Variable size-uniform compression staple assembly
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorThomas Wenchell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is provided a variable size, uniform compression staple assembly for use in stapling differing thicknesses of tissues. The staple assembly includes a staple and a staple block for receipt of tissue penetrating tips of the staple. Upon assembly through tissue, the tissue penetrating tips of the staple lodge within the staple block to a depth inversely proportional to the thickness of the tissues being stapled. There is also disclosed an anvil configured for use with the staple assembly.
Claims18
A staple assembly for use with various thicknesses of tissues comprising:
- a staple having a backspan and a pair of legs extending from the backspan, each of the legs terminating in a tissue penetrating tip;
- and
- a staple block for receipt of the tissue penetrating tips, wherein the tissue penetrating tips lodge in the staple block upon being formed in a surgical stapler.
An anvil for use with a two part staple assembly comprising;
- an anvil having a first staple clinching pocket, a second staple clinching pocket spaced apart from the first staple clinching pocket and a recess for receipt of a component of a two part staple assembly and defined between the first and second staple clinching pockets.
A method of stapling tissues of differing thicknesses with a uniform size staple assembly comprising;
- providing a surgical stapler having a staple head containing a staple and an anvil, the anvil and staple head being relatively movable, the anvil releasably containing a staple block;
- capturing a tissue having a first thickness between the staple head and the anvil;
- passing the staple through the tissue such that tips of the staple lodge into the staple block to a depth proportional to the first thickness of the tissue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.