Methods and devices for performing a surgical anastomosis
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorsCassandra Latimer, Arlen Ward
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A circular stapler is disclosed. The circular stapler includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, a cartridge assembly, a trocar, and a light source. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body and includes a pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The trocar is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the cartridge assembly and is longitudinally advanceable to puncture tissue. The light source is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the trocar, and is configured to project a light beam distally of the trocar.
Claims16
(canceled)
A circular stapling unit, comprising:
- a cartridge assembly removably securable to a surgical system, the cartridge assembly including a pusher assembly movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly;
- a trocar disposed in mechanical cooperation with the cartridge assembly and being longitudinally advanceable, a distal tip of the trocar being one of transparent and translucent;
- and a light source on the trocar to project a beam of light distally.
A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising:
- inserting at least a portion of a circular stapler proximally of a first linear row of staples along a proximal portion of tissue;
- projecting a light beam from the circular stapler onto the proximal portion of tissue;
- and advancing a trocar of the circular stapler through the proximal portion of tissue that includes the light beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.