Methods and Devices for Locking a Surgical Device Based on Loading of a Fastener Cartridge in the Surgical Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device.

[0002] Minimally invasive surgical instruments are often preferred over traditional open surgical devices due to the reduced post-operative recovery time and minimal scarring associated with minimally invasive procedures. Laparoscopic surgery is one type of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure in which one or more small incisions are formed in the abdomen and a trocar is inserted through the incision to form a pathway that provides access to the abdominal cavity. The trocar is used to introduce various instruments and tools into the abdominal cavity, as well as to provide insufflation to elevate the abdominal wall above the organs. Endoscopic surgery is another type of MIS procedure in which elongate flexible shafts are introduced into the body through a natural orifice.

[0003] Due to the benefits associated with minimally invasive surgeries, significant efforts have gone into developing a range of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical instruments that are suitable for precise placement of a distal end effector at a desired surgical site. These distal end effectors engage the tissue in a number of ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., grasper, cutter, stapler, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapy delivery device, and energy device using ultrasound, radiofrequency, laser, etc.).

[0004] For example, staplers including end effectors for grasping tissue have been developed which secure tissue between two jaws. Staples contained in one of the jaws can be driven into the grasped tissue and deformed to hold the tissue by impinging on the other jaw. The staples can form a predetermined pattern (e.g., one or more lines of staples) based upon the configuration of the staples in the one of the jaws. The stapler can be a linear stapler, in which the predetermined pattern includes one or more longitudinal lines of staples. Though staplers can be effective to grasp and staple tissue, it can be difficult to grasp and/or staple the tissue based on a variety of factors, such as a size and/or shape of the staple, a thickness and/or toughness of the tissue, etc.

[0005] Some staplers can be refilled after firing staples. In some staplers, the staples can be contained in a cartridge which can be removable from the stapler's jaw to allow the stapler to be refilled with staples contained in another cartridge inserted into the jaw. However, this refilling of cartridges can be difficult since the cartridges can be relatively small and accordingly difficult to manipulate and/or properly secure within the jaw. Refilling a stapler with a new cartridge can thus be time consuming and/or can result in an improperly loaded cartridge that can misfire staples or otherwise function improperly during use on a patient.

[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need for improved methods and devices for stapling tissue.

[0007] In one aspect of the method, the biasing element comprises at least one spring that biases the staple cartridge out of the cartridge jaw when the mating element is not engaged with the corresponding engagement feature such the positive indication comprises misalignment of the staple cartridge with the cartridge jaw. In another aspect, the biasing element comprises at least one deflectable spring arm that protrudes radially outwardly from an outer diameter of the end effector to provide the positive indication when the mating element is not engaged with the corresponding engagement feature.

[0008] A surgical stapling device comprises a cartridge jaw, an anvil pivotally connected to the cartridge jaw, and a first cartridge configured to be detachably seated within a channel in the cartridge jaw. The first cartridge holds a plurality of staples of a first size and includes a first gap-setting feature defined in an exterior of the first cartridge, wherein a first clamp gap between the cartridge jaw and the anvil is set by the gap-setting feature. The stapling device also includes at least one cam plate coupled to the cartridge jaw. The cam plate has first and second positions, wherein when the cam plate is in the first position at least one of closure of the anvil and cartridge jaw and firing of the staples into tissue engaged between the anvil and the jaw is prevented, and wherein the first cartridge moves the cam plate from the first position to the second position when the first cartridge is fully seated within the anvil. In one aspect the at least one cam plate is prevented from moving from the first position to the second position when the cartridge is not fully seated within the cartridge jaw. Further, the at least one cam plate includes a central aperture having a height at a proximal end that is greater than a height at a distal end.

[0009] The stapling device further comprises a pivot pin constrained within and movable within the central aperture of the at least one cam plate, wherein the pivot pin interconnects the cartridge jaw and the anvil. The pivot pin can be movable in both lateral and longitudinal directions within the central aperture. In another aspect, a second cartridge can be configured to be detachably seated within the channel in the cartridge jaw. The second cartridge holds staples of a second size and includes a second gap-setting feature defined in an exterior of the second cartridge, wherein a second clamp gap between the cartridge jaw and the anvil is set by the second gap-setting feature, and wherein the first clamp gap is different from the second clamp gap.

