US 11,439,389 B2 · Surgical stapler with articulation locking mechanism

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical stapler having an articulation locking mechanism that functions to prevent straightening of a tool assembly of the surgical stapler when the surgical stapler is fired with the tool assembly in an articulated position. In embodiments, a mounting assembly supports a notched member on a proximal end of the tool assembly and the notched member defines a series of notches. An articulation member supported adjacent to the mounting assembly includes a locking member defining protrusions or teeth that are movable from a first unlocked position spaced from the notches of the mounting assembly to a second locked position received within the notches to lock the tool assembly in one of a plurality of articulated positions. In embodiments, the locking member is biased towards the unlocked position by a biasing member and is urged toward and retained in the locked position via engagement with a drive assembly of the surgical stapler.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A reload assembly comprising:

a proximal body portion defining a longitudinal axis having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion;
a tool assembly supported on the distal end portion of the proximal body portion for articulation about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis;
a staple cartridge supported within the tool assembly, the staple cartridge having staples;
a drive assembly supported within the proximal body portion, the drive assembly being movable between a retracted position and an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge;
and
an articulation locking mechanism supported adjacent a proximal end of the tool assembly, the articulation locking mechanism including a locking member that is pivotable from an unlocked position disengaged from the tool assembly to a locked position directly engaged with the tool assembly wherein the drive assembly causes the articulation locking mechanism to pivot in response to movement of the drive assembly from the retracted position towards the advanced position to prevent further articulation of the tool assembly.

3 more elements

A reload assembly comprising:

a proximal body portion defining a longitudinal axis and having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion;
a tool assembly supported on the distal end portion of the proximal body portion for articulation about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the tool assembly including a proximal end portion;
a staple cartridge supported within the tool assembly, the staple cartridge having staples;
a drive assembly supported within proximal body portion, the drive assembly being movable between a retracted position and an advanced position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge;
an articulation locking mechanism including a locking member supported adjacent the proximal end portion of the tool assembly, the locking member pivotable from an unlocked position disengaged from the tool assembly to a locked position directly engaged with the tool assembly, in response to movement of the drive assembly from the retracted position towards the advanced position, to obstruct articulation of the tool assembly;
and
a biasing member positioned to urge the locking member towards the unlocked position;
wherein the drive assembly causes the articulation locking mechanism to pivot in response to movement of the drive assembly from the retracted position towards the advanced position to prevent further articulation of the tool assembly.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Surgical stapler with articulation locking mechanism

Life of this patent

Surgical stapler with articulation locking mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16