Surgical stapling instrument with apparatus for providing anvil position feedback

[0001] The present invention generally relates to surgical staplers, and more particularly, to circular stapling instruments for performing anastomosis stapling operations.

[0002] In certain types of surgical procedures, the use of surgical staples has become the preferred method of joining tissue and, as such, specially configured surgical staplers have been developed for these applications. For example, intra-luminal or circular staplers have been developed for use in a surgical procedure known as an anastomosis. Circular staplers useful for performing an anastomosis are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,104,025; 5,205,459; 5,285,945; and 5,309,927 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties.

[0003] One form of an anastomosis comprises a surgical procedure wherein sections of intestine are joined together after a diseased portion has been excised. The procedure requires re-joining the ends of the two tubular sections together to form a continuous tubular pathway. Previously, this surgical procedure was a laborious and time consuming operation. The surgeon had to precisely cut and align the ends of the intestine and maintain the alignment while joining the ends with numerous suture stitches. The development of circular staplers has greatly simplified the anastomosis procedure and also decreased the time required to perform an anastomosis.

[0004] In general, a conventional circular stapler typically consists of an elongated shaft that has a proximal actuating mechanism and a distal stapling mechanism mounted to the shaft. The distal stapling mechanism commonly consists of a fixed stapling cartridge that contains a plurality of staples configured in a concentric circular array. A round cutting knife is concentrically mounted in the cartridge interior to the staples for axial travel therein. Extending axially from the center of the cartridge is a movable trocar shaft that is adapted to have a staple anvil removably coupled thereto. The anvil is configured to form the ends of the staples as they are driven into it. The distance between a distal face of the staple cartridge and the staple anvil is controlled by an adjustment mechanism mounted to the proximal end of the stapler shaft for controlling the axial movement of the trocar. Tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the staple anvil is simultaneously stapled and cut when the actuating mechanism is activated by the surgeon.

[0005] When performing an anastomosis using a circular stapler, the intestine is typically stapled using a conventional surgical stapler with double rows of staples being emplaced on either side of the diseased portion of intestine to be removed. The target section is simultaneously cut as the adjoining end is stapled. After removing the diseased portion, the surgeon typically inserts the anvil into the proximal end of the lumen, proximal of the staple line. This is done by inserting the anvil head into an entry port cut into the proximal lumen by the surgeon. On occasion, the anvil can be placed transanally, by placing the anvil head on the distal end of the stapler and inserting the instrument through the rectum. The surgeon then ties the proximal end of the intestine to the anvil shaft using a suture or other conventional tying device. Next, the surgeon cuts excess tissue adjacent to the tie and the surgeon attaches the anvil to the trocar shaft of the stapler. The surgeon then closes the gap between the anvil and cartridge, thereby clamping the proximal and distal ends of the intestine in the gap. The surgeon next actuates the stapler causing several rows of staples to be driven through both ends of the intestine and formed, thereby joining the ends and forming a tubular pathway. Simultaneously, as the staples are driven and formed, the concentric circular knife blade is driven through the intestinal tissue ends, cutting the ends adjacent to the inner row of staples. The surgeon then withdraws the stapler from the intestine and the anastomosis is complete.

[0006] During the aforementioned stapling process, it is often difficult for the surgeon to effectively view the area of the colon being cut and stapled. To assist the surgeon, separate endoscopes equipped with cameras and lighting systems are employed. However, due to the limited amount of space available to maneuver and position such instrument within the colon, such instruments may not supply a desired amount of illumination to the area. Thus, there is a need for a circular stapler that is equipped with a source of illumination.

[0007] During the above-described surgical procedures, the need exists to provide feedback to the surgeon that the anvil is properly attached to the device prior to closing and firing. For example, in a lower anterior resection, it is often difficult for the surgeon to know if they have successfully attached the anvil to the trocar. Adverse outcomes may occur if the stapler is fired prior to securing the anvil to the device. Thus another need exists for a device for indicating when the anvil has been properly attached to the device.

