Patent Description:
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to stapler reload assemblies, such as for surgical staplers, and related devices, systems, and methods.

It is often a design objective to make endoscopic instruments smaller so that procedures in which endoscopic instruments are used can be less invasive. An example of such endoscopic instruments includes stapler instruments and their associated reload assemblies. A competing consideration when reducing a size of the stapler instrument and reload assembly, however, is the size of staples the instrument can accept and fire. That is, the transverse (perpendicular to a longitudinal or length direction of the stapler head) cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameter or other lateral dimension) of the stapler instrument and reload assembly constrain the maximum size (e.g., width and height) of staples the instrument can accept. Reload assemblies typically include one or more components that retain the staples and other parts of the reload assembly in place during manufacture, shipping, and installation of the reload assembly. Such components contribute to the overall size (e.g., transverse cross-sectional dimensions) of the reload assembly, and correspondingly constrain the maximum size of staples that can be accepted and fired by a stapler instrument in which the reload assembly is used.

There exists a need to provide stapler instruments, and in particular their reload assemblies, that have relatively small transverse cross-sectional dimensions while still being able to accept relatively large staple sizes. In other words, there exists a need to provide a stapler instrument design with an overall reduced size in terms of its transverse cross-sectional dimensions, without unduly limiting the size of the staple that can be accepted and fired by the endoscopic stapler instrument.

<CIT> discloses a stapler reload assembly including a cartridge including a cartridge body and a staple retainer removably coupled to the first side of the cartridge body and comprising a handling portion extending from a main body.

<CIT> discloses a staple cartridge assembly comprising a staple cartridge and a staple retainer attached to the staple cartridge. The retainer can be removed from the cartridge by the use of a thumb projection which a clinician pulls or lifts in a direction away from the staple cartridge and the retainer is made from a material that provides a degree of flexibility to the retainer.

The present invention provides a stapler reload assembly in accordance with claim <NUM> and a method of reloading a cartridge body in accordance with claim <NUM>. Other aspects of the invention are disclosed herein in accordance with the dependent claims.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems and/or may demonstrate one or more of the above-mentioned desirable features. Other features and/or advantages may become apparent from the description that follows.

In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a stapler reload assembly includes a cartridge body defining a housing to receive staples. The cartridge body comprises a plurality of staple apertures configured to eject staples housed in the cartridge body and a staple retainer removably coupled to the cartridge body. The staple retainer comprises a main body portion configured to at least partially cover the plurality of staple apertures in a position of the staple retainer coupled to the cartridge body, a first handling portion extending from the main body portion at a distal end portion of the staple retainer, and a second handling portion proximal to the first handling portion and coupled to the main body portion by a flexure. The second handling portion is elastically deflectable about the flexure and relative to the main body portion of the staple retainer from a neutral, first position to a deflected second position.

In accordance with at least another exemplary embodiment, a method of installing a reload cartridge body in a stapler instrument comprises inserting the reload cartridge body in a jaw of the stapler instrument, the reload cartridge body being coupled to a staple retainer, applying a first force to a first handling portion of the staple retainer to remove the staple retainer, and while applying the first force, applying a second force to a second handling portion of the staple retainer to press the second handling portion against the reload cartridge body toward the jaw of the stapler instrument.

Additional objects, features, and/or advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure and/or claims. At least some of these objects and advantages may be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claims; rather the claims should be entitled to their full breadth of scope, including equivalents.

The present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description, either alone or together with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and they are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain certain principles and operation. In the drawings,.

The present disclosure contemplates various exemplary embodiments of stapler reload cartridges that provide for a relatively small overall size profile, while allowing sufficient space to receive relatively large staples. In some embodiments, stapler reload assemblies including such staple reload cartridges also facilitate a specified sequence for readying the stapler reload assembly for insertion and use in a stapler instrument. For example, in exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, a stapler reload assembly includes various components that assist in keeping the stapler reload assembly, including staples and associated staple pushers held therein, intact prior to insertion and use in a stapler instrument, such as, for example, during transport of the stapler reload assembly. Those various components, however, are intended to be removed prior to insertion of the stapler reload cartridge into a stapler instrument and/or subsequent use of the stapler instrument with the stapler reload cartridge inserted. Allowing various components of a stapler reload assembly to be removed can allow for provision of relatively small dimensions in a use state of the stapler reload cartridge without sacrificing space to accommodate relatively large size staples.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the stapler reload assembly components that are removable prior to insertion and/or use of the stapler reload cartridge include a cover and a staple retainer.

In various embodiments, each of the staple retainer and the cover includes features that interact with one another to ensure the components are removed in an ordered manner for insertion and subsequent use of the stapler reload cartridge. For example, the cover can include features that mechanically interfere with removal of the staple retainer before the cover is removed. A force applied by the user in an attempt to remove the staple retainer prior to removing the cover can result in generation of an interference force between the cover and the staple retainer to prevent removing the retainer. Such features encourage the user to prepare the stapler reload cartridge for installation in the stapler instrument in a manner that prevents damage to the cartridge, such as loss of staples contained in the cartridge or deformation of the cartridge during installation.

<FIG> shows a prior art stapler reload cartridge <NUM> for use with an endoscopic surgical stapler instrument. Exemplary surgical stapler instruments that are compatible for use with replaceable stapler reload assemblies are disclosed, for example, by <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; by U. Patent Application Publication Nos. <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; and by International Patent Application Publication Nos. <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Stapler reload cartridge <NUM> includes a cartridge body <NUM> that provides a housing to hold a plurality of staples (not shown) to be ejected from the cartridge body <NUM> in response to actuation of a stapler instrument in which the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> is inserted. Pushers (not shown) are also contained within the cartridge body <NUM>, and the pushers serve to push the staples from the cartridge during firing of the stapler instrument, as those having ordinary skill in the art are familiar with. Stapler reload cartridge <NUM> has a cover <NUM> that is intended to be irremovably installed onto the cartridge body <NUM> during manufacturing assembly. In the stapler reload cartridge <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is formed of sheet metal, such as, for example, sheet steel or aluminum alloy. The cover <NUM> serves to retain the staples and associated pushers housed within the cartridge body <NUM> and prevent them from inadvertently falling out, e.g., during manufacturing, shipping, or installation of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> in a stapler instrument.

Referring now to <FIG>, an embodiment of a stapler reload cartridge <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As can be seen in <FIG>, the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> includes a cartridge body <NUM> having a staple ejection side <NUM> and a pusher loading side <NUM> opposite the staple ejection side <NUM>. The cartridge body <NUM> houses a plurality of staples (not shown) that can be ejected from the cartridge body <NUM> through staple apertures (e.g., staple apertures <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>) in the staple ejection side <NUM> during use of a stapler instrument in which the cartridge body <NUM> holding the staples is installed. As an example, and without limitation, staple ejection side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> is configured to accept staples during manufacturing of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM>. During use, components of the stapler instrument, such as a sled or other staple firing apparatus as would be familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art, act on the staple pushers through the pusher loading side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> and the staples are ejected from the staple ejection side <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. Unlike the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>, the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> does not have a permanent, irremovable cover corresponding to cover <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>. Because the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> does not include such a cover, the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> can accept relatively large sized staples while maintaining a relatively small overall size profile (e.g., cross-sectional dimensions) because the space normally occupied by such a permanent cover is available to accommodate relatively larger staples.

Because stapler reload cartridge <NUM> does not include a permanent cover, the staples and other internal components of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> could potentially fall out of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> during manufacturing, shipping, or other transport/handling of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM>.

Further, in some embodiments, the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> has a generally U-shaped form in plan view. That is, the legs <NUM> are connected to one another at a distal end <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> and extend unsupported to proximal ends <NUM>, generally forming a U-shape. In the prior art embodiment of <FIG>, the cover <NUM> also serves to reinforce and hold the legs <NUM> in position to prevent bending or other deformation of the legs, as well as other potential damage to the reload cartridge body.

