Devices and methods for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device.

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] A surgical fastening device comprises an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft such that the end effector includes a cartridge jaw and an anvil pivotally coupled to one another and configured to engage tissue therebetween. The device also includes a staple cartridge configured to be removably disposed within a channel formed in the cartridge jaw, wherein the staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples disposed therein. The device further includes a latch formed on one of the cartridge jaw and the staple cartridge, wherein the latch is configured to extend into a corresponding engagement feature formed in the other one of the cartridge jaw and the staple cartridge when the staple cartridge is fully seated within the cartridge jaw. The latch can protrude radially outward beyond an outer diameter of the elongate shaft and end effector when the latch is not engaged with the corresponding engagement feature.

[0008] In one aspect the latch is formed on a proximal portion of the cartridge jaw and the corresponding engagement feature is formed on the staple cartridge. The corresponding engagement feature can comprise a cut-out. In one aspect the latch comprises a deflectable spring-arm configured to snap into the corresponding engagement feature when the staple cartridge is fully seated in the cartridge jaw.

[0009] The device is constructed such that the plurality of staples in the cartridge are configured to rotate about a pivot point into tissue engaged between the cartridge jaw and the anvil. Further, the plurality of staples are each frangibly coupled to a carrier.

[0010] In another aspect a surgical fastening device comprises an elongate shaft and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft such that the end effector includes a cartridge jaw and an anvil pivotally coupled to one another and configured to engage tissue therebetween. The device also includes a staple cartridge configured to be removably disposed within a channel formed in the cartridge jaw, wherein the staple cartridge including a plurality of staples disposed therein. The device further includes a mating element formed on one of the staple cartridge and the cartridge jaw and configured to engage a corresponding engagement feature in the other one of the staple cartridge and the cartridge jaw when the staple cartridge is fully seated within the cartridge jaw. Finally, the device includes at least one biasing element disposed within a channel formed in the cartridge jaw, wherein the at least one biasing element is configured to bias the staple cartridge out of the channel in the cartridge jaw when the mating element is not engaged with the engagement feature.

[0011] The mating element can comprise a deflectable spring arm formed on the staple cartridge, and wherein the corresponding engagement feature comprises a cut-out formed in the cartridge jaw. Alternatively, the mating element comprises first and second deflectable spring arms formed on opposed lateral sides of the staple cartridge, and wherein the corresponding engagement feature comprises first and second cut-outs formed in opposed lateral sides of the cartridge jaw. In one aspect the biasing element comprises at least one spring. The at least one spring can be compressed when the staple cartridge is fully seated in the cartridge jaw. In one aspect the biasing element is formed within a proximal portion of the channel in the cartridge jaw.

[0012] A method for attaching a staple cartridge to an end effector of a stapling device is also provided. The method comprises positioning a staple cartridge in a channel formed within a cartridge jaw of an end effector of a surgical stapling device, the cartridge jaw having an anvil pivotally coupled thereto, wherein a mating feature on one of the staple cartridge and the cartridge jaw snaps into a corresponding engagement feature on the other one of the staple cartridge and the cartridge jaw, and wherein a biasing element on the end effector and separate from the mating feature results in a positive indication to a user when the staple cartridge is not fully seated within the cartridge jaw. The method can further comprise inserting the end effector through a trocar extending through a tissue wall and into a body cavity of a patient, the deflectable spring arm preventing insertion of the end effector into the body cavity when the staple cartridge is not fully seated within the cartridge jaw.

[0032] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape. Sizes and shapes of the systems and devices, and the components thereof, can depend at least on the anatomy of the subject in which the systems and devices will be used, the size and shape of components with which the systems and devices will be used, and the methods and procedures in which the systems and devices will be used.

