is between the straight configuration and the fully articulated configuration of the end effector 30.
(65) With continued reference to FIGS. 8-11, the proximal flag 53 of the actuation shaft 52 is longitudinally translatable in an articulation channel 57 (FIG. 2) defined in the connector 23 to articulate the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 between the straight configuration (FIG. 10) and the fully articulated configuration (FIG. 11). As the articulation flag 53 of the articulation shaft 52 is translated proximally, the articulation shaft 52 is translated proximally within the housing 20 as indicated by arrow P to rotate the pivot arm 56 in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated by arrow CCW (note that FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the end effector 30) to articulate the end effector 30 towards the fully articulated configuration. As the articulation shaft 52 is translated proximally, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are rotated about the rotation posts 38a, 38b (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the upper and lower coupling members 37a, 37b, respectively, to articulate the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 relative to the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b. Specifically, as the articulation shaft 52 is translated proximally, the distal end 54a of the distal arm 54 moves the second pivot 56b of the pivot arm 56 to rotate the pivot arm 56 about the first pivot 56a in the counter-clockwise direction. As the pivot arm 56 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction, the third pivot 56c moves the proximal ends 58a of the articulation rods 58 to translate the articulation rods 58 proximally. As the articulation rods 58 are translated proximally, the distal end 58b of each articulation rod 58 moves a respective one the articulation posts 39a, 39b of the upper and lower coupling members 37a, 37b to articulate the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 towards the fully articulated configuration in the counter-clockwise direction. It will be appreciated that the pivot arm 56 acts as a lever to multiply the translation of the articulation rods 58 with respect to the translation of the articulation shaft 52.
(66) As the articulation flag 53 of the articulation shaft 52 is translated distally, the articulation shaft 52 is translated distally within the housing 20 in a direction opposite arrow P to rotate the pivot arm 56 in a clockwise direction opposite arrow CCW to articulate the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 towards the straight configuration. As the articulation shaft 52 is translated distally, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are rotated about the rotation posts 38a, 38b of the upper and lower coupling members 37a, 37b, respectively. Specifically, as the articulation shaft 52 is translated distally, the distal end 54a of the distal arm 54 moves the second pivot 56b of the pivot arm 56 to rotate the pivot arm 56 about the first pivot 56a in the clockwise direction. As the pivot arm 56 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the third pivot 56c moves the proximal ends 58a of the articulation rods 58 to distally translate the articulation rods 58. As the articulation rods 58 are translated distally, the distal end 58b of each articulation rod 58 moves a respective one the articulation posts 39a, 39b of the upper and lower coupling members 37a, 37b to articulate the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 towards the straight configuration in the clockwise direction.
(67) Referring to FIGS. 11-22, the clamping mechanism 60 (FIG. 2) moves the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 between an open configuration (FIG. 11) and a clamped configuration (FIG. 21) in a substantially parallel manner when the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are in the fully articulated configuration. In the open configuration of the end effector 30, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are spaced-apart relative to one another. As detailed below, the end effector 30 may be secured in a shipping configuration (FIG. 1) by the shipping lock 40 (FIG. 1) such that the fastener cartridge 146 and the retainer cartridge 136 may be coupled to or decoupled from the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively.
(68) In the clamped configuration of the end effector 30, the tissue contacting surfaces 147a, 137a of the fastener and retainer cartridges 146, 136, respectively, oppose one another and each fastener 148b of the fastener cartridge 146 is aligned with a respective retainer 138 of the retainer cartridge 136. As detailed below, when the fasteners 148b are ejected from the fastener cartridge 146, the fasteners 148b form two-part fasteners with the retainers 138 through tissue between the tissue contacting surfaces 147a, 137a of the fastener and retainer jaws 146, 136, respectively.
(69) With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 12-14, the clamping mechanism 60 includes a clamping shaft 62, a clamping pivot arm 68, a clamping rod 72, a clamping actuator 74, a clamping sleeve 76, and a jaw support 78. The clamping shaft 62 includes a proximal portion 64 that defines a carriage notch 65 that receives a carriage 18 which is disposed within a carriage channel 23a defined in the connector 23. The carriage 18 is configured to translate in response to a drive rod (not shown) of a surgical instrument coupled to the connector 23.