The stapler reload cartridge <NUM> is configured to be accepted into a jaw of a stapler instrument. For example, referring now to <FIG>, a cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> of a stapler instrument <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> can be attached to a shaft <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) that extends proximally to an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism can be or include a force transmission mechanism actuated by a teleoperated surgical systems that operate at least in part with computer assistance, such as the da Vinci® Surgical Systems commercialized by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Other systems can include other computer-assisted mechanisms or manually operated actuation mechanisms.

The cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> includes longitudinal channels <NUM> configured to accept legs <NUM> (<FIG>) of the cartridge body <NUM>. <FIG> shows the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> installed in the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> of the stapler instrument <NUM>, with an anvil <NUM> of the stapler instrument <NUM> also depicted. In the view of <FIG>, a staple retainer <NUM> (which may be of a configuration as is discussed in detail further below in connection with various embodiments, with the retainer configuration of the embodiment of <FIG> being depicted ) is in place over the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> to prevent staples from migrating from the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> while a user installs the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> of the stapler instrument <NUM>. Once the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> is installed in the stapler instrument <NUM>, the staple retainer <NUM> is removed by the user and the stapler instrument <NUM> is ready for use, as shown in <FIG>.

As those having ordinary skill in the art are familiar, in use, the stapler instrument <NUM> can be operated to clamp tissue between the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> and the anvil <NUM>. The clamped tissue is cut with a cutting element (not shown) that advances along the tissue through the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> and the staples are fired by a sled (not shown) that advances through the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> and forces staples out through staple apertures <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM>, through the clamped tissue, and against the anvil <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> includes pushers <NUM> against which the sled or other staple-installing component bears to force the staples from the stapler reload cartridge <NUM>. The sled's action against the pushers <NUM> forces the staples through the apertures (<NUM> shown in <FIG>), through the tissue, and against the anvil <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The pushers <NUM> are at least partially exposed on the pusher loading side <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> through pusher apertures <NUM>, through which the pushers <NUM> are accessible to components of the stapler instrument (such as a sled) during use. During manufacturing, the pushers <NUM> are installed in the cartridge body <NUM> through the pusher apertures <NUM>, after which the cartridge body <NUM> may be transferred to a different manufacturing station for loading of the staples through staple apertures <NUM> ( see <FIG>) such that each staple is coupled to a corresponding pusher <NUM>. In the absence of a permanent cover, such as cover <NUM> in <FIG>, the pushers <NUM> could potentially fall out of the cartridge body <NUM> or migrate to an incorrect position before the staples are loaded. Additionally, once the staples are loaded, the staples could inadvertently advance through the staple apertures <NUM> during shipping of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> or handling of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> prior to, or during installation of the stapler reload cartridge <NUM> in the stapler instrument <NUM>.

To ensure the pushers and staples are retained within a stapler reload cartridge until ready for installation and subsequent use, and to prevent damage of the cartridge body, various embodiments disclosed herein provide stapler reload assemblies that one or more removable components that are kept in place until the stapler reload cartridge is ready for use. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, stapler reload assemblies provide the stapler reload cartridge with a staple retainer and a cover, which are in place over the stapler reload cartridge at various times during transport and installation into a stapler instrument. The staple retainer and cover can optionally be designed to encourage an ordered sequence for removal of the cover and retainer, to help ensure that the staples and pushers are retained within the stapler reload cartridge until ready for installation and subsequent use in a stapler instrument. In some embodiments, the staple retainer and cover include various interlocking features that operably engage to dictate an ordered sequence for removal of those components from the stapler reload cartridge.

Additionally or alternatively, a force required to be applied to the staple retainer to remove the staple retainer from the cartridge may be different from a force required to be applied to the cover to remove the cover from the cartridge. Such a configuration can assist in providing an ordered sequence of removal of the cover and staple retainer.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of a stapler reload assembly <NUM> is shown. Stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a staple retainer <NUM> installed over and covering at least a portion of a staple ejection side of a stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> (the staple ejection side being similar to <NUM> of stapler reload cartridge <NUM> in <FIG>). The stapler reload assembly <NUM> also includes a cover <NUM> installed over and covering at least a portion of a pusher loading side of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> (the pusher loading side being similar to pusher loading side <NUM> of stapler reload cartridge <NUM> in <FIG>). The cover <NUM> is configured to be installed over the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> during manufacturing to hold pushers (similar to pushers <NUM> described with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>) in place while the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is moved during manufacturing, for example, to another station for loading the staples. Once the staples are loaded, the staple retainer <NUM> is installed over the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> to ensure the staples do not migrate through staple apertures (reference being made to staple apertures <NUM> shown in <FIG>) prior to installation and use of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. Thus, for purposes of packaging, shipping, and handling, the pushers and staples are fully retained within the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> by the cover <NUM> and staple retainer <NUM>.

The staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> each include various complementary mating features to retain each of the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> on a stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, as well as to couple the staple retainer <NUM> and the cover <NUM> together. It is desired that the cover <NUM> be removed before removing the staple retainer <NUM>, so that the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> can be installed within the stapler instrument prior to removing the staple retainer <NUM>, so as to avoid staples migrating out of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> prior to use in the stapler instrument. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> include complementary engagement features that interlock and provide for the removal of the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> in an ordered sequence.

For example, in the embodiment of <FIG>, to install the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a stapler instrument, the cover <NUM> must first be removed. The stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, carrying the pushers and staples, can then be installed in a cartridge-retaining jaw of the stapler instrument. The continued presence of the staple retainer <NUM> during such installation retains the staples within the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and also reduces a risk of bending of the legs <NUM> (<FIG>) of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> during insertion into the jaw. Once the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is installed within the stapler instrument, the staple retainer <NUM> can be removed to ready the stapler instrument for actuation to fire staples.

To promote an ordered sequence for readying and installing the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> within the stapler instrument, the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> both include complementary mating features that prevent the staple retainer <NUM> from being removed when the cover <NUM> is still in place on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> includes a handling portion <NUM> at a distal end portion thereof (relative proximal and distal directions being labeled) and a top plate <NUM> that covers the staple ejection side of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> covers the pusher loading side of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

At the distal end portion of the stapler reload assembly <NUM>, the cover <NUM> includes a tab member <NUM> that extends through an aperture <NUM> in the handling portion <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. The tab member <NUM> has a ridge <NUM> that engages a lip <NUM> that extends from the staple retainer <NUM> within the aperture <NUM>. A crossbar <NUM> extends across the bottom of the handling portion <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> beneath the tab member <NUM>. It can be seen from the view in <FIG> that when an attempt is made to remove the staple retainer <NUM> from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> (e.g., by attempting to lift the staple retainer <NUM> up and away from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>) while the cover <NUM> is in place, a mechanical interference force between the tab member <NUM> and the crossbar <NUM> occurs to prevent the removal of the staple retainer <NUM>. Further, when an attempt is made to slide the staple retainer <NUM> in the distal direction and off the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, a mechanical interference between the ridge <NUM> and the lip <NUM> occurs to prevent such removal.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, which shows a cross-sectional view of the stapler reload assembly <NUM> from the perspective 3C-3C in <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> each include corresponding, interlocking complementary tongue portions <NUM> and <NUM> extending along the proximal-distal directions. Interference force between the complementary tongue portions <NUM> and <NUM> also help to prevent the staple retainer <NUM> from being removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is in place. At a proximal end portion, the cover <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> into which a protrusion <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is received, providing an engagement to assist in retaining the proximal end portion of the cover <NUM> on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of the staple ejection side illustrating the cover <NUM> in place on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> while omitting the staple retainer <NUM> to better illustrate features of the cover <NUM> that aid in retention of the cover <NUM> on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes a shoulder <NUM> that, along with the recess <NUM> (<FIG>) into which protrusion <NUM> (<FIG>) is received, limits longitudinal (proximal and distal direction) movement of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and the cover <NUM> relative to each other. Referring now to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and cover <NUM> along cross-section <NUM>-E-<NUM>-E labeled in <FIG> is shown to illustrate additional retaining features of the cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes retaining arms <NUM> that engage with protrusions <NUM> formed on the interior of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> to retain the cover <NUM> on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. While the retaining arms <NUM> are shown specifically in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>, similar features can be used in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side elevation view of the stapler reload assembly <NUM> is shown, with portions shown transparent or hidden to reveal features of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. The stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> includes one or more detents <NUM> in a side portion of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, into which retention tabs <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> extend to retain the cover <NUM> on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. To remove the cover <NUM>, a downward force can be applied to the tab member <NUM> (the force being applied to move the tab member <NUM> away from the cartridge body <NUM>). The tab member <NUM> of the cover <NUM> deflects downward (by virtue of the space between the tab <NUM> and the crossbar <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>) and allows the ridge <NUM> to disengage from the lip <NUM> (<FIG>). Once this disengagement occurs, a force can be applied to move the cover in the proximal direction, causing the retention tabs <NUM> of the cover <NUM> to disengage the detents <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the retention tabs <NUM> can optionally comprise ramps on the proximal-facing side to facilitate removal of the staple retainer <NUM> when a proximally-directed force is applied and the tab member <NUM> is depressed.