[0034] It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a user, such as a clinician, gripping a handle of an instrument. Other spatial terms such as “front” and “back” similarly correspond respectively to distal and proximal. It will be further appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these spatial terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical device 1100 that can be configured to apply staples to tissue. The device 1100 in this illustrated embodiment includes a linear stapler configured to apply linear rows of staples. Other embodiments of surgical devices that can be configured to apply staples to tissue are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895 entitled “Surgical Stapler Instrument” filed Feb. 3, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818 entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Separate Distinct Closing And Firing Systems” filed May 20, 2003, U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,746 entitled “Staple Cartridges For Forming Staples Having Differing Formed Staple Heights” filed on Aug. 31, 2005, and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2014/0175146 entitled “Microcutter Stapling Apparatus Clamp And Deploy Mechanisms Systems And Methods” filed Dec. 19, 2013, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1, the device 1100 can include a proximal handle portion 1102 having an elongate shaft 1104 extending distally therefrom. As also shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the shaft 1104 can have an end effector 1106 coupled to a distal end thereof. The end effector 1106 can be coupled to the shaft 1104 at a pivot joint 1108. A proximal end of the end effector 1106 can be pivotally coupled to the joint 1108 at a distal end of the shaft 1104. The end effector 1106 in this illustrated embodiment includes a tissue grasper having a pair of opposed first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b configured to move between open and closed positions. The first jaw is also referred to herein as a “bottom jaw” and a “cartridge jaw,” and the second jaw is also referred to herein as an “upper jaw” and an “anvil.” As discussed further below, the handle portion 1102 can be configured to be manipulated to effect the opening and closing of the opposed jaws 1110a, 1110b, e.g., movement of one or both the jaws 1110a, 1110b about the pivot joint 1108, and the handle portion 1102 can be configured to be manipulated to effect the firing of staples (not shown) from a one of the jaws 1110a, 1110b, e.g., a bottom or cartridge one of the jaws 1110a. The staple firing can be independent of the opening and closing of the jaws 1110a, 1110b.

[0037] The handle portion 1102 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The handle portion 1102 can include a main housing 1121, which can house a variety of elements therein and can have some elements accessible outside thereof, such as a movable trigger 1122 and a stationary handle 1124. The movable trigger 1122 can be configured to be manually manipulated to move the movable trigger 1122 relative to the stationary handle 1124 so as to, e.g., effect closing of the jaws 1110a, 1110b.

[0038] The shaft 1104 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 1104 can be rigid, e.g., made from a generally non-bendable material such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium, etc.) or a hard polymer. In other embodiments, the shaft 1104 can be configured to bend, such as being made from a generally flexible material, by including one or more articulation regions, etc. The shaft 1104 can have any longitudinal length, although in an exemplary embodiment it can be long enough to allow the handle portion 1102 to be manipulated outside a patient's body while the shaft 1104 extends through an opening in the body with the end effector 1106 disposed within a body cavity. In this way, the end effector 1106 can be easily manipulated when the device 1100 is in use during a surgical procedure. The shaft 1104 can have any diameter. For example, the shaft's diameter can be less than or equal to about 10 mm, e.g., less than or equal to about 7 mm, less than or equal to about 5 mm, etc., which can allow for insertion of the shaft 1104 through an minimally invasive access device, e.g., a trocar, a cannula, a multiport access device, etc., such as during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. The end effector 1106 coupled to the shaft's distal end can have a diameter equal to or less than the shaft's diameter, at least when the jaws 1110a, 1110b are in the closed position, which can facilitate insertion of the device's distal portion into a patient's body.

[0039] The end effector 1106 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the end effector 1106 can be rigid. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the end effector 1106 including the first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b can be disposed at a distal end of the surgical device 1100. As in this illustrated embodiment, when the jaws 1110a, 1110b move between the open and closed positions, the second jaw 1110b can be configured to remain stationary relative to the shaft 1104, and the first jaw 1110a can be configured to move relative to the shaft 1104 and the second jaw 1110b by pivoting at the pivot joint 1108.

[0040] The end effector 1106 can be configured to releasably and replaceably seat a cartridge 1112 therein, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In this way, when the staples have been fired from the cartridge 1112, the cartridge 1112 can be removed from the second jaw 1110b and, optionally, replaced with another cartridge having another plurality of staples disposed therein. FIG. 2 shows the end effector 1106 without the cartridge 1112 seated therein. The end effector 1106 can be configured to receive the cartridge 1112 in the first jaw 1110a thereof, e.g., in a channel formed in the first jaw 1110a. The first jaw 1110a can be configured to seat cartridges of different sizes, thereby facilitating versatility of the device 1100.

