Staple cartridge

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,149, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MEMBER ARRANGEMENT, filed on Sep. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,381, issued Mar. 15, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] i. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to stapling instruments and, in various embodiments, to a surgical stapling instrument for producing one or more rows of staples.

[0004] ii. Background of the Related Art

[0005] In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency for surgeons to use stapling instruments to suture body tissues such as a lung, an esophagus, a stomach, a duodenum and/or other organs in the intestinal tract. The use of an appropriate stapling instrument in many instances may perform a better job in less time and simplify previously difficult surgical procedures such as gastrointestinal anastomoses. Previous linear two and four row cutting staplers comprised cartridge-less instruments into which staples were individually hand-loaded. Other previous devices have included a presterilized disposable staple loading unit and a cutting member which could be utilized for dividing the tissue and forming the rows of staples simultaneously. An example of such a surgical stapler is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,591, entitled INSTRUMENT FOR PLACING LATERAL GASTROINTESTINAL ANASTOMOSES, which issued on Mar. 10, 1970, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0006] A stapling instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jaw members, wherein each jaw member can be adapted to be inserted into an internal, tubular body organ to be anastomosed. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members can support a staple cartridge with at least two laterally spaced rows of staples, and the other jaw member can support an anvil with staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling instrument can further include a pusher bar and knife blade which are slidable relative to the jaw members to sequentially eject staples from the staple cartridge via camming surfaces on the pusher bar. In at least one embodiment, the camming surfaces can be configured to activate a plurality of staple drivers carried by the cartridge and associated with the individual staples to push the staples against the anvil and form laterally spaced rows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaw members. In typical stapling instruments, however, the anvil is unmovable relative to the staple cartridge once the jaw members have been assembled together and the formed height of the staples cannot be adjusted. In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can trail the pusher bar and cut the tissue along a line between the staple rows. Examples of such stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,695, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Feb. 7, 1984, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0007] In various embodiments, a typical stapling instrument can include first and second jaw members which can be secured together by a latch, wherein the latch can be moved between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position. In the open and partially-closed positions of the latch, however, the first and second jaw members of a typical stapling instrument can be unintentionally detached from each other, thereby requiring additional time to reassemble the jaw members. In certain circumstances, the detachment of the first and second jaw members may expose a knife blade. In various circumstances, further to the above, a stapling instrument can include an actuator knob extending from the pusher bar which can be configured to be grasped by a surgeon and advanced distally to advance the pusher bar and knife blade within the staple cartridge. In certain circumstances, however, the actuator knob can be advanced relative to a jaw member even though the first and second jaw members have not been assembled. Once assembled, in at least one circumstance, the actuator knob, as it can extend outwardly from the surgical instrument, can unintentionally contact tissue surrounding the surgical site and, as a result, the tissue may impede the advancement of the actuator knob. In such circumstances, a surgeon may have to force the actuator knob past the tissue and/or re-position the stapling instrument which can increase the time needed to complete the surgery. What is needed is an improvement over the foregoing.

[0008] In at least one form of the present invention, a surgical stapling instrument can include first and second jaw members which can be pivotably connected to each other and secured in position relative to each other by a latch. In various embodiments, the first and second jaw members can include first and second locking members which can allow the first and second jaw members to be rotated relative to one another but prevent, or at least inhibit, the first and second jaw members from being separated from one another. Such embodiments may be particularly useful in circumstances when the latch is in a partially-closed position and the first and second jaw members are being manipulated to position tissue therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the first and second jaw members can be sufficiently connected together in order to prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, the first and second jaw members from becoming detached from one another and exposing a cutting member. In at least one form of the present invention, a surgical stapling instrument can include a housing which can extend at least partially over and/or around the cutting member. In various embodiments, the housing can at least partially cover the cutting member when the first and second jaw members are detached from one another, yet permit the cutting member to be moved relative to the first and second jaw members during use.

[0009] In various embodiments, the surgical stapling instrument can further include a cutting member and/or staple sled which can be advanced and/or retracted relative to the first and second jaw members. In certain embodiments, the staple sled can be advanced by, and/or along with, the cutting member in order to deploy staples from a staple cartridge in one of the first and second jaw members. In at least one form of the present invention, a surgical stapling instrument can include a lock which can prevent, or at least inhibit, the cutting member and/or staple sled from being moved, or at least advanced, relative to the first and second jaw members before the latch has been closed. In at least one embodiment, the latch can be configured to engage the lock as the latch is moved from a fully open position to a fully closed position and operably disengage the lock from the cutting member and/or staple sled. In at least one embodiment, one of the first and second jaw members can include an anvil having at least one forming surface which can be configured to deform the staples as they are deployed from the staple cartridge. In at least one form of the present invention, the anvil can be movably adjustable relative to the staple cartridge in order to adjust the amount in which the staples are deformed. In various embodiments, the anvil can be adjusted by a slidable adjusting plate and/or a rotatable cam.

[0059] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The entire disclosures of the following commonly-owned, non-provisional United States patent applications are incorporated by reference herein:

[0062] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,149, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH CUTTING MEMBER ARRANGEMENT, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2008;

[0063] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,143, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER HAVING AN INTERMEDIATE CLOSING POSITION, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2008;

[0064] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,133, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER WITH APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING STAPLE HEIGHT, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2008; and

[0065] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,113, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL STAPLER, which was filed on Sep. 19, 2008.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 1, a surgical stapling instrument, generally 100, can comprise a first handle portion 102 and a second handle portion 104. In various embodiments, first handle portion 102 and second handle portion 104 can be configured to be grasped by a surgeon, for example, and can comprise hand grip portion 106. In at least one embodiment, first handle portion 102, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, can include a first cover 108 attached to a first frame 110 and, similarly, second handle portion 104 can include a second cover 112 attached to a second frame 114. Covers 108 and 112 can be ergonomically contoured, or otherwise suitably contoured, to assist a surgeon in manipulating stapling instrument 100 within a surgical site. In various embodiments, handle covers 108 and 112, for example, can include enlarged protrusions 109 and 113, respectively, which can facilitate the insertion of stapling instrument 100 into a surgical site. In various embodiments, handle covers 108 and 112 can be made of plastic, lightweight materials, and/or any other suitable material, for example, while handle frames 110 and 114 can be made of stainless steel, titanium, and/or any other suitable material, for example.

[0067] In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the distal ends of handle portions 102 and 104 can comprise an end-effector 120 which can be configured to treat tissue within a surgical site, for example. In at least one such embodiment, end-effector 120 can include a staple cartridge channel 122 configured to receive and/or retain a staple cartridge as described in greater detail further below. In certain embodiments, staple cartridge channel 122 can comprise a one-piece elongated channel-shaped frame extending from first handle portion frame 110. In at least one embodiment, staple cartridge channel 122 can include a pair of opposed, elongated side walls 124 connected by a bottom wall 126. Along the rearward, or proximal, portion of staple cartridge channel 122, a pair of spaced, upstanding side flanges 128 can extend upwardly from opposed side walls 124. In various embodiments, the width of staple cartridge channel 122 between side flanges 128 can be greater than the width of the upper jaw member, or anvil, 130 extending from second handle portion 104. In at least one embodiment, the distance between flanges 128 can be configured to permit at least a portion of anvil 130 to be received between side flanges 128 when the stapling instrument is assembled for operation. As shown in FIG. 2, each side flange 128 of can include a notch, or recess, 127, for example, which can be configured to receive one or more latch projections 131, for example, extending from anvil 130, and/or any other suitable portion of second handle portion 104, as described in greater detail further below.

[0068] As indicated above, referring once again to FIGS. 1-3, staple cartridge channel 122 can be configured to support and/or retain a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 150, for example, within end-effector 120, wherein the staple cartridge can include one or more staples (not illustrated) removably stored therein. In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 8-10, staple cartridge 150 can include one or more staple cavities 151 which can be configured to store staples in any suitable arrangement, such as in at least two laterally-spaced longitudinal rows, for example. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, staple cartridge 150 can include staple cartridge body 152 and pan, or retainer, 154, wherein staple cartridge body 152 and/or pan 154 can be configured to define a channel, or path, for slidably receiving a staple sled and/or cutting member therein. In at least one embodiment, pan 154 can include flexible arms 155, for example, which can be configured to engage staple cartridge body 152 in a snap-fit and/or press-fit arrangement. Referring to FIGS. 10-12, staple cartridge 150 can further include staple sled assembly 160 which can include staple sled portion 162 and, in addition, cutting member 164. In various embodiments, cutting member 164 can include cutting edge 165 and lock arm 166, for example, wherein lock arm 166 can be configured to be press-fit and/or snap-fit into aperture 163 in staple sled 162 when cutting member 164 is assembled to staple sled portion 162. In other various embodiments, staple sled portion 162 can be integrally molded to cutting member 164.

[0069] Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 8-10, staple cartridge body 152 can include a slot, such as slot 156, for example, which can be configured to receive at least a portion of cutting member 164 therein, and/or any other portion of staple sled assembly 160 and pusher bar assembly 200 (discussed below), wherein slot 156 can be configured to permit cutting member 164 to be moved between first and second positions within staple cartridge 150. In various embodiments, slot 156 can be configured to permit cutting member 164 to be moved between a proximal position (FIG. 10) and a distal position in order to incise tissue positioned intermediate staple cartridge 150 and anvil 130, for example. Referring again to FIGS. 10-12, staple sled portion 162 can include cam, ramp, or actuator, surfaces 167 which can be configured to engage staple drivers positioned within staple cartridge 150. In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 9, staple cartridge 150 can include staple drivers 168 which can be lifted, or slid, upwardly within staple cavities 151 by sled portion 162 such that the upward movement of staple drivers 168 can eject, or deploy, staples at least partially positioned within staple cavities 151. While staple drives 168 can be, in fact, lifted vertically upwardly, the term upward, and the like, can mean that staple drivers 168, for example, are moved toward the top surface, or deck, 158 of the staple cartridge and/or toward anvil 130, for example. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, each staple driver 168 can include one or more sloped surfaces 169 oriented at the same angle as a cam surface 167, and/or any other suitable angle, which can provide a relatively flat, or at least substantially flat, sliding contact surface between staple sled 162 and staple drivers 168. In various embodiments, a staple driver can be configured to deploy only one staple, while, in certain embodiments, a staple driver can be configured to simultaneously deploy two or more staples located in adjacent rows, for example. Other devices are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/030,424, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED FIRING TRIGGER ARRANGEMENT, which was filed on Feb. 13, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0070] In various embodiments, as described above, a surgical stapling instrument can include a cutting member/staple sled assembly configured to incise tissue and deploy staples from a staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, though, a surgical stapling instrument may not require, or include, a cutting member. In at least one such embodiment, a staple cartridge can include a staple sled positioned therein and/or a surgical instrument can be configured to move a staple sled into a staple cartridge in order to staple tissue, for example, without otherwise dissecting it. In certain other embodiments, a staple cartridge can include a staple sled positioned therein where a surgical instrument can include a cutting member movable into, or relative to, the staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member can be advanced into contact with the staple sled such that the cutting member and staple sled can be advanced together. Thereafter, the cutting member can be sufficiently retracted to allow the staple cartridge to be detached from the surgical instrument and replaced with a new staple cartridge having a new staple sled. Such embodiments may be useful when a staple sled may become worn or deformed during use. Other embodiments are envisioned where a staple cartridge can include a cutting member positioned therein where a surgical instrument can include a staple sled movable into, or relative to, the staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, similar to the above, the staple sled can be advanced into contact with the cutting member such that the cutting member and staple sled can be advanced together. Thereafter, the staple sled can be sufficiently retracted to allow the staple cartridge to be detached from the surgical instrument and replaced with a new staple cartridge having a new cutting member. Such embodiments may be useful when a cutting member may become worn or deformed during use. In various embodiments, as described in greater detail below, the staple cartridge can include a protective housing or cover configured to prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, a surgeon or other clinician from touching the cutting member positioned within the staple cartridge while handling the staple cartridge, for example.