As shown in <FIG>, once the cover <NUM> has been moved sufficiently in the proximal direction such that the tab member <NUM> of the cover <NUM> clears the crossbar <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> and the complementary tongue portions <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) disengage, the cover <NUM> can be moved downwardly and away from the stapler reload cartridge body such that it can be completely removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, leaving the staple retainer <NUM> in place on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. In this configuration, the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is ready for installation in a stapler instrument (reference is made to <FIG>), after which the staple retainer <NUM> can be removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and the stapler instrument is ready for use to fire staples from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the handling portion <NUM> includes a window <NUM> through which a portion of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> can be viewed. The size of staple loaded in the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> can optionally be indicated by a color of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, thereby facilitating the user determining the size of staples in the stapler reload assembly prior to installing the stapler reload cartridge body in the stapler. Other indicia, such as a number, can be provided on the stapler retainer or elsewhere to assist in identifying the size of staples carried by the stapler reload assemblies disclosed herein.

The tab member <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and the handling portion <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> can include knurling, ridges, or other surface relief profiles and/or textures on portions of those components that will be handled by the user to facilitate grasping by the user and provide further indication to the user of how to handle and use the stapler reload assembly <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> can be made from any suitable materials such as metal alloys, composite materials, and polymer materials. Suitable materials can include those that exhibit sufficient flexibility to enable function of the various engagement features and retaining features described herein, such as snap fits, friction fits, interference fits, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> are made from polymer materials and can be manufactured by, e.g., injection molding.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, another embodiment of a stapler reload assembly <NUM> according to the present disclosure is shown. The stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a staple retainer <NUM> and a cover <NUM> installed on a stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, in a generally similar arrangement to the embodiment of <FIG> described above, with various differences being described below. The cover <NUM> does not include a tab as in the embodiment of cover <NUM>, but instead includes a push tab <NUM> that extends through an aperture <NUM> in the staple retainer <NUM>. As with the embodiment of <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> that accepts a projection <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> includes a window <NUM> to enable a user to determine the color and/or other identifying characteristics of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, and by association, the size of staples in the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of the stapler reload assembly <NUM> through section <NUM>-C labeled in <FIG> is shown. The view of <FIG> shows additional retaining features of the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> includes a septum <NUM> protruding downward (in the view of <FIG>) through a central recess <NUM> defined between legs <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> between inner flange portions <NUM>. A fin portion <NUM> on the cover <NUM> deflects the septum <NUM> in a lateral direction D, causing a lip <NUM> on the septum <NUM> to engage the inner flange portions <NUM>. In this configuration, interference between the lip <NUM> and the inner flange portions <NUM> prevents the staple retainer <NUM> from being removed while the cover <NUM> is in place on the cartridge body <NUM>.

To remove the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>, a downward force F is applied to the push tab <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The cover <NUM> disengages from the cartridge body <NUM> and generally pivots at a proximal location, as shown in <FIG>. Similar to the description above with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes retention tabs <NUM> that engage detents <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is in an installed position (see <FIG>). The retention tabs <NUM> of the cover <NUM> can have a ramped lower surface to facilitate disengaging from the detents <NUM> when force F is applied to the push tab <NUM>.

Once the cover <NUM> disengages and drops away from the cartridge body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the fin portion <NUM> (<FIG>) disengages the septum <NUM> (<FIG>) of the staple retainer <NUM> and allows the septum <NUM> to return to an undeflected position. The lip <NUM> (<FIG>) disengages the inner flange portion <NUM> (<FIG>), and the staple retainer <NUM> can be removed from the cartridge body <NUM>, for example after the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is inserted within the stapler instrument.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a stapler reload assembly <NUM> is shown. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a staple retainer <NUM> and a cover <NUM> having a generally similar arrangement with respect to the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> as those described above with reference to the embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG>. As with stapler reload assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>, the cover <NUM> includes retention tabs <NUM> that engage detents <NUM> in stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> to retain the cover <NUM> on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

The staple retainer <NUM> includes a handling portion <NUM> at a distal end portion. The cover <NUM> includes a removal lever <NUM> positioned underneath the handling portion <NUM>, as shown best in the views of <FIG> and <FIG>. To remove the cover <NUM> from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, the handling portion <NUM> and removal lever <NUM> are pinched together, which in turn causes the cover <NUM> to pivot against the staple retainer <NUM> at fulcrum <NUM>. With reference to FIG. C, the force applied to the removal lever <NUM> by pinching it upward toward the handling portion <NUM> causes the cover <NUM> to be moved in a downward direction away from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, thereby disengaging the retention tabs <NUM> from the detents <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and allowing the cover <NUM> to fully disengage and be removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the handling portion <NUM> and the removal lever <NUM> together can be considered as opposing levers.

One or both of the staple retainer <NUM> and the cover <NUM> can optionally include features configured to enable the cover <NUM> and staple retainer <NUM> to remain coupled together as they are sequentially disengaged from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. Such a configuration could potentially be desirable from a workflow perspective, such as during procedures in which each component of a device must be accounted for. Maintaining the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> as a single assembly throughout the workflow can facilitate use and tracking of the components.

For example, as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> includes two engagement features <NUM> on either side of the removal lever <NUM>. When the removal lever <NUM> is depressed and the cover <NUM> is removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, the engagement features <NUM> engage the removal lever <NUM> and hold the cover <NUM> with the staple retainer <NUM> in the configuration shown in <FIG>. Once the cover <NUM> is removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> yet still engaged with the staple retainer <NUM>, as in the configuration of <FIG>, the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> can be inserted within a stapler instrument. In this configuration, the staple retainer <NUM> is still engaged with the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, and the position of the cover <NUM> provides clearance for the stapler reload cartridge to be installed in the stapler instrument. The staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> can be removed as an assembly (i.e., in the configuration of <FIG>) from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> to prepare the stapler instrument for use.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate additional retaining features, each of which can optionally be included without limitation on any of the exemplary embodiments of stapler cartridge assemblies described herein. Referring now to <FIG>, a stapler reload assembly <NUM> including a stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> with a staple retainer <NUM> installed is shown. For clarity, no cover is shown in <FIG>. The staple retainer <NUM> includes a septum <NUM> that protrudes between inner flanges <NUM> of the legs <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. As discussed above with reference to the description of <FIG>, the septum <NUM> can prevent undesired deflection of the stapler reload cartridge body legs <NUM> before the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is installed within the stapler instrument. The septum <NUM> can also include features configured to ensure the staple retainer <NUM> is not inadvertently removed prior to installation of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> within the stapler instrument. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the septum <NUM> includes ridges <NUM> that create an interference fit between the inner flanges <NUM> and the septum <NUM>, thereby inhibiting and discouraging removal of the staple retainer <NUM> until the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is installed within the stapler instrument.