[0041] The cartridge 1112 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can include a sled 1120 and can have a plurality of staples 1116 disposed therein. The sled 1120 is also illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The cartridge 1112 can include a plurality openings 1114 formed in a tissue engaging surface 1118 thereof, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. The staples 1116 disposed in the cartridge 1112 can be configured to be ejected from the cartridge 1112 through the openings 1114, e.g., one staple 1116 out of each opening 1114 (as in this illustrated embodiment), two staples out of each opening 1114, etc. The openings 1114 can define staple-receiving recesses of the cartridge 1112 in which the staples 1116 are seated prior to being ejected from the cartridge 1112.

[0042] The staples 1116 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. In this illustrated embodiment, the staples 1116 each have a D-shape and include a first leg that is substantially straight and a second leg that is curved. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first leg may not be precisely straight, e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances, but nevertheless be considered to be substantially straight. Each of the staples 1116 can be configured to be plastically deformable such that the staples 1116 can each be configured to change shape, such as when the staple 1116 is pressed against a tissue engaging surface (not shown) of the first jaw 1110a that faces the tissue engaging surface 1118 of the second jaw 1110b, while remaining a single unit, e.g., without either of the first and second legs breaking. A gap of space can exist between a terminal end of the first leg and a terminal end of the second leg. In other words, the “D” shape can have a gap therein. The gap of space can facilitate plastic deformation of the staple 1116.

[0043] The staples 1116 can each be frangibly attached to a carrier 1126, also referred to herein as a “carrier strip,” disposed within the cartridge 1112. The staples 1116 can be frangibly attached to the carrier 1126 by, e.g., being stamped together with the carrier 1126 such that the staples 1116 and the carrier 1126 forms a single piece. The staples 1116 can each be configured to detach from the carrier 1126 when fired from the cartridge 1112. In some embodiments, some or all of the staples 1116 can be frangibly attached to another element, such as another element disposed within the cartridge 1112, an inner surface of the cartridge 1112, the tissue-engaging surface 1118 of the cartridge 1112, etc. The carrier 1126 can be fixedly attached to an upper surface of one or more rails 1128 defined by the cartridge 1112. The carrier 1126 can be configured to remain stationary relative to the cartridge 1112.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can have a longitudinal slot 1130 formed therein. The longitudinal slot 1130 can extend along a substantially flat central portion 1118f of the tissue-engaging surface 1118. The slot 1130 can be configured to have a cutting element such as a knife (not shown) extend therethrough so as to be configured to cut tissue engaged by the tissue-engaging surface 1118, as discussed further below. The openings 1114 can be formed in angled portions 1118a of the tissue-engaging surface 1118 on both sides of the slot 1130, as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the tissue-engaging surface 1118 can be substantially flat, e.g., not have angled portions, while in other embodiments, the tissue-engaging surface 1118 can be angled, e.g., not have any substantially flat portions.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can include a gap-setting feature 1142 configured to set of gap of space between the first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b when the jaws 1110a, 1110b are closed and the cartridge 1112 is seated in the second jaw 1110b. In this way, the gap-setting feature 1142 can be configured to define a minimum distance between the facing tissue-engaging surfaces of the first and second jaws 1110a, 1110b. The gap-setting feature 1142 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. As in this illustrated embodiment, the gap-setting feature 1142 can include an indentation inward toward a lateral center of the cartridge 1112, where a portion of a lateral edge of the cartridge 1112 immediately proximal to the gap-setting feature 1142 is located laterally inward relative to a portion of a lateral edge of the cartridge 1112 located immediately distal to the gap-setting feature 1142.

