1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical stapling device for applying surgical staples to body tissue. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling device suitable for performing circular anastomosis and/or treatment to internal walls of hollow tissue organs.
2. Background of Related Art
Anastomosis is the surgical joining of separate hollow organ sections. Typically, an anastomosis procedure follows surgery in which a diseased or defective section of hollow tissue is removed, and the end sections are stapled via a linear surgical stapler. Depending on the desired anastomosis procedure, the end sections may be joined by either circular, end-to-end, or side-to-side organ reconstruction methods.
In a circular anastomosis procedure, the two ends of the organ sections are joined by means of a stapling instrument which drives a circular array of staples through the end section of each organ section and simultaneously cores any tissue interior of the driven circular array of staples to free the tubular passage. Examples of instruments for performing circular anastomosis of hollow organs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,053,390, 5,588,579, 5,119,983, 5,005,749, 4,646,745, 4,576,167, and 4,473,077, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Typically, these instruments include an elongated shaft having a handle portion at a proximal end to actuate the instrument and a staple holding component disposed at a distal end. An anvil assembly including an anvil rod with attached anvil head is mounted to the distal end of the instrument adjacent the staple holding component. Opposed end portions of tissue of the hollow organ(s) to be stapled are clamped between the anvil head and the staple holding component. The clamped tissue is stapled by driving one or more staples from the staple holding component so that the ends of the staples pass through the tissue and are deformed by the anvil head. An annular knife is advanced to core tissue within the hollow organ to free a tubular passage within the organ. Generally, both the actuation of the staple forming mechanism and the advancement of the knife occur at the same time, i.e., simultaneously.
Besides anastomosis of hollow organs, surgical stapling devices for performing circular anastomosis have been used to treat internal hemorrhoids in the rectum. Typically, during use of a circular stapling device for hemorrhoid treatment, the anvil head and the staple holding component of the surgical stapling device are inserted through the anus and into the rectum with the anvil head and the staple holding component in an open or unapproximated position. Thereafter, a pursestring suture is used to pull the internal hemorrhoidal tissue towards the anvil rod. Next, the anvil head and the staple holding component are approximated to clamp the hemorrhoid tissue between the anvil head and the staple holding component. The stapling device is fired to remove the hemorrhoidal tissue and staple the cut tissue.
The present disclosure relates to a circular stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongate body, a cartridge assembly, a trocar, and a light source. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body and includes a pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The trocar is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the cartridge assembly and is longitudinally advanceable to puncture tissue. The light source is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the trocar, and is configured to project a light beam distally of the trocar.
In disclosed embodiments, the light source includes a laser. Here, it is disclosed that the laser is at least partially disposed within the trocar. In such embodiments, it is disclosed that a distal tip of the trocar is one of transparent or translucent.
The present disclosure also includes a light source as being least partially disposed within the trocar. Here, it is disclosed that a distal tip of the trocar is also one of transparent or translucent.
In disclosed embodiments, the light source is configured to project a light beam in a concentrated area directly in the path of travel of the trocar. It is further disclosed that the light source is configured to project a light beam that is approximately the size of a diameter of a portion of the trocar that is disposed distally of the cartridge assembly when the trocar is in a longitudinally advanced position.
The present disclosure also relates to a method of performing a surgical procedure. The method includes inserting at least a portion of a circular stapler proximally of a first linear row of staples along a proximal portion of tissue, projecting a light beam from the circular stapler onto the proximal portion of tissue, and advancing a trocar of the circular stapler through the proximal portion of tissue that includes the light beam.
In disclosed embodiments, the method also includes emplacing a first linear row of staples along a proximal portion of tissue prior to inserting at least a portion of the circular stapler proximally of the first linear row of staples. Here, it is disclosed that the method further includes emplacing a second linear row of staples along a distal portion of tissue prior to inserting at least a portion of the circular stapler proximally of the first linear row of staples. It is additionally disclosed that the method includes inserting an anvil assembly of the circular stapler distally of the distal portion of tissue, approximating the anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly of the circular stapler, and joining the proximal portion of tissue with the distal portion of tissue using the circular stapler.
