Patent Description:
A surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can be used in a number of surgical devices. One example includes use as a surgical stapler. A surgical stapler is a fastening device used to clamp tissue between opposing jaw structures to join tissue using surgical fasteners. Surgical staplers can include two elongated members used to clamp the tissue. One of the elongated members can include one or more staple cartridges and the other elongated member can include an anvil that can be used to form a staple when driven from the staple cartridge. An example of a staple cartridge assembly can include having rows of staples having a linear length. For example, a row of staples can have a linear length between <NUM> and <NUM>. The surgical stapler can include a surgical handle assembly connected to the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. A staple can be ejected by actuation of a movable handle member that is a part of the surgical handle assembly of the surgical stapler.

A surgical stapler can receive one or more surgical reloadable cartridge assemblies. An example of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can include an articulation arm and a blade. The articulation arm can facilitate access to tissue by pivoting the jaw structures. The blade can facilitate clamping of the tissue when the movable handle member is actuated. The blade can also actuate the ejection of staples when the movable handle member is actuated.

The blade included in the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can form an incision in tissue. For example, the blade can longitudinally cut and/or open stapled tissue. An example of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can include a blade that cuts tissue between rows of staples. <CIT> discloses a nail head assembly and a suturing and cutting apparatus for endoscopic surgery. <CIT> discloses surgical stapling apparatuses including knife drive lockout mechanisms. <CIT> discloses an electromechanical, hand-held surgical apparatus configured for use with loading units for clamping, cutting and stapling tissue. <CIT> discloses surgical stapling devices including replaceable loading units.

Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims. The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. An example apparatus includes a lock slider and a blade lock configured to actuate radially between a first position that locks a blade in a secure position and a second position that allows the blade to move longitudinally. The blade lock can actuate radially in response to longitudinal movement of the lock slider.

In embodiments, the lock slider is configured to move distally. When the lock slider moves distally it can engage the blade lock. The blade lock engaged by the lock slider can actuate radially. In embodiments, the blade lock can actuate radially outward. When the blade lock is actuated radially outward, the blade lock can move from a first position to a second position. In this example, the blade lock can move radially between the first position and the second position in response to longitudinal movement of the lock slider.

In embodiments, a spring is configured to bias the lock slider in a proximal direction. The spring biasing the lock slider in a proximal direction can cause the lock slider to engage the blade lock. The lock slider, when biased by the spring, can engage the blade lock to place the blade lock in a secure position in an opening in the blade. A spring is used throughout the present disclosure to describe biasing the lock slider for ease of understanding and illustration.

In embodiments, the lock slider can engage the blade lock to bias the blade lock in a first position. The first position is a secure position. The blade lock can be in a first position, e.g. secure position, when the blade lock is between the blade and the lock slider, for example. The secure position is a position that prevents the blade from moving, e.g. locks the blade. The secure position can also be a position where the blade is enclosed by a cover of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. In this example, the blade may be in a secure position when the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly is being transported, e.g. carried and/or shipped, and/or stored.

In embodiments, the blade lock can be in a second position. The second position, for example, can be an open position. The blade lock can be in a second position, e.g. open position, when the blade lock is above, e.g. not in an opening of the blade, the blade. The open position is a position that allows the blade to move longitudinally. In this example, the blade may be in an open position when the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly is in use. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can be in use when the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly is connected to a movable handle assembly, for example.

In embodiments, the lock slider is configured to move proximally. When the lock slider moves proximally, the lock slider can engage the blade lock to actuate the blade lock radially. In a number of embodiments, the blade lock can actuate radially inward towards a center of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. When the blade lock is actuated radially inward, for example, the blade lock can move from a second position to a first position. In this example, the blade lock can move radially between the second position and the first position in response to longitudinal movement of the lock slider.

In a number of embodiments, the blade lock can actuate radially from the first position to the second position in response to coupling the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly to a movable handle assembly. The movable handle assembly can engage the lock slider of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. The engagement of the movable handle assembly with the lock slider can overcome the bias created by the spring to allow the lock slider to move in a distal direction. When the lock slider moves in the distal direction, the lock slider can engage the blade lock to actuate radially to a second position. The blade lock in the second position can allow the blade to move longitudinally. The blade may be used when the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly is coupled to a movable handle assembly, for example.

In a number of embodiments, a surgical stapler can include the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. The secure position of the locked blade when the blade lock is in the second position can be inside the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. For example, the blade can be encapsulated by a cover of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. The lock slider and the blade lock, for example, can be encapsulated by a sleeve of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly regardless of whether the blade lock is in a first position or a second position.