[0046] The sled 1120 of the cartridge 1112 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The sled 1120 can be configured to translate longitudinally along the cartridge 1112 to cause deployment of the staples 1116 therefrom and to cause tissue engaged by the end effector 1106 to be cut with the cutting element extending through the slot 1130. The staples 1116 can be arranged longitudinally in the cartridge 1112, as shown in FIG. 4, and the sled 1120 can be configured to sequentially engage the longitudinally arranged staples 1116 as the sled 1120 translates longitudinally. As illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the sled 1120 can include a plurality of wedges 1136 and can include a cutting element 1134, which in this illustrated embodiment includes a knife with a blade 1132. The sled 1120 in this illustrated embodiment includes four wedges 1136 but the sled 1120 can include another number of wedges 1136 as appropriate for the arrangement of the staples 1116 in the cartridge 1112. Each of the wedges 1136 can have a shape configured to cause the staples 1116 contacted by that wedge 1136 to move upward toward the second jaw 1110b through the openings 1114 and deform against the second jaw 1110b. As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 1112 can include a plurality of longitudinal slots 1150 formed therein, each of the slots 1150 being configured to slidably receive one of the wedges 1136 therein. The slots 1150 can facilitate consistent, straight movement of the wedges 1136 through the cartridge 1112 to help ensure proper engagement of the wedges 1136 with the staples 1116.

[0047] Each of the wedges 1136 can be attached to a base 1138 of the sled 1120 and can be in a fixed position relative thereto. The base 1138 can have a guide element 1139 extending generally downward therefrom. The guide element 1139 can be configured to slide within a channel formed in the cartridge 1112 that includes the sled 1120. The cutting element 1134 can also be attached to the base 1138, but the cutting element 1134 can be configured to move relative to the base 1138. The cutting element 1134 can be substantially laterally centered in the base 1138, which can facilitate substantially central positioning of the cutting element 1134 relative to tissue engaged by the end effector 1106.

[0048] The cutting element 1134 can be configured to be movable relative to a remainder of the sled 1120 between a first position, shown in FIG. 7, and a second position, shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8. The first position can be an initial position of the cutting element 1134. In the first position, also referred to herein as a “stowed position,” the blade 1132 can be generally obscured, e.g., oriented generally downward as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, which can help prevent the blade 1132 from inadvertent cutting, such as accidentally cutting a user of the device 1100 during seating of the cartridge 1120 within the end effector 1104 and/or premature cutting of tissue engaged by the end effector 1104. The base 1138 can have a cavity 1144 formed therein, as shown in FIG. 6, which can be configured to seat the cutting element 1134 at least partially therein when the cutting element 1134 is in the first position. In the second position, also referred to herein as an “upright position,” the blade 1132 can be generally unobscured and facing a distal direction as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, which can allow the blade 1132 to extend through the slot 1130 and cut tissue engaged by the end effector 1106.

[0049] The sled 1120 can include a pivot member 1140 configured to facilitate movement of the cutting element 1134 relative to the remainder of the sled 1120. The pivot member 1140 can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. The pivot member 1140 can be attached to the cutting element 1134 such that engagement of the pivot member 1140 can cause the cutting element 1134 to pivot about a pivot point so as to move relative to the remainder of the sled. As in this illustrated embodiment the pivot member 1140 can include two separate pins extending laterally from opposite sides of the cutting element 1134. In other embodiments, the pivot member 1140 can include a single pin extending through the cutting element 1134 to extend laterally from opposite sides therefrom, a single pin extending laterally from one side of the cutting element 1134, etc. At the pivot point, the sled 1120 can include a pivot axle 1146 extending laterally from the cutting element 1134, and can include an axle cavity 1148 formed in the base 1138 and configured to receive the pivot axle 1146 therein.

[0050] The surgical devices described herein can be used in a variety of surgical procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, the procedure can be a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgical device can be advanced into a body of a patient through a relatively small opening in the patient. In a minimally invasive surgical procedure, one or more introducer devices (not shown), e.g., a cannula, a trocar, etc., can be advanced through an opening in the patient to provide access to a surgical site. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more viewing devices, e.g., a scoping device such as an endoscope, can be advanced into the body through the incision or through another opening, e.g., another incision or a natural orifice, to provide visualization of the surgical site from outside the body. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the surgical device can be advanced into the patient's body in a variety of ways, such as by being inserted transorally therein, inserted through an introducer device, inserted through a scoping device, inserted directly through an incision, etc. Although the following embodiment of use of a surgical device in a surgical procedure is described with respect to the device 1100 of FIG. 1, any of the surgical devices described herein can be similarly used.

[0051] The surgical devices described herein can have any one or more variations to facilitate effective use of the device. Examples of such variations are described further below.