(70) Now with reference to FIGS. 16-18, the clamping shaft 62 includes a distal portion which defines a cam or clamping hook 67. The clamping hook 67 slidingly engages the clamping pivot arm 68 to pivot the clamping pivot arm 68 between an open position (FIG. 16) corresponding to the open configuration of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 (FIG. 19) and a clamped position (FIG. 18) corresponding to the clamped configuration of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 (FIG. 20). The clamping pivot arm 68 includes a first end 68a, a second end 68b, and a cam follower or engagement portion 69 positioned between the first end 68a and the second end 68b. The clamping pivot arm 68 is rotatable about the first end 68a which is rotatably secured by the lower housing portion 21 of the inner housing 20 (FIG. 1). The first end 68a of the clamping pivot arm 68 may also be rotatably secured by the upper housing portion 22 (FIG. 2) of the inner housing 20. The second end 68b is rotatably coupled to a proximal end 72a of the clamping rod 72. The engagement portion 69 is engaged by the clamping hook 67 of the clamping shaft 62 to rotate the clamping pivot arm 68 about its first end 68a. As the clamping pivot arm 68 pivots about its first end 68a, the clamping pivot arm 68 translates the clamping rod 72. As the clamping shaft 62 is advanced in the direction indicated by arrow D, the clamping hook 67 cams the engagement portion 69 of the clamping pivot arm 68 to rotate the clamping pivot arm 68 towards the clamped position (FIG. 18). As the clamping shaft 62 is retracted in a direction opposite arrow D, the clamping hook 67 cams the engagement portion 69 of the clamping pivot arm 68 to rotate the clamping pivot arm 68 towards the open position (FIG. 16). The clamping hook 67 of the clamping shaft 62 may be advanced past the clamping pivot arm 68 such that the clamping pivot arm 68 remains in the clamped position (FIG. 18) until the clamping shaft 62 is retracted such that the clamping hook 67 reengages the engagement portion 69 of the clamping pivot arm 68. The clamping shaft 62 defines a clamping lock notch 66 (FIG. 13) that is engagable by the shipping lock 40 (FIG. 1) to secure the clamping mechanism 60 in a shipping position, which is between the open and closed positions corresponding to the shipping configuration of the loading unit 10.
(71) With particular reference to FIGS. 13 and 19, the distal end 72b of the clamping rod 72 is coupled to a clamping post 75 of the clamping actuator 74. The distal end 72b of the clamping rod 72 may define an opening that receives the clamping post 75. As the clamping pivot arm 68 is pivoted between its open and clamped positions, the clamping rod 72 moves the clamping actuator 74 between a proximal position (FIG. 19) and a distal position (FIG. 22). The clamping actuator 74 includes a proximal body 162 and retraction arms 163. In its proximal position, the proximal body 162 is positioned over the distal extension 27 of the upper housing portion 22. The upper housing portion 22 may define a recess 22a that is sized to receive the proximal body 162 of the clamping actuator 74. An outer surface of the proximal body 162 is aligned with an outer surface of the distal tube 16 and is coincident with an outer surface of the clamping sleeve 76. The retraction arms 163 extend distally from the proximal body 162 and include an engagement finger 164 at a distal end of each retraction arm 163. The retraction arms 163 extend within the clamping sleeve 76 such that the engagement fingers 164 engage retraction recesses 167 defined in a distal end 166a of the clamping sleeve 76.
(72) The clamping sleeve 76 includes a tubular body 166 and a clamp stop arm 169. The tubular body 166 defines a proximal cavity 168 that receives the clamping actuator 74 such that the clamping actuator 74 forms a contiguous outer surface with the tubular body 166. The proximal cavity 168 is defined in an upper surface of the tubular body 166. The clamp stop arm 169 extends distally from the distal end 166a of the tubular body 166 and is positioned to extend between the proximal tabs 142, 132 (FIG. 22) of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, when the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are in the fully articulated configuration and the clamping sleeve 76 is in a distal position.
(73) With particular reference to FIGS. 19 and 22, the clamping sleeve 76 is translatable between a proximal position (FIG. 19) and a distal position (FIG. 22) to move the end effector 30 between the open and clamped configurations. As detailed below, the tubular body 166 of the clamping sleeve 76 engages camming surfaces 118, 128 of the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b, respectively, to move the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 towards the clamped configuration as the clamping sleeve 76 is translated towards its distal position.
