Patent Publication Number: US-2023157691-A1

Title: Anvil buttress loading system for surgical stapling apparatus

Description:
FIELD 
     This application generally relates to surgical stapling apparatus, and more particularly, to surgical buttress loading tools for releasably securing surgical buttresses to anvil assemblies of the surgical stapling apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Surgical stapling apparatus are employed by surgeons to sequentially or simultaneously apply one or more rows of fasteners, e.g., staples or two-part fasteners, to body tissue for the purpose of joining segments of body tissue together. Such apparatus generally include a pair of jaws or finger-like structures between which the body tissue to be joined is placed. When the surgical stapling apparatus is actuated, or “fired”, longitudinally moving firing bars contact staple drive members in one of the jaws. The staple drive members push the surgical staples through the body tissue and into an anvil in the opposite jaw which forms the staples. If body tissue is to be removed or separated, a knife blade can be provided in the jaws of the apparatus to cut the body tissue between the lines of staples. 
     Surgical supports, e.g., meshes or buttress materials, may be used in combination with surgical stapling apparatus to bridge, repair, and/or reinforce tissue defects within a patient. A clinician may manually attach the buttress materials to the surgical stapling apparatus in the operating room during a surgical procedure, or utilize a surgical stapling apparatus including buttress materials pre-installed thereon. The buttress material reinforces the staple or suture line as well as covers the juncture of the tissues to reduce leakage prior to healing. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates to anvil side (single-sided) buttress attachment onto a loading unit of a surgical stapling apparatus. The surgical buttress loading tools of this disclosure are designed to make surgical buttress attachment (e.g., in the operating room) a simple, straightforward, and cost-effective procedure. 
     In one aspect, the disclosure provides a surgical buttress loading system including an anvil and a surgical buttress loading tool. The anvil includes an anvil body including a spring assembly biased against a tissue facing surface of the anvil body. The surgical buttress loading tool includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, a buttress cartridge, an actuator, and a handle. The first and second housing portions define a cavity therebetween that is configured to receive the anvil therein. The buttress cartridge is supported on the first housing portion and includes a surgical buttress releasably disposed thereon. The actuator is disposed within a proximal end portion of the second housing portion and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The handle is supported on the second housing portion and is operably coupled to the buttress cartridge. The handle is slidable between unactuated and actuated positions. When the anvil is positioned within the cavity of the surgical buttress loading tool and the handle is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the handle moves the actuator from the retracted position to the extended position and into engagement with the spring assembly of the anvil to lift the spring assembly off of the tissue facing surface and then slides the buttress cartridge towards the spring assembly to move a proximal end portion of the surgical buttress between the spring assembly and the tissue facing surface. When the handle is moved back to the unactuated position, the actuator moves back to the retracted position and disengages from the spring assembly to releasably secure the proximal end portion of the surgical buttress to the anvil. 
     The spring assembly may include springs that each includes an arm extending over a through-hole defined in the anvil, and the actuator may include pins aligned with the through-holes when the anvil is positioned within the cavity of the surgical buttress loading tool. When the actuator is moved to the extended position, the pins of the actuator may extend through the though-holes and push the arms of the springs away from the tissue facing surface of the anvil plate. 
     In aspects, the anvil includes an anvil tip extending distally from the anvil body. The anvil tip may include a hook and when the handle is moved to the actuated position, the buttress cartridge may slide a distal end portion of the surgical buttress over the hook to releasably secure the distal end portion of the surgical buttress to the anvil. In some aspects, the distal end portion of the surgical buttress includes a window defined therein, and the hook extends through the window. 
     The handle may include a tab extending into an elongated slot of the buttress cartridge, and when the handle is moved to the actuated position, the tab may initially move within the elongated slot while the handle moves the actuator to the extended position before sliding the buttress cartridge. The handle may include a sloped proximal end positioned adjacent to a ramped surface of the actuator and when the handle is moved to the actuated position, the sloped proximal end may cam against the ramped surface. 
     In aspects, the surgical buttress loading tool includes an applicator spring secured to the second housing portion. The applicator spring includes a spring leg biasing the actuator in the retracted position. In some aspects, the applicator spring includes a spring arm holding the surgical buttress against the buttress cartridge until the anvil is positioned into the cavity of the surgical buttress loading tool. 