[0052] In some embodiments, a surgical device such as the above-mentioned surgical device 1100 can be configured to facilitate removable coupling of a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. In general, one of the cartridge and the surgical device can include at least one mating element, and the other of the cartridge and the surgical device can include at least one engagement feature configured to removably engage the at least one mating element. The engagement of the at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature can help ensure that the cartridge is fully mated to the surgical device such that the surgical device can properly fire fasteners disposed within the cartridge. Some embodiments of surgical devices can be configured to prevent fastener firing unless the cartridge is fully seated therein. The engagement of the at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature can be configured to provide a positive indication that the cartridge is fully seated in the end effector. The positive indication can be visually and/or audibly detectable by a user seating the cartridge in the surgical device's end effector, thereby allowing the user to verify proper seating of the cartridge. The visual detection of the at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature's engagement can be from an outside of the device such that no further assembly or disassembly of the device is needed to perform the visual detection and/or such that no special tools, e.g., a magnifier, are needed for the visual detection.

[0053] Some end effectors have particularly small diameters, such as those appropriate for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, such that cartridges removably disposable therein are correspondingly small. It can be difficult to handle these small cartridges and to ensure that they are fully seated within these small end effectors. The surgical device and the cartridge including the at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature can facilitate removable disposal of the cartridge within the end effector, even when the cartridge and the end effector have particularly small diameters.

[0054] A surgical device can be configured to facilitate removable coupling of a cartridge to a surgical device's end effector in a variety of ways. In the embodiments described below, staples are used as examples of fasteners, but as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other types of fasteners can be similarly configured and used.

[0055] In some embodiments, a mating element can be in the form of a latch. FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 illustrate one embodiment of a mating element 6014 that includes a latch. In general, the mating element 6014 can be configured to removably couple to an engagement feature 6016, thereby facilitating removable seating of a cartridge 6008 within an end effector 6004 of a surgical device 6000. The end effector 6004 can be coupled to a distal end of the device's elongate shaft 6002, and can include an upper jaw 6020 and a bottom jaw 6008. As discussed herein, one of the jaws 6020, 6018 can include a channel (not shown) formed therein that can be configured to removably seat the cartridge 6008 therein. In this illustrated embodiment, the bottom jaw 6018 includes the channel configured to releasably and replaceably seat the cartridge 6008.

[0056] As in this illustrated embodiment, the surgical device 6000 can include the mating element 6014, and the cartridge 6008 can include the engagement feature 6016. The mating element 6014 can be formed on a distal portion of the device 6000 adjacent the end effector 6004, and the engagement feature 6016 can be formed on a proximal portion of the cartridge 6008, as in this illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, as mentioned above, on the cartridge 6008 can include the mating element 6014, e.g., in a proximal portion thereof, and the surgical device 6000 can include the engagement feature 6016, e.g., in a distal portion thereof adjacent the end effector 6004. There is only one mating element 6014 in this illustrated embodiment and one engagement feature 6016, but one or more mating elements 6014, e.g., two latches, and one or more corresponding engagement features 6016 can be used.

[0057] The latch 6014 and the engagement feature 6016 can each have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. As in this illustrate embodiment, the latch 6014 can include an arm having a first end fixedly attached to the device 6000, e.g., to the shaft 6002. The latch 6014 can also include a second, opposite end freely movable relative to the device 6000, e.g., to the shaft 6002 and the end effector 6004, when the latch 6014 is not fully mated with the engagement feature. The second end can include a protrusion formed thereon and extending radially inward. The latch 6014 can be configured to dynamically move in response to insertion of the cartridge 6008 into the bottom jaw 6018, thereby allowing the latch 6014 to automatically engage the engagement feature 6016 when the cartridge 6008 is properly seated within the bottom jaw 6018, such as by the latch 6014 snapping into the engagement feature 6016. In some embodiments, this snapping can make an audibly detectable noise, thereby indicating proper seating of the cartridge 6008 within the bottom jaw 6018. The latch 6014 can be configured to so dynamically move by including a deflectable spring-arm, as in this illustrated embodiment.