In embodiments, the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly includes a blade with an opening. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly also includes a lock slider and a blade lock. The lock slider includes a first incline plane and a second incline plane, and can include a fifth incline plane and a sixth incline plane. The blade lock includes a third incline plane and a fourth incline plane, and can include a seventh incline plane and an eighth incline plane. The blade lock can be positioned in the opening of the blade to prevent movement of the blade. The blade lock can prevent movement of the blade, for example, when the third incline plane of the blade lock is in contact with the first incline plane of the lock slider and/or when the seventh incline plane of the blade lock is in contact with the fifth incline plane of the lock slider.

In embodiments, the blade lock can be positioned outside of the opening of the blade. When the blade lock is positioned outside of the opening of the blade the blade is allowed to move. For example, the blade can move when the second incline plane of the lock slider is in contact with the fourth incline plane of the blade lock and/or when the sixth incline plane of the lock slider is in contact with the eighth incline plane of the blade lock.

In embodiments the opening of the blade has a first edge and a second edge. The blade lock has a first sidewall and a second sidewall. In embodiments, the first edge of the opening can contact the first sidewall of the blade lock to prevent distal movement of the blade. The second edge of the opening can contact a second sidewall of the blade lock, for example, to prevent proximal movement of the blade. When the blade cannot move, the blade lock is in a first, e.g. secure, position, for example.

In a number of embodiments, a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly may comprise an articulation arm, a sleeve, and a cover. The articulation arm can actuate a first elongated member and/ or a second elongated member of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. For example, the articulation arm can be used to actuate the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly to access tissue.

In a number of embodiments, the sleeve of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can prevent the articulation arm from moving in more than one direction, e.g. only in the longitudinal direction. For example, the sleeve can prevent the articulation arm from moving past an outer surface of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly.

In a number of embodiments, the cover may include a first portion with a post and a second portion with a cavity. The first portion of the cover with the post and the second portion of the cover with the cavity can be configured to prevent the articulation arm from moving in more than one direction. For example, the first portion of the cover with the post and the second portion of the cover with the cavity may allow the articulation arm to move in a longitudinal direction.

In a number of embodiments, the post of the first portion of the cover may mate with the cavity of the second portion of the cover in response to the first portion of the cover and the second portion of the cover being coupled together. When the first portion of the cover and the second portion of the cover are coupled together, the first portion of the cover and the second portion of the cover can prevent the articulation arm from moving towards a center of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly.

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" can include both singular and plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the words "can" and "may" are used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term "include," and derivations thereof, means "including, but not limited to". The terms "coupled" and "coupling" mean to be directly or indirectly connected physically or for access to and movement of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly, as appropriate to the context.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the figure. As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and/or the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a surgical stapling apparatus <NUM> including a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example, a surgical stapler apparatus <NUM> can include a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM>, e.g. a disposable loading unit, and a surgical handle assembly <NUM>. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can be releasably secured to a distal end of an elongated body of the surgical handle assembly <NUM>. In this example, the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a first elongated member <NUM> and a second elongated member <NUM> that can be used to clamp tissue. One of the elongated members can house one or more staple cartridges. The other elongated member can have an anvil that can be used to form a staple when driven from the staple cartridge.

As mentioned, a surgical stapling apparatus <NUM> can receive surgical reloadable cartridge assemblies having rows of staples. In a number of embodiments, third party surgical reloadable cartridge and/or surgical reloadable cartridge assemblies may be used with the surgical handle assembly <NUM> and embodiments of surgical handle assembly <NUM> may be configured to receive the same. A staple can be ejected by actuation of a movable handle member <NUM> that is a part of the surgical handle assembly <NUM> to the surgical stapling apparatus <NUM>. Actuation of the movable handle member <NUM> can actuate the blade (e.g. blade <NUM> in <FIG>) to eject a number of staples and cut. Further, embodiments are not limited to use with a surgical stapling apparatus. The surgical handle assembly <NUM> is described with the surgical stapling apparatus <NUM> example throughout the present disclosure for ease of understanding and illustration.