[0071] In various embodiments, further to the above, staple cartridge channel 122 and/or staple cartridge 150, for example, can include one or more co-operating projections and/or recesses, for example, which can be configured to removably retain staple cartridge 150 within staple cartridge channel 122. Once staple cartridge 150 has been inserted into staple cartridge channel 122, in various embodiments, the first handle portion 102 can be assembled to the second handle portion 104. In other various embodiments, the staple cartridge may be inserted into the staple cartridge channel after the first and second handle portions have been assembled together. In either event, referring to FIGS. 1-7, first handle portion 102 and second handle portion 104 can include proximal ends 103 and 105, respectively, which can be assembled together such that the first and second handle portions can be rotatably or pivotably coupled to one another. In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, first handle portion 102 can include one or more pins, or projections, 111 extending therefrom which can be configured to be slidably received within one or more grooves, channels, or slots 115 in second handle portion 104. In certain embodiments, slots 115 can be defined in second handle frame 114 and projections 111 can extend from a proximal end post 107 extending from first handle frame 110, for example. In order to assemble first handle portion 102 and second handle portion 104, referring to FIG. 4, the open ends of slots 115 can be aligned with projections 111 such that second handle portion 104, for example, can be translated relative to first handle portion 102 and projections 111 can be slid within slots 115. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the open ends of slots 115 can be located proximally with respect to their closed ends. In at least one such embodiment, proximal end 105 of second handle portion 104 can be positioned distally with respect to proximal end 103 of first handle portion 102 such that second handle portion 104 can be moved proximally in order to position projections 111 within slots 115. In various other circumstances, first handle portion 102 can be positioned proximally with respect to second handle portion 104 and slid distally in order to position projections 111 within slots 115.

[0072] In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 5, second handle portion 104 can be rotated toward first handle portion 102 such that anvil 130 can be moved into position relative to staple cartridge 150 and/or staple cartridge channel 122. In certain embodiments, first handle portion 102 can be rotated toward second handle portion 104 and/or the first and second handle portions can be rotated toward each other. In any event, projections 111 and slots 115, when engaged with one another, can comprise a pivot about which one or both of the first and second handle portions can be moved relative to each other. In various embodiments, second handle portion 104 can be moved relative to first handle portion 102 such that anvil 130 is moved into close opposition to staple cartridge 150. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 6, second handle portion 104 can be moved relative to first handle portion 102 such that latch projections 131 extending from second handle portion 104 can be aligned with and/or inserted into recesses 127 within first handle portion 102. In various embodiments, referring primarily to FIGS. 2 and 3, first handle portion 102 can further include latching mechanism 180 rotatably mounted thereto which can be utilized to engage latch projections 131 extending from second handle portion 104 and secure the first and second handle portions together. Although not illustrated, other embodiments are envisioned in which a latching mechanism is rotatably mounted to the second handle portion and latch projections can extend from the first handle portion. In any event, in at least one embodiment, latching mechanism 180 can be mounted to first frame 110 by one or more pivot pins 182 which can be configured to define an axis about which latch 180 can be rotated.

[0073] In certain embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, latching mechanism 180 can include latch frame 184 and, in addition, latch cover 186 assembled to latch frame 184. In other various embodiments, the latch cover and the latch frame can comprise an integral unit or, in certain embodiments, the latching mechanism may not even include a cover. In certain embodiments, latch frame 184 can be channel-shaped and can include a pair of opposed, elongated side walls 185 which are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to span first frame portion 110. In at least one embodiment, latch cover 186 can be made of plastic, lightweight materials, and/or any other suitable materials, for example, while latch frame 184 can be made of stainless steel and/or any other suitable material, for example. In certain embodiments, when latching mechanism 180 is closed, as illustrated in FIG. 7, latch cover 186 can be aligned with first handle cover 108. Latch cover 186 can include contoured portion 187 which can be configured to assist a surgeon in manipulating surgical instrument 100 wherein, in at least one embodiment, contoured portion 187 can be aligned with, or at least substantially aligned with, protrusion 109 extending from first handle cover 108. Latching mechanism 180 can further include one or more latch arms 188 extending therefrom which can be configured to engage one or more latch projections 131 extending from second handle portion 104 and pull and/or secure projections 131 within recesses 127 as illustrated in FIG. 7. In at least one embodiment, at least one of latch arms 188 can be integrally-formed with latch frame 184. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 6, at least one of latch arms 188 can include a distal hook 189 which can be configured to wrap around at least a portion of projections 131 so as to encompass or surround, or at least partially encompass or surround, projections 131. In at least one embodiment, latch arms 188 can act as an over-center latch to maintain latching mechanism 180 in its latched, or closed, position.

[0074] In use, in various circumstances, one of the first handle portion 102 and the second handle portion 104 can be positioned on a first side of tissue within a surgical site and the other handle portion can be rotated into position on the opposite side of the tissue. In such embodiments, staple cartridge 150 can be positioned on one side of the tissue and anvil 130 can be positioned on the other side of the tissue. Thereafter, as also outlined above, latching mechanism 180 can be actuated such that it can be moved between an open position and a closed position in order to latch second handle portion 104 to first handle portion 102 and apply a clamping force to the tissue positioned between staple cartridge 150 and anvil 130. In certain circumstances, latching mechanism 180 can be moved between an open position (FIG. 5), a partially-closed, or intermediate, position (FIG. 6), and a closed position (FIG. 7). In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, latching mechanism 180 can be moved between an open position in which latch arms 188 are not engaged with projections 131 and a partially-closed position in which latch arms 188 are engaged with projections 131 such that, although anvil 130 has been at least partially brought into opposition to staple cartridge 150, a sufficient gap can remain between anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150 which can allow end-effector 120 to be repositioned relative to the tissue, for example. Once the anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150 have been sufficiently positioned relative to the tissue, latching mechanism 180 can be moved between its partially-closed position and a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0075] In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical stapling instrument can further include a biasing member which can be configured to bias the first handle portion of a stapling instrument away from a second handle portion. In at least one embodiment, as described in greater detail further below, a spring, and/or any suitably resilient material, can be positioned intermediate the first and second handle portions such that the anvil and staple cartridge of the stapling instrument can be biased away from each other. In certain embodiments, the spring can be configured to at least partially separate the first and second handle portions such that a gap exists between the anvil and the staple cartridge, wherein the gap can be sufficient to allow tissue to be positioned therebetween. In use, a surgeon can position such a surgical stapling instrument without having to separate and hold the first and second handle portions apart from each other. Such an instrument may be especially useful when the stapling instrument is in a partially-closed configuration and the surgeon is manipulating the instrument within a surgical site. After the surgeon is satisfied with the positioning of the stapling instrument, the surgeon can compress and/or disengage the spring and place the stapling instrument in a closed configuration.

[0076] In various circumstances, as outlined above, the distal end of first handle portion 102 can be moved relative to the distal end of second handle portion 104, especially when latching mechanism 180 is not engaged with, or only partially engaged with, projections 131 of second handle portion 104. In such circumstances, projections 111 and slots 115 at the proximal ends of the first and second handle portions can be configured to retain at least the proximal ends of the first and second handle portions together when the distal ends of the first and second handle portions are being moved relative to each other, for example. Stated another way, projections 111 and slots 115 can cooperate to prevent, or at least inhibit, first handle portion 102 from becoming completely detached from second handle portion 104. In certain embodiments, a first handle portion can include a first lock portion and a second handle portion can include a second lock portion, wherein the first and second lock portions can be configured to be engaged with one another and prevent the first handle portion from becoming completely detached from the second handle portion. In at least one embodiment, projections 111 can comprise the first lock portion and slots 115 can comprise the second lock portion. Previous stapling instruments lacked such lock portions and instead relied on a sole latching mechanism to keep the first and second handle portions together. In circumstances where the latching mechanisms of these previous stapling instruments were not fully engaged with both of the first and second handle portions, the first and second handle portions could become completely detached from one another, thereby requiring a surgeon, for example, to reposition and reassemble the handle portions. In certain circumstances, a complete detachment of the first and second handle portions of these previous staples could expose at least a portion of a cutting member.

[0077] In various embodiments, as outlined above, latching mechanism 180 can be configured to be moved between an open position, a partially-closed position, and a closed position. When latching mechanism 180 is in its open position, as also outlined above, projections 111 can be inserted into and/or removed from slots 115. When latching mechanism 180 is in its partially-closed position, referring to FIG. 6, latch arms 188 can be configured to engage latch projections 131 such that projections 111 cannot be removed from slots 115. In at least one such embodiment, latch arms 188 and latch projections 131 can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, second handle portion 104 from being moved distally with respect to first handle portion 102 and, as a result, prevent, or at least inhibit, projections 111 from being disengaged from slots 115. Correspondingly, latch arms 188 and latch projections 131 can be configured to prevent first handle portion 102 from being moved proximally with respect to second handle portion 104. Similar to the above, in various embodiments, latch arms 188 and latch projections 131 can also be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, projections 111 from being removed from slots 115 when latching mechanism 180 is in its closed position (FIG. 7). In certain embodiments, further to the above, latch projections 131 can extend from second handle portion 104 at a location which is intermediate its proximal and distal ends. In at least one such embodiment, projections 111 and slots 115 can be configured to hold the first and second handle portions together at their proximal ends while latching mechanism 180 can be utilized to hold the first and second handle portions together at an intermediate location. In any event, in certain embodiments, the first and second handle portions cannot be disengaged from one another unless latching mechanism 180 is moved into its fully open position. In at least one such embodiment, projections 111 and slots 115 cannot be disengaged from one another when latching mechanism 180 is in a closed and/or partially-closed position.

[0078] Once anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150 have been sufficiently positioned, the tissue positioned intermediate anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150 can be stapled and/or incised. In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, surgical stapling instrument 100 can further include pusher bar assembly 200 which can be configured to advance and/or retract staple sled assembly 160 within staple cartridge 150, for example. In at least one embodiment, pusher bar assembly 200 can include pusher bar 202 and firing actuator 204, wherein firing actuator 204 can be configured to move pusher bar 202 and staple sled assembly 160 distally to deploy staples from staple cartridge 150 and deform the staples against anvil 130 as described above. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, staple sled 162 can include a groove, channel, or slot 161 which can be configured to receive, and can be operably connected to, a distal end 201 (FIG. 3) of pusher bar 202. In certain embodiments, staple sled assembly 160 can be operably engaged with pusher bar 202 when staple cartridge 150 is inserted into staple cartridge channel 122. In at least one embodiment, distal end 201 and slot 161 can include cooperating features which can allow distal end 201 and slot 161 to be assembled in a transverse direction but prevent, or at least inhibit, distal end 201 and slot 161 from being disassembled from one another in a proximal direction and/or distal direction. In other embodiments, pusher bar 202 can be advanced distally before contacting and engaging staple sled assembly 160. In at least one such embodiment, the staple sled assembly 160 can remain stationary until contacted by pusher bar 202. In any event, as outlined above, actuator 204 can be operably connected to pusher bar 202 such that a pushing and/or pulling force can be applied to actuator 204 and transmitted to pusher bar 202. In certain embodiments, as described in greater detail below, actuator 204 can be pivotably connected to a proximal end 203 of pusher bar 202 such that actuator 204 can be selectively rotated between at least first and second positions.