(74) In the proximal position of the clamping sleeve 76, the distal end 166a of the tubular body 166 is at or is proximal to the pivot pin 36. The upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b each define a portion of a biasing channel 29a, 29b that receives an end effector biasing member 31. The end effector biasing member 31 urges the support arms 116, 126 of the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b, respectively, away from one another such that the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are urged towards the open configuration.
(75) As the clamping actuator 74 is moved towards its distal position by the clamping rod 72, the clamping actuator 74 translates the clamping sleeve 76 distally. As the clamping sleeve 76 is translated distally, the distal end 166a of the tubular body 166 engages the camming surfaces 118, 128 of the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b to urge the support arms 116, 126 of the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b, respectively, against the end effector biasing member 31 and towards one another to move the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 towards the clamped configuration. When the clamping sleeve 76 reaches its distal position, the distal end 166a of the tubular body 166 abuts the clamp stops 119, 129 of the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b, respectively, such that the clamp stops 119, 129 act as a limit stop for the clamping sleeve 76 and defining a maximum travel distance for the clamping sleeve 76. In the distal position of the clamping sleeve 76, the proximal tabs 142, 132 of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, engage the clamp stop arm 169.
(76) As shown, as the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 move between the open and clamped configurations, the tissue contacting surfaces 137a, 147a maintain a substantially parallel relationship to one another. Specifically, the tissue contacting surfaces 137a, 147a close along an arc having a center defined on a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin 36. The support arms 116, 126 of the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b extend from the pivot pin 36 to increase the radius of the arc such that the change in angle between the tissue contacting surface 137a of the retainer jaw 32 and the tissue contacting surface 147a of the fastener jaw is minimized as the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 move between the open and closed configurations such that the tissue contacting surfaces 137a, 147a maintain a substantially parallel relationship with one another.
(77) With particular reference to FIGS. 13 and 22, the jaw support 78 is disposed within the housing 20 to support the end effector 30. The jaw support 78 includes a body 170 having sidewalls 171 that defines an end effector channel 172 therebetween. The body 170 has a proximal portion 170a that is supported with the housing 20 and a distal portion 170b that extends from the housing 20. Each sidewall 171 of the jaw support 78 defines a pivot support 172 (FIG. 20) that supports the pivot pin 36 (FIG. 3) which defines the pivot axis of the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b between the proximal and distal portions 170a, 170b. The sidewalls 171 are disposed within the clamping sleeve 76 and are dimensioned such that the clamping sleeve 76 may translate between its proximal and distal positions without engaging the sidewalls 171. Each sidewall 171 defines upper and lower clamping pockets 174a, 174b in the distal portion 170b. the upper and lower clamping pockets 174a, 174b are dimensioned such that when the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are in the clamped configuration, the proximal tabs 142, 132 of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, engage a portion the clamp stop arm 169 positioned adjacent the upper and lower clamping pockets 174a, 174b of one of the sidewalls 171.
(78) When the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 are in both the straight and fully articulated configurations, the sidewalls 171 allow the end effector 30 to pivot between the open and clamped configurations. In contrast, when the end effector 30 is in any configuration between the straight and fully articulated configurations, the proximal tabs 142, 132 of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, engage the sidewalls 171 to prevent the end effector 30 from pivoting towards the clamped configuration. When the end effector 30 is in the straight configuration, the proximal tabs 142, 132 of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, are positioned within the end effector channel 172 between the sidewalls 171 to allow the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 to pivot towards the clamped configuration. Additionally, if the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 are in both the clamped and straight configurations, the sidewalls 171 engage the proximal tabs 132, 142 of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, to prevent articulation of the end effector 30. When the end effector 30 is in the fully articulated configuration, the proximal tabs 142, 132 of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, are received within the upper and lower clamping pockets 174a, 174b of the sidewalls 171 to allow the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 to pivot towards the clamped configuration.