[0008] Also during the above-described surgical procedures, it is often difficult for the surgeon to know when the anvil has been moved to the desired closed position wherein it is ready to be fired. Thus, there is a need for a feedback arrangement for a circular stapler that provides the surgeon with an indication that the anvil has been moved to the desired firing position.

[0009] The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate some of the shortcomings present in the field of the invention at the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

[0010] The invention overcomes the above-noted and other deficiencies of the prior art by providing a surgical stapling instrument for applying one or more surgical staples to tissue. Various embodiments comprise a handle assembly and a shaft assembly that is coupled to the handle assembly and which movably supports a trocar assembly therein. The surgical stapling instrument may further comprise a stapling head assembly that is operably coupled to the shaft assembly. The stapling head assembly may comprise a staple cartridge for supporting one or more surgical staples and a staple driver assembly for engaging and driving the staples from the staple cartridge. A knife may be movably supported in the stapling head assembly. A drive system may be provided to apply drive motions to the staple driver assembly. An anvil may be removably attachable to a distal end of the trocar assembly and an indicator system may operably communicate with the trocar assembly for providing an indication signal when the anvil is attached to the distal end of the trocar assembly.

[0011] In another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surgical stapling instrument for applying one or more surgical staples to tissue. Various embodiments may comprise a handle assembly and a shaft assembly that is coupled to the handle assembly and movably supports a trocar assembly therein. A stapling head assembly is operably coupled to the shaft assembly. The stapling head assembly may comprise a staple cartridge for supporting one or more surgical staples and a staple driver for engaging and driving the staples from the staple cartridge. A knife may also be movably supported in the stapling head assembly. The surgical stapling instrument may further include a drive system for applying drive motions to the staple driver assembly and the knife. An anvil may be removably attachable to a distal end of the trocar assembly. An illumination device may be attached to the anvil. The illumination device may be electrically connected to a source of electrical current. A sensor may be provided on one of the anvil and the trocar assembly and be electrically coupled to the source of electrical current and the illumination device such that when the anvil is attached to the distal end portion of the trocar assembly, electrical current flows from the source of electrical current to the illumination device.

[0012] In accordance with another general form of the present invention, there is provided a surgical stapling instrument for applying one or more surgical staples to tissue. Various embodiments comprise a handle assembly and a shaft assembly that is coupled to the handle assembly. A stapling head assembly may be operably coupled to the shaft assembly. The stapling head assembly may comprise a staple cartridge for supporting one or more surgical staples, a staple driver for engaging and driving the staples from the staple cartridge. A knife may be movably supported in the stapling head assembly. A drive system may be provided for applying drive motions to the staple driver and the knife. The instrument may further include a source of electrical current. An indicator may also be provided on the instrument. The indicator may communicate with the source of electrical current. A trocar assembly may be movably supported by the shaft assembly and be configured to detachably support an anvil thereon. The trocar assembly may have a plurality of contact regions that communicate with the source of electrical current and the indicator. At least some of the contact regions may be electrically insulated from the first contact region such that when the anvil is attached to the distal end of the trocar assembly, the anvil electrically connects the first and second contact regions to permit the electrical current to flow to the indicator.

[0029] 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 of ordinary skill 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 various embodiments 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.

[0030] Turning to the Drawings, wherein like numerals denote like components, there is shown a circular stapler 10 that includes a unique and novel system for providing feedback to the surgeon to indicate when the detachable anvil 100 thereof has been properly attached to the stapler 10. A variety of different circular staplers are known in the art. FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an exemplary circular stapler arrangement that may employ the benefits of various aspects of the present invention. It is conceivable, however, that the various embodiments of the present invention may be successfully employed with other stapler constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0031] It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” referring to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” referring to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up” and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