[0079] Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 1, 13, and 14, actuator 204 can be movable between a first position on a first side 116 of surgical stapling instrument 100 (FIG. 13), a second position on a second side 117 (FIG. 14), and an intermediate position (FIG. 1) located at the proximal ends 103 and 105 of the first and second handle portions 102 and 104. Once actuator 204 has been rotated into position on one of the first and second sides 116, 117, actuator 204 can be advanced distally. In various circumstances, as a result, a surgeon may select whether to move actuator 204 distally along first side 116 or second side 117. Such circumstances may arise when it is more likely that actuator 204 may impinge on tissue surrounding the surgical site, for example, when actuator 204 is moved distally along one side of the surgical instrument as compared to the other. In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, actuator 204 can include arm 206 extending therefrom where arm 206 can be pivotably mounted to proximal end 203 of pusher bar 202. In certain embodiments, referring once again to FIGS. 1, 13, and 14, surgical instrument 100 can include a first slot (not illustrated) extending along first side 116 and a second slot 118 extending along second side 117, wherein the first and second slots can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of actuator 204. In at least one embodiment, the sidewalls of the first and second slots can confine, or at least assist in confining, the movement of actuator 204 such that it can be moved along a predetermined path. Referring to FIG. 14, second slot 118, for example, can be defined between first handle portion 102 and second handle portion 104 such that, when actuator 204 is moved distally along second side 117, arm 206 of actuator 204 can be slid intermediate the first and second handle portions. Similar to the above, the first slot can also be defined intermediate the first and second handle portions. In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, surgical instrument 100 can further include intermediate slot 119 which can also be configured to allow arm 206, and/or any other suitable portion of actuator 204, to slide therein. In at least one such embodiment, intermediate slot 119 can connect the first and second slots such that, when actuator 204 is positioned in its intermediate position, actuator 204 can be moved into either one of its first and second positions. In certain embodiments, the first slot, second slot 117, and intermediate slot 119 can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another and/or lie in the same plane, although other embodiments are envisioned in which one or more of the slots is not parallel to the others and/or lies in a different plane. Furthermore, although the first and second sides of the illustrated embodiment are located on opposite sides of surgical instrument 100, other embodiments are envisioned where the first and second slots, for example, are located on adjacent sides and/or sides which are not directly opposite to each other. Furthermore, other embodiments are envisioned in which the sides of a stapling instrument are not readily discernable, such as instruments having round and/or arcuate portions.

[0080] In various embodiments, further to the above, surgical stapling instrument 100 can further include a locking mechanism which can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator 204 and, correspondingly, staple sled assembly 160, from being advanced prematurely. In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator 204 from being advanced distally prior to latching mechanism 180 being moved into a closed, or an at least partially-closed, position. In certain embodiments, generally referring to FIG. 5, surgical stapling instrument 100 can further including locking mechanism 220 which can be engaged with actuator 204 and can remain engaged with actuator 204 while latching mechanism 180 is in a fully open position (FIG. 5) and/or an at least substantially-open position. In various embodiments, locking mechanism 220 can include lock 222 which can be biased into engagement with actuator 204 by a biasing force applied thereto by lock spring 224, for example. In at least one such embodiment, actuator 204 can include one or more grooves, channels, or slots (not illustrated) which can be configured to receive at least a portion of lock 222. In use, locking mechanism 220 can hold actuator 204 in position until latching mechanism 180 is moved into its fully closed position (FIG. 7) and/or an at least substantially closed position. In such circumstances, in at least one embodiment, latching mechanism 180 can be configured to engage locking mechanism 220 and disengage lock 222 from actuator 204. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5-7, latching mechanism 180 can further include cam 183 which can be configured to engage cam surface 223 on lock 222 when latching mechanism 180 is moved into its closed position and, as a result, slide, and/or otherwise move, lock 222 away from actuator 204. In various embodiments, cam 183 can comprise a wall, rib, and/or ridge extending from latch cover 186 and/or latch frame 184. In any event, once lock 222 has been sufficiently disengaged from actuator 204, in at least one embodiment, actuator 204 can be moved from its intermediate position, illustrated in FIG. 1, into one of its first and second positions, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0081] As described above, locking mechanism 220 can be configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, drive bar 202 from being advanced distally prior to latching mechanism 180 being moved into a predetermined position, such as, for example, a closed position and/or partially-closed position. Advantageously, locking mechanism 220 may also prevent, or at least inhibit, staple sled assembly 160 from being advanced prior to the first handle portion 102 and the second handle portion 104 being assembled together. In effect, locking mechanism 220 can prevent tissue positioned intermediate anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150 from being cut and/or stapled prior to anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150 being properly positioned relative to the tissue. Also, in effect, locking mechanism 220 can prevent staples from being deployed into the tissue prior to an appropriate clamping force being applied to the tissue. In any event, when latching mechanism 180 is returned to its fully open position, and/or a partially-open position, cam 183 can be moved away from lock 222 such that lock spring 224 can bias lock 222 into engagement with actuator 204 once again. In various other embodiments, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, locking mechanism 220′ can include a lock 222′ comprising a cam surface 223′ and, in addition, a stop 226′ which can limit the relative movement of lock 222′. In at least one embodiment, cam 183, for example, can be configured to contact cam surface 223′ and, owing to the contoured, beveled, and/or angled surface of cam surface 223′, cam 183 can be configured to drive lock 222′ distally as illustrated in FIG. 16. Lock 222′ can be driven distally such that pin 228′, which extends from lock 222′, can be moved between a first position (FIG. 15) in which it is positioned within aperture 229′ in actuator 204′ and a second position (FIG. 16) in which pin 228′ has been sufficiently removed from aperture 229′. In various embodiments, stop 226′ can be configured such that, as lock 222′ is driven distally, stop 226′ can come into contact with cam 183 once lock 222′ has been sufficiently displaced. In such embodiments, stop 226′ can be configured to control the second, or displaced, position of lock 222′. Similar to the above, as latching mechanism 180 is moved out of its closed position and cam 183 is disengaged from locking mechanism 220′, lock spring 224′ can move lock 222′ into engagement with actuator 204′ once again.

[0082] In various embodiments, as described above, a firing actuator can be utilized to move a pusher bar, staple sled, and/or cutting member between first and second positions. As also described above, pusher bar assembly 200, for example, can be utilized to move a staple sled assembly, such as staple sled assembly 160, for example, between a proximal position (FIG. 10) and a distal position. In certain embodiments, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 150, for example, can include a staple sled assembly 160 contained therein, wherein staple sled assembly 160 can be positioned in a proximal position, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the staple cartridge is assembled to or inserted into staple cartridge channel 122. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 8-10, staple cartridge 150 can include further housing 170 which can be configured to cover at least a portion of cutting member 164 when staple sled assembly 160 is in its proximal position, for example. In various embodiments, housing 170 can be configured to protect a surgeon, for example, when handling the staple cartridge, when inserting the staple cartridge into the surgical stapler, and/or assembling two or more portions of the surgical stapler together, for example. In at least one such embodiment, at least an upper portion of cutting edge 165 can extend above deck, or top surface, 158 of staple cartridge 150 and, absent a protective housing, such as housing 170, for example, the upper portion of cutting edge 165 may be exposed.

[0083] In various embodiments, as described above, cutting member 165 can be at least partially positioned within slot, or channel, 164 and, as illustrated in FIG. 10, at least the upper, or top, portion of cutting member 164 can extend above deck 158. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 8-10, housing 170 can include a first wall, or portion, 172 extending from a first portion 157 of staple cartridge body 152, a second wall, or portion, 174 extending from a second portion 159 of staple cartridge body 152, and a top wall, or portion, 176 extending between first wall 172 and second wall 174. In certain embodiments, a housing may comprise only one support wall, or support portion, extending from a staple cartridge body and, in addition, a top wall, or top portion, extending therefrom. In other embodiments, a housing may comprise one or more side walls, or portions, and no top wall. In at least one such embodiment, the side walls of the housing can be configured such that they extend above the top of the cutting member, or at least extend above a cutting edge of the cutting member, for example. In any event, as illustrated in FIG. 10, at least a portion of cutting member 164 can be positioned underneath top wall 176 and/or between side walls 172 and 174 when staple sled assembly 160 is in its proximal position. In certain embodiments, cutting member 164 can be entirely positioned underneath top wall 176, and/or entirely positioned within housing 170. In at least one embodiment, cutting member 164 can be positioned underneath top wall 176 such that cutting surface 165 does not extend beyond the distal edge 175 and/or the proximal edge 177 of top wall 176. In at least one embodiment, housing 170 can include a rear wall 178 which can be configured to limit the proximal movement of cutting member 164 and/or any other portion of staple sled assembly 160. In various embodiments, at least a portion of housing 170, for example, can be integrally-formed with staple cartridge body 152. In at least one such embodiment, first wall 172, second wall 174, top wall 176, and/or rear wall 178 can be formed when staple cartridge body 152 is injection molded, for example. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of housing 170 can be assembled to staple cartridge body 152 via a snap-fit arrangement, press-fit arrangement, and/or any other suitable manner.

[0084] In various embodiments, further to the above, cutting member 164 can be defined by a planar, or an at least substantially planar, body having a knife edge extending along at least one side of the cutting member body. In at least one such embodiment, first wall 172 and/or second wall 174 can be configured and arranged such that they can include planar, or at least substantially planar, interior surfaces 173 which are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the side surfaces of cutting member 164. In certain embodiments, cutting member 164 can be closely received between the interior surfaces 173 of walls 172 and 174. In at least one such embodiment, the distance between walls 172 and 174 may be the same as, or at least substantially the same as, the width of slot 156. In any event, a housing can be configured such that at least a portion of the housing extends over at least a portion of slot 156, for example. In certain embodiments, housing 170 can completely enclose or surround a cutting member 164 and/or cutting surface 165. In at least one embodiment, although not illustrated, a housing can include a break-away and/or incisable portion which can be at least partially detached, separated, and/or otherwise deformed in order to permit a cutting member to exit the housing. In at least one such embodiment, the tissue cutting surface can be configured to contact the housing to break and/or incise a housing wall, for example. In various embodiments, the housing wall can include a thin portion, a reduced-thickness portion, score mark, and/or any other configuration to facilitate the deformation and/or incision of the housing wall. In certain embodiments, a cutting member can include one or more additional cutting surfaces and/or anvils, for example, which can be configured to deform and/or incise the housing. In at least one embodiment, the housing can include a movable and/or flexible portion, such as a hinged member and/or flexible flap, for example, which can be configured to sufficiently move and/or flex to allow the cutting member to pass thereby. In any event, embodiments are envisioned in which the cutting member can have any suitable configuration for incising tissue and the protective housing can have any suitable configuration for at least partially enclosing or surrounding the cutting member. Furthermore, although a cutting member can comprise a sharpened edge as described above, other suitable cutting members are envisioned, such as those supplied with an electrical current sufficient to dissect tissue, for example.