(79) In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, an end effector includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a pivot pin. The first jaw member includes a first camming member, and the second jaw member includes a second camming member. The pivot pin is positioned in first and second pivot holes such that the first and second jaw members are pivotable relative to one another in a substantially parallel manner between open and clamped configurations about the pivot pin. The first and second bodies are also articulatable relative to the first and second camming members about first and second articulation posts of each jaw member. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the first and second jaw members have camming surfaces on the first and second camming members (respectively), the camming surfaces are disposed proximal to the pivot pin when the jaw members are in the un-articulated position, and the camming surfaces are engaged by a clamping member (such as a clamping sleeve) to move the jaws to the clamped position.
(80) Referring now to FIGS. 24-27, the firing mechanism 80 includes a firing rod 82 and a firing pulley 91 rotatably supported in the lower housing portion 21 (FIG. 15), a sled 94 slidingly disposed within the end effector 30, and a firing cable 81 extending from the firing rod 82 to the sled 94. The firing rod 82 includes a proximal firing flag 83a and a distal firing flag 83b positioned in a proximal portion of the firing rod 82. The proximal and distal firing flags 83a, 83b define a firing gap 84 between the proximal and distal firing flags 83a, 83b. The carriage 18 is received within the firing gap 84 between the proximal and distal firing flags 83, 83b. The firing rod 82 includes a distal portion 85 that has a distal finger 87. The firing cable 81 passes around the distal finger 87 and is secured to the distal finger 87 by a cable retainer 86 secured or crimped over the distal finger 87 and the firing cable 81.
(81) With particular reference to FIGS. 24 and 27, the firing cable 81 extends proximally from the distal finger 87 of the firing rod 82 and over the firing pulley 91 that is rotatably supported within a firing pulley opening 92 (FIG. 15) defined in the lower housing portion 21. The firing cable 81 extends distally from the firing pulley 91 and through a firing cable groove 96 defined in a lower surface of the lower cam member 28b and an upper surface of the lower coupling member 37b (FIG. 6). From the firing cable groove 96, the firing cable 81 passes around the rotation post 38b of the lower coupling member 38b (FIG. 6), extends through the end effector 30, and is attached to the sled 94.
(82) As the carriage 18 is advanced through the connector 23 (FIG. 2), the carriage 18 moves within the firing gap 84 of the firing rod 82 until a firing surface 18a (FIG. 25) of the carriage 18 engages the distal firing flag 83b of the firing rod 82. The distance between the firing surface 18a of the carriage 18 and the distal flag 83b, indicated by dimension G, defines a clamping dwell or delay for advancing the firing rod 82 in response to advancement of the carriage 18. The clamping dwell is at least equal to the distance required to advance the clamping shaft 62 to a position where the clamping hook 67 is past the clamping pivot arm 68 as shown in FIG. 18, such that the clamping pivot arm 68 is in the clamped position, as detailed above. In other words, the clamping dwell prevents the firing rod 82 from being advanced before the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are in the clamped configuration. When the loading unit 10 is attached to a manually actuated handle, the clamping dwell is equal to a first pull of a trigger or moveable handle such that a subsequent pull of the trigger or moveable handle ejects fasteners 148b from the fastener cartridge 146 as the sled 94 translates through the fastener jaw 32.
(83) With the end effector 30 in the clamped configuration (FIG. 20), the carriage 18 is advanced such that the firing surface 18a engages the distal flag 83b of the firing rod 82 to advance the firing rod 82 in the direction indicated by the arrow B (FIG. 27). As the firing rod 82 is advanced, the firing rod 82 tensions the firing cable 81, which is secured to the distal finger 87 of the firing rod 82, about the firing pulley 91 to pull the firing cable 81 in the direction indicated by arrow C. As the firing cable 81 is tensioned about the firing pulley 91, the firing cable 81 pulls the sled 94 proximally through the sled channel 141 of the fastener cartridge 146 to eject the fasteners 148b from the fastener cartridge 146 as detailed below.
(84) With reference to FIGS. 28A-29B, in an initial position (FIGS. 28A and 28B), the sled 94 is retained in an unfired or distal position adjacent a distal end of the fastener jaw 32 and each of the fasteners 148b is positioned within the fastener cartridge 146. As the sled 94 is pulled proximally through the sled channel 141 in the direction indicated by arrow F (FIG. 28A), an angled surface 95 of the sled 94 engages camming surface of the pushers 148a to move the pushers 148a towards the retainer jaw 34. Each pusher 148a is engaged with one or more fasteners 148b to eject the one or more fasteners 148b from the fastener cartridge 146 towards the retainer cartridge 136. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, each fastener 148b engages one of the retainers 138 to form a two-part fastener through tissue clamped between the fastener and retainer cartridges 146, 136.