Referring now to <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> can include features in addition to those already described above to assist in retaining the staple retainer <NUM> on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> while the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is inserted within a stapler instrument. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> can include snap fit features <NUM> that engage the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and maintain the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> within the staple retainer <NUM> while the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> is installed within the stapler instrument. For example, the snap fit features <NUM> can be configured to engage a side of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> opposite a side the staple retainer covers. For example, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the snap fit features <NUM> engage a side of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> corresponding to the pusher loading side <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> (<FIG>). The features shown in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> can be included, without limitation, on any of the previously described embodiments, such as stapler reload assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another exemplary embodiment of a stapler reload assembly is shown. The stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a cartridge body <NUM>, a staple retainer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> is removably secured to the cartridge body <NUM> by one or more snap features (not shown) and/or friction fit interfaces. The cover <NUM> is removably secured to the cartridge body <NUM> via engagement of a plurality of retention tabs <NUM> that positively engage with corresponding detents <NUM> located on an outer surface of the cartridge body <NUM>. Moreover, the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> are operably engaged toward a distal end portion of each of the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM>. When the stapler reload assembly <NUM> is fully assembled, a projection <NUM> of the cover <NUM> extends past a distal tip <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>, and through an opening <NUM> (<FIG>) of the staple retainer <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, when both the cover <NUM> and the staple retainer <NUM> are engaged with the cartridge body <NUM>, the projection <NUM> of the cover <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> and is positioned atop at least a portion of a tab member <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>.

To prepare the stapler reload assembly <NUM> for use, the cover <NUM> is first removed from the cartridge body <NUM>. A user can then position the cartridge body <NUM> together with the staple retainer <NUM> in a cartridge-retaining jaw of a surgical stapler (e.g., cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

The design of the stapler reload assembly <NUM> encourages a user to remove the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> before removing the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>. As explained below, interface features between the distal end of the staple retainer <NUM> and the distal end of the cover <NUM> provides mechanical interference that generally prevents a user from trying to remove the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> prior to removal of the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a partly disassembled configuration in which the cover <NUM> is being removed from the assembly of the cartridge body <NUM> and the staple retainer <NUM>. Removal of the cover <NUM> is accomplished by applying a force F1 to the cover pull tab member <NUM> in a proximal and downward direction. Doing so will disengage retention tabs <NUM> from the detents <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> and slide the cover <NUM> in a proximal direction relative to the assembly of the staple retainer <NUM> and cartridge body <NUM>, disengaging the projection <NUM> of cover <NUM> from the opening <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. Once the projection <NUM> of the cover <NUM> is removed from the opening <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>, the staple retainer <NUM> can be removed completely from the cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the assembly of staple retainer <NUM> and stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, with the cover <NUM> removed. In this partly assembled configuration of the stapler retainer reload assembly, staple retainer <NUM> can be removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> by applying an upward force F2 on the staple retainer pull tab <NUM>. Doing so will disengage one or more snap fit features (not shown) and/or friction fit interfaces (not shown) that removably secure the staple retainer <NUM> to the cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an isometric view of the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a fully assembled configuration (same configuration as <FIG>). The projection <NUM> of the cover <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. The projection <NUM> is positioned atop pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. In a manner similar to that described with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>, this mechanical interface hinders removal of the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> before removal of the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>. If a user attempts to remove the staple retainer <NUM> by applying an upward force on pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> (i.e., force F2 shown at <FIG>), the projection <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, which is positioned over pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>, will prevent the staple retainer <NUM> from being removed from the cartridge body <NUM>. That is, with the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in its fully assembled configuration, the cover <NUM> is secured to the cartridge body <NUM> and the projection <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> to prevent the staple retainer <NUM> from being removed from the cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> show yet another embodiment of a stapler reload assembly <NUM>. Stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes cartridge body <NUM>, staple retainer <NUM>, and cover <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> is removably secured to the cartridge body <NUM> through one or more snap features (not shown) and/or friction fit interfaces (not shown). The cover <NUM> is removably secured to the cartridge body <NUM> via engagement of a plurality of retention tabs <NUM> that positively engage with corresponding detents <NUM> located on an outer surface of the cartridge body.

Stapler reload assembly <NUM> is designed to encourage an ordered sequence of removal of the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> before removing staple retainer <NUM> from cartridge body <NUM>. To accomplish this, stapler reload assembly <NUM> also employs certain interface features located at a distal end portion of staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM>. Cover <NUM> includes a T-shaped projection <NUM> that extends from an upper surface of the cover <NUM>. The T-shaped projection <NUM> includes transverse portions <NUM>, best seen in <FIG>. The staple retainer <NUM> includes inwardly extending lateral projections <NUM>, also best seen in <FIG>. When the stapler reload assembly <NUM> is in its fully assembled state, the transverse portions <NUM> of the T-shaped projection <NUM> and the inwardly extending lateral projections <NUM> are arranged such that they will abut each other, with the transverse portions <NUM> of the T-shaped projection acting as a stop surface, if a force is applied to the staple retainer <NUM> to attempt to remove it from off the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> before the cover <NUM> is removed.

<FIG> show an exemplary workflow for preparing the stapler reload assembly <NUM> for use. <FIG> shows stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a fully assembled configuration. <FIG> shows the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a partly disassembled configuration with the cover <NUM> being removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and from the staple retainer <NUM>. Removal of the cover <NUM> is accomplished by applying force F1 to pull tab <NUM> so as to pull on pull tab <NUM> in a proximal P and downward direction. Doing so will disengage retention tabs <NUM> of the cover <NUM> from the detents <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> and slide the cover <NUM> in a proximal direction relative to the assembly of the staple retainer <NUM> and cartridge body <NUM>, in a manner similar to that as described above with reference to the embodiment of <FIG>. The downward and proximal direction movement of the cover <NUM> causes transverse portions <NUM> of the T-shaped projection <NUM> to clear the inwardly extending lateral projections <NUM> and allow removal of cover <NUM> from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the assembly of the staple retainer <NUM> and the cartridge body <NUM>, the cover <NUM> having already been removed. Staple retainer <NUM> can be removed from the cartridge body <NUM> by applying an upward force on pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. Doing so will disengage one or more snap features (not shown) and/or friction fit interfaces that removably secure the staple retainer <NUM> to the cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a fully assembled configuration from a perspective view. <FIG> shows an end view of the distal end of the stapler reload assembly in a fully assembled configuration. Both <FIG> show the mechanical interface between the distal ends of the staple retainer <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. When fully assembled, transverse portions <NUM> of the cover <NUM> are designed to interface with inwardly extending lateral projections <NUM> to prevent the staple retainer <NUM> from being removed from the cartridge body <NUM> without first removing the cover <NUM>. If a user attempts to remove the staple retainer <NUM> by applying an upward force F2 to pull tab <NUM> of staple retainer <NUM>, the transverse portions <NUM>, which are positioned on top of inwardly extending lateral projections <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>, will engage the transverse portions <NUM> and resist the application of force F2. When stapler reload assembly <NUM> is in its fully assembled configuration (as shown in <FIG>), the cover <NUM> is secured to the cartridge body <NUM> and the transverse portions <NUM> are positioned directly above the inwardly extending lateral projections <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>, preventing the staple retainer <NUM> from being removed from the cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a stapler reload assembly <NUM>. Stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a cartridge body <NUM>, a staple retainer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> is removably secured to the cartridge body <NUM> through one or more snap features (not shown) and/or friction fit interfaces. The cover <NUM> is removably secured to the cartridge body <NUM> via engagement of a plurality of retention tabs <NUM> that positively engage with corresponding detents <NUM> located on an outer surface of the cartridge body <NUM>.