     The surgical buttress loading tool may include an interlock disposed within the second housing portion. The interlock may be configured to lock the handle from movement until the anvil is positioned within the cavity of the surgical buttress loading tool. In aspects, the interlock is laterally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and when the interlock is in the locked position, a first arm of the interlock is engaged with a notch defined in the handle to prevent movement of the handle between the unactuated and actuated positions. In some aspects, the interlock includes a second arm extending partially into the cavity defined between the first and second housing portions and, when the anvil is inserted into the cavity, the anvil moves the interlock from the locked position to the unlocked position. In certain aspects, the interlock includes a leg and when the interlock is in the locked position, the leg is engaged with a notch defined in the buttress cartridge to prevent movement of the buttress cartridge. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of loading a surgical buttress onto an anvil including: inserting an anvil into a cavity of a surgical buttress loading tool, the anvil including an anvil body including a spring assembly biased against a tissue facing surface of the anvil body and the anvil buttress loading tool including first and second housing portions defining the cavity therebetween, a buttress cartridge supported on the first housing portion and including a surgical buttress releasably disposed thereon, an actuator disposed within a proximal end portion of the second housing portion, the actuator movable between retracted and extended positions, and a handle supported on the second housing portion and operably coupled to the buttress cartridge, the handle slidable between unactuated and actuated positions; moving the handle from the unactuated position to the actuated position so that the handle moves the actuator from the retracted position to the extended position and into engagement with the spring assembly of the anvil to lift the spring assembly off of the tissue facing surface and then slides the buttress cartridge towards the spring assembly to move a proximal end portion of the surgical buttress between the spring assembly and the tissue facing surface; and moving the handle back to the unactuated position so that the actuator moves back to the retracted position and disengages from the spring assembly to releasably secure the proximal end portion of the surgical buttress to the anvil. 
     According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a surgical buttress loading tool for use with an anvil including an anvil body having a spring assembly biased against a tissue facing surface of the anvil body, is provided. The surgical buttress loading tool includes first and second housing portions defining a cavity therebetween, the cavity configured to receive the anvil therein; a buttress cartridge supported on the first housing portion and including a surgical buttress releasably disposed thereon; an actuator disposed within a proximal end portion of the second housing portion, the actuator movable between retracted and extended positions; and a handle supported on the second housing portion and operably coupled to the buttress cartridge, the handle slidable between unactuated and actuated positions. 
     In use, when the anvil is positioned within the cavity of the surgical buttress loading tool and the handle is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the handle moves the actuator from the retracted position to the extended position and into engagement with the spring assembly of the anvil to lift the spring assembly off of the tissue facing surface and then slides the buttress cartridge towards the spring assembly to move a proximal end portion of the surgical buttress between the spring assembly and the tissue facing surface. Further, when the handle is moved back to the unactuated position, the actuator moves back to the retracted position and disengages from the spring assembly to releasably secure the proximal end portion of the surgical buttress to the anvil. 
     The handle may include a tab extending into an elongated slot of the buttress cartridge. In use, when the handle is moved to the actuated position, the tab may initially move within the elongated slot while the handle moves the actuator to the extended position before sliding the buttress cartridge. 
     The handle may include a sloped proximal end positioned adjacent to a ramped surface of the actuator. In use, when the handle is moved to the actuated position, the sloped proximal end may cam against the ramped surface. 
     The surgical buttress loading tool may further include an applicator spring secured to the second housing portion. The applicator spring may include a spring leg biasing the actuator in the retracted position. 
     The applicator spring may include a spring arm holding the surgical buttress against the buttress cartridge until the anvil is positioned into the cavity of the surgical buttress loading tool. 
     The surgical buttress loading tool may further include an interlock disposed within the second housing portion. The interlock may be configured to lock the handle from movement until the anvil is positioned within the cavity of the surgical buttress loading tool. 
     The interlock may be laterally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and when the interlock is in the locked position, a first arm of the interlock is engaged with a notch defined in the handle to prevent movement of the handle between the unactuated and actuated positions. 