[0085] As described above, housing 170 can be configured to at least partially cover, enclose, and/or surround a cutting member when it is in its proximal position. In various embodiments, the cutting member can be advanced distally to incise tissue, for example, and then retracted proximally in order to position the cutting member within housing 170 once again. In such embodiments, the cutting member can be at least partially covered by housing 170 when the staple cartridge is assembled to and removed from a surgical stapling instrument. In certain embodiments, a new, or unspent, staple cartridge can be inserted into the staple cartridge channel to replace the at least partially spent staple cartridge. In at least one such embodiment, the new staple cartridge can include a new cutting member and/or staple sled assembly positioned therein, although embodiments are envisioned in which the previously-used cutting member and/or staple sled assembly can be sufficiently withdrawn from the spent staple cartridge and advanced into the new staple cartridge in order to be reused once again. In embodiments where a new cutting member and/or staple sled assembly is provided with each new staple cartridge, a sharp cutting edge, for example, can be utilized with each staple cartridge.

[0086] In various embodiments, although not illustrated, a staple cartridge can include two or more housings configured to at least partially cover a cutting member when it is in two or more positions. In at least one embodiment, a staple cartridge can include a proximal housing configured to at least partially cover the cutting member when it is in a proximal position, for example, and, in addition, a distal housing configured to at least partially cover the cutting member when it is in a distal position, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member can be positioned within the proximal housing when the staple cartridge is assembled to a surgical stapling instrument and, in certain embodiments, the cutting member can be advanced into the distal housing after it has transected tissue positioned within the end-effector, for example. In such embodiments, as a result, the cutting member can be at least partially positioned within the distal housing when the staple cartridge is removed from the surgical stapler. Such embodiments may be particularly useful when a vessel, for example, is positioned intermediate the proximal housing and the distal housing of the staple cartridge. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, a cutting member can be moved proximally from a distal position to a proximal position, and/or any other suitable position.

[0087] In various embodiments, as discussed above, staple cartridge 150 can be inserted into staple cartridge channel 122. Referring now to FIG. 38, a proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 can be positioned within a proximal end 123 of staple cartridge channel 122 while a distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 can be positioned within a distal end 121 of staple cartridge channel 122. In at least one embodiment, the distal end 121 of staple cartridge channel 122 can comprise one or more projections and/or one or more recesses which can be correspondingly aligned with one or more projections and/or one or more recesses in the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150, for example. In at least one such embodiment, each sidewall 124 of staple cartridge channel 122 can comprise a projection, or tab, 279 and a recess, or slot, 278, wherein each side of staple cartridge 150 can comprise, referring to FIG. 41, a projection 274 configured to be positioned within a recess 278 and, in addition, a recess 270 configured to receive a projection 279. In various embodiments, each recess 270 of staple cartridge 150 can comprise opposing sidewalls 272 and 273 and a distal surface 271, wherein the distal surface 271 can be positioned against the projection 279 positioned therein when the staple cartridge 150 is positioned in staple cartridge channel 122. In various circumstances, as discussed in greater detail below, the distal surfaces 271 of recesses 270 can serve as a datum surface from which certain features of the staple cartridge 150 can be predetermined. In some circumstances, the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 can be aligned with and/or inserted into the distal end 121 of staple cartridge channel 122 before the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 is inserted into the proximal end 123 of staple cartridge channel 122. For example, the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 can be aligned with the staple cartridge channel 122 such that projections 279 are positioned within recesses 270 wherein, thereafter, the staple cartridge 150 can be rocked, or rotated, toward staple cartridge channel 122 such that proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 is inserted into the proximal end 123 of staple cartridge channel 122.

[0088] When distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 is engaged with the distal end 121 of staple cartridge channel 122, as described above, the projections 274 of staple cartridge 150 can be inserted into the recesses 279 of staple cartridge channel 122 by hooking the projections 274 underneath the projections 278 of staple cartridge channel 122. In such circumstances, the co-operation of projections 274 and 278 and recesses 270 and 279 can attach the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 to the distal end of staple cartridge channel 122 and, in addition, align the staple cartridge 150 with the staple cartridge channel 122 such that the staple cartridge 150 can be inserted between the sidewalls 124 of staple cartridge channel 122. Once the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 has been hooked to staple cartridge channel 122, at least one of the staple cartridge 150 and the staple cartridge channel 122 can be rotated toward the other. In various circumstances, referring again to FIGS. 38 and 41, the staple cartridge 150 can be pivoted toward the staple cartridge channel 122 such that alignment slots 280 in staple cartridge channel 122 become aligned with side flanges 128. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge 150 can comprise alignment slots 280 on opposite sides thereof which can each be configured to receive a side flange 128. In at least one embodiment, each alignment slot 280 can comprise lateral sidewalls 283 and 284 and a basewall 281 extending between the sidewalls 283 and 284. Further to the above, a predetermined distance 289 can be measured between the distal datum surfaces 271 of recesses 270 to the distal basewalls 281 of alignment slots 280. Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 41, the predetermined distance 288 between the distal end of the projections 279 and the distal end of the side flanges 128 can be such that it is shorter than the distance 289 between the distal surfaces 271 of recesses 270 and the basewalls 281 of alignment slots 280. Owing to the distance 288 being shorter than the distance 289, the staple cartridge 150 can be rotated into position as described above such that side flanges 128 can enter into alignment slots 280. In various embodiments, alignment slots 280 can be sized and configured such that the side flanges 128 are closely received between the sidewalls 283 and 284 such that there is little, if any, relative movement between the side flanges 128 and the sidewalls of the alignment slots 280, for example.

[0089] In various alternative embodiments, further to the above, the proximal end 213 of the staple cartridge 150 can be inserted into the distal end 121 of staple cartridge channel 122 and slid proximally between sidewalls 124 such that the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 enters into the proximal end 123 of staple cartridge channel 122. During such sliding movement, the side flanges 128 can enter into alignment slots 280 and, in addition, the projections 279 can enter into the recesses 270. In certain embodiments, the staple cartridge 150 can be both slid and rotated into the staple cartridge channel 122. In any event, in various embodiments, the staple cartridge 150 and the staple cartridge channel 122 can be configured such that the staple cartridge 150 can be removably secured within the staple cartridge channel 122. In at least one embodiment, referring primarily now to FIGS. 41 and 46, the staple cartridge 150 can comprise one or more retention features which can be configured to releasably engage one or more retention features in the staple cartridge channel 122. More particularly, in at least one such embodiment, the staple cartridge 150 can comprise one or more retention slots 190 which can be configured to engage one or more retention keys 195 in the staple cartridge channel 122. In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 41, each retention slot 190 can comprise a first, or entrance, portion 191 which can be configured to receive a retention key 195 therein and, in addition, a second portion 192 which can be configured to receive the retention key 195 after it has passed through the entrance portion 191. The entrance portion 191, in certain embodiments, can define a first width between a proximal side 193 and a distal side 194 of retention slot 190 and, in addition, the second portion 192 can define a second width between the proximal side 193 and the distal side 194 which is wider than the first width of entrance portion 191. In various embodiments, the first width of entrance portion 191 can be narrower than the width of the retention key 195 and the second width of second portion 192 can be wider than the width of the retention key 195. In at least one such embodiment, a retention slot 190 can be configured to engage a retention key 195 in at least one of a pres-fit and/or a snap-fit manner. In certain embodiments, at least one of the proximal side 193 and/or the distal side 194 can be configured to flex or splay outwardly as the retention key 195 is inserted into retention slot 190. In at least one such embodiment, the proximal sides 193 can be displaced proximally. In any event, referring to FIG. 46, once the retention slot 190 has received the retention key 195, the proximal side 193 of retention slot 190 can be positioned on a proximal side 196 of retention key 195 and the distal side 194 of retention slot 190 can be positioned on a distal side 197 of retention key 195.

[0090] As outlined above, the staple cartridge 150 can be assembled into the staple cartridge channel 122 by coupling the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 to the distal end 121 of staple cartridge channel 122 and then rotating the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 into the proximal end 123 of staple cartridge channel 122. In at least one such embodiment, the retention slots 190 can be configured to engage the retention keys 195 as the staple cartridge 195 is rotated into its seated position within staple cartridge channel 122. Referring now to FIG. 39, a predetermined distance 199 between the distal datum surfaces 271 of recesses 270 and the retention slots 190 can be sized and configured such that the retention slots 190 are aligned with the retention keys 195 as the staple cartridge 150 is rotated into position as described above. Correspondingly, in at least one embodiment, a distance between the distal ends of projections 279 and retention keys 195 can be such that it equals, or at least substantially equals, the distance 199. In various circumstances, the above-mentioned distances can be measured to the center of the features comprising retention slots 190 and retention keys 195. For example, the distance 199 can be measured to a position in the center of slot 190 intermediate the proximal and distal sidewalls thereof, for example. In various embodiments, the retention slot 190 can further comprise lead-in, beveled, and/or radiused surfaces, which can be configured to guide, or direct, the retention keys 195 into the retention slots 190. In at least one such embodiment, these lead-in surfaces can be wider than the first portions 191.

[0091] As staple cartridge 150 is rotated into staple cartridge channel 122, a cutting member and/or staple deploying sled positioned within the staple cartridge 150 can be operably engaged with the pusher bar 202. More particularly, referring now to FIGS. 43-45, the staple cartridge 150 can include a cutting member 160 which can be operably coupled with pusher bar 202 such that, after the staple cartridge 150 has been seated within the staple cartridge channel 122, the pusher bar 202 and cutting member 160 can be advanced together as described above. In at least one embodiment, the cutting member 160 can comprise a slot 161 which can be configured to receive a distal drive projection 294 (FIG. 39) at the distal end of pusher bar 202. More particularly, referring now to FIG. 47, the slot 161 of cutting member 160 can be aligned with an access slot 290 in the bottom of the staple cartridge 150 such that, as the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 is seated in the proximal end 123 of staple cartridge channel 122, the drive projection 294 of pusher bar 200 can extend through the access slot 290 into the slot 161 of cutting member 160. In various embodiments, the slot 161 and the drive projection 294 can be sized and configured such that there is little, if any, relative movement therebetween. More particularly, referring again to FIGS. 44 and 45, the slot 161 can comprise a distal sidewall 291 and a proximal sidewall 292 wherein the drive projection 294 can be securely received between the sidewalls 291 and 292. In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 39 and 46, the pusher bar 202 can further comprise a recess, or slot, 295 positioned proximally with respect to the drive projection 294 wherein the slot 295 can be configured to receive a proximal projection 293 (FIG. 43) extending from the cutting member 160. Similar to the above, the slot 295 can be defined by sidewalls which can be configured to closely receive the proximal projection 293 such that there is little, if any, relative movement therebetween.