Stapler reload assembly <NUM> is designed to encourage an ordered sequence of removal of the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> before removal of the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>. This functionality is enabled by a recess <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>) of the cover <NUM>, in which a pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> is countersunk when stapler reload assembly <NUM> is in its fully assembled state, with the cover <NUM> and stapler retainer <NUM> in place. This countersinking makes it difficult to access pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is installed on cartridge body <NUM>. Moreover, a pull tab of <NUM> of cover <NUM> extends beyond a distal dip of pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>, which arrangement encourages grasping of the pull tab <NUM> to first remove the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> before removing the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> using the pull tab <NUM>.

<FIG> show an exemplary workflow for preparing the stapler reload assembly <NUM> for use. <FIG> shows stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a fully assembled configuration. As can be seen, the pull tab <NUM> of the cover <NUM> extends further distally than the pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. A portion of the pull tab <NUM> is countersunk into the recess <NUM> of the pull tab <NUM> (see also <FIG>), which arrangement makes access to the pull tab <NUM> difficult if the cover <NUM> is in place on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a partly disassembled configuration. In <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is being removed from the assembly of the cartridge body <NUM> and the staple retainer <NUM>. Removal of the cover <NUM> is accomplished by applying a downward force F1 to the pull tab <NUM>. Doing so will disengage the retention tabs <NUM> from the detents <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> and fully expose retainer <NUM>'s pull tab <NUM> from cover <NUM>'s recess <NUM>. A user can now access pull tab <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the assembly of staple retainer <NUM> and cartridge body <NUM>, the cover <NUM> having already been removed. The staple retainer <NUM> can be removed from the cartridge body <NUM> by applying an upward force F2 to the pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. Doing so will disengage the one or more snap features (not shown) and/or friction fit interfaces that removably secure the staple retainer <NUM> to the cartridge body <NUM> and separate the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a fully assembled configuration from an isometric view. When stapler reload assembly <NUM> is in a fully assembled configuration, the pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> is countersunk into the recess <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. This countersinking makes it difficult for a user to access the pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is still installed on the cartridge body <NUM>. Moreover, a pull tab of <NUM> of the cover <NUM> extends beyond a distal tip of pull tab <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>, encouraging a user to first remove the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> using the pull tab <NUM> before removing the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> using the pull tab <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> includes channels <NUM> configured to accept corresponding portions of a stapler reload cartridge body as described above. To facilitate installation of a cartridge body into cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>, it can be helpful if the corresponding portions of a cartridge body sized for insertion into channels <NUM> are properly spaced to be installed into the channels <NUM> of cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. <FIG> shows the installation of the combination of a cartridge body <NUM> and staple retainer <NUM> into cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. Note the alignment of the downward-projecting features of cartridge body <NUM> with the channels <NUM> of the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. In various embodiments, a staple retainer can include features that assist to properly space legs of a cartridge body as discussed above.

<FIG> shows a cross sectional view of the assembly of the cartridge body <NUM> and the staple retainer <NUM>. Specifically, it shows a septum <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> that extends downward into a slot <NUM> defined by the cartridge body <NUM>. The septum <NUM> engages with legs <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> to ensure that the legs <NUM> are held at a predetermined spacing from one another. This way, when the assembly of cartridge body <NUM> and staple retainer <NUM> is installed into cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>, the legs <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> will slide into the channels <NUM> defined by the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. Once the assembly of the cartridge body <NUM> and the staple retainer <NUM> is installed into the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>, the staple retainer <NUM> can be removed from the cartridge body <NUM> in a manner similar to that described elsewhere herein in relation to other exemplary embodiments.

Many of the exemplary embodiments of staple cartridge assemblies discussed herein include various features that provide some degree of mechanical engagement between the cover and staple retainer. However, some stapler reload cartridge assemblies according to the present disclosure do not include such engagement features. Such exemplary embodiments can nonetheless be con to encourage an ordered sequence of removal of the cover prior to removal of the staple retainer from the stapler reload cartridge body.

For example, some stapler reload assembly designs encourage a user to remove the cover before the staple retainer by requiring that a force applied to remove the staple retainer be higher than a force required to remove the cover. Such designs can also include features that direct a user to manipulate the stapler reload assembly in such a manner as to ensure that the cover releases from the stapler reload cartridge body prior to the staple retainer releasing from the stapler reload cartridge body. As used herein, the term "retention force" can be or include a force required to be applied to the staple retainer or the cover to remove the staple retainer or cover from the stapler reload cartridge body.

<FIG> show various views of a stapler reload assembly <NUM>. The stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a cartridge body, a staple retainer, and a cover, and the staple retainer requires a greater force to remove than the cover.

Referring to <FIG>, the stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a staple retainer <NUM> installed over and covering at least a portion of a staple ejection side (e.g., staple ejection side <NUM> of stapler reload cartridge <NUM> in <FIG>) and a cover <NUM> installed over and covering at least a portion of a pusher loading side (e.g., a pusher loading side <NUM> of stapler reload cartridge <NUM> in <FIG>) of a cartridge body <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> includes a handling portion <NUM> that provides a surface that is easy to grasp when holding the stapler reload assembly <NUM> and when installing and removing the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a stapler instrument.

Referring now to <FIG>, a perspective view of the stapler reload assembly <NUM> is shown, with the staple retainer <NUM> (<FIG>) omitted to better show various features of the cover <NUM> and cartridge body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> and the cartridge body <NUM> include interacting features that retain the cover <NUM> to the cartridge body <NUM> independently of the staple retainer <NUM> (<FIG>). For example, such features can include snap-fit features, interference fit features, or other types of mechanically engageable features. In the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the cartridge body <NUM> includes one or more detents <NUM> in a side portion of the cartridge body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes one or more retention tabs <NUM> that are received within the one or more detents <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> to retain the cover <NUM> on the cartridge body <NUM>. <FIG> shows an enlarged view of the cover <NUM> and cartridge body <NUM> to better illustrate the detents <NUM> and retention tabs <NUM> received therein.

The cover <NUM> and the cartridge body <NUM> can include additional features that assist in a desired positioning of the cover <NUM> relative to the cartridge body <NUM>, such as in a longitudinal direction. For example, as shown most clearly in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes notches <NUM>. The cartridge body <NUM> includes keys <NUM> configured to be received into the notches <NUM> to longitudinally position the cover <NUM> relative to the cartridge body <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> can also include one or more features that maintain a lateral position of legs <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> relative to one another. For example, the cover <NUM> includes a spacer element <NUM> that protrudes between legs <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. The spacer element <NUM> prevents deflection of unsupported lengths of the cartridge body <NUM> as discussed in connection with, for example, <FIG> and <FIG> herein.

The cover <NUM> includes one or more features to facilitate removal of the cover <NUM>. Such features can include markings or other indicia that indicate how to remove the cover <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> includes a distal button <NUM> and two lateral extensions <NUM>. One or more of the distal button <NUM> and the two lateral extensions <NUM> can include markings indicating how to remove the cover <NUM>, such as, for example, the arrow markings <NUM>. Removal of the cover <NUM> is discussed further herein in connection with FIGS. The two lateral extensions <NUM> can also serve to prevent the stapler reload assembly <NUM> from inadvertently being dropped down a cannula through which the stapler instrument or other instruments are inserted.

The cover <NUM> can include various other features to protect (e.g., cover) other components of the cartridge body <NUM>. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the cover <NUM> can include a proximal portion <NUM> that at least partially surrounds an identification element <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. The identification element <NUM> can be or include, without limitation, identification elements and related structures such as those disclosed in detail in Int'l Patent App. <CIT>) titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SWITCHES FOR DEACTIVATING AND/OR IDENTIFYING STAPLER CARTRIDGES and <CIT>) titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS HAVING MECHANISMS FOR IDENTIFYING AND/OR DEACTIVATING STAPLER CARTRIDGES. The proximal portion <NUM> of the cover <NUM> is positioned to protect the identification element <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> from damage resulting from handling of the cartridge body <NUM>.