     The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, as well as features, objects, and advantages of the aspects described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of the disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a surgical stapling apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is perspective view of a tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of an anvil of the tool assembly of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a close-up view of area of detail  4  in  FIG.  3   , illustrating a spring assembly of the anvil; 
         FIG.  5    is a partial, perspective view of the anvil of  FIG.  3   , shown with the spring assembly separated from the anvil; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial, perspective view of an anvil tip of the anvil of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a loading tool, shown in a closed position, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the loading tool of  FIG.  7   , shown in an open position; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the loading tool of  FIG.  7   , shown with parts separated; 
         FIG.  10    is a close-up view of the area of detail  10  in  FIG.  9   , illustrating an actuator of the loading tool; 
         FIG.  11    is a close-up view of the area of detail  11  in  FIG.  9   , illustrating an interlock of the loading tool; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the loading tool of  FIG.  8   , shown in an open position with a buttress cartridge separated from a first housing body; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the loading tool of  FIG.  12   , shown in a closed position with a handle in an unactuated position; 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of loading tool of  FIG.  13   , taken along section line  14 - 14  of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of loading tool of  FIG.  13   , taken along section line  15 - 15  of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of loading tool of  FIG.  13   , taken along section line  16 - 16  of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a cross-sectional view of loading tool of  FIG.  13   , taken along section line  17 - 17  of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of the loading tool of  FIG.  13   , shown with the anvil of  FIG.  2    positioned within the loading tool; 
         FIG.  19    is a cross-sectional view of the loading tool and the anvil of  FIG.  18   , taken along section line  19 - 19  of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a cross-sectional view of the loading tool and the anvil of  FIG.  18   , taken along section line  20 - 20  of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a cross-sectional view of the loading tool and the anvil of  FIG.  19   , taken along section line  21 - 21  of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view of the loading tool and the anvil of  FIG.  21   , during movement of the handle from the unactuated position to an actuated position; 
         FIG.  23    is a cross-sectional view of the loading tool and the anvil of  FIG.  22   , taken along section line  23 - 23  of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a cross-sectional view of the loading tool and the anvil of  FIG.  22   , taken along section line  24 - 24  of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  25    is a close-up view of the area of detail  25  indicated in  FIG.  24   ; 
         FIG.  26    is a close-up view of the area of detail  26  indicated in  FIG.  23   ; 
         FIG.  27    is a cross-sectional view of the loading tool and the anvil of  FIG.  21   , shown with the handle in the actuated position; 
         FIG.  28    is a cross-sectional view of the loading unit and anvil of  FIG.  27   , showing a proximal end portion of a surgical buttress engaging the anvil; 
         FIG.  29    is a cross-sectional view of the loading unit and anvil of  FIG.  27   , showing a distal end portion of the surgical buttress engaging the anvil; 
         FIG.  30    is a bottom view of the surgical buttress of  FIGS.  28  and  29    loaded onto the anvil; 
         FIG.  31    is a close-up view of the area of detail  31  indicated in  FIG.  30   ; and 
         FIG.  32    is a close-up view of the area of detail  32  indicated in  FIG.  30   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. Throughout this description, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a structure, or component thereof, that is closer to a user, and the term “distal” refers to a portion of the structure, or component thereof, that is farther from the user. Directional reference terms, such as “downwardly,” “upwardly,” and the like, are used to ease description of aspects of this disclosure and are not intended to have any limiting effect on the ultimate orientation of a structure or any part thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary surgical device or surgical stapling apparatus  1  is shown for use in stapling tissue in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The surgical stapling apparatus  1  generally includes a handle assembly  10 , an adapter assembly  20  extending distally from the handle assembly  10 , and a loading unit  30  extending distally from the adapter assembly  20 . 
     The surgical stapling apparatus  1  will further be described to the extent necessary to disclose aspects of the disclosure. For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary surgical devices, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 10,426,468, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The handle assembly  10  includes a handle housing  12  housing a power-pack (not shown) configured to power and control various operations of the surgical stapling apparatus  1 , and a plurality of actuators  14  (e.g., finger-actuated control buttons, knobs, toggles, slides, interfaces, and the like) for activating various functions of the surgical stapling apparatus  1 . The adapter assembly  20  includes a knob housing  22  configured for operable connection to the handle assembly  10  and an elongate tubular body  24  configured for operable connection to the loading unit  30 . Alternatively, the elongate tubular body  24  may be supported directly on the handle assembly  10  (e.g., permanently affixed to or integrally formed with the handle assembly). 