[0010] In another aspect, a surgical fastening device comprises an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the end effector includes a cartridge jaw and an anvil pivotally coupled to one another and movable between an open position and a closed position in which tissue can be engaged therebetween. The fastening device also includes a cam pin disposed within a cam slot formed in the end effector, wherein the cam pin having first, second, and third positions within the cam slot, and wherein movement of the cam pin within the cam slot between the second and third positions is effective to change a distance between a proximal end of each of the cartridge jaw and the anvil. The fastening device further includes a staple cartridge configured to be removably disposed within a channel formed in the cartridge jaw and including a plurality of staples disposed therein. The staple cartridge is configured to cause the cam pin to move out of the first position and into one of the second and third positions when the staple cartridge is fully seated within the cartridge jaw, and the cam pin is prevented from moving out of the first position when the staple cartridge is not fully seated within the cartridge jaw. When the cam pin is in the first position, the anvil and cartridge jaw are held in the open position and prevented from moving to the closed position. Alternatively, when the cam pin is in the first position, the anvil and cartridge jaw are freely movably between the open and closed positions, and actuation of the device to fire staples from the staple cartridge is prevented.

[0011] In one aspect the cam slot has a height at a proximal end that is greater than a height at a distal end of the cam slot. The cam slot can be formed in at least one shuttle positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the cartridge jaw. In one aspect the at least one shuttle is biased distally and slidable longitudinally.

[0012] A method of attaching a staple cartridge to an end effector of a stapling device is also provided. The method comprises positioning a staple cartridge in a channel formed within a cartridge jaw of an end effector of a surgical stapling device, wherein the cartridge jaw has an anvil pivotally coupled thereto, and the end effector includes a shuttle that slides proximally from a first position to a second position in response to seating of the staple cartridge fully within the channel in the cartridge jaw. The shuttle prevents at least one of closure of the anvil and the cartridge jaw to engage tissue and firing of staples from the cartridge when the shuttle is in the first position and prior to the staple cartridge being fully seated within the channel in the cartridge jaw.

[0013] In one aspect wherein movement of the shuttle from the first position to the second position causes a pin extending through a central aperture in the shuttle to move from a first position to a second position. In another aspect positioning of the cartridge within the channel in the cartridge jaw moves the pin into one of the second position and a third position, wherein the cartridge jaw and the anvil have a first clamp gap height when the pin is in the second position, and the cartridge jaw and the anvil have a second clamp gap height when the pin is in the third position, the second clamp gap height differing from the first clamp gap height.

[0035] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape. Sizes and shapes of the systems and devices, and the components thereof, can depend at least on the anatomy of the subject in which the systems and devices will be used, the size and shape of components with which the systems and devices will be used, and the methods and procedures in which the systems and devices will be used.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a user, such as a clinician, gripping a handle of an instrument. Other spatial terms such as “front” and “back” similarly correspond respectively to distal and proximal. It will be further appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these spatial terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical device 1100 that can be configured to apply staples to tissue. The device 1100 in this illustrated embodiment includes a linear stapler configured to apply linear rows of staples. Other embodiments of surgical devices that can be configured to apply staples to tissue are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895 entitled “Surgical Stapler Instrument” filed Feb. 3, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818 entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Separate Distinct Closing And Firing Systems” filed May 20, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,746 entitled “Staple Cartridges For Forming Staples Having Differing Formed Staple Heights” filed on Aug. 31, 2005, and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0175146 entitled “Microcutter Stapling Apparatus Clamp And Deploy Mechanisms Systems And Methods” filed Dec. 19, 2013, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0039] Referring again to FIG. 1, the device 1100 can include a proximal handle portion 1102 having an elongate shaft 1104 extending distally therefrom. As also shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the shaft 1104 can have an end effector 1106 coupled to a distal end thereof. The end effector 1106 can be coupled to the shaft 1104 at a pivot joint 1108. A proximal end of the end effector 1106 can be pivotally coupled to the joint 1108 at a distal end of the shaft 1104. The end effector 1106 in this illustrated embodiment includes a tissue grasper having a pair of opposed first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b configured to move between open and closed positions. The first jaw is also referred to herein as a “bottom jaw” and a “cartridge jaw,” and the second jaw is also referred to herein as an “upper jaw” and an “anvil.” As discussed further below, the handle portion 1102 can be configured to be manipulated to effect the opening and closing of the opposed jaws 1110a, 1110b, e.g., movement of one or both the jaws 1110a, 1110b about the pivot joint 1108, and the handle portion 1102 can be configured to be manipulated to effect the firing of staples (not shown) from a one of the jaws 1110a, 1110b, e.g., a bottom or cartridge one of the jaws 1110a. The staple firing can be independent of the opening and closing of the jaws 1110a, 1110b.