[0058] As in this illustrated embodiment, the engagement feature 6016 can include a notch, also referred to herein as a “cut-out,” configured to receive the mating element 6014, e.g., the protrusion thereof, therein. The engagement feature 6016 can have a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the mating element 6014, e.g., the protrusion thereof, so as to facilitate a tight, secure fit of the mating element 6014 within the engagement feature 6016.

[0059] In general, the latch 6014 can be configured to extend into the engagement feature 6016 so as to be completely mated thereto. FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 show the mating element 6014 mated with the engagement feature 6016, the cartridge 6008 thus being fully seated within the bottom jaw 6018. The mating element 6014 being completely mated with the engagement feature 6016 can be visually detectable by looking at the device 6000, thereby indicating to a user that the device 6000 can be used to fire fasteners (not shown) from the cartridge 6008. The latch 6014 can be configured to protrude radially outward beyond an outer diameter of the shaft 6002 when the latch 6014 is not engaged with, e.g., is misaligned from, the engagement feature 6016. FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 show the mating element 6014 unengaged with the engagement feature 6016, thereby indicating that the cartridge 6008 is not fully seated within the bottom jaw 6018. The mating element 6014 being incompletely mated with the engagement feature 6016 can be visually detectable by looking at the device 6000, thereby allowing a user to readjust the cartridge 6008 so as to properly seat the cartridge 6008 in the end effector 6004. FIG. 10 also shows that the latch 6014 can extend a distance 6006 radially outward from the shaft's 6002 outer surface 6010 when the mating element 6014 and the engagement feature 6016 are not engaged together.

[0060] The mating element 6014 can be configured to prevent the end effector 6004 from being inserted into a patient, e.g., into a body cavity thereof, when the mating element 6014 is not fully mated to the engagement feature 6016. Thus, if a user does not realize that the cartridge 6008 is not properly seated in the bottom jaw 6018 of the end effector 6004 and tries to insert in the end effector 6004 into the patient, the mating element 6014 can indicate to the user that the cartridge 6008 is not properly seated in the bottom jaw 6018 and should be readjusted thereto before inserting the end effector 6004 into the patient for the device 6000 to properly function within the patient, e.g., for the device 6000 to properly fire fasteners therein.

[0061] As shown in one embodiment in FIG. 13, the mating element 6014 can be configured to prevent the end effector 6004 from being inserted into a patient's tissue 6012 to access a body cavity (not shown) underneath the tissue by abutting an access device 6022 disposed within the tissue 6012 through which the end effector 6004 is attempting to be advanced. The access device 6022 includes a trocar in this illustrated embodiment, but other types of access devices can be similarly used, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The access device 6022 can include a port 6024 extending therethrough through which the end effector 6004 can be inserted. The port 6024 can have a diameter. The end effector 6004 can have a diameter corresponding to the port's diameter in the closed position such that with the mating element 6014 extending the distance 6006 radially outward, the end effector's 6004 diameter can be effectively increased. This increased diameter can prevent the end effector 6004 from being advanced through the access device 6022. For example, the port's diameter can be configured to accommodate a device having a 5 mm diameter, and the end effector 6004 can have a 5 mm diameter when the cartridge 6008 is fully seated in the bottom jaw 6018. When the cartridge 6008 is not fully seated in the bottom jaw 6018, as shown in FIG. 13, the end effector's diameter can be effectively increased over 5 mm such that the end effector 6004 cannot be fully advanced through the port 6024.

[0062] FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 illustrate another embodiment of a mating element that includes a latch configured to removably couple to an engagement feature. In this illustrated embodiment, the mating element includes first and second latches 6026a, 6026b, and the engagement feature includes first and second cut-outs 6028a, 6028b configured to receive the first and second latches 6026a, 6026b, respectively. The first and second latches 6026a, 6026b and the first and second cut-outs 6028a, 6028b can generally be configured and used similar to the mating element 6014 and the engagement feature 6016, respectively, of FIG. 9. In this illustrated embodiment, a bottom jaw 6030 of an end effector (not shown) includes the first and second cut-outs 6028a, 6028b and includes a channel 6032 configured to releasably and replaceably seat a cartridge 6034 that includes the first and second latches 6026a, 6026b. However, as mentioned above, in other embodiments, the end effector or other part of a device that includes the end effector can include the mating element, and the cartridge 6034 can include the engagement feature.