     The loading unit  30  is a disposable loading unit (“DLU”) that is releasably secured to the elongated tubular body  24  and thus, replaceable with a new loading unit  30 . The loading unit  30  may be a single use loading unit (“SULU”) that is used one time and then replaced to facilitate multiples uses of the surgical stapling apparatus  1  on a patient. For example, during a surgical procedure, the surgical stapling apparatus  1  can be used to staple and cut tissue, and the entire SULU is replaced after each staple and cut operation of the surgical stapling apparatus  1 . The loading unit  30  may be a multi-use loading unit (“MULU”) that is re-useable a predetermined number of times. For example, during a surgical procedure, the surgical stapling apparatus  1  can be used to staple and cut tissue, and a reload assembly (e.g., a staple cartridge  64  as seen in  FIG.  2   ) of the MULU is replaced after each staple and cut operation of the surgical stapling apparatus  1  a pre-determined number of times before the entire MULU needs to be replaced. Alternatively, the loading unit  30  may be permanently affixed to the elongated tubular body  24 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the loading unit  30  includes a housing portion  32  and a tool or jaw assembly  34  including first and second jaw members  34   a ,  34   b . The first jaw member  34   a  and/or the second jaw members  34   b  is pivotable with respect to the housing portion  32  such that the tool assembly  34  is movable between an open position in which the first and second jaw members  34   a ,  34   b  are spaced apart with respect to each other, and a closed position in which the first and second jaw members  34   a ,  34   b  are substantially adjacent each other. The first jaw member  34   a  of the tool assembly  34  includes an anvil assembly  40  (also referred to herein generally as an anvil) and the second jaw member  34   b  of the tool assembly  34  includes a staple cartridge assembly  60 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the anvil assembly  40  includes an anvil body  42  and an anvil tip  50  extending distally from the anvil body  42 . The anvil body  42  has an outer surface  43  and an inner or tissue facing surface  44 . The tissue facing surface  44  includes a central longitudinal slot  41  and staple forming pockets or cavities  45  defined therein. The central longitudinal slot  41  is configured for passage of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough during actuation of the surgical stapling apparatus  1  ( FIG.  1   ). The staple forming pockets  45  are disposed in rows on opposed sides of the central longitudinal slot  41  and are configured to form staples (not shown) which are fired out of the staple cartridge assembly  60  during actuation of the surgical stapling apparatus  1  ( FIG.  1   ). The anvil body  42  also includes a spring assembly  46  disposed at a proximal portion  44   a  of the tissue facing surface  44 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the spring assembly  46  includes a pair of springs  48 , with each spring  48  disposed on opposed sides of the central longitudinal slot  41 . Each spring  48  includes a base  48   a , an arm  48   b  extending distally from the base  48   a , and a finger  48   c  disposed at a distal end of the arm  48   b . The base  48   a  is anchored or secured (e.g., welded or otherwise attached) to the tissue facing surface  44  of the anvil body  42  proximal to the staple forming pocket  45  and, in aspects, the base  48   a  is retained within a recess  47  defined in the tissue facing surface  44 . The arm  48   b  extends distally from the base  48   a  and overlies a through-hole  49  ( FIG.  5   ) that extends through the outer and tissue facing surfaces  43 ,  44  of the anvil body  42 . The finger  48   c  is biased against (e.g., in direct contact with) the tissue facing surface  44  of the anvil body  42  adjacent the staple forming pocket  45 . The arm  48   b  is flexible such that the finger  48   c  is movable away from (e.g., capable of being raised off of) the tissue facing surface  44  of the anvil body  42  upon application of a force thereto. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , in conjunction with  FIG.  3   , the anvil tip  50  extends from the anvil body  42  distal to the central longitudinal slot  41  and the staple forming pockets  45 . The anvil tip  50  includes an inner surface  52  contiguous with and extending distally from the tissue facing surface  44  of the anvil body  42 . The inner surface  52  may be angled or taper distally from the anvil body  42 . The inner surface  52  includes a hook  54  extending distally over the inner surface  52  and, in aspects, the hook  54  extends over an opening  55  defined through the anvil tip  50 . 
