# US 12,004,743 B2 · Staple cartridge comprising a sloped wall > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,004,743 B2 - Document ID: US12004743B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/027,970 - Filed: 2018-07-05 - Published: 2019-01-17 - Granted: 2024-06-11 - Earliest claimed: 2007-01-10 - Assignees: Cilag GmbH International - Applicants: Cilag GmbH International - Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12004743B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/07207: {the staples being applied sequentially} - A61B 17/00234: {for minimally invasive surgery (A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence)} - A61B 17/068: Surgical staplers {, e.g. containing multiple staples or clamps}({staplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105;} for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; {staplers in general B25C5/00}) - A61B 17/295: combined with cutting implements - A61B 17/32: Surgical cutting instruments ({A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467;} implements for ligaturing and cutting {A61B17/122, A61B17/12; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133}) - A61B 17/320092: {with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw} - A61B 17/072: for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously - A61B 17/105: {Wound clamp magazines (for packaging sharps A61B50/3001)} - A61B 17/1222: {Packages or dispensers therefor (clip magazines incorporated in a clip-applying instrument A61B17/128; for surgical articles A61B50/30)} - A61B 34/30: Surgical robots - A61B 34/71: {Manipulators operated by drive cable mechanisms} - A61B 50/36: for collecting or disposing of used articles - A61B 90/98: using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders - A61B 2017/00022: {Sensing or detecting at the treatment site} - A61B 2017/00039: {Electric or electromagnetic phenomena other than conductivity, e.g. capacity, inductivity, Hall effect} - A61B 2017/00212: {using remote controls} - A61B 2017/00221: {with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves} - A61B 2017/00362: {Packages or dispensers for MIS instruments (A61B2017/0479 takes precedence)} - A61B 2017/00398: {using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids} - A61B 2017/00473: {Distal part, e.g. tip or head (A61B2017/00464 takes precedence)} - A61B 2017/00477: {Coupling (A61B2017/0046 takes precedence)} - A61B 2017/00685: {Archimedes screw} - A61B 2017/00734: {battery operated} - A61B 2017/07214: {Stapler heads} - A61B 2017/07271: {characterised by its cartridge} - A61B 2017/07278: {characterised by its sled or its staple holder} - A61B 2017/07285: {characterised by its cutter} - A61B 2017/2927: {the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft} - A61B 2017/2943: {Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion} - A61B 2017/320093: {additional movable means performing cutting operation} - A61B 2017/320094: {additional movable means performing clamping operation} - A61B 2017/320095: {with sealing or cauterizing means} - A61B 2017/320097: {with stapling means} - A61B 2034/2053: {Tracking an applied voltage gradient} - A61B 2034/2059: {Mechanical position encoders} - A61B 2034/2072: {Reference field transducer attached to an instrument or patient} - A61B 2034/302: {specifically adapted for manipulations within body cavities, e.g. within abdominal or thoracic cavities} - A61B 2090/065: {for measuring contact or contact pressure} - A61B 2090/0811: {for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument} - A61B 2090/0814: {Preventing re-use} - A61B 2562/028: Microscale sensors, e.g. electromechanical sensors [MEMS] - B65B 5/04: Packaging single articles - B65B 55/16: by irradiation - B65B 55/18: by liquids or gases (B65B55/14 takes precedence) - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - B65B: MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING (bundling and pressing devices for cigars A24C1/44; devices for tensioning and securing binders adapted to be supported by the article or articles to be bound B25B25/00; applying closure members to bottles, jars or similar containers B67B1/00-B67B6/00; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C7/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers B67C9/00) ## Abstract A staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge deck, and a sloped nose. The cartridge deck comprises a first tissue-supporting surface extending distally to a first distal edge, a plurality of staple cavities defined in the first tissue-supporting surface, a sloped wall extending from the first tissue-supporting surface, a longitudinal slot defined in the first tissue-supporting surface and at least a portion of the sloped wall, and a second tissue-supporting surface. The sloped wall slopes from the first distal edge to a second distal edge. The sloped wall comprises a distal blocking surface. The longitudinal slot extends from the proximal end to the distal blocking surface. The second tissue-supporting surface extends from the second distal edge. The second tissue-supporting surface does not comprise staple cavities defined therein. The sloped nose is positioned distal to the second tissue-supporting surface. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An end effector assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein said end effector assembly comprises: an anvil; and a staple cartridge, comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a longitudinal slot extending from said proximal end toward said distal end, wherein said longitudinal slot comprises a distal blocking surface; a first lateral edge; a second lateral edge; a planar proximal portion comprising a first tissue-supporting surface extending along a first plane, wherein said planar proximal portion extends from said first lateral edge to said second lateral edge, and wherein said planar proximal portion extends distally to a distal edge; a plurality of staple cavities defined within said planar proximal portion; a planar distal portion comprising a second tissue-supporting surface extending along a second plane, wherein said planar distal portion extends from said first lateral edge to said second lateral edge, wherein said planar distal portion is positioned distal to said longitudinal slot, wherein said planar distal portion does not comprise staple cavities defined therein, wherein said first tissue-supporting surface and said second tissue-supporting surface are longitudinally aligned, wherein said end effector assembly is configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein a first tissue gap distance is defined between said first tissue-supporting surface and said anvil based on said end effector assembly being in said closed configuration, wherein a second tissue gap distance is defined between said second tissue-supporting surface and said anvil based on said end effector assembly being in said closed configuration, and wherein said first tissue gap distance is different than said second tissue gap distance; a sloped wall extending between said planar proximal portion and said planar distal portion, wherein said sloped wall slopes from said distal edge, and wherein said longitudinal slot extends distally past said distal edge through at least a portion of said sloped wall to said distal blocking surface; and a sloped nose positioned distal to said distal planar portion. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said first tissue-supporting surface is positioned above said second tissue-supporting surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of staple cavities comprises a distal-most staple cavity, and wherein said second tissue-supporting surface is positioned distal to said distal-most staple cavity. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said longitudinal slot comprises an open proximal end and a closed distal end, and wherein said open proximal end defines a lateral width which is wider than said closed distal end. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said staple cartridge comprises a tray attached thereto. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The end effector assembly of claim 5, wherein said tray comprises: a proximal end; a distal end; a bottom; a longitudinal tray slot defined in said bottom; a first lateral sidewall extending upwardly up from said bottom; a second lateral sidewall extending upwardly up from said bottom; a first arm extending inwardly from said first lateral sidewall at said distal end; a second arm extending inwardly from said second lateral sidewall at said distal end; a first window defined in said first lateral sidewall; and a second window defined in said second lateral sidewall. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said planar proximal portion comprises a first lateral portion on a first side of said longitudinal slot and a second lateral portion on a second side of said longitudinal slot, wherein said plurality of staple cavities are arranged in three longitudinal rows of staple cavities in said first side and three longitudinal rows of staple cavities in said second side. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The end effector assembly of claim 7, wherein said first lateral portion comprises a first lateral edge and a first lateral recess defined in said first lateral edge, and wherein said second lateral portion comprises a second lateral edge and a second lateral recess defined in said second lateral edge. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said sloped wall directly connects said first tissue-supporting surface to said second tissue-supporting surface. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said sloped nose comprises a proximal nose edge, wherein said planar distal portion comprises a planar distal portion distal edge, and wherein said proximal nose edge abuts said planar distal portion distal edge. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The end effector assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of staple cavities comprises: a first longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said longitudinal slot on a first side of said longitudinal slot; a second longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said first longitudinal row of staple cavities on said first side of said longitudinal slot; a third longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said second longitudinal row of staple cavities on said first side of said longitudinal slot; a fourth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said longitudinal slot on a second side of said longitudinal slot; a fifth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said fourth longitudinal row of staple cavities on said second side of said longitudinal slot; and a sixth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said fifth longitudinal row of staple cavities on said second side of said longitudinal slot. ### Claim 12 An end effector assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein said end effector assembly comprises: a staple cartridge, comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a longitudinal slot extending from said proximal end toward said distal end, wherein said longitudinal slot comprises a distal blocking surface; a first tissue-supporting surface extending along a first plane, wherein said first tissue-supporting surface extends distally to a distal edge; a plurality of staple cavities defined in said first tissue-supporting surface; a second tissue-supporting surface extending along a second plane, wherein said second tissue-supporting surface does not comprise staple cavities defined therein, wherein said second tissue-supporting surface is positioned distal to said first tissue-supporting surface; a sloped wall extending between said first tissue-supporting surface and said second tissue-supporting surface, wherein said sloped wall slopes from said distal edge, and wherein said longitudinal slot extends distally past said distal edge through at least a portion of said sloped wall to said distal blocking surface; and a sloped nose positioned distal to said second tissue-supporting surface. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The end effector assembly of claim 12, wherein said first tissue-supporting surface is planar, and wherein said second tissue-supporting surface is planar. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The end effector assembly of claim 12, wherein said plurality of staple cavities comprises: a first longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said longitudinal slot on a first side of said longitudinal slot; a second longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said first longitudinal row of staple cavities on said first side of said longitudinal slot; a third longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said second longitudinal row of staple cavities on said first side of said longitudinal slot; a fourth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said longitudinal slot on a second side of said longitudinal slot; a fifth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said fourth longitudinal row of staple cavities on said second side of said longitudinal slot; and a sixth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said fifth longitudinal row of staple cavities on said second side of said longitudinal slot. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The end effector assembly of claim 12, further comprising an anvil, wherein said end effector assembly is configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein a first tissue gap distance is defined between said first tissue-supporting surface and said anvil based on said end effector assembly being in said closed configuration, wherein a second tissue gap distance is defined between said second tissue-supporting surface and said anvil based on said end effector assembly being in said closed configuration, and wherein said first tissue gap distance is different than said second tissue gap distance. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The end effector assembly of claim 15, wherein said staple cartridge further comprises a first lateral side and a second lateral side, wherein said second lateral side is positioned on an opposing side of said longitudinal slot as said first lateral side, wherein said first tissue-supporting surface extends from said first lateral side to said second lateral side, and wherein said second tissue-supporting surface extends from said first lateral side to said second lateral side. ### Claim 17 A staple cartridge, comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a cartridge deck, comprising: a first tissue-supporting surface extending distally to a first distal edge; a plurality of staple cavities defined in said first tissue-supporting surface; a sloped wall extending from said first tissue-supporting surface, wherein said sloped wall slopes from said first distal edge to a second distal edge, and wherein said sloped wall comprises a distal blocking surface; a longitudinal slot defined in said first tissue-supporting surface and at least a portion of said sloped wall, wherein said longitudinal slot extends from said proximal end to said distal blocking surface; and a second tissue-supporting surface extending from said second distal edge, wherein said second tissue-supporting surface does not comprise staple cavities defined therein; and a sloped nose positioned distal to said second tissue-supporting surface. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The staple cartridge of claim 17, wherein said first tissue-supporting surface is non-stepped, and wherein said second tissue-supporting surface is non-stepped. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) The staple cartridge of claim 17, wherein said plurality of staple cavities comprises: a first longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said longitudinal slot on a first side of said longitudinal slot; a second longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said first longitudinal row of staple cavities on said first side of said longitudinal slot; a third longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said second longitudinal row of staple cavities on said first side of said longitudinal slot; a fourth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said longitudinal slot on a second side of said longitudinal slot; a fifth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said fourth longitudinal row of staple cavities on said second side of said longitudinal slot; and a sixth longitudinal row of staple cavities extending alongside said fifth longitudinal row of staple cavities on said second side of said longitudinal slot. ### Claim 20 (depends on 17) The staple cartridge of claim 17, further comprising a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, wherein said first tissue-supporting surface extends between said first lateral edge and said second lateral edge along a first plane, and wherein said second tissue-supporting surface extends between said first lateral edge and said second lateral edge along a second plane.