[0092] As described above, the slot 161 of cutting member 160 can be positioned within the staple cartridge 150 such that it is aligned with the drive projection 294 of pusher bar 202 when the staple cartridge 150 is seated within the staple cartridge channel 122. Referring now to FIG. 42, a predetermined distance 299 can be defined between the distal surfaces 271 of recesses 270 and the slot 161, wherein the distance 299 can be equal to, or at least substantially equal to, a predetermined distance 297 between the distal end of the projections 279 and the drive projection 294. In various circumstances, the cutting member 160 can be moved through a range of positions between a proximal-most position, in which it is positioned in housing 170, and a distal-most position after it has been advanced through the cutting slot 156. In various embodiments, the distance 299 can be measured with respect to the cutting member 160 when it is in its proximal-most position. Similar to the above, the distances 297 and 299 can be measured to the center or midpoint of the drive projection 297 and slot 161, respectively. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument 100 can further comprise a locking mechanism which can be configured to hold the pusher bar 202 in position while the cutting member 160 is engaged with the drive projection 294. Similar to the above, in certain embodiments, a distance 298 can be defined between the distal end of projections 279 and the recess 295 of pusher bar 202 wherein the distance 298 can be equal to, or at least substantially equal to, the distance between the distal surface 271 of recesses 270 and the projection 293 of cutting member 160. In various embodiments, referring primarily now to FIGS. 43 and 46, the staple cartridge 150 can comprise a clearance region defined between the proximal end 295 of the staple cartridge body 152 and the proximal end 294 of the staple cartridge pan 154, wherein such a clearance region can be configured to receive the pusher bar 202 and/or a portion of the staple cartridge channel 122 therein, for example. In any event, the pusher bar 202 can be advanced distally once it has been engaged with cutting member 160, wherein such movement is depicted in FIG. 46 which illustrates the distal end 201 of pusher bar 202 in a proximal position (illustrated with solid lines) and a second, distal position (illustrated with phantom lines), for example.

[0093] In various embodiments, as described above, the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 can be engaged with the distal end 121 of the staple cartridge channel 122 and then pivoted into staple cartridge channel 122 such that the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 can be seated in the proximal end 123 of staple cartridge channel 122. Such a process can comprise engaging the projections 274 of staple cartridge 150 underneath the projections 276 of staple cartridge channel 122 and then, as described above, rotating the staple cartridge 150 until alignment slots 280 are positioned adjacent to flanges 182. At such point, in various embodiments, the cutting member 160 may not be engaged with the pusher bar 202 and, in addition, the retention slots 190 may not be engaged with the retention keys 195. As a result, the surgeon, or clinician, can adjust the position of the staple cartridge 150 within the staple cartridge channel 122 before the staple cartridge 150 is locked into position. Once the side flanges 182 have been at least partially positioned in alignment slots 280, the proximal end 213 can be further rotated toward the staple cartridge channel 122. At such point, the cutting member 160 can come into operable engagement with the pusher bar 202 and, in addition, the retention slots 190 can engage the retention keys 195. In various embodiments, the cutting member 160 can operably engage the pusher bar 202 at the same time, or at least substantially the same time, as the retention slots engage retention keys 195. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, the drive projection 294 of pusher bar 202 can enter slot 161 of cutting member 160 at the same time that the retention keys 195 enter into, or snap into, the second portions 192 of slots 190. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting member 160 may not be advanceable by the pusher bar 202 until the staple cartridge 150 is snapped into, or seated in, place. In certain alternative embodiments, the cutting member 160 can be operably engaged with the pusher bar 202 before the retention keys 195 are fully seated within the retention slots 190 when the proximal end 213 of the staple cartridge 150 is seated in the proximal end 123 of the staple cartridge channel 122. In various embodiments, the retention slots 190 can be aligned with each other such that they engage the retention keys 195 at the same time, or at least substantially the same time. In at least one such embodiment, the retention slots can be configured such that the retention keys 195 enter into the second portions 192 of the retention slots 190 simultaneously. In at least one embodiment, the retention slots 190 can be positioned along an axis which is transverse to or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the cutting slot 156. In various embodiments, the retention slots 190, and the axis defined therebetween, can be positioned proximally with respect to the cutting member 160 regardless of the position of the cutting member 160 including when the cutting member 160 is in its proximal-most position, for example.

[0094] In various embodiments, the cutting slot 156 can define a first body portion 152a on a first side thereof and a second body portion 152b on a second, or opposite, side thereof. Referring to FIGS. 41 and 43, the first body portion 152a can comprise a first plurality of staple cavities 151 and, in addition, the second body portion 152b can comprise a second plurality of staple cavities 151. In at least one embodiment, the first body portion 152a can comprise a proximal-most staple cavity 151a which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities 151 in first body portion 152a. In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity 151a can be positioned proximally relative to base wall 281 of the alignment slot 280 in first body portion 152a, while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity 151a can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall 281. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the alignment slot 280 in the first body portion 152a is positioned laterally with respect to the proximal-most staple cavity 151a and, in addition, laterally with respect to the cutting slot 156. Further to the above, the first body portion 152a can comprise a second proximal-most staple cavity 151c which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities 151 in first body portion 152a except for proximal-most staple cavity 151a. In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity 151c can be positioned proximally relative to base wall 281 of the alignment slot 280 in first body portion 152a, while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity 151c can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall 281. As illustrated in FIG. 43, the alignment slot 280 is the first body portion 152a is at least partially positioned laterally with respect to the second proximal-most staple cavity 151c. Still referring to FIG. 43, the first body portion 152a can comprise a retention slot 190 therein which can be positioned proximally with respect to the staple cavities 151 therein, including the staple cavities 151a and 151c, for example.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 41, further to the above, the second body portion 152b can comprise a proximal-most staple cavity 151b which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities 151 in second body portion 152b. In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity 151b can be positioned proximally relative to base wall 281 of the alignment slot 280 in second body portion 152b, while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity 151b can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall 281. As illustrated in FIG. 41, the alignment slot 280 in the second body portion 152b is positioned laterally with respect to the proximal-most staple cavity 151b and the cutting slot 156. Further to the above, the second body portion 152b can comprise a second proximal-most staple cavity 151d which can be positioned proximally relative to the other staple cavities 151 in second body portion 152b except for proximal-most staple cavity 151b. In at least one embodiment, the entirety of staple cavity 151d can be positioned proximally relative to base wall 281 of the alignment slot 280 in second body portion 152b, while, in other embodiments, at least a portion of staple cavity 151d can be positioned proximally relative to the base wall 281. As illustrated in FIG. 41, the alignment slot 280 in the second body portion 152b is at least partially positioned laterally with respect to the second proximal-most staple cavity 151d. Still referring to FIG. 41, the second body portion 152b can comprise a retention slot 190 therein which can be positioned proximally with respect to the staple cavities 151 therein, including the staple cavities 151b and 151d, for example.

[0096] In various embodiments, further to the above, the staple cartridge body 152 can be comprised of plastic and can be formed utilizing an injection molding process. Thereafter, in various embodiments, the staple drivers 168 (FIG. 9) can be assembled into staple cavities 151 and the cutting member 160 can be positioned within the cartridge body 152 such that the cutting member 164 is located within housing 170, as described above. The staple cartridge pan 154 can then be assembled to the staple cartridge body 152. In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 42, the distal end 277 of staple cartridge pan 154 can be aligned with the proximal end 295 of the staple cartridge body 152 such that the staple cartridge body can be slid within the staple cartridge pan 154 between opposing walls 154a and 154b, for example. The staple cartridge body 152 and pan 154 can be slid relative to one another until pan projections 276 are positioned within recesses 270 and projections 274 are positioned within pan recesses 275. At the same time, the lock projections 288 extending from staple cartridge body 152 can be received within the lock apertures 287 in staple cartridge pan 154 such that pan 154 can be locked to staple cartridge body 152. In various embodiments, the sidewalls 154a and 154b of pan 154 can flex or splay outwardly as they pass over lock projections 288 and then elastically return inwardly when lock apertures 287 are aligned with lock projections 288. At such point, the arms 155 extending from pan 154 can be aligned with and positioned within the retention slots 287 in staple cartridge body 152. In certain embodiments, referring now to FIG. 47, the staple cartridge 150 can further comprise a retention member, such as retention member 300, for example, which can be configured to selectively obstruct slot 301 in staple cartridge body 152, for example. In at least one embodiment, the retention member 300 can comprise a pivotable arm 303 which can be rotated between a first position in which it extends across slot 301 (illustrated in solid lines) and a second position in which it is positioned adjacent to slot 301 (illustrated in phantom lines). In at least one such embodiment, an integral pivot pin 302 (FIG. 41) can extend from arm 303 into an aperture in staple cartridge body 152 which can define an axis about which the arm 303 can be rotated. In certain embodiments, the arm 303 can include a lock member 304 extending therefrom which can be configured to be releasably engaged with a lock cavity 305 in staple cartridge body 152 in order to hold the arm 303 in at least one of its first and second positions, for example. In certain embodiments, the positioning of arm 303 across slot 301 can prevent, or at least inhibit, the cutting member 160, for example, from sliding out of the staple cartridge 150.

[0097] In order to facilitate the insertion and removal of the staple cartridge 150 from staple cartridge channel 122, in various embodiments, the staple cartridge 150 can comprise gripping portions positioned on opposite sides thereof, for example. In at least one embodiment, referring now to FIGS. 43 and 47, the staple cartridge body 152 can comprise lateral portions 285 positioned adjacent to alignment slots 280 wherein the lateral portions 285 can be gripped and/or pushed on by a clinician in order to seat the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 in the proximal end of staple cartridge channel 122, for example. Such a force can be applied to top, or tissue-contacting, surfaces of the lateral portions 285 as the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 is rotated into position as described above. In various embodiments, a lifting force can be applied to lateral portions 285 in order to lift the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 out of the staple cartridge channel 122. In at least one such embodiment, referring primarily to FIG. 47, each lateral portion 285 can comprise one or more steps, ridges, and/or elevations, such as elevations 287a, 287b, and/or 287c, for example, which can be configured to improve the clinician's grip on the lateral portions 285. In various embodiments, the elevations 287a, 287b, and/or 287c can be positioned at different heights relative to one another. In any event, the staple cartridge 150 can be removed from channel 122 by lifting the proximal end 213 of staple cartridge 150 out of channel 122 and then unhooking, or disengaging, the distal end 211 of staple cartridge 150 from the distal end 121 of channel 122, for example. As staple cartridge 150 is removed from the channel 122, the slot 161 within cutting member 160 can be moved away and disengaged from the drive projection 294 of pusher bar 202, for example.

[0098] In various circumstances, further to the above, the pusher bar 202 and cutting member 160 can be returned to their proximal positions before the staple cartridge 150 is removed from the staple cartridge channel 122. In such a position, as described above, the cutting edge 165 can be positioned within the housing 170. In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 48, an alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge 150′ is depicted without a housing 170. In at least one such embodiment, the cutting edge 165 can at least partially extend above the deck surface 158 of the staple cartridge body 152 in its proximal position and/or any other distally-advanced positions, for example.

[0099] In various embodiments, further to the above, anvil 130 can include one or more apertures, slots, or recesses 179 (FIG. 17) which can be configured to receive at least a portion of housing 170 when anvil 130 is brought into close opposition to staple cartridge 150, for example. In at least one embodiment, sufficient clearance can be present between housing 170 and recess 179 such that anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150 can be moved relative to each other without interference, or at least substantial interference, therebetween. In embodiments having more than one cutting member housing as outlined above, an opposing anvil can have more than one corresponding aperture for receiving the housings. In various embodiments, an anvil can include a movable cutting member and at least one housing for at least partially covering, enclosing, and/or surrounding the cutting member. In certain embodiments, although not illustrated, both an anvil and a staple cartridge can comprise at least one movable cutting member and/or at least one housing configured to at least partially cover, surround, or enclose the cutting members when they are in a proximal position, for example.