[0040] The handle portion 1102 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The handle portion 1102 can include a main housing 1121, which can house a variety of elements therein and can have some elements accessible outside thereof, such as a movable trigger 1122 and a stationary handle 1124. The movable trigger 1122 can be configured to be manually manipulated to move the movable trigger 1122 relative to the stationary handle 1124 so as to, e.g., effect closing of the jaws 1110a, 1110b.

[0041] The shaft 1104 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 1104 can be rigid, e.g., made from a generally non-bendable material such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, etc.) or a hard polymer. In other embodiments, the shaft 1104 can be configured to bend, such as being made from a generally flexible material, by including one or more articulation regions, etc. The shaft 1104 can have any longitudinal length, although in an exemplary embodiment it can be long enough to allow the handle portion 1102 to be manipulated outside a patient's body while the shaft 1104 extends through an opening in the body with the end effector 1106 disposed within a body cavity. In this way, the end effector 1106 can be easily manipulated when the device 1100 is in use during a surgical procedure. The shaft 1104 can have any diameter. For example, the shaft's diameter can be less than or equal to about 10 mm, e.g., less than or equal to about 7 mm, less than or equal to about 5 mm, etc., which can allow for insertion of the shaft 1104 through an minimally invasive access device, e.g., a trocar, a cannula, a multiport access device, etc., such as during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The end effector 1106 coupled to the shaft's distal end can have a diameter equal to or less than the shaft's diameter, at least when the jaws 1110a, 1110b are in the closed position, which can facilitate insertion of the device's distal portion into a patient's body.

[0042] The end effector 1106 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the end effector 1106 can be rigid. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the end effector 1106 including the first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b can be disposed at a distal end of the surgical device 1100. As in this illustrated embodiment, when the jaws 1110a, 1110b move between the open and closed positions, the second jaw 1110b can be configured to remain stationary relative to the shaft 1104, and the first jaw 1110a can be configured to move relative to the shaft 1104 and the second jaw 1110b by pivoting at the pivot joint 1108.

[0043] The end effector 1106 can be configured to releasably and replaceably seat a cartridge 1112 therein, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In this way, when the staples have been fired from the cartridge 1112, the cartridge 1112 can be removed from the second jaw 1110b and, optionally, replaced with another cartridge having another plurality of staples disposed therein. FIG. 2 shows the end effector 1106 without the cartridge 1112 seated therein. The end effector 1106 can be configured to receive the cartridge 1112 in the first jaw 1110a thereof, e.g., in a channel formed in the first jaw 1110a. The first jaw 1110a can be configured to seat cartridges of different sizes, thereby facilitating versatility of the device 1100.

[0044] The cartridge 1112 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can include a sled 1120 and can have a plurality of staples 1116 disposed therein. The sled 1120 is also illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The cartridge 1112 can include a plurality openings 1114 formed in a tissue engaging surface 1118 thereof, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. The staples 1116 disposed in the cartridge 1112 can be configured to be ejected from the cartridge 1112 through the openings 1114, e.g., one staple 1116 out of each opening 1114 (as in this illustrated embodiment), two staples out of each opening 1114, etc. The openings 1114 can define staple-receiving recesses of the cartridge 1112 in which the staples 1116 are seated prior to being ejected from the cartridge 1112.