The staple retainer <NUM> (<FIG>) includes features to retain the staple retainer <NUM> on the cartridge body <NUM>. As discussed above, the features can be configured such that a force required to remove the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> is greater than a force required to remove the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>. 16A-16C show various lateral cross-sectional views of the cartridge body <NUM> with the staple retainer <NUM> in place and the cover <NUM> omitted.

<FIG> shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the cartridge body <NUM> and the staple retainer <NUM> (with cover <NUM> omitted for clarity) along section <NUM>-A-<NUM>-A indicated in <FIG>. The staple retainer <NUM> includes a septum <NUM> extending between legs <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. The septum <NUM> prevents deflection of the legs <NUM> relative to one another, as discussed further in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>. The septum <NUM> can include features that retain the staple retainer <NUM> on the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the septum <NUM> includes tabs <NUM> that create an interference fit with flanges <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM>. An interference fit between the tabs <NUM> and the flanges <NUM> at least partially retains the staple retainer <NUM> on the cartridge body <NUM>.

The staple retainer <NUM> can include additional features that interact with the cartridge body <NUM> to retain the staple retainer <NUM> on the cartridge body <NUM>. For example, referring now to <FIG>, which shows a transverse cross-sectional view along <NUM>-B-<NUM>-B shown in <FIG> (with cover <NUM> again omitted for clarity), the staple retainer <NUM> includes projections <NUM>. The cartridge body <NUM> includes laterally-extending wings <NUM>, and the projections <NUM> engage the wings <NUM> when the staple retainer <NUM> is in place on the cartridge body <NUM>. The combination of the septum <NUM> and projections <NUM> together retain the staple retainer <NUM> in place on the cartridge body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a "one handed" method of removing the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>. <FIG> shows the stapler reload assembly <NUM> in a fully assembled state. A user can grasp the handling portion <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> in one hand, and with the thumb of the one hand, apply a force F to the distal button <NUM>. The force F is sufficient to overcome a retention force of the cover <NUM> (e.g., a first retention force) on the cartridge body <NUM> provided by the detents <NUM> and retention tabs <NUM> discussed above in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>, but is not sufficient to overcome a retention force holding the staple retainer <NUM> (e.g., a second retention force) in place on the cartridge body <NUM>. As a result, the retention tabs <NUM> disengage from the detents <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> drops away from the cartridge body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As an alternative to the one-handed removal described in connection with <FIG>, a user can remove the cover <NUM> using a two-handed method. Referring to <FIG>, the stapler reload assembly <NUM> is shown again in an assembled state. To remove the cover <NUM>, a user can grasp the stapler reload assembly <NUM> with one hand and pull on the cover <NUM> by the two lateral extensions <NUM>, causing the retention tabs <NUM> to disengage from the detents <NUM>, releasing the cover <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM>.

Once the cover <NUM> is removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, either by the one-handed or two-handed approach, the cartridge body <NUM> is ready to be inserted in the stapler instrument. Referring now to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of the cartridge body <NUM> with the staple retainer <NUM> still in place is shown installed in a cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> (similar to cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> discussed above in connection with <FIG>, but including additional features as discussed further below with reference to <FIG>).

The staple retainer <NUM> can be designed to interact with the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> in various ways to facilitate removal of the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> when the cartridge body <NUM> is installed in the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the projections <NUM> are pushed outward by interference with the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> such that the projections <NUM> partially or fully clear the wings <NUM>. The user can then remove the staple retainer <NUM> from the cartridge body <NUM> by applying enough force to overcome the retention force of the tabs <NUM> (<FIG>) of the septum <NUM> and any interference between the projections <NUM> and the wings <NUM> not overcome by contact between the projections <NUM> and the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> is thereby released from the cartridge body <NUM>, and the stapler reload cartridge is prepared for use.

<FIG> shows a cartridge body <NUM> installed in a cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. The cartridge-retaining jaw can include features that interact with features of the stapler reload cartridge body to facilitate removal of the cartridge body following use of the stapler instrument in preparation for cleaning, installation of a new stapler reload cartridge, etc. For example, the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> can include at least one relief <NUM> in a lateral side of the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>, located such that the wings <NUM> of the cartridge body <NUM> at least partially overhang the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> at the relief <NUM>. The overhanging portion of the wings <NUM> can provide a location for the user to grip the cartridge body <NUM> to remove it from the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> after use of the stapler instrument. In the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> includes two reliefs <NUM> on opposite sides of the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>, of which only one is shown. Other embodiments may include a lesser or greater number of reliefs <NUM>, and the configuration of the reliefs <NUM> may vary from that shown in <FIG> while remaining within the scope of the disclosure.

The various engagement and retaining features described in the present disclosure are generally configured to produce mating fits, such as, but not limited to, snap fits, friction fits, interference fits, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that that various protrusions and recesses or male/female type engagement features on different parts could be reversed or otherwise changed in configuration from the particular configurations described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to <FIG>, a workflow <NUM> for preparing a stapler reload assembly for use is shown. At <NUM>, a cover is removed from a staple ejection side of a stapler reload cartridge housing a plurality of staples, the side having a plurality of pusher apertures configured to receive staple pushers during loading of the stapler cartridge body. The cover can correspond, without limitation, to the various exemplary embodiments of covers discussed herein. At <NUM>, after removing the cover, the stapler reload cartridge is installed in the stapler instrument by placing the cartridge in a jaw of the stapler instrument such that the side having the plurality of pusher apertures faces the jaw. The stapler reload cartridge can correspond without limitation to embodiments of stapler reload cartridges discussed herein. At <NUM>, after installing the stapler reload cartridge in the stapler instrument, a staple retainer is removed from the staple ejection side of the stapler reload cartridge. The staple ejection side comprises a plurality of staple apertures configured to eject staples from the stapler reload cartridge. The staple retainer can correspond, without limitation, to the various exemplary embodiments of staple retainers discussed herein.

Various other embodiments of the disclosure, components of stapler reload cartridge assemblies can include features that facilitate a user's application of force to seat the stapler reload cartridge in the stapler instrument. In some embodiments, staple retainers have structures that exert force to keep the stapler reload cartridge seated in the stapler jaw of a stapler instrument while the staple retainer is being removed from the stapler reload cartridge.

In the embodiment of <FIG> below, a staple retainer of a stapler reload assembly includes a handling system configured and arranged to facilitate an application of force to keep the stapler reload cartridge seated in the stapler instrument jaw as the staple retainer is disengaged during removal from the stapler reload cartridge. Referring to <FIG>, a side perspective view of another embodiment of a stapler reload assembly <NUM> is shown. The stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, a staple retainer <NUM>, and a cover <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> is removably coupled to the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> to cover a staple ejection side <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is removably coupled to the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> to cover a pusher loading side <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> opposite the staple ejection side <NUM> of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>.

Various features of the stapler reload assembly <NUM>, the staple retainer <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> are similar to the features discussed in connection with the exemplary embodiments of <FIG>, including various features of the staple retainer <NUM> and cover <NUM> that interact with the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> to retain the staple retainer <NUM> on the cartridge body and retain the cover <NUM> on the cartridge body <NUM>. For example, the staple retainer <NUM> can include a septum (not shown in <FIG>; similar to septum <NUM> shown and disclosed in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>) with or without tabs (not shown in <FIG>; similar to tabs <NUM> shown and disclosed in connection with <FIG>) configured to engage the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can include retention tabs <NUM> (similar to the retention tabs <NUM> shown and disclosed in connection with <FIG>) that engage detents <NUM> (similar to detents <NUM> shown and described in connection with <FIG>) in the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. In addition, the staple retainer <NUM> and/or cover <NUM> can include any or all of the various engagement features and interacting features discussed in connection with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For simplicity, the various features of <FIG> are not all shown and discussed in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>, but those have ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features in common between the embodiments or that could be included in <FIG> even though not specifically discussed here.