[0063] The first and second latches 6026a, 6026b can be positioned on opposite lateral sides of the cartridge 6034, and the first and second cut-outs 6028a, 6028b can be correspondingly positioned on opposite lateral sides of the bottom jaw 6030, e.g., on opposite lateral sides of the channel 6032. The mating element and the engagement feature being located on lateral sides of the cartridge 6034 and bottom jaw 6030 that seats the cartridge 6034 can help ensure that the cartridge 6034 is not skewed laterally within the channel 6032.

[0064] When the cartridge 6034 is inserted into the channel 6032 in a proximal direction 6036, as shown in FIG. 15, the first and second latches 6026a, 6026b can be configured to dynamically move in response to the insertion, e.g., flex radially inward, as shown in FIG. 16. Inserting the cartridge 6034 in the proximal direction 6036 allows the cartridge 6034 to be easily seated within the cartridge 6034 in one motion. When the first and second latches 6026a, 6026b align with the first and second cut-outs 6028a, 6028b, respectively, the first and second latches 6026a, 6026b can be configured to snap into the first and second cut-outs 6028a, 6-28b so as to secure the cartridge 6034 within the bottom jaw 6030. FIG. 15 shows the cartridge 6034 fully seated within the channel 6032 of the bottom jaw 6030 with the first and second latches 6026a, 6026b snapped into the first and second cut-outs 6028a, 6028b.

[0065] In some embodiments, a surgical device can include at least on biasing element configured to bias a cartridge out of an end effector to which the cartridge can be removably coupled. The at least one biasing element can facilitate removal of the cartridge from the end effector and/or can be configured to indicate when the cartridge is not fully seated within the end effector. As in this illustrated embodiment, the bottom jaw 6030 that seats the cartridge 6034 can include a biasing element 6038a, 6038b. There are two biasing elements 6038a, 6038b in this illustrated embodiment, but a surgical device can include another number of biasing elements. The at least one biasing element 6038a, 6038b can have a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. As in this embodiment, the biasing elements 6038a, 6038b can include a coil spring. In other embodiments, the at least one biasing element 6038a, 6038b can include, e.g., a volute spring, an elastic member similar to a rubber band, a leaf spring, etc. Each of the biasing element 6038a, 6038b can be biased in a distal direction 6038, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0066] When the cartridge 6034 is inserted into and seated within the bottom jaw 6030, the cartridge 6034 can compress the biasing elements 6038a, 6038b, as shown in FIG. 15. If the cartridge 6034 is not fully seated in the bottom jaw 6030, the bias of the at least one biasing element 6038a, 6038b can cause the cartridge 6034 to protrude out of the bottom jaw 6030, thereby indicating that the cartridge 6034 is not fully seated therein. When the cartridge 6034 is removed from the bottom jaw 6030, e.g., by pressing the first and second mating elements 6026a, 6026b radially inward, the biasing elements 6038a, 6038b can urge the cartridge 6034 in the distal direction 6040. This urging can cause the cartridge 6034 to extend a distance 6042 distally beyond where the cartridge 6034 is fully seated within the bottom jaw 6030, which can facilitate grasping of the cartridge 6034 and removal thereof from the bottom jaw 6030. A secondary tool thus need not be used to remove the cartridge 6034 from the bottom jaw 6030.

[0067] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a biasing element 6044a, 6044b that can be configured and used similar to the biasing elements 6038a, 6038b of FIG. 15. The at least one biasing element 6044a, 6044b in this illustrated embodiment also includes a coil spring. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the biasing element 6038a, 6038b extend from an inner surface of the bottom jaw 6030 in the distal direction 6040. In this illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 6044a, 6044b each extend from an inner surface of a bottom jaw 6050 that seats a cartridge 6052 in an upward direction 6046 that is substantially perpendicular to a distal direction 6048. The cartridge 6052 can be configured to be seated in the bottom jaw 6050 by being advanced in a downward direction 6054 into a channel 6056 thereof. The biasing elements 6044a, 6044b can be biased in the upward direction 6046 such that when the cartridge 6052 is removed from the bottom jaw 6050, the biasing elements 6044a, 6044b can urge the cartridge 6052 in the upward direction 6046, thereby facilitating grasping and removal of the cartridge 6052 from the bottom jaw 6050.