[0045] The staples 1116 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In this illustrated embodiment, the staples 1116 each have a D-shape and include a first leg that is substantially straight and a second leg that is curved. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first leg may not be precisely straight, e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances, but nevertheless be considered to be substantially straight. Each of the staples 1116 can be configured to be plastically deformable such that the staples 1116 can each be configured to change shape, such as when the staple 1116 is pressed against a tissue engaging surface (not shown) of the first jaw 1110a that faces the tissue engaging surface 1118 of the second jaw 1110b, while remaining a single unit, e.g., without either of the first and second legs breaking. A gap of space can exist between a terminal end of the first leg and a terminal end of the second leg. In other words, the “D” shape can have a gap therein. The gap of space can facilitate plastic deformation of the staple 1116.

[0046] The staples 1116 can each be frangibly attached to a carrier 1126, also referred to herein as a “carrier strip,” disposed within the cartridge 1112. The staples 1116 can be frangibly attached to the carrier 1126 by, e.g., being stamped together with the carrier 1126 such that the staples 1116 and the carrier 1126 forms a single piece. The staples 1116 can each be configured to detach from the carrier 1126 when fired from the cartridge 1112. In some embodiments, some or all of the staples 1116 can be frangibly attached to another element, such as another element disposed within the cartridge 1112, an inner surface of the cartridge 1112, the tissue-engaging surface 1118 of the cartridge 1112, etc. The carrier 1126 can be fixedly attached to an upper surface of one or more rails 1128 defined by the cartridge 1112. The carrier 1126 can be configured to remain stationary relative to the cartridge 1112.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can have a longitudinal slot 1130 formed therein. The longitudinal slot 1130 can extend along a substantially flat central portion 1118f of the tissue-engaging surface 1118. The slot 1130 can be configured to have a cutting element such as a knife (not shown) extend therethrough so as to be configured to cut tissue engaged by the tissue-engaging surface 1118, as discussed further below. The openings 1114 can be formed in angled portions 1118a of the tissue-engaging surface 1118 on both sides of the slot 1130, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the tissue-engaging surface 1118 can be substantially flat, e.g., not have angled portions, while in other embodiments, the tissue-engaging surface 1118 can be angled, e.g., not have any substantially flat portions.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can include a gap-setting feature 1142 configured to set of gap of space between the first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b when the jaws 1110a, 1110b are closed and the cartridge 1112 is seated in the second jaw 1110b. In this way, the gap-setting feature 1142 can be configured to define a minimum distance between the facing tissue-engaging surfaces of the first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b. The gap-setting feature 1142 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. As in this illustrated embodiment, the gap-setting feature 1142 can include an indentation inward toward a lateral center of the cartridge 1112, where a portion of a lateral edge of the cartridge 1112 immediately proximal to the gap-setting feature 1142 is located laterally inward relative to a portion of a lateral edge of the cartridge 1112 located immediately distal to the gap-setting feature 1142.

[0049] The sled 1120 of the cartridge 1112 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The sled 1120 can be configured to translate longitudinally along the cartridge 1112 to cause deployment of the staples 1116 therefrom and to cause tissue engaged by the end effector 1106 to be cut with the cutting element extending through the slot 1130. The staples 1116 can be arranged longitudinally in the cartridge 1112, as shown in FIG. 4, and the sled 1120 can be configured to sequentially engage the longitudinally arranged staples 1116 as the sled 1120 translates longitudinally. As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the sled 1120 can include a plurality of wedges 1136 and can include a cutting element 1134, which in this illustrated embodiment includes a knife with a blade 1132. The sled 1120 in this illustrated embodiment includes four wedges 1136 but the sled 1120 can include another number of wedges 1136 as appropriate for the arrangement of the staples 1116 in the cartridge 1112. Each of the wedges 1136 can have a shape configured to cause the staples 1116 contacted by that wedge 1136 to move upward toward the second jaw 1110b through the openings 1114 and deform against the second jaw 1110b. As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can include a plurality of longitudinal slots 1150 formed therein, each of the slots 1150 being configured to slidably receive one of the wedges 1136 therein. The slots 1150 can facilitate consistent, straight movement of the wedges 1136 through the cartridge 1112 to help ensure proper engagement of the wedges 1136 with the staples 1116.

[0050] Each of the wedges 1136 can be attached to a base 1138 of the sled 1120 and can be in a fixed position relative thereto. The base 1138 can have a guide element 1139 extending generally downward therefrom. The guide element 1139 can be configured to slide within a channel formed in the cartridge 1112 that includes the sled 1120. The cutting element 1134 can also be attached to the base 1138, but the cutting element 1134 can be configured to move relative to the base 1138. The cutting element 1134 can be substantially laterally centered in the base 1138, which can facilitate substantially central positioning of the cutting element 1134 relative to tissue engaged by the end effector 1106.