[0032] As can be seen in FIG. 1, there is disclosed a circular stapler 10 that includes a stapling head assembly 12, an anvil 100, an adjustment knob 30, and a trigger 14. The stapling head assembly 12 is coupled to a handle assembly 40 by a shaft assembly 50. The trigger 14 is pivotally supported by the handle assembly 40 and is configured to operate the stapler 10 when a safety mechanism 16 is released. When the trigger 14 is activated, a drive system operates within the shaft assembly 50 so that staples 90 (FIG. 2) are expelled from the stapling head assembly 12 into forming contact with the anvil 100. Simultaneously, a knife 70, that is operably supported within the head 12, acts to cut tissue held within the circumference of the stapled tissue. The stapler 10 is then pulled through the tissue leaving stapled tissue in its place.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates one form of anvil 100 and stapling head assembly 12 that may be employed in connection with various embodiments of the subject invention. As can be seen in that Figure, the anvil 100 may have a circular body portion 102 that has an anvil shaft 104 for attaching a trocar 60 (FIG. 3) thereto. The anvil body 102 has a staple forming undersurface 106 thereon. In various embodiments, a shroud 120 is attached to the distal end of the anvil body 102. The anvil 100 may be further provided with a pair of trocar retaining clips or leaf-type springs 110 that serve to releasably retain the trocar 60 in retaining engagement with the anvil shaft 104 as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0034] As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the stapling head assembly 12 may comprise a casing member 20 that supports a cartridge supporting assembly in the form of a staple driver 22 that is adapted to interface with a circular staple cartridge 24 and drive staples 90 supported therein into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 106 of anvil 100. A circular knife 70 is centrally disposed within the staple driver 22 and has a distal cutting edge 72 formed thereon. The proximal end 21 of the casing member 20 may be coupled to an outer tubular shroud 51 of the shaft assembly 50 by a distal ferrule member 52.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a shaft assembly 50 that operably supports the trocar 60 and compression shaft 54 for axial movement therein. The compression shaft 54 may be axially and movably supported within the outer tubular shroud 51 and include a distal compression shaft portion 55. As can also be seen in FIG. 3, the distal compression shaft portion 55 is coupled to the staple driver 22. Thus, axial movement of the compression shaft portion 55 within the outer tubular shroud 51 causes the staple driver 22 to move axially within the casing member 20. Actuation of the firing trigger 14 (FIG. 1) will cause the compression shaft 54 and the distal compression shaft portion 55 to move in the distal direction (arrow “DD”) thereby driving the staple driver 22 distally to fire the staples 90 into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 106 of the anvil 100. As the staple driver 22 is driven distally, it also drives the cutting edge 72 of the knife 70 through the tissue held within the circumference of the stapled tissue into a knife board 210 mounted in the anvil 100.

[0036] The trocar 60 may include a trocar tip 62 that has attached thereto a top tension band 56 and a bottom tension band 58. The trocar tip 62 may be coupled to the top tension band 56 and bottom tension band 58 by fasteners 59 (e.g., screws, studs, posts, etc.). A spacer band 61 is received within the tubular shroud 51 and serves to slidably support the upper and lower tension bands 56, 58 within the shroud 51. The proximal ends of the top tension band 56 and bottom tension band 58 may be attached to a distal end of an adjustment shaft 80. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tip 62 of the trocar 60 may be inserted into the anvil shaft 104 of the anvil 100 and retained in engagement by the trocar retaining clips 110.

[0037] In various embodiments, the adjustment shaft 80 may be axially movably supported within a handle assembly 40 of the type and construction disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2008-0078806-A1 to Todd Philip Omaits, et al., filed Sep. 29, 2006 that is owned by the Assignee of the present application and which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, other handle and firing system arrangements may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] Various embodiments of the present invention include a unique and novel anvil feedback system generally designated as 200 for, among other things, providing the surgeon with an indication that the anvil 100 has been properly coupled to the trocar 60. One embodiment of the tissue feedback system 200 may include at least one indicator 130 that may be mounted to the distal end of the shroud 120. In various embodiments, for example, the indicator 130 may comprise at least one illumination device such as, for example, at least one light emitting diode (LED) or other lighting device. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the indicator 130 may be connected to a Direct Current (“DC”) power source 240 that may comprise a battery or number of batteries 242 or other suitable DC power source by a wire or conductor 133. The battery 242 may also be supported within the shroud 120 such that it may be easily installed and replaced. The indicator 130 may also be connected to a sensor 140 that is mounted in the shaft 104 of the anvil 100 by a first wire or conductor 132. The sensor 140 may also be connected to the power source 240 by another conductor or wire 134.