     With reference again to  FIG.  2   , the staple cartridge assembly  60  includes a cartridge carrier  62  configured and dimensioned to selectively receive and support a staple cartridge  64  therein. A drive assembly (not shown) is supported in the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies  40 ,  60  and slidable relative thereto to fire staples (not shown) from the staple cartridge  64  and to cut tissue disposed between the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies  40 ,  60  during actuation of the surgical stapling apparatus  1  ( FIG.  1   ). 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , a surgical buttress loading tool  100  (also referred to herein generally as a loading tool) is shown for loading a surgical buttress  70  ( FIG.  8   ) onto the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ). The loading tool  100  includes a first housing portion  110  hingedly connected to a second housing portion  120  (e.g., about a hinge pin  102 ) such that the loading tool  100  is movable between a closed position ( FIG.  7   ) and an open position ( FIG.  8   ). In the closed position, the loading tool  100  defines a proximal opening  101  into a cavity  103  ( FIG.  15   ) defined between the first and second housing portions  110 ,  120  that is sized and shaped to receive the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ). In the open position, a buttress cartridge  130  may be placed into or removed from the loading tool  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , the first housing portion  110  includes a first housing body  112  supporting the buttress cartridge  130  and the surgical buttress  70  thereon, and the second housing portion  120  includes a second housing body  122  supporting a handle  140 , an actuator  150 , an applicator spring  160 , and an interlock  170 . The surgical buttress  70  is releasably retained on the buttress cartridge  130  which is removably positionable within the first housing portion  110  and slidable relative to the first housing body  112 . The handle  140  is slidable relative to the second housing body  122  between unactuated and actuated positions, and is configured to move the actuator  150  into engagement with the spring assembly  46  ( FIG.  3   ) of the anvil  40  when the anvil  40  is positioned within the cavity  103  ( FIG.  15   ) of the loading tool  100  and to slide the buttress cartridge  130  towards the anvil  40  for loading the surgical buttress  70  thereon. The applicator spring  160  is configured to hold the surgical buttress  70  against the buttress cartridge  130  until the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) is positioned into the loading tool  100  and to bias the actuator  150  in a retracted position within the second housing body  122  until the handle  140  moves the actuator  150  to an extended position. The interlock  170  is configured to lock the handle  140  and the buttress cartridge  130  from movement until the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) is positioned within the loading tool  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG.  9   , the surgical buttress  70  includes a buttress body  72  having a pair of tabs  74  extending laterally from each longitudinal side  72   a  of the buttress body  72  in spaced relation relative to each other to define a recess  73  on opposed sides of the buttress body  72 . The recesses  73  are configured to engage protrusions  137  of the buttress cartridge  130  when the surgical buttress  70  is positioned on the buttress cartridge  130 . A proximal end portion  70   a  of the surgical buttress  70  includes a v-shaped notch  75  defined therein and proximal tabs  76  disposed on opposed sides of the v-shaped notch  75 . A distal end portion  70   b  of the surgical buttress  70  includes a window  77  defined in a distal tab  78 . 
     The buttress cartridge  130  includes a cartridge body  132  having an inner surface  134  that faces an inner surface  124  ( FIG.  8   ) of the second housing portion  120 . The inner surface  134  is configured to support and releasably retain the surgical buttress  70  thereon. The inner surface  134  includes a proximal end portion  134   a  having a central bump-out  135  upon which the proximal end portion  70   a  of the surgical buttress  70  is placed, a distal end portion  134   b  including a ramped or stepped surface  136  over which the distal end portion  70   b  of the surgical buttress  70  is placed, and a pair of opposed and spaced protrusions  137  extending upwardly towards the second housing portion  120  between which the buttress body  72  of the surgical buttress  70  is placed. The central bump-out  135  is configured so that the proximal tabs  76  of the surgical buttress  70  do not overlie the inner surface  134  of the buttress cartridge  130 , the stepped surface  136  is configured so that the distal tab  78  of the surgical buttress  70  is disposed at an angle with respect to the buttress body  72 , and the protrusions  137  are shaped for positioning within the recesses  73  of the surgical buttress  70  to aid in proper alignment of the surgical buttress  70  on the buttress cartridge  130  and to minimize movement of the surgical buttress  70  relative to the buttress cartridge  130 . 