[0100] As outlined above, pusher bar assembly 200 can be advanced distally in order to move staple sled assembly 160 within staple cartridge assembly 150. In various embodiments, as also outlined above, the wedge-like cam surfaces 167 of staple sled 162 can be moved into engagement with the sloped surfaces 169 on staple drivers 168 to sequentially, and/or simultaneously, drive staples from staple cartridge 150 against anvil 130 and form the staples into any suitable configuration, such as B-shaped configurations, for example. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIG. 17, anvil 130 can include one or more staple forming surfaces, such as staple pockets 132, for example, which can be configured to deform the staples. In certain embodiments, anvil 130 can further include a slot, channel, or groove 133 which can be configured to slidably receive at least a portion of staple sled 162, cutting member 164, and/or pusher bar 202, for example. In at least one embodiment, although not illustrated, an anvil can include an anvil plate which can be securely and/or immovably positioned within an anvil channel defined within the anvil. In various other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 and described in greater detail below, anvil 130 can include an anvil plate 134 movably positioned within anvil channel 136. In certain embodiments, anvil channel 136 can include opposite side walls 137 and, in addition, a base 138 extending between side walls 137. In at least one embodiment, anvil 130 can further include a distal nose portion 139, for example, assembled thereto wherein nose portion 139 can be configured to be press-fit and/or snap-fit into anvil channel 136, for example, such that nose portion 139 can be securely retained therein. In certain embodiments, nose portion 139 can be comprised of a soft and/or pliable material, such as rubber, for example, and can comprise any suitable shape which can facilitate the insertion of anvil 130 into a surgical site, for example. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 28, a nose portion, such as nose portion 139′ can be retained to an anvil by one or more fasteners 139a′. Similarly, referring to FIG. 1, a staple cartridge channel and/or staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 150, for example, can include a nose portion, such as nose portion 153, for example, which can facilitate the insertion of staple cartridge 150 into a surgical site, for example

[0101] As indicated above, staples can be deployed from a staple cartridge and deformed against an anvil. In various circumstances, the distance between the staple forming surfaces on anvil 130 and staple sled 162 can determine the amount in which the staples are deformed. For example, if the distance between anvil pockets 132 on anvil 130 and top surfaces 135 on staple sled 162 (FIGS. 10-12) is relatively large, the staples will be deformed a lesser amount as compared to when the distance between anvil pockets 132 and sled surfaces 135 is relatively small. Correspondingly, if the distance between anvil pockets 132 and sled surfaces 135 is relatively small, the staples will be deformed a greater amount as compared to when the distance between anvil pockets 132 and sled surfaces 135 is relatively large. Often, the distance between anvil pockets 132 and sled surfaces 135 is referred to as the forming height of the staples. Sometimes the forming height of the staples can be measured between the top surface, or deck, of the staple cartridge and the staple forming surfaces on the anvil. For the purpose of this application, however, any reference to a staple forming height, or the like, can include one or both manners of measurement, where appropriate, and/or any other suitable manner of measurement. In any event, as described in greater detail below, a surgical stapling instrument, such as stapling instrument 100, for example, can include means for adjusting the staple forming height.

[0102] In various embodiments, further to the above, an anvil can include one or more forming surfaces which can be moved toward and/or away from a staple cartridge in order to set the forming height of the staples. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 17-23, anvil 130 can include anvil plate 134 which can be movably and/or slidably positioned within anvil channel 136. In certain embodiments, anvil 130 can further include one or more retention, or guide, pins 140, wherein anvil plate 134 can include one or more retention, or guide, slots 141 configured to slidably receive at least a portion of pins 140. In at least one such embodiment, pins 140 and/or slots 141 can be configured to define a predetermined path along which anvil plate 134 can be moved. Referring to FIG. 18, pins 140 and slots 141 can be structured and arranged such that anvil plate 134 can be moved along a linear, or at least substantially linear, path, wherein the linear path can be at least partially defined by axes 142 and 143, for example. Other embodiments are envisioned in which an anvil plate can be moved along a non-linear path, such as a curved and/or curvi-linear path, for example. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of pins 140 can be retained within apertures 144 in side walls 137 wherein, in at least one embodiment, pins 140 can be press-fit within apertures 144. In any event, as described herein, pins 140 can guide anvil plate 134 as it is moved toward and/or away from staple cartridge 150, for example.

[0103] In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical stapling instrument, such as stapling instrument 100, for example, can include one or more adjustment members configured to position a portion of an anvil, such as anvil plate 134, for example, relative to other portions of an anvil assembly and/or an opposing staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, stapling instrument 100 can include anvil plate adjustment member 230 which can be configured to limit the range of motion of anvil plate 134. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, adjusting member 230 can be positioned intermediate anvil plate 134 in a first position in which first surface, or step, 231 of adjusting member 230 is positioned intermediate base 138 of anvil channel 136 and first positioning surface 145 on anvil plate 134. In such a first position, first step 231 can define the amount of relative movement possible, or permitted, between anvil plate 134 and anvil channel 136. For example, when anvil 130 is clamped against tissue as described above, anvil plate 134 can contact the tissue and slide upwardly toward base 138 until first positioning surface 145 contacts first step 231. Once surface 145 and step 231 are in contact, adjusting member 230 can prevent, or at least inhibit, anvil plate 134 from moving further toward base 138. In at least one such embodiment, as a result, adjusting member 230 can act as a stop such that the distance between base 138 and tissue-contacting surface 148 on anvil plate 134 can be defined by a first distance 234. While base 138 is used as a reference datum in the present example, other portions of anvil 130 and/or an opposing staple cartridge, for example, could be used as reference datums. When adjusting member 230 is in its first position, as described above, second surface, or step, 232 of adjusting member 230 can be positioned intermediate base 138 and second positioning surface 146 on anvil plate 134, and, in addition, third surface, or step, 233 can be positioned intermediate base 138 and third positioning surface 147. Referring to FIG. 20, adjustment member 230 can include two or more sets of steps, 231, 232, and/or 233 and anvil plate 134 can include two or more sets of positioning surfaces 145, 146, and/or 147. While first step 231 and first positioning surface 145 are described above as being configured to control the position of anvil plate 134, the second and third steps (232, 233) of adjustment member 230 and the second and third positioning surfaces (146, 147) of anvil plate 134, respectively, can also be configured to control the position of anvil plate 134. For the sake of brevity, though, the present example will be described in reference to the first surface, or step 231, as being the surface which controls the position of anvil plate 134, although the reader will understand that the steps 232 and 233 can control the position of anvil plate 134 as well.

[0104] In certain embodiments, the first position of adjustment member 230 can provide for a relatively small, or short, staple forming height. In other embodiments, although not illustrated, the first position of an adjustment member can provide for an intermediate, a relatively large, and/or any other suitable staple forming height. In the event that the forming height associated with the first position of the adjustment member is suitable, a surgeon can proceed to use the surgical stapling instrument to staple and/or incise tissue as described above. In the event, however, that the staple forming height is unsuitable, a surgeon, or other clinician, can move adjustment member 230 such that adjustment member 230 can permit anvil plate 134 to slide upwardly a different distance when anvil plate 134 contacts tissue positioned intermediate anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150. In at least one such circumstance, the distance in which anvil plate 134 is permitted to slide upwardly can be larger, thereby providing a larger forming height for the staples. Correspondingly, in other circumstances, the adjustment member can be moved such that anvil plate 134 can slide upwardly a shorter distance when anvil plate 134 contacts the tissue, for example, thereby providing a shorter staple forming height. While the term “upward”, and the like, can mean vertically upward, the term is not so limited; rather, “upward” can mean any direction which is toward the base of the anvil and/or away from a staple cartridge, for example. In any event, adjustment member 230 can be moved between its first position, illustrated in FIG. 21, and a second position, illustrated in FIG. 22, in order to increase the staple forming height. As indicated by arrow “P” in FIG. 22, adjustment member 230 can be slid proximally in order to move adjustment member 230 between its first and second positions, although embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member can be slid distally and/or any other suitable direction in order to adjust adjustment member 230. Once adjustment member 230 has been moved into its second position, referring to FIG. 22, first surface, or step, 231 can be positioned intermediate base 138 and second positioning surface 146 of anvil plate 134. In such a second position, first step 231 can once again define the amount of relative movement permitted between anvil plate 134 and anvil channel 136. In at least one embodiment, similar to the above, adjusting member 230 can act as a stop such that the distance between base 138 and tissue-contacting surface 148 on anvil plate 134 can be defined by a second distance 235.

[0105] Further to the above, adjustment member 230 can be moved between its second position, illustrated in FIG. 22, and a third position, illustrated in FIG. 23, in order to once again increase the staple forming height. As indicated by arrow “P” in FIG. 23, adjustment member 230 can be slid proximally in order to move adjustment member 230 between its second and third positions. Once adjustment member 230 has been moved into its third position, referring to FIG. 23, first surface, or step, 231 can be positioned intermediate base 138 and third positioning surface 147. In such a third position, first step 231 can once again define the amount of relative movement between anvil plate 134 and anvil channel 136. In at least one embodiment, similar to the above, adjusting member 230 can act as a stop such that the distance between base 138 and tissue-contacting surface 148 on anvil plate 134 can be defined by a third distance 236. While adjustment member 230 can be selectively moved between three positions as described above to provide three different staple forming heights, other embodiments are envisioned which comprise an adjustment member which can be moved between more than three positions to provide more than three different staple forming heights. For example, an adjustment member can be movable between four positions in order to provide four staple forming heights. Further embodiments are envisioned which comprise an adjustment member which can be moved between two positions to provide two staple forming heights. Furthermore, while surfaces, or steps, 231, 232, and 233 of adjustment member 230 are arranged in a descending order, other arrangements are envisioned in which the surfaces, or steps, are arranged in an ascending order. Other arrangements are envisioned in which the surfaces, or steps, are not necessarily arranged in either an ascending or a descending order. Similarly, positioning surfaces 145, 146, and 147 of anvil plate 134 can be arranged in an ascending order, a descending order (FIG. 20), and/or any other suitable order. Furthermore, while adjustment member 230 can be slid along an axis, other embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member can be moved along any suitable path such as curved and/or curvi-linear paths, for example.