[0039] In various embodiments, sensor 140 may comprise a switch 141 that is normally open in its unactuated position such that no current flows to the illumination device light 130 until the switch 141 is closed. The switch 141 is so positioned within or on the shaft 104 of the anvil 100 such that when the trocar tip 62 is properly affixed to the shaft 104 (i.e., seated within the shaft 104 as shown in FIG. 3 and retained in such position by retaining clips 110), the switch 141 is closed which permits the current to flow from the battery 242 to the indicator 130. Switch 141 may comprise a variety of different switch arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, switch 141 may comprise a mechanically actuated switch (i.e., a switch that is mechanically closed by virtue of contact with the trocar tip 62). However, the switch 141 could also be a magnetic switch, etc. that is actuated when the trocar tip 62 has been seated in its properly coupled position within the shaft 104 of the anvil 100.

[0040] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the anvil feedback system 200 provides an indication to the surgeon that the anvil 100 has been properly coupled to the trocar 60. While only one indicator 130 has been illustrated as being mounted to the shroud 120, it will be understood that more than one indicator could be employed and supported in other orientations on the anvil body 120. Still in other embodiments, one indicator 130 in the form of an illumination device may be supported by the anvil to illuminate the surgical site as well as provide an indication that the anvil has been properly attached and another indicator (not shown) may be supported on the handle assembly or shaft to provide the surgeon with another indication that the anvil has been properly affixed to the trocar 60 without having to specifically look at the anvil or surgical site. Such indicators mounted to the handle assembly could comprise, for example, an illumination device, a sound generating device, a vibration generating device, etc.

[0041] One exemplary method of using the circular stapler 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5-8. When performing an anastomosis using a circular stapler 10, the intestine 300 may be stapled using a conventional surgical stapler with multiple rows of staples being emplaced on either side of a target section (i.e., specimen) of intestine 300. FIG. 5 illustrates the liner staple lines 310, 320. The target section is typically simultaneously cut as the section is stapled. The target section has already been excised in FIG. 5. After removing the target specimen, the surgeon inserts the anvil 100 into the proximal portion 302 of the intestine 300, proximal of the staple line 310. This is done by inserting the anvil head 100 into an entry port cut into the proximal intestine portion 302 or the anvil 100 can be placed transanally, by placing the anvil 100 on the distal end of the stapler 10 and inserting the instrument through the rectum. Next, the surgeon attaches the anvil 100 to the trocar tip 62 of the stapler 100. Once the trocar tip 62 has been inserted into the anvil shaft 104 to a position wherein the proximal end 105 of the anvil shaft 104 is seated on a shoulder portion 66 of the trocar 60 and the retaining clips 110 retainingly engage the trocar tip 62, the switch 140 is closed to permit current to flow from the battery 242 to the indicator 130. The surgeon may observe that the indicator 130 is illuminated by employing a video camera (not shown) that is supported through an endoscope (not shown) to enable the surgeon to view the surgical site (or if another indicator is provided on the handle assembly or shaft assembly, the surgeon may receive an indication from that device that the anvil has been properly attached to the trocar 60). Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that when the indicator 130 comprises at least one illumination device attached to the anvil 100, the indicator 130 provides an indication that the anvil 100 has been properly attached to the trocar 60 as well as illuminates the surgical site.