     The buttress cartridge  130  further includes an elongated slot  131  defined through the inner surface  134  which is configured to receive a tab  147  of the handle  150  when the loading tool  100  is in the closed position, and a notch  133  defined in an outer edge thereof that is configured to engaged the interlock  170  when the loading tool  100  is in the closed position and the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) is not disposed within the loading tool  100 . 
     The buttress cartridge  130  is removably positionable within a channel  113  of the first housing body  112  that is defined in an inner surface  114  between a pair of opposed rails  116 . The buttress cartridge  130  includes a tab  138  ( FIG.  12   ) configured for slidable receipt within an elongated slot  115  of the first housing body  112 . The first housing body  112  further includes a notch  117  defined in one of the rails  116  that is aligned with the notch  133  of the buttress cartridge  130  and into which the interlock  170  is moved when the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) is positioned within the loading tool  100 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  9   , the handle  140  includes a head  142  at a distal end  140   a  thereof, a neck  143  extending proximally from the head  142 , a handle body  144  extending proximally from the neck  143 , and a tail  146  at a proximal end  140   b  thereof. The head  142  extends outwardly beyond the second housing body  122  and is configured for grasping by a user. The handle body  144  is secured within a channel  123  defined in an outer surface  126  of the second housing body  122  and is longitudinally slidable relative thereto. The handle body  144  includes a longitudinally extending slot  141  defined therethrough in which a screw  104  is positioned. The screw  104  is engaged (e.g., threadingly engaged) with an insert  106  disposed within the second housing body  122  to limit longitudinal movement of the handle  140  relative to the second housing body  122 . The handle body  144  further includes a notch  145  defined in a longitudinal side thereof that is configured to engage the interlock  170  when the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) is not disposed within the loading tool  100 , and a tab  147  extending downwardly form the handle body  144  and through an elongate slot  125  ( FIG.  8   ) defined through the second housing body  122 . When the loading tool  100  is in the closed position, the tab  147  of the handle body  144  extends into the elongated slot  131  of the buttress cartridge  130 . The tail  146  has a sloped proximal end  146   a  that is positioned adjacent to (e.g., against) the actuator  150  and is configured to cam the actuator  150  downwardly towards the first housing portion  110  upon movement of the handle  140  to the actuated position. The handle  140  is biased in the unactuated position ( FIG.  7   ) by a spring  108  positioned within the second housing body  122 . 
     The actuator  150  is disposed within a proximal end portion  122   a  of the second housing body  122  and is movable into the cavity  103  ( FIG.  15   ) defined between the first and second housing bodies  112 ,  122 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , the actuator  150  includes a ramped surface  152  configured to engage the sloped proximal end  146   a  ( FIG.  9   ) of the tail  146  of the handle  140  such that when the handle  140  is moved proximally, the tail  146  engages the actuator  150  and pushes the actuator  150  downwardly towards the first housing portion  110 . The actuator  150  further includes a pair of pins  154  sized and shaped to extend through the through-holes  49  ( FIG.  2   ) of the anvil  40  when the anvil  40  is inserted into the loading tool  100  and to contact and move the springs  48  ( FIG.  4   ) of the spring assembly  46 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  9   , the applicator spring  160  includes a spring body  162  secured to the inner surface  124  ( FIG.  8   ) of the second housing portion  122 . The applicator spring  160  includes a spring arm  164  extending distally from the spring body  162  that is configured to engage the surgical buttress  70  and hold the surgical buttress  70  down against the buttress cartridge  130  until the anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) is positioned within the loading tool  100 , and a spring leg  166  extending proximally from the spring body  162  that is configured to engage the actuator  150  between the pins  154  and bias the actuator  150  into the retracted state ( FIG.  8   ). 
