# US 2017/0281164 A1 · Staple cartridges with atraumatic features

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- Number: US 2017/0281164 A1
- Document ID: US20170281164A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/089,336
- Filed: 2016-04-01
- Published: 2017-10-05
- Earliest claimed: 2016-04-01
- Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
- Applicants: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
- Inventors: Jason L. Harris; Frederick E. Shelton, IV; Anil K. Nalagatla
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170281164A1

## CPC

- A61B 17/072: for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
- 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 17/0686: {having a forming anvil staying below the tissue during stapling}
- A61B 17/07207: {the staples being applied sequentially}
- A61B 17/105: {Wound clamp magazines (for packaging sharps A61B50/3001)}
- A61B 17/115: Staplers for performing anastomosis, e.g. in a single operation
- A61B 17/1155: {Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples}
- 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 17/3211: Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
- A61B 17/0644: {penetrating the tissue, deformable to closed position}
- A61B 17/07292: {Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets}
- A61B 17/29: Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
- A61B 17/320092: {with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw}
- A61B 90/37: {Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation}
- A61B 2017/00017: {Electrical control of surgical instruments}
- A61B 2017/00022: {Sensing or detecting at the treatment site}
- A61B 2017/00115: {with audible or visual output}
- A61B 2017/00128: {related to intensity or progress of surgical action}
- A61B 2017/00199: {with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display}
- A61B 2017/00305: {Constructional details of the flexible means}
- A61B 2017/00367: {Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like}
- A61B 2017/00398: {using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids}
- A61B 2017/00407: {Ratchet means}
- A61B 2017/00424: {ergonomic, e.g. fitting in fist}
- A61B 2017/0046: {with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable}
- A61B 2017/00464: {for use with different instruments}
- A61B 2017/00473: {Distal part, e.g. tip or head (A61B2017/00464 takes precedence)}
- A61B 2017/00477: {Coupling (A61B2017/0046 takes precedence)}
- A61B 2017/00734: {battery operated}
- A61B 2017/00818: {Treatment of the gastro-intestinal system}
- A61B 2017/00946: {malleable}
- A61B 2017/00964: {composite}
- A61B 2017/07214: {Stapler heads}
- A61B 2017/07221: {curved}
- A61B 2017/07228: {Arrangement of the staples}
- A61B 2017/07235: {containing different staples, e.g. staples of different shapes, sizes or materials}
- A61B 2017/07242: {achieving different staple heights during the same shot, e.g. using an anvil anvil having different heights or staples of different sizes}
- A61B 2017/07257: {characterised by its anvil}
- A61B 2017/07264: {characterised by its staple forming cavities, e.g. geometry or material}
- 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 2017/2903: {transferring rotary motion}
- A61B 2017/2905: {flexible}
- A61B 2017/291: {the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft}
- A61B 2017/2912: {transmission of forces to actuating rod or piston}
- A61B 2017/292: {connection of actuating rod to handle, e.g. ball end in recess}
- A61B 2017/2922: {toggle linkages}
- A61B 2017/2923: {Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion}
- A61B 2017/2927: {the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft}
- A61B 2017/2932: {Transmission of forces to jaw members}
- A61B 2017/2946: {Locking means}
- A61B 2090/034: {abutting on parts of the device itself}
- A61B 2090/08021: {of the patient or his organs}
- A61B 2090/0808: {for indicating correct assembly of components, e.g. of the surgical apparatus}
- 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: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A staple cartridge comprises an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity. The at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple that includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface when the at least one first staple is in an unfired position. The staple cartridge includes an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity. At least one pocket extender protrudes from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the at least one first staple is in the unfired position. The inner tissue-contacting surface cooperates with the outer tissue-contacting surface and the at least one pocket extender to define a contoured frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the staple cartridge is moved relative to tissue.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A circular staple cartridge for use with a circular surgical stapling instrument, wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises:
an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple including a first staple leg with a first tip protruding above the outer tissue-contacting surface when the first staple is in an unfired position;
an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity; and
at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is defined about a perimeter of the at least one first staple cavity, and wherein the pocket extender comprises a jacket configured to conceal the first tip when the first staple is in the unfired position, and wherein the jacket comprises:
an end;
an inner side wall extending from the end, wherein the inner side wall comprises a first height from the outer tissue-contacting surface; and
an outer side wall extending from the end, wherein the outer side wall comprises a second height from the outer tissue-contacting surface, and wherein the first height is greater than the second height.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the inner side wall, the outer side wall, and the outer tissue-contacting surface cooperate to a sloped frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the circular staple cartridge is moved relative to the tissue.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer side wall comprises a beveled upper surface.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the at least one second staple cavity is configured to receive at least one second staple.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The circular staple cartridge of claim 5, wherein the at least one first staple and the at least one second staple comprise different formed heights.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The circular staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.

### Claim 9

A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling instrument, wherein the staple cartridge comprises:
an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple that includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface when the at least one first staple is in an unfired position;
an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity; and
at least one pocket extender protruding from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the at least one first staple is in the unfired position, and wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface cooperates with the outer tissue-contacting surface and the at least one pocket extender to define a contoured frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the staple cartridge is moved relative to the tissue.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the at least one second staple cavity is configured to receive at least one second staple.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The staple cartridge of claim 12, wherein the at least one first staple and the at least one second staple comprise different formed heights.

### Claim 14 (depends on 9)

The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.

### Claim 15 (depends on 9)

The staple cartridge of claim 9, wherein the outer tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the inner tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.

### Claim 16

A circular surgical stapling instrument, comprising:
an anvil; and
a circular staple cartridge, wherein at least one of the anvil and the circular staple cartridge is moveable relative to the other one of the anvil and the circular staple cartridge to capture tissue therebetween, and wherein the circular staple cartridge comprises:
a stepped cartridge deck, comprising:
a first annular tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity, wherein the at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple including a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the first annular tissue-contacting surface when the at least one first staple is in an unfired position;
a second annular tissue-contacting surface stepped up from the first annular tissue-contacting surface, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface at least partially surrounds the second annular tissue-contacting surface, and wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface comprises at least one second staple cavity; and
at least one pocket extender protruding from the first annular tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the at least one first staple is in the unfired position, and wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface cooperates with the first annular tissue-contacting surface and the at least one pocket extender to define a sloped frame configured to reduce snagging against tissue as the staple cartridge is moved relative to the tissue.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

### Claim 18 (depends on 16)

The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface comprises a beveled outer edge.

### Claim 19 (depends on 16)

The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is parallel to the second plane.

### Claim 20 (depends on 16)

The circular surgical stapling instrument of claim 16, wherein the first annular tissue-contacting surface defines a first plane, wherein the second annular tissue-contacting surface defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is transverse to the second plane.