(85) In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the fasteners 148b may be unformed staples and the retainer jaw 32 may include an anvil (not shown). In such embodiments, the fasteners 148b are ejected from the fastener cartridge 146 such that the fasteners 148b interact with the anvil to form staples through tissue clamped between the fastener cartridge 146 and the anvil (i.e., deform legs of the unformed staples). The articulation mechanism and/or firing mechanism disclosed above may be used in a device for firing deformable staples rather than the two-part fasteners discussed above.
(86) In some embodiments, the sled 94 is positioned in a proximal portion of the fastener jaw 32 adjacent the proximal tab 142 and is pulled distally by the firing cable 81 as the firing cable 81 is tensioned. In such embodiments, the firing cable 81 passes around a post (not shown) that is positioned in a distal portion of the fastener jaw 32 after passing around the rotation post 38b. It will be appreciated that in such embodiments the angled surface 95 of the sled 94 faces distally and the camming surfaces of the pushers 148a face proximally.
(87) In certain embodiments, the sled 94 includes a knife (not shown), that extends through a knife slot (not shown) to sever tissue between the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 as the sled 94 is pulled through the sled channel 141. In particular embodiments, the knife (not shown) is separate from the sled 94 and is attached to the firing cable 81 independent of the sled 94.
(88) Referring back to FIG. 26, after the fasteners 148b are ejected from the fastener cartridge 146, the carriage 18 is retracted such that the carriage 18 engages the proximal flag 83a of the firing rod 82 to retract the firing rod 82. As the firing rod 82 is retracted, the tension in the firing cable 81 is released such that the firing cable 81 is slack within the inner housing 20. As the tension is released from the firing cable 81, the sled 94 remains in position within the fastener cartridge 146.
(89) Referring now to FIGS. 32-35, the loading unit 10 is provided with a shipping lock 40 to secure the end effector 30 in a shipping configuration (FIG. 1). In the shipping configuration, the end effector 30 is articulated relative to the elongated body 12 and the retainer jaw 34 is spaced-apart from the fastener jaw 32. As shown in FIG. 1, in the shipping configuration, the end effector 30, including the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, is articulated about 45 with respect to the elongated body 12; however, it is contemplated that in the shipping configuration the end effector 30 may be articulated in a range of about 15 to about 60 with respect to the elongated body 12. Further, in the shipping configuration, the retainer jaw 34 is spaced-apart from the fastener jaw 32.
(90) It is contemplated that in the shipping configuration, the retainer jaw 34 may be in any open position (i.e., between the open configuration and the clamped configuration) that allows for the retainer cartridge 136 and the fastener cartridge 146 to be coupled and decoupled from the retainer jaw 34 and the fastener jaw 32, respectively. As detailed below, in the shipping configuration, the clamping shaft 62 is fixed in a shipping position between its open and clamped positions. In the shipping position of the clamping shaft 62, the clamping sleeve 76 is advanced over the upper and lower cam members 28a, 28b such that portions or the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 (e.g., proximal tabs 132, 142) engage the jaw support 78. In the shipping configuration, the clamping sleeve 76 prevents the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 from moving towards the open configuration and the jaw support 78 prevents the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 from moving towards the clamped configuration.
(91) With particular reference to FIGS. 33-35, the articulation rod 52 defines the articulation locking notch 55 and the clamping shaft 62 defines the clamping locking notch 66. In the shipping configuration, each of the locking notches 55, 66 is engaged by a respective locking finger 45, 46 of the shipping lock 40. Specifically, an articulation locking finger 45 of the shipping lock 40 engages the articulation locking notch 55 of the articulation rod 52 and a clamping locking finger 46 of the shipping lock 40 engages the clamping locking notch 66 of the clamping shaft 62. The engagement of the locking fingers 45, 46 with the locking notches 55, 66 fixes the orientation of the end effector 30 with respect to the elongated body 12 and fixes the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 in the shipping configuration as detailed above. By fixing the orientation of the end effector 30 and position of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, the fastener cartridge 146 and the retainer cartridge 136 can be coupled and decoupled from the fastener jaw 32 and the retainer jaw 34, respectively, without moving the articulation assembly 50, the clamping mechanism 60, and the firing mechanism 90. Further, by fixing the orientation of the end effector 30 and position of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, the loading unit 10 may be attached and detached from a surgical instrument without unintentional movement of the end effector 30. It is contemplated that the shipping lock 40 may also include support fingers 47 to support the shipping lock 40 on the proximal tube 14 of the elongated body 12.