     The interlock  170  is disposed within a laterally extending slot  127  defined in the second housing body  122  adjacent to the handle  140 . As shown in  FIG.  11   , in conjunction with  FIG.  9   , the interlock  170  includes an interlock body  172  including first and second arms  174 ,  176  extending laterally therefrom in spaced relation relative to each other and a leg  178  extending downwardly towards the first housing portion  110 . The interlock  170  is biased into a locked position by a spring  109 . In the locked position, the first arm  174  is disposed within the notch  145  of the handle  140 , the second arm  176  extends into the cavity  103  ( FIG.  17   ) defined between the first and second housing portions  110 ,  120 , and the leg  178  is disposed within the notch  133  of the buttress cartridge  130  so that the handle  140  cannot be moved. When an anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) is inserted into the cavity  103  ( FIG.  17   ), the anvil  40  cams against a beveled surface  176   a  ( FIG.  11   ) of the second arm  176  of the interlock  170 , pushing the interlock  170  laterally outwardly to an unlocked position so that the first arm  174  moves out of the notch  145  of the handle and the leg  178  moves out of the notch  133  of the buttress cartridge  130  and into the notch  117  of the first housing body  112 , thereby releasing the handle  140 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  12   , the loading tool  100  is loaded with a surgical buttress  70  by positioning a buttress cartridge  130  containing the surgical buttress  70  (e.g., the buttress cartridge may be pre-loaded with the surgical buttress by, for example, the manufacturer) within the loading tool  100 . The buttress cartridge  130  is loaded by placing the tab  138  of the buttress cartridge  130  into the elongated slot  115  of the first housing portion  112  and positioning a proximal end of the buttress cartridge  130  against protrusions  119  disposed at a proximal end of the first housing body  112 . It should be understood that a spent buttress cartridge  130  may be removed from the loading tool  100  and replaced with a fresh buttress cartridge  130  for re-use of the loading tool  100 . Once loaded with a buttress cartridge  130  containing a surgical buttress  70 , the loading tool  100  is closed for use, as shown in  FIG.  13   . 
     In the closed position, as shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the tab  138  of the buttress cartridge  130  is disposed within the elongated slot  115  of the first housing body  112 , as described above, and the spring arm  164  of the applicator spring  160  contacts and holds the surgical buttress  70  down against the buttress cartridge  130 . Further, the spring leg  166  of the applicator spring  160  biases the actuator  150  in the retracted position, as seen in  FIGS.  14  and  15   , so that the actuator  150  is positioned above the cavity  103  and the surgical buttress  70  is disposed distal to the actuator  150 . With continued reference to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the handle  140  is disposed in the unactuated position with the sloped proximal end  146   a  of the tail  146  positioned adjacent to the ramped surface  152  of the actuator  150  and, as also seen in  FIG.  16   , the screw  104  disposed in a proximal-most portion of the longitudinally extending slot  141 . As shown in  FIGS.  13  and  17   , the interlock  170  is in the locked state with the first arm  174  of the interlock  170  disposed within the notch  145  of the handle  140  so that the handle  140  cannot be moved distally without an anvil  40  ( FIG.  2   ) inserted into cavity  103  as the second arm  176  of the interlock  170  extends partially into the cavity  103 . 
     The loading tool  100  is configured to engage the anvil  40  for loading the surgical buttress  70  onto the anvil  40  (e.g., transferring the surgical buttress  70  from the loading tool  100  to the anvil  40 ). The anvil  40  is aligned with the proximal opening  101  of the loading tool  100  and then inserted through the proximal opening  101  and into the cavity  103  defined between the first and second housing bodies  112 ,  122  until the anvil  40  is fully inserted into the loading tool  100 , as shown in  FIG.  18   . The proximal opening  101  and corresponding cavity  103  of the loading tool  100  are shaped to correspond with the shape of the anvil  40  and thus, is configured to slidably receive the anvil  40  in an orientation in which the tissue facing surface  44  of the anvil  40  faces the first housing portion  110  and the outer surface  43  faces the second housing portion  120 , as seen in  FIG.  20   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  19  and  20   , once the anvil  40  is fully inserted, the anvil  40  cams the interlock  170  laterally outwardly so that the handle  140  is free to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position. As shown in  FIG.  21   , in the unactuated position, the tab  140  of the handle  140  is initially disposed in a distal portion of the elongated slot  131  defined in the buttress cartridge  130 . As the handle  140  is moved (e.g., by pushing the head  142  of the handle  140  towards or into the second housing portion  120 ), the tab  147  travels (e.g., slides) into a proximal portion of the elongated slot  131  before moving the buttress cartridge  130 . During this initial sliding movement, with the tab  147  of the handle  140  traveling within the elongated slot  131  of the buttress cartridge  130 , as seen in  FIGS.  22  and  23   , the tail  146  of the handle  140  cams the actuator  150  down towards the anvil  40 . As shown in  FIGS.  24  and  25   , the pins  154  of the actuator  150 , which are aligned with the through-holes  49  defined in the anvil  40 , travel down through the through-holes  49  of the anvil  40  and push the springs  48  so that the fingers  48   c  of the springs  48  are spaced from the tissue facing surface  44  of the anvil  40 . As further seen in  FIG.  26   , the hook  54  of the anvil tip  50  aligns with the window  77  of the surgical buttress  70 . 