[0042] Once the anvil 100 has been properly coupled to the trocar tip 62, the anvil 100 is inserted into the distal portion 306 of the intestine 300. The surgeon may then tie the distal end 304 of the proximal section 302 of the intestine 300 to the anvil shaft 104 using a suture 312 or other conventional tying device and also tie the proximal end 308 of the distal intestine portion 306 around the anvil shaft using another suture 314. See FIG. 6. The surgeon then begins to rotate the closure knob assembly 30 (FIG. 1) to draw the anvil 100 toward the cartridge 24 supported in the staple driver 22 to close the gap between the anvil 100 and cartridge 24 and thereby engage the proximal end 308 of the distal intestine portion 306 with the distal end 304 of the proximal intestine portion 302 in the gap “G” therebetween. See FIG. 7. The surgeon continues to rotate the closure knob assembly 30 until the desired gap G is attained. When in that “firing” position, the surgeon may then pivot the safety yoke 16 to the off position and fire the stapler 10 by depressing the firing trigger 14. Depressing the trigger 14 causes the compression shaft 54 to drive the staple driver 22 distally to drive the staples 90 to be driven through both ends 304, 308 of the intestine 300, thereby joining the portions 302 and 306 and forming a tubular pathway. Simultaneously, as the staples 908 are driven and formed, the knife 70 is driven through the intestinal tissue ends 304 and 308, cutting the ends adjacent to the inner row of staples 90. See FIG. 8.

[0043] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another circular stapler 10′ that may employ some unique and novel features of the present invention. Those components of stapler 10′ that are identical to the above-described components are labeled with like numbers. In one embodiment, for example, the anvil 100 lacks the indicator 130 of the prior embodiments. In this embodiment, however, the trocar 400 is formed with two or more contact regions 410 and 434 that are electrically isolated from each other by an electrical insulator 420. More specifically and with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the trocar 400 includes a body portion 402 that is coupled to the top tension band 56 and bottom tension band 58 by fasteners 59 in the manner described above. The body portion 402 has a distal end portion 404 that terminates in tip 406 and which has the first contact region or shoulder 410 formed thereon. The body 402 of the trocar 400 is fabricated from an electrically conductive material such as, for example, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, etc. Received on distal portion 404 of the trocar 400 is an electrical insulator sleeve 420 that may be fabricated from, for example, a thermoplastic material such as Vectra®, high density polyethylene (HDPE), Ultem®, etc. Mounted on the electrical insulator 420 is a contact bushing 430. Contact bushing 430 is fabricated from electrically conductive material such as, for example, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, etc. The contact bushing 430 has a distal shoulder 432 formed thereon which defines a second contact surface 434 for engagement with the proximal end portion 105 of the hollow anvil shaft 104.

[0044] A first conductor or wire 450 is connected to the contact bushing 430. In various embodiments, the contact bushing 430 may have a slot or groove 438 sized to receive an end of the conductor 450 which may be soldered, and/or glued or otherwise electrically connected thereto. A second conductor or wire 460 maybe attached to body portion 402 by one or both of the fasteners 59 that also serve to couple the top and bottom tension bands 56, 58 thereto. However, the second conductor 450 may be electrically coupled to the body portion 402 of the trocar 400 by other suitable methods.

[0045] FIG. 12 depicts one form of an indicator circuit 405 that may be employed. As can be seen in that Figure, a Direct Current (“DC”) power source 240, that may comprise a battery or number of batteries 242 or other suitable DC power source, is connected to the contact bushing 430 which is mounted on the electrical insulator 420 that is mounted on the trocar body 402 as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The second conductor 460 is connected to the electrically conductive trocar body 402 and an indicator 470 that is mounted on the handle assembly 40. The indicator 470 is, in turn, connected to the power source 240 by a conductor 462. The indicator 470 may comprise at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) or other suitable light source. Thus, when the shaft 104 of the anvil 100 is properly received on the distal portion 404 such that the proximal end 104 of the shaft 104 is seated on the second contact region 434, the shaft 104 is also in contact with the first contact region 410 which completes the circuit 405 and cause the indicator 470 to be energized. See FIG. 11. Such arrangement provides the surgeon with a positive indication that the anvil 100 has been properly attached to the trocar 400. FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative indicator circuit 405′ which employs a microprocessor 480 that may be housed within the handle assembly 40 to control the indicator 470 when the anvil 100 has been attached to the trocar 400 to complete the circuit.