(92) With reference to FIGS. 1, 36, and 37, the shipping lock 40 is secured to the loading unit 10 by a locking ring 42 engaged with a hook 41 of the shipping lock 40. The locking ring 42 includes a locking shelf 43 and proximal fingers 44. The locking ring 42 is rotatably positioned over the connector 23 of the inner housing 20. In a locked position of the locking ring 42 (FIGS. 1 and 35), the locking shelf 43 of the locking ring 42 engages the hook 41 of the shipping lock 40 to secure the shipping lock 40 to the loading unit 10. When the loading unit 10 is coupled to an adapter (not shown) or a surgical instrument (not shown), the connector 23 is secured to the adapter or surgical instrument by a bayonet type connection such that the adapter or surgical instrument engages the proximal fingers 44 of the locking ring 42 to rotate the locking ring 42 to an unlocked position (FIG. 37) such that the locking shelf 43 is rotated out of engagement with the hook 41. With the locking ring 42 in the unlocked position, a release tab 48 of the shipping lock 40 is engaged to remove the shipping lock 40 from the loading unit 10.
(93) Referring now to FIGS. 38-43, the loading unit 10 is used during a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) procedure to close the vaginal cuff VC in accordance with the present disclosure. While this is an example of one procedure that may be performed using the loading unit 10, it is contemplated that other procedures may also be performed using the loading unit 10. To begin, the loading unit 10 is loaded by coupling a fastener cartridge 146 and a retainer cartridge 136 to the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively. The loading unit 10 may be supplied in a preloaded condition or may be supplied in a kit with one or more pairs of fastener and retainer cartridges with varying lengths and types of fasteners (e.g., 2 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, etc., two-part fasteners or deformable staples). With the fastener and retainer cartridges 136, 146 coupled to the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, the loading unit 10 is attached to a surgical instrument (not explicitly shown). When the loading unit 10 is attached to the surgical instrument, the locking ring 42 is rotated from a locked position to an unlocked position. With the locking ring 42 in the unlocked position, the release tab 48 is engaged to remove the shipping lock 40 from the loading unit 10. It is contemplated that the loading unit 10 may be attached to the surgical instrument before the fastener and retainer cartridges 136, 146 are coupled to the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively.
(94) With the shipping lock 40 removed from the loading unit 10, the end effector 30 is articulated to a straight configuration relative to the elongated body 12 such that the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are substantially aligned with the elongated body 12. In addition, clamping shaft 62 (FIG. 14) is retracted to its open position such that the clamping sleeve 76 (FIG. 1) is retracted to its proximal position. When the clamping shaft 62 is in its open position, the end effector biasing member 31 (FIG. 4) biases the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 away from one another to an open configuration.
(95) With particular reference to FIG. 38, with the end effector 30 in the straight configuration, the loading unit 10 is inserted through a cannula CN that is positioned in an opening O (e.g., an incision or a naturally occurring orifice) of a patient P to access a vaginal cuff VC. When the loading unit 10 is inserted into the cannula CN, the inner surfaces of the cannula CN may engage the outer surfaces of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 to move the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 towards one another against the end effector biasing member 31 such that the end effector 30 is substantially cylindrical along its length and has a substantially uniform outer diameter. Additionally or alternatively, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 may be moved to the clamped configuration and the locking member 49 may be rotated over the locking fingers 139 of the retainer jaw 32 to secure the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 in the clamped configuration. It is contemplated that the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 may be moved to the clamped configuration by engaging the inner surfaces of the cannula CN, by being manually closed by a clinician pinching the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 together, or by advancing the clamping sleeve 76 to its distal position by advancing the clamping shaft 62 to its clamped position.
