# US 2017/0281186 A1 · Surgical stapling system comprising a contourable shaft

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- Number: US 2017/0281186 A1
- Document ID: US20170281186A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/089,284
- Filed: 2016-04-01
- Published: 2017-10-05
- Earliest claimed: 2016-04-01
- Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
- Applicants: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
- Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV; Jason L. Harris
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170281186A1

## 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 surgical instrument configured to deploy an array of circular staples is disclosed which comprises a contourable frame.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A surgical instrument for stapling the tissue of a patient, comprising:
a handle;
a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises a contourable frame, and wherein said frame is contourable to match at least a portion of the patient's colon;
an end effector, comprising:
a cartridge body;
an annular array of staple cavities defined in said cartridge body;
staples removably stored in said annular array of staple cavities; and
an anvil comprising an annular array of forming pockets aligned with said annular array of staple cavities.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said frame is comprised of a visco-elastic material.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said frame is comprised of a contourable array of pivotable links.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said frame is contourable along a radius of curvature.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said frame is contourable along more than one radius of curvature.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein said frame is configured to be plastically deformed during use.

### Claim 7

A surgical instrument for stapling the tissue of a patient, comprising:
a handle;
a shaft extending from said handle, wherein said shaft comprises an adjustable frame, and wherein said frame is adjustable to match at least a portion of the patient's colon;
an end effector, comprising:
a cartridge body;
an annular array of staple cavities defined in said cartridge body;
staples removably stored in said annular array of staple cavities; and
an anvil comprising an annular array of forming pockets aligned with said annular array of staple cavities.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein said frame is comprised of a visco-elastic material.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein said frame is comprised of a contourable array of pivotable links.

### Claim 10 (depends on 7)

The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein said frame is contourable along a radius of curvature.

### Claim 11 (depends on 7)

The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein said frame is contourable along more than one radius of curvature.

### Claim 12 (depends on 7)

The surgical instrument of claim 7, wherein said frame is configured to be plastically deformed during use.

### Claim 13

A surgical instrument for stapling the tissue of a patient, comprising:
a shaft comprising a contourable frame, wherein said frame is contourable to match at least a portion of the patient's colon;
an end effector, comprising:
a cartridge body;
a circular array of staple cavities defined in said cartridge body;
staples removably stored in said circular array of staple cavities; and
an anvil comprising a circular array of forming pockets aligned with said circular array of staple cavities.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein said frame is comprised of a visco-elastic material.

### Claim 15 (depends on 13)

The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein said frame is comprised of a contourable array of pivotable links.

### Claim 16 (depends on 13)

The surgical instrument of claim 13 wherein said frame is contourable along a radius of curvature.

### Claim 17 (depends on 13)

The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein said frame is contourable along more than one radius of curvature.

### Claim 18 (depends on 13)

The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein said frame is configured to be plastically deformed during use.