# US 8,740,035 B2 · Surgical stapler

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- Number: US 8,740,035 B2
- Document ID: US8740035B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/905,471
- Filed: 2013-05-30
- Published: 2013-10-03
- Granted: 2014-06-03
- Earliest claimed: 1995-08-28
- Assignees: Covidien LP
- Applicants: Covidien LP
- Inventors: Dominick L. Mastri; Frank J. Viola; Thomas W. Alesi, Jr.; Robert J. Geiste; Jon Wilson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8740035B2

## CPC

- A61B 17/072: for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
- A61B 17/07207: {the staples being applied sequentially}
- A61B 2017/0046: {with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable}
- A61B 2017/0688: {Packages or dispensers for surgical staplers}
- A61B 2017/07214: {Stapler heads}
- A61B 2017/07271: {characterised by its cartridge}
- A61B 2017/07285: {characterised by its cutter}
- A61B 2017/2923: {Toothed members, e.g. rack and pinion}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A surgical tool for applying staples, comprising:
a body having a connection portion at one end and first and second jaws supported at an opposite other end, the first jaw having a plurality of staples arranged in rows, and the second jaw having an anvil, the first and second jaws having an open position and a closed position;
a drive member supporting a cam member at a distal end, wherein the cam member is positioned to engage the second jaw, the drive member including an elongated drive beam, wherein the drive member includes a balancing flange positioned to engage the first jaw to balance clamping forces generated by the cam member as tissue is progressively clamped between the first and second jaws; and
a handle assembly connectable to the connection portion, the handle assembly having a toothed actuation shaft and a pawl for engaging the actuation shaft and incrementally advancing the actuation shaft, the drive member being connected to the actuation shaft when the handle assembly is connected to the connection portion of the body.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The surgical tool according to claim 1, wherein the first jaw includes a longitudinal slot for accommodating the drive member.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a pivotable handle.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the first jaw includes a surgical stapling cartridge.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the drive member includes a knife.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the drive member has a distal working head.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the drive member includes a vertical strut and a retention flange projecting distally from the vertical strut, the cam member being disposed on the retention flange.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the second jaw is pivotable with respect to the first jaw.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the anvil defines a plurality of staple forming recesses.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the cam member is a cam roller.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a release mechanism.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The surgical device according to claim 11, wherein the actuation shaft is biased in a proximal direction.