In the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> has a handling system that includes a first handling portion <NUM> generally forming a distal end portion of the staple retainer <NUM>. The first handling portion <NUM> can be similar to the handling portion <NUM> disclosed in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>. The first handling portion <NUM> features a generally paddle-shaped gripping area <NUM> between lateral walls <NUM> that extend generally perpendicular to the gripping area <NUM>. The gripping area <NUM> and lateral walls <NUM> provide multiple surfaces to facilitate manipulation and handling of the stapler reload assembly <NUM>. The lateral walls <NUM> and/or the gripping area <NUM> can include additional features configured to improve grip, such as grooves <NUM>. Other surface features or textures, such as, for example and not by limitation, knurling, pebbling, cross-hatching, and other features can optionally be included on the lateral walls <NUM> and/or gripping area <NUM>. In addition, the staple retainer <NUM> includes ridges <NUM> that extend longitudinally along a portion of the staple retainer <NUM>. The ridges <NUM> contribute to overall stiffness of the staple retainer <NUM> by increasing the area moment of inertia along a longitudinal axis of the staple retainer <NUM>. The arrangement shown in <FIG> can contribute to reducing unwanted deflection of the staple retainer <NUM> along the longitudinal axis, e.g., during removal of the staple retainer, while still allowing deflection of various portions as desired, such as lateral outward deflection of projections <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) so that projections <NUM> disengage from wings <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) upon installation of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, as discussed further in connection with <FIG> and <FIG> and below. Those having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate other features configured to facilitate handling of the stapler reload assembly as discussed in connection with other embodiments disclosed herein can be provided on the staple retainer <NUM>.

The handling system of the staple retainer <NUM> further comprises a second handling portion <NUM> coupled at a distal end of the main body portion of the staple retainer <NUM> that covers the staple ejection side of the staple cartridge body <NUM>. The second handling portion <NUM> is attached to the main body portion by a flexure <NUM> and extends distally from the flexure <NUM> to present a seat for a user's thumb, as described further below. The flexure <NUM> can be or comprise a living hinge, a mechanical hinge, spring member, or other flexible component, without limitation, that permits the second handling portion <NUM> to be elastically flexed relative to the main body portion of the staple retainer <NUM> as further described below. In the exemplary embodiment of <FIG>, the second handling portion <NUM> is molded integrally with the staple retainer <NUM> and the flexure <NUM> is a living hinge. As can be seen in <FIG>, the second handling portion <NUM> is located just proximal of the distal button <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

Because of the flexure <NUM> connection, the second handling portion <NUM> is configured to elastically deflect when force is applied during removal of the staple retainer <NUM> from the stapler reload cartridge body once the cartridge body <NUM> is seated in a cartridge-retaining jaw of a stapler instrument.

With reference now to <FIG>, a schematic, cross-sectional view of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> being installed in a cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> of a stapler instrument is shown. Removal of the cover <NUM> can occur in a manner similar to that described above in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>. Further, as mentioned above, the staple retainer embodiment of <FIG>, <FIG> can include engagement features similar to those discussed in connection with the embodiment of <FIG> that attach the staple retainer to the reload cartridge body. Accordingly, insertion of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> in the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> can result in disengagement of the engagement features as discussed in further detail in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>. For example, insertion of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> in the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> results in projections <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the staple retainer <NUM> being deflected laterally outwardly and disengaging from wings <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the cartridge body <NUM> as discussed in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>. Other embodiments of the stapler reload assembly can include additional or alternative engagement features, such as, without limitation, any of the engagement features discussed in connection with other embodiments disclosed herein.

Disengagement of the projections <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) from the wings <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) permits the staple retainer <NUM> to be removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. However, interaction (e.g., friction or interference) between various other components of the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and staple retainer <NUM> can result in the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> being pulled from the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> with the staple retainer <NUM> as an attempt is made to remove and separate the staple retainer <NUM> from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. For example, engagement of tabs <NUM> of septum <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) with the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and/or friction between the septum <NUM> and the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> can result in the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> being unseated from the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> as the user pulls the staple retainer <NUM> away.

To ensure the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> remains seated within the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> while the staple retainer <NUM> is being removed, a force can be applied to the second handling portion <NUM> during an initial stage of removal of the staple retainer <NUM> from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>. More specifically, as a force R is being applied to the first handling portion <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> to remove it from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, a force T can be applied to in a generally opposite direction to the second handling portion <NUM>. While force R and force T are discussed herein as being generally opposite one another in direction, and force R having some force component in a first direction and any force T having a force component in a second direction opposite the first direction can be considered forces in generally opposite directions. Application of the force T causes the second handling portion <NUM> to deflect from the first configuration, shown in <FIG>, in which the second handling portion <NUM> is generally in an unbiased (e.g., undeflected) neutral configuration, to the second configuration shown in <FIG>, in which the second handling portion <NUM> is in an elastically deflected configuration. In the second configuration, the second handling portion <NUM> is deflected downward (with reference to the orientation of <FIG>) relative to the main body portion of the staple retainer <NUM>, which presses the second handling portion <NUM> against the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> as the first handling portion <NUM> is pulled upward. This permits a force to be applied by the user to the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> toward the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> so as to help maintain the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> in the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM> as the staple retainer <NUM> is pulled away with force R. As the second handling portion <NUM> deflects and the staple retainer <NUM> is pulled away and removed from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, the septum <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and projections <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) are fully disengaged from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM>, and the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> remains seated in the cartridge-retaining jaw while the remaining portions of the stapler retainer <NUM> are lifted away from the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> and the staple retainer <NUM> is fully removed.

As one possible example of use, one or more fingers can be placed underneath (in the orientation of <FIG>) the first handling portion <NUM> to apply force R while a thumb can be used to press on the second handling portion <NUM> to keep the stapler reload cartridge body <NUM> seated in the cartridge-retaining jaw <NUM>. Other configurations or combinations can be used without limitation to apply forces R and T, such as using two hands with various combinations of fingers and thumbs or a mechanical apparatus to apply forces R and T.

The second handling portion <NUM> can include various other features to facilitate handling and manipulation of the staple retainer <NUM>. For example, referring again to <FIG>, the second handling portion <NUM> comprises an aperture <NUM> that can provide a seat for a thumb or finger and enhance the ability to grip the second handling portion <NUM> when applying force T. In other embodiments, the second handling portion <NUM> can include textured surfaces, such as a knurled surface, a pebbled surface, a ridged surface, crosshatched surface, or any other surface feature(s) to ensure sufficient friction between a thumb or finger and the second handling portion <NUM> for application of force T. The embodiment of <FIG> can include other features to further facilitate ease of handling.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discussed in connection with <FIG> are generally discussed in connection with a stapler instrument that uses a single staple reload cartridge that installs in a cartridge-retaining jaw of the stapler instrument. However, some stapler instruments use multiple staple reload cartridges, such as two reload cartridges, one installed in each of two opposing jaws. One example of such an instrument is disclosed in Int'l Publication No. <CIT>) and titled "ENDOSCOPIC PURSE STRING SUTURE SURGICAL DEVICE.

Referring now to <FIG>, a stapler instrument <NUM> having first and second jaws is shown. The stapler instrument <NUM> includes first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> movable from an open position, as shown in <FIG>, to a closed (e.g., clamped) position via movement of one or other of first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM>. Both first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> are configured to receive a stapler reload cartridge body. In some embodiments, the stapler reload cartridges are jaw-specific, with each jaw <NUM> and <NUM> respectively receiving a cartridge body unique from the other. Further, in some embodiments, the stapler reload cartridge bodies are coupled to one another by a length of suture material (e.g., for "purse string" type sutures inserted by instruments disclosed in publication <CIT> referenced above). While the embodiments of <FIG> include a staple retainer on one side of the cartridge reload body and a removable cover on an opposite side of the cartridge reload body, the embodiments of <FIG> do not include separate removable covers on the stapler reload cartridge bodies. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such removable covers as those disclosed in connection with <FIG> could be used in connection with the general embodiments disclosed in connection with <FIG>.