[0106] As described above, referring to FIG. 21, adjustment member 230 can comprise three surfaces, or steps, 231, 232, and 233 while anvil plate 134 can comprise three corresponding adjustment surfaces 145, 146, and 147. When adjustment member 230 is in its first position, for example, first surface 231 can be positioned such that it abuts or is adjacent to first adjustment surface 145, second surface 232 can be positioned such that it abuts or is adjacent to second adjustment surface 146, and third surface 233 can be positioned such that it abuts or is adjacent to third adjustment surface 147. As adjustment member 230 is slid relative to anvil plate 134, as described above and referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, surfaces 231, 232, and 233 of adjustment member 230 can be sequentially indexed relative to surfaces 145, 146, and 147 of anvil plate 134. In at least one such embodiment, an adjustment member can have the same number of steps as the number of positioning surfaces on an anvil plate. Other embodiments are envisioned where an adjustment member has more steps than positioning surfaces on the anvil plate. In at least one such embodiment, an anvil plate can include one positioning surface wherein the steps of an adjustment member can be selectively utilized to limit the upward movement of the anvil plate, for example. In various embodiments, referring generally to adjustment member 230 and anvil plate 134, an anvil plate may include one positioning surface, such as positioning surface 145, for example, where steps 231, 232, and 233 of adjustment member 230, for example, can be selectively positioned intermediate base 138 and positioning surface 145. In such embodiments, first step 231 can have a first thickness or height which can stop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate 134 so as to define a first staple forming height, second step 232 can have a second thickness or height which can stop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate 134 so as to define a second staple forming height, and, in addition, third step 233 can have a third thickness or height which can stop, or limit, the upward movement of anvil plate 134 so as to define a third staple forming height. In at least one embodiment, the thickness or height of steps 231, 232, and/or 233 can be measured between a back surface 237 of adjustment member 230 and a surface on the steps (231, 232, 233) which will contact anvil plate 134. In various embodiments, the difference in height, or thickness, between first step 231 and second step 232 can be the same, or at least substantially the same, as the difference in height, or thickness, between second step 232 and third step 233. In at least one such embodiment, as a result, the step heights can increase at a linear rate, or an at least substantially linear rate. In alternative embodiments, the difference in height, or thickness, between the first and second steps can be different than the difference in height, or thickness, between the second and the third steps. In at least one such embodiment, the first, second, and third steps may not increase or decrease in height, or thickness, at a linear rate; rather, although not illustrated, the steps may increase or decrease in height, or thickness, in a non-linear and/or geometric rate.

[0107] As described above, an adjustment member, such as adjustment member 230, for example, can be movable between two or more positions. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include an actuator configured to move the adjustment member. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 17-20, surgical stapling instrument 100 can include actuator 250 which can be operably attached to adjustment member 230 such that a force can be applied to actuator 250 and transmitted to adjustment member 230. In certain embodiments, actuator 250 can include grasping portions, or handles, 252 which can be configured to be grasped by a surgeon, for example, in order to advance or retract adjustment member 230 within anvil 130 as described above. In certain embodiments, grasping portions 252 can extend from actuator body 251, wherein actuator body 251 can include one or more apertures, slots, or cavities 253 which can be configured to receive at least a portion of adjustment member 230. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIG. 19, adjustment member 230 can include lock 254 extending therefrom, wherein at least a portion of lock 254 can be received within aperture 253 so as to retain actuator body 251 to adjustment member 230. In various embodiments, lock 254 can include one or more resilient, or flexible, legs 255 which can be deflected when they are inserted into aperture 253 but resiliently return, or at least partially return, to their unflexed position after feet 256 of legs 255 are sufficiently pushed through aperture 253. In at least one such embodiment, feet 256 can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator body 251 from being detached from adjustment member 230.

[0108] In various embodiments, further to the above, surgical stapling instrument 100 can further include a detent mechanism which can be configured to hold, or releasably hold, actuator 250 and/or adjustment member 230 in position. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 19, detent member 260 can be attached to actuator 250 wherein, in at least some embodiments, actuator body 251 can include one or more channels, grooves, or recesses 257 which can be configured to receive and/or retain a detent body 261 of detent member 260 therein. In at least one embodiment, detent body 261 can include one or more apertures 263, and/or any other suitable channels, slots, or grooves, which can be configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing detent body 261 to actuator 251, for example. Detent member 260 can further include detent legs 262 which can be configured to engage one or more recesses, apertures, or grooves 101 (FIGS. 2-7) in first frame portion 110, for example. More particularly, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each side flange 128 can include one or more recesses 101 (101a, 101b, and 101c) defined therein wherein detent legs 262 can be biased into engagement with the top surfaces of side flanges 128 such that detent legs 262 can be slid into, and slid out of, recesses 101. In the illustrated embodiment, each side flange can include three recesses 101 which can be configured to removably hold actuator 250 in a first, distal position, a second, intermediate position, and a third, proximal position, wherein the first, second, and third positions of actuator 250 can respectively correspond with the first, second, and third positions of adjustment member 230 described above. For example, when actuator 250 is in its first, distal position, detent legs 262 of detent member 260 can be positioned within recess 101a so as to removably retain actuator 250 and adjustment member 230 in their first positions. Upon the application of a sufficient force, actuator 250 can be moved proximally into its second position such that detent legs 162 are positioned within recess 101b and actuator 250 and adjustment member 230 are retained in their second positions. Similarly, upon the application of a sufficient force, actuator 250 can be moved proximally into its third position such that detent legs 162 are positioned within recess 101c and actuator 250 and adjustment member 230 are retained in their third positions. In various embodiments, detent legs 162 can be configured such that actuator 250 can be returned to its first and/or second positions.

[0109] As described above, adjustment member 230 can be moved along a pre-determined path between two or more positions by actuator 250. In various embodiments, surgical stapling instrument 100, for example, can include one or more guides for controlling or limiting the movement of adjustment member 230 and/or actuator 250. In some embodiments, adjustment member 230 can be closely received between side walls 137 of anvil 130 such that side walls 137 can guide adjustment member 230. In at least one such embodiment, side walls 137 can be configured to control or limit the lateral or side-to-side movement of adjustment member 230. In various embodiments, detent legs 162 of detent member 160 can comprise resilient members which can be configured to apply an upward biasing or pulling force on adjustment member 230 so as to position adjustment member 230 against, or at least adjacent to, base 138 and intermediate side walls 137. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 19, base 138 of anvil 130 can further include guide slot 149 which can be configured to receive at least a portion of adjustment member 230 and/or actuator 250 therein such that guide slot 149 can limit the movement of adjustment member 230 and actuator 250. In at least one such embodiment, lock 254 of adjustment member 230 can be configured to extend through guide slot 149 such that, when lock 254 is inserted into aperture 253 of actuator 250 as described above, base 138 of anvil 130 can be captured intermediate adjustment member 230 and actuator 250. In certain embodiments, guide slot 149 can be configured to limit the movement of lock 254 such that adjustment member 230 can be prevented, or at least inhibited, from being moved distally when adjustment member 230 is in its first, or distal-most, position and/or, similarly, prevented, or at least inhibited, from being moved proximally when adjustment member 230 is in its third, or proximal-most, position.

[0110] In various embodiments, further to the above, a detent member, similar to detent member 260, for example, can be utilized to bias first handle portion 102 and second handle portion 104 away from one another. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 37, surgical stapling instrument 100′ can include a detent member 260′ configured to position first handle portion 102 and second handle portion 104 such that a gap exists between anvil 130 and staple cartridge 150. Such a feature, as outlined above, can allow a surgeon to easily manipulate the surgical instrument without having to hold the first and second handle portions apart from one another. In certain embodiments, detent member 260′ can be sufficiently mounted to second handle portion 104 such that detent legs 262′ extending from detent member 260′ can contact flanges 128 and, when compressed, apply a biasing force to the first and second handle portions. As seen in FIG. 37, legs 262′ can contact surfaces 101d on flanges 128. In order to compress detent legs 262′, latch mechanism 180 can be moved into a partially-closed position such that latch arms 188 can engage, and at least partially surround, latch projections 131. In this configuration, a surgeon can manipulate the instrument and, when satisfied with its position, move latch mechanism 180 into a closed position and further compress detent legs 262′. Similar to the above, detent member 260′ can be affixed, or otherwise operably engaged with, actuator 250 such that, when actuator 250 is moved between its first, second, and third positions as described above, legs 262′ can engage recesses 101a, 101b, and 101c, respectively. In at least one such embodiment, as a result, actuator 250 can have a pre-staged position in which actuator 250 is positioned distally with respect to its first position and, in addition, surfaces 101d can comprise pre-stage surfaces against which legs 262′ can be positioned when actuator 250 is in its pre-staged position.

[0111] As outlined above, an adjustment member can be slid, or translated, between first and second positions so as to adjust the forming height of staples deployed by a surgical stapling instrument. In various embodiments, although not illustrated, an adjustment member can be configured to positively displace an anvil plate toward and/or away from an opposing staple cartridge, for example. In at least one such embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can include one or more biasing members, such as springs, for example, configured to position the anvil plate against the adjustment member such that, when the adjustment member is moved between its first and second positions, the adjustment member can displace the anvil plate between first and second positions in order to set first and second staple forming heights. In various embodiments, as a result of the above, an adjustment member can be configured to cam a portion of an anvil into position. In at least one such embodiment, an adjustment member can be slid along an axis in order to positively displace an anvil plate. In other embodiments, a rotatable adjustment member can be configured to positively displace an anvil plate toward and/or away from a staple cartridge, for example.

[0112] Further to the above, as described in greater detail below, an adjustment member can be rotated to adjust the staple forming height. Referring to FIGS. 24-36, surgical instrument 100′ can include, similar to the above, a first handle portion 102′, a second handle portion 104′, and a latching mechanism 180′ which can be utilized to clamp tissue intermediate anvil 130′ and staple cartridge 150′. Referring to FIG. 25, also similar to the above, latching mechanism 180′ can be pivotably coupled to first portion 102′ by one or more pivot pins 182′, wherein latching mechanism 180′ can include one or more latch arms 188′ which can be configured to engage second portion 104′ and latch the first and second handle portions together. Also similar to the above, referring to FIGS. 25 and 27, surgical instrument 100′ can further include pusher bar assembly 200′ which can be configured to advance a cutting member and/or staple sled within end-effector 120′. In at least one such embodiment, pusher bar assembly 200′ can include a proximal end 203′ and an actuator 204′, wherein actuator 204′ can be rotatably mounted to proximal end 203′ and selectively positioned on first and second sides of stapling instrument 100′. In various embodiments, surgical stapling instrument 100′ can comprise the same, or similar, features to those described in connection with surgical stapling instrument 100 and can be operated in the same manner, or a similar manner, as instrument 100 and, as a result, such details are not repeated herein.

[0113] In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 27, surgical instrument 100′ can include a rotatable adjustment member 230′ which can be selectively positioned in at least first and second positions so as to provide different staple forming heights. In certain embodiments, surgical instrument 100′ can include an actuator 250′ which can be operably connected to adjustment member 230′ such that actuator 250′ can move adjustment member 230′ between at least its first and second positions. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 28, actuator 250′ can include actuator body 251′ and grasping portion, or handle, 252′. Actuator body 251′ can include an aperture 258′ which can be configured to receive a proximal end 238′ of adjustment member 230′ such that rotational motion, torque, and/or forces can be transmitted between actuator 250′ and adjustment member 230′. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIG. 36, aperture 258′ can comprise a non-circular profile and/or a profile which includes one or more flat drive surfaces configured to transmit rotational motion between actuator body 251′ and actuator 230′. In certain embodiments, aperture 258′ can be sized and configured to closely receive proximal end 238′ of actuator 230′. In at least one embodiment, aperture 258′ can be configured to receive proximal end 238′ in a press-fit and/or snap-fit arrangement. In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 28, handle portion 104′ can include one or more slots 259′ which can be configured to permit at least a portion of actuator body 251′ to extend therethrough such that grasping portion 252′ can be assembled to actuator body 251′ with at least a portion of handle portion 104′ positioned therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, second handle portion 104′ can further include recess 253′ which can be configured such that at least a portion, if not all, of grasping portion 252′ is positioned within recess 253′. In certain embodiments, recess 253′ can be configured such that grasping portion 252′ does not extend above the top surface of second handle portion 104′ although, in other embodiments, an upper portion of grasping portion 252′ can extend above second handle portion 104, as illustrated in FIG. 30, such that grasping portion 252′ can be easily accessed by a surgeon.