[0051] The cutting element 1134 can be configured to be movable relative to a remainder of the sled 1120 between a first position, shown in FIG. 7, and a second position, shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. The first position can be an initial position of the cutting element 1134. In the first position, also referred to herein as a “stowed position,” the blade 1132 can be generally obscured, e.g., oriented generally downward as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, which can help prevent the blade 1132 from inadvertent cutting, such as accidentally cutting a user of the device 1100 during seating of the cartridge 1120 within the end effector 1104 and/or premature cutting of tissue engaged by the end effector 1104. The base 1138 can have a cavity 1144 formed therein, as shown in FIG. 6, which can be configured to seat the cutting element 1134 at least partially therein when the cutting element 1134 is in the first position. In the second position, also referred to herein as an “upright position,” the blade 1132 can be generally unobscured and facing a distal direction as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, which can allow the blade 1132 to extend through the slot 1130 and cut tissue engaged by the end effector 1106.

[0052] The sled 1120 can include a pivot member 1140 configured to facilitate movement of the cutting element 1134 relative to the remainder of the sled 1120. The pivot member 1140 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The pivot member 1140 can be attached to the cutting element 1134 such that engagement of the pivot member 1140 can cause the cutting element 1134 to pivot about a pivot point so as to move relative to the remainder of the sled. As in this illustrated embodiment the pivot member 1140 can include two separate pins extending laterally from opposite sides of the cutting element 1134. In other embodiments, the pivot member 1140 can include a single pin extending through the cutting element 1134 to extend laterally from opposite sides therefrom, a single pin extending laterally from one side of the cutting element 1134, etc. At the pivot point, the sled 1120 can include a pivot axle 1146 extending laterally from the cutting element 1134, and can include an axle cavity 1148 formed in the base 1138 and configured to receive the pivot axle 1146 therein.

[0053] The surgical devices described herein can be used in a variety of surgical procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, the procedure can be a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgical device can be advanced into a body of a patient through a relatively small opening in the patient. In a minimally invasive surgical procedure, one or more introducer devices (not shown), e.g., a cannula, a trocar, etc., can be advanced through an opening in the patient to provide access to a surgical site. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more viewing devices, e.g., a scoping device such as an endoscope, can be advanced into the body through the incision or through another opening, e.g., another incision or a natural orifice, to provide visualization of the surgical site from outside the body. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the surgical device can be advanced into the patient's body in a variety of ways, such as by being inserted transorally therein, inserted through an introducer device, inserted through a scoping device, inserted directly through an incision, etc. Although the following embodiment of use of a surgical device in a surgical procedure is described with respect to the device 1100 of FIG. 1, any of the surgical devices described herein can be similarly used.

[0054] The surgical devices described herein can have any one or more variations to facilitate effective use of the device. Examples of such variations are described further below.

[0055] In some embodiments, a surgical device such as the above-mentioned surgical device 1100 can be configured to prevent at least one of closure of the end effector and firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector. The cartridge can be configured to be removably coupled to the end effector, as discussed herein. In some instances, the cartridge can be improperly loaded into the end effector such that the cartridge is not fully seated therein. In some instances, the end effector can be advanced into a body of a patient without a cartridge seated in the end effector at all. Preventing closure of an end effector and/or firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector can indicate to a user of the device that either the end effector does not have a cartridge seated therein at all or that the cartridge engaged with the end effector is not fully seated therein. The user can thus be aware that the device needs adjustment, either by seating a cartridge therein or readjusting the cartridge already attempted to be seated therein. Preventing closure of an end effector and/or firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector can help prevent the device and/or a cartridge partially seated in the end effector from being damaged by an attempt to close the end effector and/or an attempt to fire fasteners.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device including an end effector configured to removably seat a cartridge can include a lockout element configured to prevent at least one of closure of the end effector and firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector. The lockout element can be configured to move between first and second positions. The lockout element being in the first position can indicate that no cartridge is seated in the end effector or that a cartridge is improperly seated in the end effector. The lockout element being in the second position can indicate that a cartridge is fully seated in the end effector. The lockout element can be configured to dynamically move between the first and second positions. Fully seating a cartridge in the end effector can cause the locking element to dynamically move from the first position to the second position. Partial or full removal of a fully seated cartridge from the end effector can cause the locking element to move from the second position to the first position. The locking element can thus be configured to provide an automatic safety feature by being configured to automatically prevent firing and/or prevent closing of the end effector if a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector.