To facilitate handling and installation of the multiple reload cartridge bodies and to prevent damage to the cartridge bodies, a plurality of cartridges, such as two cartridges, can be installed on a single staple retainer. Referring now to <FIG>, an embodiment of a multiple cartridge stapler reload assembly <NUM> is shown. The multiple cartridge stapler reload assembly <NUM> includes a first reload cartridge body <NUM> and a second reload cartridge body <NUM> both coupled to a staple retainer <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> has a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> generally opposite the first side <NUM>. In the orientation of <FIG>, the first side <NUM> is the top side and the second side <NUM> is the bottom side. The first reload cartridge body <NUM> is removably coupled to the first side <NUM> and the second reload cartridge body <NUM> is removably coupled to the second side <NUM>. The first reload cartridge body <NUM> and second reload cartridge body <NUM> can be coupled respectively to the first side <NUM> and second side <NUM> by any of the interacting features discussed in connection with other embodiments of reload assemblies disclosed herein. For example, the first reload cartridge body <NUM> and second reload cartridge body <NUM> can be coupled to the staple retainer <NUM> by, for example, one or more protrusions on one of the reload cartridge body and the staple retainer and a corresponding one or more detents on the other of the reload cartridge body and the staple retainer. For example, the protrusions and detents can be configured similarly to the retention tabs <NUM> and corresponding detents <NUM> disclosed in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>. Other features such as septa with or without engagement tabs (for example, similar to septum <NUM> with tabs <NUM> disclosed in connection with <FIG>), other retention and alignment features, features that increase a required force to be applied to remove the cartridge bodies from the staple retainer, or other interacting features disclosed in combination with any of the embodiments herein can be used with the staple retainer and reload cartridge bodies of <FIG>.

The staple retainer <NUM> can include a plurality of retention features that engage one or the other of the first reload cartridge body <NUM> and the second reload cartridge body <NUM> to retain the first reload cartridge body <NUM> and the second reload cartridge body <NUM> on the staple retainer <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> includes a plurality of retention tabs <NUM> that engage the first reload cartridge body <NUM> via an interference fit to retain the staple retainer <NUM> on the first reload cartridge body <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> can include additional features that retain and/or position the first reload cartridge body <NUM> and/or second reload cartridge body <NUM> relative to the staple retainer <NUM> and the instrument jaws, such as additional retention tabs (similar to retention tabs <NUM>) that engage the second reload cartridge body <NUM>.

The staple retainer <NUM> can include various features configured to facilitate handling and installation of the multiple cartridge stapler reload assembly <NUM>. For example, referring still to <FIG>, the staple retainer <NUM> includes a handling portion <NUM> extending from a distal end portion <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM> and configured to be held during handling and/or installation of the multiple cartridge reload assembly. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the handling portion <NUM> comprises a generally paddle-shaped portion <NUM> configured to be grasped by a user, e.g., between a thumb and forefinger. The handling portion <NUM> further comprises laterally opposed gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> configured to provide an alternative gripping position, e.g., with the gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> between a thumb and finger.

To install the first and second reload cartridge bodies in the stapler instrument (e.g., stapler instrument <NUM> in <FIG>), the instrument jaws are opened and the staple retainer <NUM> with first reload cartridge body <NUM> and second reload cartridge body <NUM> attached thereto is inserted between the instrument jaws. Using the handling portion <NUM> to hold the staple retainer <NUM>, the first reload cartridge body <NUM> and second reload cartridge body <NUM> can be positioned between the jaws <NUM> and <NUM> and the jaws <NUM>, <NUM> closed over the cartridges, as shown in <FIG>. A retaining force holding the cartridges in the jaws may be greater than the retaining force provided by the interacting features of the first and second reload cartridge bodies and staple retainer, so that once the first and second reload cartridge bodies are installed in the respective first and second jaws, the jaws can be opened and the staple retainer can be pulled away from the reload cartridge bodies while the reload cartridge bodies remain engaged in the respective jaw.

The handling portion can have various configurations, each of which may be configured for ease of handling by the user and to avoid interference between the handling portion and the stapler instrument. For example, referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a stapler reload assembly <NUM> with a staple retainer <NUM> is shown. The staple retainer <NUM> is configured similarly to staple retainer <NUM> (<FIG>) with a first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>. The staple retainer <NUM> includes a handling portion <NUM> positioned proximate a distal end portion <NUM> of the staple retainer <NUM>. The handling portion <NUM> comprises laterally opposed gripping members <NUM> and <NUM>. The gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to be grasped during handling and/or installation of the multiple cartridge reload assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> can have various configurations and features that facilitate grasping. For example, the gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> can have a generally concave surface profile to receive a finger or like member. Additionally or alternatively, the gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> can have a surface texture such as knurling, a pebbled texture, ridges, crosshatching, or other surface features configured to facilitate gripping of the gripping members <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, while the gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG> have concave surfaces, in other embodiments the gripping members <NUM> and <NUM> can be flat, convex, or have other shapes including combinations of shapes.

Embodiments of the present disclosure enable a stapler reload cartridge to have a relatively small size profile while still accommodating relatively large size staples. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to provide an ordered manner to remove the cover and staple retainer components of the stapler reload assembly when installing the stapler reload cartridge body in a stapler instrument and readying it for subsequent use.

Instruments including the embodiments described herein may be used, for example, with teleoperated surgical systems that operate at least in part with computer assistance, such as the da Vinci® Surgical System, the da Vinci SI® Surgical System, the da Vinci X® Surgical System, the da Vinci Xi® Surgical System, or the da Vinci SP® Surgical System, all commercialized by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. of Sunnyvale, California. Although various embodiments described herein are discussed with regard to surgical instruments used with a manipulating system of a computer-assisted surgical system employing robotic technology, the present disclosure is not limited to use with surgical instruments for such surgical systems. For example, various embodiments described herein can optionally be used in conjunction with hand-held, manual or semi-automated surgical instruments, such as those used for manual laparoscopic surgery, or other surgical and non-surgical instruments.

This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate exemplary embodiments should not be taken as limiting. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of this description and the invention as claimed, including equivalents. In some instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the disclosure. Furthermore, elements and their associated features that are described in detail with reference to one embodiment may, whenever practical, be included in other embodiments in which they are not specifically shown or described. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to one embodiment and is not described with reference to a second embodiment, the element may nevertheless be claimed as included in the second embodiment.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages, or proportions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about," to the extent they are not already so modified. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

Further, this description's terminology is not intended to limit the invention. For example, spatially relative terms-such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal", and the like-may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions (i.e., locations) and orientations (i.e., rotational placements) of a device in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. A device may be otherwise oriented (rotated <NUM> degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein. For example, the systems and the methods may include additional components or steps that were omitted from the diagrams and description for clarity of operation. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the present teachings. It is to be understood that the various embodiments shown and described herein are to be taken as exemplary. Elements and materials, and arrangements of those elements and materials, may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the present teachings may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of the description herein. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the present teachings and following claims.

It is to be understood that the particular examples and embodiments set forth herein are non-limiting, and modifications to structure, dimensions, materials, and methodologies may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

Claim 1:
A stapler reload assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a cartridge body (<NUM>) defining a housing to receive staples, the cartridge body (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of staple apertures configured to eject the staples housed in the cartridge body (<NUM>); and
a staple retainer (<NUM>) removably coupled to the cartridge body (<NUM>);
wherein the staple retainer (<NUM>) comprises:
a main body portion configured to at least partially cover the plurality of staple apertures (<NUM>) in a position of the staple retainer (<NUM>) coupled to the cartridge body (<NUM>),
a first handling portion (<NUM>) extending from the main body portion at a distal end portion of the staple retainer (<NUM>),
characterised in that the staple retainer (<NUM>) further comprises:
a second handling portion (<NUM>) proximal the first handling portion (<NUM>) and coupled to the main body portion by a flexure (<NUM>),
wherein the second handling portion (<NUM>) is elastically deflectable about the flexure (<NUM>) and relative to the main body portion of the staple retainer (<NUM>) from a neutral, first position to a deflected second position.