(96) Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 40, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are positioned adjacent an open end of the vaginal cuff VC and the end effector 30 is articulated to the fully articulated configuration. It will be appreciated that if the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are in a clamped configuration, the locking member 49 must be rotated from over the locking fingers 139 of the retainer jaw 32 and the clamping mechanism 60 must be moved to its open position before the end effector 30 may be articulated. In the fully articulated configuration, the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 of the end effector 30 are substantially perpendicular to the open end of the vaginal cuff VC. The fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are then moved over the vaginal cuff VC such that the vaginal cuff VC is positioned between the tissue contacting surfaces 137a, 147a of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34. The loading unit 10 is then manipulated to advance the carriage 18 to move the clamping mechanism 60 from its open position to its clamped position. As the vaginal cuff VC is positioned between the jaws 32, 34, the vaginal cuff VC may be flattened between the tissue contacting surfaces 137a, 147a of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34. It will be appreciated, that the tissue contacting surfaces 137a, 147a of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 remain substantially parallel to one another as the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are moved to the clamped configuration.
(97) With the vaginal cuff VC clamped between the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, a clinician verifies that the open end of the vaginal cuff VC is between the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34. The locking member 49 may be rotated over the locking fingers 139 of the retainer jaw 34 to secure the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 in the clamped configuration. When the locking member 49 is rotated over the locking fingers 139, the locking member 49 closes the distal end of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 such that the vaginal cuff VC remains between the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34. The locking member 49 may be rotated over the locking fingers 139 by engaging the locking member 49 with another surgical instrument (not shown).
(98) With the vaginal cuff VC clamped between the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, the loading unit 10 is manipulated to advance the carriage 18 to engage the firing mechanism 80 such that the sled 94 is pulled through the fastener cartridge 146 to drive the fasteners 148b towards the retainers 138 to form two-part fasteners, as detailed above, to close the vaginal cuff VC. Alternatively, as detailed above, the fasteners 148b may be deformable staples that are deformed to form staples for closing the vaginal cuff VC. The fasteners 148b and the retainers 138 may be bioabsorbable such that the fasteners 148b and retainers 138 are absorbed as the anastomosis of the vaginal cuff VC is completed. It is contemplated that the fasteners 148b and the retainers 138 may be coated with a substance that aids in the anastomosis of the vaginal cuff VC.
(99) Referring to FIG. 43, after the fasteners 148b are ejected through the vaginal cuff VC, the clamping mechanism 60 is moved to its open position and the locking member 49 is rotated from over the locking fingers 139 of the retainer jaw 34 to permit the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 to return to the open configuration. As the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 return to the open configuration, the vaginal cuff VC is released from between the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34. The end effector 30 is then articulated to the straight configuration such that the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 are substantially aligned with the elongated body 12. With the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 in the straight configuration, the loading unit 10 is withdrawn from the surgical site through the cannula CN. It will be appreciated that as the loading unit 10 is withdrawn the straight configuration, the inner surface of the cannula CN may engage the outer surfaces of the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 to move the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34 towards one another against the end effector biasing member 31.
(100) After the loading unit 10 is withdrawn from the surgical site, the loading unit 10 may be detached from the surgical instrument. With the loading unit 10 separated from surgical instrument, the loading unit 10 may be sterilized for reuse in another surgical procedure.
(101) Alternatively, the loading unit 10 may be reloaded by positioning loading unit 10 in the shipping configuration (i.e., articulating the end effector 30 to the shipping configuration and moving the clamping mechanism 60 to its shipping position). With the loading unit 10 in the shipping configuration, the shipping lock 40 may be coupled about the proximal tube 14 to fix the loading unit 10 in the shipping configuration. With the loading unit 10 in the shipping configuration, the fastener cartridge 146 and the retainer cartridge 136 may be decoupled from the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively. Then, a new fastener cartridge and retainer cartridge may be coupled to the fastener and retainer jaws 32, 34, respectively, such that the loading unit 10 may be reused during the same surgical procedure.
(102) While the loading unit 10 is detailed above for performing a TLH, it is contemplated that the loading unit 10 may be used for closing a variety of tubular structures including, but not limited to, veins, arteries, and bowels.
(103) While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Any combination of the above embodiments is also envisioned and is within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope of the claims appended hereto.