[0057] A surgical device can be configured to prevent at least one of closure of the end effector and firing of fasteners from the end effector in a variety of ways. In the embodiments described below, staples are used as examples of fasteners, but as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other types of fasteners can be similarly configured and used.

[0058] In some embodiments, a lockout element can be in the form of a cam plate, also referred to herein as a “shuttle.” FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate one embodiment of a surgical device that can include an elongate shaft 7000 and an end effector 7008 coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft 7000. The end effector 7008 can include a first jaw 7002 pivotally coupled to a second jaw 7004 via a pivot pin 7010. The first and second jaws 7002, 7004 in this illustrated embodiment are identical to the above-mentioned first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b, which can be configured to open/close similar to that discussed herein for the first and second jaws 7002, 7004, but the device that includes the first and second jaws 7002, 7004 of this illustrated embodiment also includes a locking element configured to prevent at least one of closure of the end effector 7008 and firing of fasteners (not shown) from the end effector 7008 when a cartridge 7012 is not fully seated in the end effector 7008. FIG. 9 shows the cartridge 7012 partially seated in the bottom jaw 7002 such that the end effector 7008 cannot close and fasteners cannot be fired from the cartridge 7012. FIG. 10 shows the cartridge 7012 fully seated in the bottom jaw 7002 such that the end effector 7008 can close, as indicated by an arrow 7024 in a direction of closure and by the anvil 7004 in phantom in FIG. 10, and fasteners can be fired from the cartridge 7012.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, the anvil 7004 can include a first slot 7018 formed in a proximal portion thereof. The slot 7018 can be configured to receive a guide pin 7028 at a distal end of a drive rod 7030 configured to translate along the shaft 7000 to effect opening and closing of the end effector 7004. The guide pin 7028 can be configured to slide distally within the guide slot 7018 to close the end effector 7008 by causing the anvil 7004 to move toward the bottom jaw 7002, and can be configured to slide proximally within the guide slot 7018 to open the end effector 7008 by causing the anvil 7004 to move away from the bottom jaw 7002. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the bottom jaw 7002 can include a second slot 7020 formed therein. The slot 7020 can be configured to slidably receive the guide pin 7028 therein that also slides within the first closure slot 7018. The first and second slots 7018, 7020 via movement of the guide pin 7028 therein can cooperate to facilitate opening and closing of the end effector 7004. Although only one of each of the first and second slots 7018, 7020 are shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the anvil 7004 can have first slots 7018 formed in opposed lateral sides thereof, and the bottom jaw 7002 can have second slots 7020 formed in opposed lateral sides thereof.

[0060] The bottom jaw 7002 can include a third slot 7022 formed therein that can be configured to slidably receive the pivot pin 7010 therein. Although only one of third slots 7022 is shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the bottom jaw 7002 can have third slots 7022 formed in opposed lateral sides thereof.

[0061] The pivot pin 7010 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The pin 7010 can be a single pin laterally spanning the end effector 7008, or the pin 7010 can include two pins extending laterally. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 7010 can be attached to the anvil 7004 in a fixed position relative thereto, and can be movably coupled to the bottom jaw 7002. The bottom jaw 7002 can have a slot 7014 formed therein in which the pin 7010 can be slidably movable. As shown in FIG. 11, the anvil 7004 can have a pin receiving hole 7016 formed therein configured to fixedly receive the pin 7010 therein. Alternatively, the pin 7010 can be integrally formed with the anvil 7004.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 12, the pivot pin 7010 can be configured to be slidably received within a cam plate 7026. The cartridge jaw 7002 can thus have two cam plates 7026 disposed therein, one at each of the laterally opposed second slots 7020 formed in the cartridge jaw 7002. The cam plate 7026 can include a center opening 7030 formed therethrough. The center opening 7030 can be defined by a bottom wall 7030b, an upper wall 7030u, a distal wall 7030d, and a proximal wall 7030p. The center opening 7030 can include a proximal extension 7032 in an upper portion thereof. The proximal end of the center opening 7030 can be at a higher position, e.g., more toward the anvil 7004, than the aperture's distal end. The cam plate 7026 can be disposed within the bottom jaw 7002 along an inner surface thereof adjacent the second slot 7020.