[0046] As was discussed above, once the anvil 100 has been properly coupled to the trocar 400, the anvil 100 is inserted into the distal portion 306 of the intestine 300. The surgeon may then tie the distal end 304 of the proximal section 302 of the intestine 300 to the anvil shaft 104 using a suture 312 or other conventional tying device and also tie the proximal end 308 of the distal intestine portion 306 around the anvil shaft using another suture 314. The surgeon then begins to rotate the closure knob assembly 30 (FIG. 1) to draw the anvil 100 toward the cartridge 24 supported in the staple driver 22 to close the gap between the anvil 100 and cartridge 24 and thereby engage the proximal end 308 of the distal intestine portion 306 with the distal end 304 of the proximal intestine portion 302 in the gap “G” therebetween. The surgeon continues to rotate the closure knob assembly 30 until the desired gap G is attained. To assist the surgeon in determining when the anvil 100 has been moved to the desired firing position relative to the staple cartridge 24, various embodiments may also be provided with a closure circuit 500.

[0047] More particularly and with reference to FIG. 14, the closure circuit 500 may include the power source 240, the first contact region 410 on the body portion 402 of the trocar 400 and a second contact region 434 formed on the contact bushing 430 as was described above as well as a string potentiometer 510 or other distance sensor to control a variable resistor. The string potentiometer 510 is configured and mounted within the shaft 50 or handle assembly 40 and coupled to the trocar 400 or adjustment shaft 80 to detect the axial distance that the trocar 400 moves in the proximal “PD” direction from a starting position wherein the anvil 100 has been properly coupled thereto. When employing this feature, the trocar 400 may be positioned (by virtue of rotating the control knob 30) in a starting position wherein the anvil 100 may be attached thereto in the manner described above. The string potentiometer 510 is set such that resistance is low when the anvil 100 has been properly coupled to the trocar 400 in the starting position. Thus, when the anvil 100 has been attached to the trocar 400, resistance is low and the indicator 470 is energized to provide the surgeon with an indication that the anvil 100 has been properly attached. As the surgeon then rotates the adjustment knob 30 to draw the anvil 100 proximally toward the cartridge 24, resistance in the string potentiometer 510 increases and reduces the amount of current flowing to the indicator 270 thereby dimming the indicator 270 until the anvil reaches a desired firing position (i.e., the desired gap “G” has been achieved). At that point, the resistance is increased to a level wherein little or no current flows to the indicator light 270 to cause it to go out. Thus, the surgeon can watch the indicator 270 during the closing process and when the light goes out, the surgeon knows that the anvil 100 has been positioned in the desired firing position.

[0048] While this embodiment employs a string potentiometer to adjust the resistance in the closure circuit 500 as the trocar 400 and anvil 100 are adjusted, other circuit arrangements may be employed. For example, a transistor based amplifier such as a Darlington pair that is controlled by the axial distance that the trocar 400 is moved may be employed. In still other embodiments, a circuit 500′ may be employed which includes a microprocessor 580 for controlling the illumination of the indicator 270 as the anvil 100 is axially advanced to a desired closed position. See FIG. 15.

[0049] The various embodiments of the present invention represent a vast improvement over prior circular staple arrangements that fail to provide any means of indicating when the anvil has been properly attached to the trocar and/or also providing an indication of when the anvil has been positioned in an orientation relative to the staple cartridge that is ready for firing. While several embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the invention. For example, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. This application is therefore intended to cover all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0050] The devices disclosed herein can 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 an 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 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 of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of different 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.

[0051] Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed before surgery. First a new or used instrument is obtained and, if necessary, cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK® bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or higher energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility.

[0052] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0053] The invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments are therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such equivalents, variations and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims be embraced thereby.