<FIG> is an exploded view schematic diagram of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade lock <NUM>, a lock slider <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, an articulation arm <NUM>, a first portion of a cover <NUM>, a second portion of the cover <NUM>, and a blade <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the lock slider <NUM> is configured to move distally to engage the blade lock <NUM> and actuate the blade lock <NUM> radially from the first position to the second position. The blade lock <NUM> can move radially between a first position and a second position without rotational movement, e.g. the lock slider <NUM> and/or blade lock <NUM> do not move rotationally. The spring <NUM> can be configured to bias the lock slider <NUM> in a proximal direction so the lock slider <NUM> is engaged with the blade lock <NUM> and the blade lock <NUM> is in the first position. The first position, for example, can be a secure position that locks the blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> can be locked when the blade lock <NUM> is between the blade <NUM> and the lock slider <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the lock slider <NUM> can be configured to move proximally to engage the blade lock <NUM> and actuate the blade lock <NUM> from the second position to the first position. The blade lock <NUM> can actuate radially to the second position in response to the lock slider <NUM> moving in a distal direction when the assembly is coupled to a movable handle assembly (e.g. movable handle assembly <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, the blade <NUM> can be unlocked when the lock slider <NUM> is between the blade <NUM> and the blade lock <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, a surgical stapler can include the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM>. The secure position of the locked blade <NUM> can be inside the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM>. For example, the blade <NUM> can be encapsulated by a first portion of a cover (e.g. first portion of a cover <NUM> in <FIG>) and a second portion of the cover (e.g. second portion of the cover <NUM> in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly including a blade lock in a first position in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade lock <NUM>, a lock slider <NUM>, a blade <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the lock slider <NUM> is configured to move distally to engage the blade lock <NUM> and actuate the blade lock <NUM> radially from the first position to the second position. The blade lock <NUM> can move radially between a first position and a second position in response to longitudinal movement of the lock slider <NUM>. A spring <NUM> can be configured to bias the lock slider <NUM> in a proximal direction so the lock slider <NUM> is engaged with the blade lock <NUM> and the blade lock <NUM> is in the first position. The first position, for example, can be a secure position that locks the blade <NUM>. The blade <NUM> can be locked when the blade lock <NUM> is between the blade <NUM> and the lock slider <NUM>.

<FIG> is a section view schematic diagram of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly including a blade lock in a first position in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade lock <NUM>, a lock slider <NUM>, a blade <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade <NUM> including an opening 317and a lock slider <NUM> including a first incline plane (e.g. first incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>), a second incline plane (e.g. second incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>), a fifth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>), and a sixth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>). The surgical reloadable cartridge <NUM> can also include a blade lock <NUM> including a third incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>), a fourth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>), a seventh incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>), and an eighth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>). The blade lock <NUM> can be positioned in the opening <NUM> of the blade to prevent movement of the blade, e.g. a first position, when the third incline plane of the blade lock <NUM> is in contact with the first incline plane of the lock slider <NUM> and/or when the seventh incline plane of the blade lock <NUM> is in contact with the fifth incline plane of the lock slider <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, a first edge <NUM> of the opening can contact a first sidewall (e.g. first sidewall <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade lock <NUM> to prevent distal movement of the blade <NUM> and a second edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM> can contact a second sidewall (e.g. second sidewall <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade lock <NUM> to prevent proximal movement of the blade <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly including a blade lock in a second position in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade lock <NUM>, a lock slider <NUM>, a blade <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the lock slider <NUM> can be configured to move distally to engage the blade lock <NUM> and actuate the blade lock <NUM> from the first position to the second position. The blade lock <NUM> can actuate radially to the second position in response to the lock slider <NUM> moving in a distal direction when the assembly is coupled to a movable handle assembly (e.g. movable handle assembly <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, the blade <NUM> can be unlocked when the lock slider <NUM> is between the blade <NUM> and the blade lock <NUM>.