[0063] The cam plate 7026 can include a proximal tail 7034 in a bottom portion thereof. The proximal tail 7034 can be coupled to a bias element 7036, e.g., a coil spring wound around the tail 7034 as in this illustrated embodiment. The bias element 7036 can be configured to bias the cam plate 7026 in a distal direction, e.g., away from the proximal extension such that the pin 7010 can be configured to be biased to be in the proximal extension 7032.

[0064] The proximal extension 7032 can be configured to seat the pin 7010 therein when the end effector 7004 does not have the cartridge 7012 fully seated therein, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 12. The bias element 7036 can facilitate this seating. As the cartridge 7012 is more proximally positioned within the bottom jaw 7002, the cartridge 7012 can be configured to move the cam plate 7026 proximally so as to shift a position of the pin 7010 within the aperture 7030. A length of the proximal extension 7032 in a proximal/distal direction can define how much the cam plate 7026 must move proximally before the pin 7010 can exit the proximal extension 7032 so as to move in a downward direction toward the bottom surface 7030b of the aperture 7030, as shown in FIG. 10 in which the pin 7010 has moved downward to the bottom surface 7030b. The pin 7010 not exiting the proximal extension 7032 can indicate that the cartridge 7012 has not been fully seated in the bottom jaw 7002, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 13, as the cartridge 7012 has not caused the pin 7010 to exit the proximal extension 7032. The pin 7010 being in the proximal extension 7032 can effectively cause the pivot point about which the jaws 7002, 7004 pivot to a higher position, which can prevent closure of the jaws 7002, 7004.

[0065] FIG. 13 also shows that when the cartridge 7012 has not been fully seated in the bottom jaw 7002, and the end effector 7008 has hence not been fully closed, the lockout element can be configured to prevent the end effector 7008 from being inserted into a patient's tissue (not shown) to access a body cavity (not shown) underneath the tissue by abutting an access device 7006 disposed within the tissue through which the end effector 7008 is attempting to be advanced. The access device 7006 includes a trocar in this illustrated embodiment, but other types of access devices can be similarly used, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The access device 7006 can include a port 7038 extending therethrough through which the end effector 7006 can be inserted. The port 7038 can have a diameter. The end effector 7006 can have a diameter in the closed position corresponding to the port's diameter such that with the lockout element locking out closing/firing when the cartridge 7012 has been improperly loaded or not loaded at all, the end effector's 7006 diameter can be effectively increased. This increased diameter can prevent the end effector 7006 from being advanced through the access device 7006.

[0066] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a cam plate 7040 that can be configured and used similar to the cam plate 7026 of FIG. 12. The cam plate 7040 in this illustrated embodiment can include an upper proximal extension 7042 and a lower proximal extension 7044. The cam plate 7040 can include a bias element (not shown) at a proximal tail 7058 thereof. When a cartridge 7046 has been fully seated in a cartridge jaw 7048 pivotally coupled at a pivot pin 7052 to an anvil 7050, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16, the pivot pin 7052 can be configured to be seated in the upper proximal extension 7042, thereby an I-beam 7052 to be properly aligned with the anvil 7050 so as to allow a guide pin 7054 of the I-beam 7052 to translate along the anvil 7050 in a channel 7056 formed therein to facilitate end effector closing and clamping. When the cartridge 7046 has not been fully seated in the cartridge jaw 7048, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 17, the I-beam 7052, e.g., the guide pin 7054 thereof, can be misaligned from the anvil 7050, e.g., the channel 7056 thereof, thereby preventing the I-beam 7052 from translating through the anvil 7050 such that fasteners cannot be fired from the cartridge 7046.