     Upon further movement of the handle  140  proximally into the second housing portion  120  to the actuated position, as shown in  FIG.  27    (after the tab  147  of the handle  140  engages a proximal end of the elongated slot  131  of the buttress cartridge  130 ), the handle  140  moves the buttress cartridge  130  proximally. As the buttress cartridge  130  moves proximally, the surgical buttress  70  is also moved proximally so that the proximal tabs  76  of the surgical buttress  70  are moved under the springs  48  of the anvil  40 , as shown in  FIG.  28   , and the distal tab  78  of the surgical buttress  70  is moved into engagement with the hook  54  of the anvil tip  50 , as shown in  FIG.  29   . 
     The handle  140  may then be moved back to the unactuated position (e.g., the handle  140  may be pulled back or released so that the spring  108  drive movement distally). During this distal movement, the tail  146  of the handle  140  disengages the actuator  150  thereby freeing the actuator  150  to move back to its retracted position and out of engagement with the anvil  40 , releasing the springs  48  so that the proximal tabs  76  are secured to the anvil  40 . The distal tab  78  is also secured to the anvil  40  by the hook  54 . Further, during this distal movement, the buttress cartridge  130  is retracted distally and away from the surgical buttress  70  which is now secured to the anvil  40 . Once the handle is back in the unactuated position, the anvil  40  is removed from the loading tool  100  and the interlock  170  re-engages the handle  140  and the buttress cartridge  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  30 - 32   , the anvil assembly  40  is loaded with the surgical buttress  70 . The proximal end portion  70   a  of the surgical buttress  70  is retained on the anvil  40  via the spring assembly  46  and the distal end portion  70   b  of the surgical buttress  70  is retained on the anvil  40  via the hook  54 . The surgical stapling apparatus  1  ( FIG.  1   ), with the anvil assembly  40  loaded with the surgical buttress  70 , is ready for use. In aspects, the staple cartridge assembly  60  is pre-loaded and/or loaded with a surgical buttress by any suitable attachment feature within the purview of those skilled in the art, such as, for example, mechanical attachment features (e.g., a suture), chemical attachment features (e.g., adhesive), and/or attachment methods (e.g., welding). 
     In operation, with the loading unit  30  loaded with the surgical buttress  70 , as described above, the surgical stapling apparatus  1  is used in accordance with methods known by those skilled in the art. Once the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies  40 ,  60  are clamped onto tissue, the surgical stapling apparatus  1  is fired, thereby stapling the surgical buttress  70  to the tissue. During firing, a knife (not shown) travels distally through the tool assembly  34  (through the central longitudinal slot  41  of the anvil  40 ) and substantially simultaneously cuts and divides the tissue and the surgical buttress  70  disposed between the rows of formed staples. When firing is complete and the anvil and staple cartridge assemblies  40 ,  60  are unclamped, the surgical buttress  70 , which is now stapled to the tissue, pulls away from the anvil  40 , and the tool assembly  34  can be removed from the surgical site. The used staple cartridge  64  may then be removed from the tool assembly  34  and replaced with a new staple cartridge  64 . A new surgical buttress  70  may be installed onto the anvil  40 , as needed or desired, as described above. 
     While illustrated as being used on a handheld powered surgical device hereinabove, it is contemplated, and within the scope of the disclosure for the surgical buttress loading tools to be configured for use with handheld manually-actuated surgical devices, as well as other electrosurgical instruments. For example, the surgical buttress loading tools may be used on handheld manually actuated surgical devices, such as those shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,473,077, 5,915,616, 5,964,394, 6,330,965, 7,128,253, and 7,334,717, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. As another example, the surgical buttress loading tools may be used on robotic surgical systems, such as the robotic surgical system shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,828,023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     While aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise aspects described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of aspects of the disclosure. Thus, the scope of the disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.