<FIG> is a section view schematic diagram of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly including a blade lock in a second position in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade lock <NUM>, a lock slider <NUM>, a blade <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the blade lock <NUM> can be positioned outside of the opening of the blade <NUM>, e.g. a second position, to allow movement of the blade <NUM> when the second incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the lock slider <NUM> is in contact with the fourth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade lock <NUM> and/or when the sixth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the lock slider <NUM> is in contact with the eighth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade lock <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a blade lock and a lock slider of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The blade lock <NUM> can include a first sidewall <NUM> and a second sidewall <NUM>. In a number of embodiments, the first edge (e.g. edge <NUM> in <FIG>) of the opening (e.g. opening <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade (e.g. blade <NUM> in <FIG>) can contact the first sidewall <NUM> of the blade lock <NUM> to prevent distal movement of the blade. Proximal movement of the blade may also be prevented. The second edge (e.g. edge <NUM> in <FIG>) of the opening can contact a second sidewall <NUM> of the blade lock <NUM>, for example, to prevent proximal movement of the blade. When the blade cannot move, the blade lock <NUM> can be in a first position, for example.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g. surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> in <FIG>) can include a lock slider <NUM>. The lock slider <NUM> can include a first incline plane <NUM> and a second incline plane <NUM>. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can also include a blade lock <NUM>. The blade lock <NUM> can include a third incline <NUM> plane and a fourth incline plane <NUM>. The blade lock <NUM> can be positioned in the opening (e.g. opening <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade (e.g. blade <NUM> in <FIG>) to prevent movement of the blade. The blade lock <NUM> can prevent movement of the blade, for example, when the third incline plane <NUM> of the blade lock <NUM> is in contact with the first incline plane <NUM> of the lock slider <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the blade lock <NUM> can be positioned outside of the opening (e.g. opening <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade (e.g. blade <NUM> in <FIG>). When the blade lock <NUM> is positioned outside of the opening of the blade the blade is allowed to move. For example, the blade can move when the second incline plane <NUM> of the lock slider <NUM> is in contact with the fourth incline plane <NUM> of the blade lock <NUM>. When the blade can move, the blade lock <NUM> can be in a second position, for example.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g. surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> in <FIG>) can include a lock slider <NUM>. The lock slider <NUM> can include a fifth incline plane <NUM> and a sixth incline plane <NUM>. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly can also include a blade lock <NUM>. The blade lock <NUM> can include a seventh incline <NUM> plane and an eighth incline plane <NUM>. The blade lock <NUM> can be positioned in the opening (e.g. opening <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade (e.g. blade <NUM> in <FIG>) to prevent movement of the blade. The blade lock <NUM> can prevent movement of the blade, for example, when the incline plane <NUM> of the blade lock <NUM> is in contact with the incline plane <NUM> of the lock slider <NUM> and/or when the incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade lock <NUM> is in contact with the first incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the lock slider <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the blade lock <NUM> can be positioned outside of the opening (e.g. opening <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade (e.g. blade <NUM> in <FIG>). When the blade lock <NUM> is positioned outside of the opening of the blade, the blade is allowed to move. For example, the blade can move when the sixth incline plane <NUM> of the lock slider <NUM> is in contact with the eighth incline plane <NUM> of the blade lock <NUM> and/or when the second incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the lock slider <NUM> is in contact with the fourth incline plane (e.g. incline plane <NUM> in <FIG>) of the blade lock <NUM>. When the blade can move, the blade lock <NUM> can be in a second position, for example.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade <NUM>, an articulation arm <NUM>, and a sleeve <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the articulation arm <NUM> can actuate jaw structures including a first elongated member (e.g. first elongated member <NUM> in <FIG>) and/or a second elongated member (e.g. second elongated member <NUM>) of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM>. For example, the articulation arm <NUM> can be used to pivot the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> to clamp tissue.

In a number of embodiments, the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can also include a sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> can prevent the articulation arm <NUM> from moving in more than one direction. For example, the sleeve can prevent the articulation arm <NUM> from moving past an outer surface of the surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a section view schematic diagram of a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly in accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The surgical reloadable cartridge assembly <NUM> can include a blade <NUM>, an articulation arm <NUM>, a sleeve <NUM>, a first portion of a cover <NUM>, and a second portion of a cover <NUM>. The first portion of the cover <NUM> can include a post <NUM> and the second portion of the cover <NUM> can include a cavity <NUM>.

In a number of embodiments, the first portion of the cover <NUM> with the post <NUM> and the second portion of the cover <NUM> with the cavity <NUM> can be configured to prevent the articulation arm <NUM> from moving in more than one direction. For example, the first portion of the cover <NUM> with the post <NUM> and the second portion of the cover <NUM> with the cavity <NUM> may allow the articulation arm <NUM> to move in a longitudinal direction.

Claim 1:
A surgical reloadable cartridge assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a blade (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>);
a lock slider (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having a first incline plane (<NUM>) and a second incline plane (<NUM>), wherein the lock slider is biased by a spring in a linear proximal direction; and
a blade lock (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having a third incline plane (<NUM>) and a fourth incline plane (<NUM>), wherein the entire blade lock is configured to actuate radially outward from a first position to a second position in response to longitudinal movement of the lock slider distally engaging the blade lock and the blade lock is configured to actuate radially inward from the second position to the first position in response to longitudinal movement of the lock slider proximally engaging the blade lock,
wherein:
in the first position, the blade lock is positioned in the opening of the blade where a first edge (<NUM>) of the opening of the blade is in contact with a first sidewall (<NUM>) of the blade lock to prevent distal movement of the blade and a second edge (<NUM>) of the opening is in contact with a second sidewall (<NUM>) of the blade lock to prevent proximal movement of the blade that locks the blade in a secure position when the third incline plane of the blade lock is in contact with the first incline plane of the lock slider; and
in the second position, the blade lock is positioned outside of the opening of the blade to allow movement of the blade longitudinally when the second incline plane of the lock slider is in contact with the fourth incline plane of the blade lock.