[0067] In some embodiments, a lockout element can be in the form of a deflectable member. FIG. 18, FIG, 19, and FIG. 20 illustrate one embodiment of a surgical device that can include a lockout element in the form of a deflectable member 7058. The deflectable member 7058 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. As in this illustrated embodiment, the deflectable member 7058 can include a spring member. The spring member 7058 can include two deflectable arms 7058a, 7058b extending in a distal direction. The spring member 7058 can be attached to the I-beam 7060, such as by being attached to a bottom side thereof with the arms 7058a, 7058b extending distally therefrom.

[0068] The deflectable member 7058 can be configured to automatically move from a first position, in which the deflectable member 7058 is not engaged with a cartridge 7062, to a second position, in which the deflectable member 7058 is engaged with the cartridge 7062, in response to the cartridge 7062 being fully seated in a bottom jaw 7064 movably coupled to an upper jaw 7066. The deflectable member 7058 can also be configured to automatically move from the second position to the first position in response to the cartridge 7062 being removed from the bottom jaw 7064. By being configured to automatically engage with and disengage from the cartridge 7062, the deflectable member 7058 can be a passive element that does not require positive user action in order for the lockout member 7058 to effectively provide lockout when the cartridge 7062 is improperly seated in the bottom jaw 7064 or is not seated therein at all. When the deflectable member 7058 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. 19, the I-beam 7060 can be prevented from translating through the anvil 7050, e.g., by crashing against the anvil 7050 instead of translating therealong. When the deflectable member 7058 is in the second position, as shown in FIG. 20, the I-beam 7060 can be allowed to translate through the anvil 7050. The first position can be a default position of the deflectable member 7058 such that the I-beam 7060 can be prevented from translating through the anvil 7050 unless the cartridge 7062 is fully seated in the bottom jaw 7064.

[0069] The deflectable member 7058 in the second position can be configured to engage the cartridge 7062 in a variety of ways. In an exemplary embodiment, the deflectable member 7058 can be configured to engage a sled 7068 of the cartridge 7062 to which a cutting element 7074 can be movably coupled, as discussed herein. As in this illustrated embodiment, the deflectable member 7058 can be configured to engage the sled 7068 by the arms 7058a, 7058b by abutting a proximal surface 7070 of the sled 7068. As discussed herein, the sled 7068 can have an initial position at a proximal end of the cartridge 7062, as shown in FIG. 18, FIG, 19, and FIG. 20. When the cartridge 7062 has not been fully seated in the bottom jaw 7064, as shown in FIG. 19, the deflectable member 7058 can be in the first position and not be engaged with the sled 7068, e.g., not be in contact with the sled's proximal surface 7070. In the first position, the deflectable member 7058 can be in a lower position in a direction away from the anvil 7066. In this lower position, the deflectable member 7058 can be positioned distal to a foot 7072 of the I-beam 7060 and can be positioned in a translation path thereof through which the foot 7072 can be configured to translate to effect firing of fasteners (not shown) from the cartridge 7062. When the cartridge 7062 is fully seated in the bottom jaw 7064, as shown in FIG. 20, the deflectable member 7058 can be in the second position and be engaged with the sled 7068, e.g., be in contact with the sled's proximal surface 7070. In the second position, the deflectable member 7058 can be in a higher position in a direction toward the anvil 7066. In this higher position, the deflectable member 7058 can be positioned distal to a foot 7072 of the I-beam 7060 but be positioned out of the translation path thereof through which the foot 7072 can be configured to translate to effect firing of the fasteners from the cartridge 7062. The deflectable member 7058 in the second position can thus allow firing, while the deflectable member 7058 in the first position can prevent firing.

[0070] The deflectable member 7058 being in either the first position or the second position can facilitate determination as to whether fasteners have been fired from the cartridge 7062 since the deflectable member's lockout relies on the sled 7068 being in its initial proximal position. For example, if a cartridge from which fasteners have already been fired is loaded into the bottom jaw 7064, the cartridge's sled is already in its distal, fired position. The deflectable member 7058 thus cannot engage the sled and firing cannot occur until the cartridge is removed from the bottom jaw 7064 and replaced with another, non-spent cartridge.

[0071] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention has application in conventional minimally-invasive and open surgical instrumentation as well application in robotic-assisted surgery.

[0072] The devices disclosed herein can also be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0073] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.