[0068] Instead of a cartridge being removably coupled to an end effector fixedly attached to an elongate shaft of a surgical device, the end effector can be removably coupled to the elongate shaft, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. In other words, the end effector can be modular. The end effector can include a cartridge fixed therein, although in some embodiments, the end effector can be configured to have a cartridge releasably and replaceably seated therein. Such a surgical device can include one of at least one mating element and at least one engagement feature, and such a modular end effector can include the other of the at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature. The at least one mating element and the at least one engagement feature can generally be configured and used similar to those discussed above.

[0069] FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical device that includes an elongate shaft 6058 and a modular end effector 6060 configured to removably couple to a distal end of the shaft 6058. The end effector 6060 in this illustrated embodiment includes a cartridge 6062 fixedly seated therein. The end effector 6060 can include at least one mating element 6072 configured to removably couple to at least one engagement feature 6074 of the shaft 6058. As in this illustrated embodiment, the at least one mating feature 6072 can include one or more protrusions, and the at least one engagement feature 6074 can include one or more notches that are each configured to seat one of the protrusions therein. Similar to that discussed above, if the at least one mating feature 6072 and the at least one engagement feature 6074 are only partially engaged, the end effector 6060 can be prevented from being inserted into a patient. The end effector 6060 includes two protrusions and the shaft 6058 includes two notches in this illustrated embodiment, but there can be a different number of protrusions and corresponding notches. In another embodiments, the end effector 6060 can include at least one engagement feature, and the shaft 6058 can include at least one mating element.

[0070] The shaft 6058 in this illustrated embodiment has a proximal portion 6064 of a first drive rod movably positioned therein and a proximal portion 6070 of a second drive rod movably positioned therein. The first drive rod can be configured to be actuated at a handle (not shown) of the device to effect opening and closing of the end effector 6060, e.g., opening and closing of the end effector's first and second jaws 6066, 6068. The second drive rod can be configured to be actuated at the handle to effect firing of fasteners (not shown) from the cartridge 6062. The end effector 6060 in this illustrated embodiment has a distal portion 6076 of the first drive rod movably positioned therein and has a distal portion 6078 of the second drive rod movably positioned therein, When the at least one mating element 6072 is removably coupled to the at least one engagement feature 6074 so as to removably couple the end effector 6060 and the shaft 6058, the proximal and distal portions 6064, 6072 of the first drive rod can be in operative contact, and the proximal and distal portions 6070, 6078 of the second drive rod can be in operative contact. A distal end of the first drive rod's proximal portion 6064 can include at least one mating element 6080 configured to removably mate with a corresponding at least one engagement feature 6082 at a proximal end of the first drive rod's distal portion 6076. Similarly, a distal end of the second drive rod's proximal portion 6070 can include at least one mating element 6084 configured to removably mate with a corresponding at least one engagement feature 6086 at a proximal end of the second drive rod's distal portion 6078. Although the proximal portions 6064, 6070 include engagement features in this illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the proximal portions 6064, 6070 can include engagement features configured to engage with corresponding mating elements of the distal portions 6072, 6078.

[0071] The end effector 6060 can be biased, e.g., spring biased, to an open position. The second drive rod can be configured such that after the fasteners have been fired from the cartridge 6062, e.g., by distally advancing the second drive rod through the cartridge 6062 with the end effector 6060 in a closed position, the second drive rod can be retracted so as to cause the end effector 6060 to move from the closed position to the open position. Retracting the end effector 6060 through an access device through which the end effector 6060 was inserted into a patient's body can be configured to cause the end effector 6060 to move from the open position to the closed position so as to allow the end effector 6060 to be removed from the patient's body, but the biasing of the end effector 6060 can cause the end effector 6060 to be in the open position once removed from the access device. The open position can indicate that the cartridge 6062 should be removed and replaced before again attempting to fire fasteners from the end effector 6060, thereby providing safety.

[0072] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention has application in conventional minimally-invasive and open surgical instrumentation as well application in robotic-assisted surgery.

[0073] The devices disclosed herein can also be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0074] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.