[0114] In various embodiments, as outlined above, an adjustment member can be rotatable between at least first and second positions in order to adjust the forming height of staples deployed by a surgical stapler. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 28, a surgical stapling instrument can include an adjustment member rotatably positioned within an anvil wherein the adjustment member can be configured to limit the relative movement of a movable anvil portion. In at least one such embodiment, surgical stapling instrument 100′ can include an anvil plate 134′ which can be slidably retained within anvil channel 136′ by retention, or guide, pins 140′, wherein guide pins 140′ can be configured to allow anvil plate 134′ to slide upwardly when anvil plate 134′ comes into contact with tissue as described above. Referring to FIGS. 27, 30, and 31, adjustment member 230′ can be positionable in a first position, or orientation, such that it can limit the upward movement of anvil plate 134′ within anvil channel 136′ and dictate the staple forming height of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, adjustment member 230′ can include opposing first surfaces 231′ which can be positioned intermediate base 138′ of anvil channel 136′ and positioning surface 145′ of anvil plate 134′ such that, when positioning surface 145′ contacts one of first surfaces 231′, tissue-contacting surface 148′ of anvil plate 134′ can be positioned a first distance 234′ away from a datum surface 129′ on anvil 130′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces 132′ can be positioned a first distance away from a staple cartridge such that, when staples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can be deformed to a first staple height. Further to the above, a first diameter 241′ can be defined between first surfaces 231′ wherein the first diameter 241′ can define the maximum upward position of anvil plate 134′ within anvil channel 136′.

[0115] As indicated above, adjustment member 230′ can be rotated in order to adjust the forming height of the staples. In various embodiments, adjustment member 230′ can be rotated between its first position, or orientation, (FIGS. 30 and 31) and a second position, or orientation (FIGS. 32 and 33). In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, handle 252′ can be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow “A” in order to move adjustment member 230′ between its first and second positions. Similar to the above, when actuator 230′ is in its second position, or orientation, actuator 230′ can limit the upward movement of anvil plate 134′ within anvil channel 136′ and dictate the staple forming height of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, adjustment member 230′ can include opposing second surfaces 232′ which can be positioned intermediate base 138′ and positioning surface 145′ such that, when positioning surface 145′ contacts one of second surfaces 232′, tissue-contacting surface 148′ of anvil plate 134′ can be positioned a second distance 235′ away from datum surface 129′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces 132′ can be positioned a second distance away from a staple cartridge such that, when staples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can be deformed to a second staple height. In various embodiments, similar to the above, a second diameter 242′ can be defined between second surfaces 232′, wherein second diameter 242′ can define the maximum upward position of anvil plate 134′ within anvil channel 136′. Although first surfaces 231′ and second surfaces 232′ can be defined by flat, or at least substantially flat, surfaces, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first and second surfaces 231′ and 232′ can include at least partially arcuate, or curved, contours. In any event, referring to FIG. 27, adjustment member 230′ may include one or more clearance slots 240′ which can be configured to provide clearance between actuator 230′ and retention pins 140′. Clearance slots 240′ can be configured to provide clearance between actuator 230′ and retention pins 140′ when actuator 230′ is in its first position, second position, and/or any other suitable position.

[0116] In various embodiments, further to the above, adjustment member 230′ can be rotated between its first position, or orientation, (FIGS. 30 and 31) and a third position, or orientation (FIGS. 34 and 35). In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, handle 252′ can be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow “B” in order to move adjustment member 230′ between its first and third positions. Similar to the above, when actuator 230′ is in its third position, or orientation, actuator 230′ can limit the upward movement of anvil plate 134′ within anvil channel 136′ and dictate the staple forming height of the staples. In at least one such embodiment, referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, adjustment member 230′ can include opposing third surfaces 233′ which can be positioned intermediate base 138′ and positioning surface 145′ such that, when positioning surface 145′ contacts one of third surfaces 233′, tissue-contacting surface 148′ of anvil plate 134′ can be positioned a third distance 236′ away from datum surface 129′, for example. Correspondingly, forming surfaces 132′ can be positioned a third distance away from a staple cartridge such that, when staples are deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples can be deformed to a third staple height. In various embodiments, similar to the above, a third diameter 243′ can be defined between third surfaces 233′, wherein third diameter 243′ can define the maximum upward position of anvil plate 134′ within anvil channel 136′. Referring once again to FIGS. 34 and 35, third surfaces 233′ can be defined by an at least partially arcuate contour, although other embodiments are envisioned in which third surfaces 233′ can include flat, or at least substantially flat, contours. In at least one embodiment, adjustment member 230′ can be configured such that the largest distance, or diameter, between the arcuate third surfaces 233′ can be utilized to define the third staple height.

[0117] As described above, referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, adjustment member 230′ can be positioned in a first position, or orientation, to set a first forming height for the staples deployed by surgical stapling instrument 100′. As also described above, referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, actuator 250′ can be utilized to move adjustment member 230′ into its second position, or orientation, to set a second forming height for the staples. To do this, in at least one embodiment, a force can be applied to handle 252′ which can cause handle 252′, and adjustment member 230′ attached thereto, to rotate in a direction indicated by arrow “A”. In at least one embodiment, adjustment member 230′ and/or actuator 250′ can be sufficiently retained such that, when adjustment member 230′ is rotated, adjustment member 230′ can be rotated about an axis, such as axis 245′ (FIG. 27), for example. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 25, the proximal end 203′ of pusher bar assembly 200′ can include one or more grooves, channels, or recesses 205′ which can be configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of adjustment member 230′ and/or actuator 250′ therein. In any event, as illustrated in FIGS. 30-33, the second position, or orientation, of adjustment member 230′ can allow anvil plate 134′ to slide a larger distance within anvil channel 136′ as compared to when adjustment member 230′ is in its first position. In at least one embodiment, as a result, the second staple forming height can be larger than the first staple forming height. As also described above, referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, actuator 250′ can be utilized to move adjustment member 230′ into its third position, or orientation, to set a third forming height for the staples. To do this, in at least one embodiment, a force can be applied to handle 252′ which can cause handle 252′, and adjustment member 230′ attached thereto, to rotate in a direction indicated by arrow “B”. As illustrated in FIGS. 30, 31, 34, and 35, the third position, or orientation, of adjustment member 230′ can allow anvil plate 134′ to slide a smaller distance within anvil channel 136′ as compared to when adjustment member 230′ is in its first position. In at least one embodiment, as a result, the first and second staple forming heights can be larger than the third staple forming height. In at least one such embodiment, the first position of adjustment member 230′, and actuator 250′, can represent an intermediate position, wherein adjustment member 230′ can be selectively moved into its second and third positions directly from its first position. In effect, the first position of adjustment member 230′ can represent an intermediate staple height, wherein the second and third staple positions of adjustment member 230′ can represent taller and shorter staple heights, respectively. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 24, surgical stapling instrument 100′ can include one or more indicia thereon which can be configured to convey the staple forming heights, or at least relative forming heights, that can be selected. For example, second handle portion 104′ can include a first indicium 245′ which can indicate an intermediate, or first, staple height, a second indicium 246′ which can indicate a taller, or second, staple height, and, in addition, a third indicium 247′ which can indicate a shorter, or third, staple height.

[0118] In various embodiments, further to the above, one or more of first surfaces 231′, second surfaces 232′, and third surfaces 233′ can comprise or define, or at least partially comprise or define, a perimeter, or circumference, of adjustment member 230′. As discussed above, owing to the first, second, and third diameters (241′, 242′, and 243′) defined by the first, second, and third surfaces (231′, 232′, and 233′), respectively, the perimeter, or circumference, of adjustment member 230′ may be non-circular. In certain embodiments, though, the perimeter, or circumference of adjustment member 230′, may be symmetrical, substantially symmetrical, and/or non-symmetrical. In various embodiments, further to the above, an adjustment member can comprise a cam rotatably positioned intermediate base 138′ of anvil 130′ and adjustment surface 145′ of anvil plate 134′, for example. In at least one such embodiment, one or more of first surfaces 231′, second surfaces 232′, and third surfaces 233′, for example, can comprise or define a cam profile which, similar to the above, can be configured to either positively position anvil plate 134′ and/or provide a stop against which anvil plate 134′ can be positioned. In any event, although not illustrated, various embodiments are envisioned in which an adjustment member can be slid and rotated in order to set two or more staple forming heights for staples deployed by a surgical stapling instrument. In at least one such embodiment, an adjustment member can comprise a cam profile which can be defined along the length of the adjustment member wherein longitudinal and/or rotational movement can be utilized to move the cam profile between at least first and second positions.

[0119] In various embodiments, similar to the above, surgical instrument 100′ can further include a detent mechanism configured to hold, or at least releasably hold, actuator 250′ in position. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, surgical instrument 100′ can further include detent member 260′ comprising detent body 261′ and one or more detent legs 262′. Referring to FIG. 26, detent body 261′ can include one or more grooves, recesses, or channels 263′ which can be configured to receive at least a portion of proximal end 105′ of second handle portion 104′ therein such that detent member 260′ can be retained in position. In at least one such embodiment, proximal end 105′ can further include one or more grooves, channels, or recesses 265′ which can be configured to closely receive detent member 260′. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of detent body 261′, such as channel 263′, for example, can be press-fit, snap-fit, and/or otherwise suitably retained in recess 265′. As also illustrated in FIG. 26, each detent leg 262′ of detent member 260′ can include one or more projections 264′ extending therefrom which can be configured to engage actuator body 251′ and releasably hold actuator 250′ in position. In at least one embodiment, referring to FIG. 36, actuator body 251′ can include one or more recesses, or holes, 269′ which can be configured to receive a projection 264′. When a projection 264′ is positioned within recess 269′, the projection can be configured to hold actuator 250′ in its first position, for example, until a sufficient force is applied to actuator 250′ so as to cause the projection 264′ to be displaced out of recess 269′. More particularly, the force applied to actuator 250′ can be transmitted to the projection 264′ and, owing to cooperating surfaces between the projection 264′ and recess 269′, the detent leg 262′ associated with the projection 264′ can be flexed or moved proximally to allow actuator body 251′ to be moved relative thereto. In order to accommodate such proximal movement, referring to FIG. 26, recess 265′ can include elongate portions 266′ which can each be configured to receive at least a portion of legs 262′ such that legs 262′ can move relative to handle portion 104′. As actuator 250′ is moved into either its second or third position, actuator body 251′ can contact a projection 264′ extending from another leg 262′ and deflect the leg 262′ proximally such that, once actuator 250′ is in its second or third positions, the leg 262′ can spring forward, or distally, such that the projection 264′ can be secured within recess 269′. In at least one embodiment, further to the above, the interaction between projections 264′ and the sidewalls of recess 269′ can be such that actuator 250′ can be securely held in one of its first, second, and third positions, for example, yet permit actuator 250′ to be moved upon a sufficient application of force. In such embodiments, the detent member 260′ can prevent, or at least inhibit, actuator 250′ and, correspondingly, adjustment member 230′ from being unintentionally displaced.

[0120] 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 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.

[0121] 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 high-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.

[0122] While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.