In disclosed embodiments of the method, the light beam is projected from the circular stapler onto a portion of the first linear row of staples. Here, it is disclosed that the trocar is advanced through the portion of the first linear row of staples that includes the light beam.
The presently disclosed method also includes projecting the light beam through a distal tip of the trocar.
Embodiments of a surgical stapling instrument are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:
Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling instrument will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As is common in the art, the term “proximal” refers to that part or component closer to the user or operator, i.e. surgeon or physician, while the term “distal” refers to that part or component farther away from the user.
It is contemplated that a shell assembly according to the present disclosure can be part of a surgical system. The surgical system can include surgical end effector assemblies (such as shell assembly 100) in various configurations. The elongate shaft of the instrument may itself be a removable and replaceable part of the system. The handle assembly can be manual, powered, or part of a robotic surgical system.
With reference to
With reference to
Knife assembly 400 includes a knife carrier 420 and a circular knife 440. Knife 440 is a substantially cylindrical member having a proximal end 442, a distal end 444, and defines a longitudinal opening 443 therethrough. Knife 440 is sized and configured to be received through recess 123 of staple cartridge 150. Distal end 444 of knife 440 is configured for cutting tissue. Proximal end 442 of knife 440 is configured to be received about a distal portion 424 of knife carrier 420 and includes a pair of opposed tabs 446 configured to be received within respective recesses 421 formed in distal portion 424 of knife carrier 420.
A proximal portion 422 of knife carrier 420 defines an annular groove 463 configured to accommodate snap ring 180 when snap ring 180 is in either a first or compressed condition or in a second or expanded condition. When circular stapler 10 is in the first or initial position, and prior to retraction of pusher adapter 532 following the first stroke of circular stapler 10, snap ring 180 is received completely within annular groove 463 formed in knife carrier 420. Proximal portion 422 of knife carrier 420 further defines a step 462a formed in or adjacent annular groove 463. Step 462a is configured to engage an inner annular portion of snap ring 180 when snap ring 180 is in the second or expanded condition. Further, engagement of snap ring 180 with step 462a prevents radial compression of snap ring 180 during the second or tissue cutting stroke. Further details of snap ring 180 and its engagement with knife carrier 420 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/739,246 filed on Jan. 11, 2013, the entire contents of which being incorporated by reference herein.
With continued reference to
With reference now to
With continued reference to
With continued reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Tabs 300 on staple cartridge 150 are inwardly flexible (with respect to a longitudinal axis A-A defined by elongated body portion 30) to facilitate assembly. Tabs 300 include a ramped proximal surface 302, and a distal surface 304 (
Apertures 200 on housing 120 are dimensioned and positioned for mechanical engagement with tabs 300. It is envisioned that housing 120 includes any number of apertures 200. It is further envisioned that the number of apertures 200 is equal to or unequal to the number of tabs 300. Additionally, it is disclosed that the dimensions and/or orientation of tabs 300 and apertures 200 only allow engagement therebetween in a single radial orientation (e.g., for mistake-proof assembly). It is envisioned that a distal wall 202 of aperture 200 includes a substantially perpendicular surface 204 (with respect to longitudinal axis A-A), a ramped surface 206, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment (see
It is envisioned that the complementary surfaces of distal wall 202 and distal surface 304, including ramped surfaces 206 and 308, respectively, help provide improved retention between housing 120 and staple cartridge 150. In this embodiment, a greater force (e.g., in the substantial direction of arrow “F” in
In the illustrated embodiment, housing 120 also includes a plurality of longitudinal slots 220, with one slot 220 being disposed on each side of each aperture 200. Slots 220 extend proximally from a distal edge 222 of housing 120. It is envisioned that slots 220 enable radially outward flexing of the portion of housing 120 surrounding apertures 200 to facilitate the mechanical engagement between housing 120 and staple cartridge 150. As can be appreciated, to mechanically engage housing 120 and staple cartridge 150, the two components are approximated such that the portion of housing 120 surrounding apertures 200 flexes radially outward to allow tabs 300 of staple cartridge 150 to enter apertures 200. After tabs 300 are within respective apertures 200, the portion of housing 120 surrounding apertures 200 flexes radially inward to effectively lock housing 120 and staple cartridge 150 together.
It is envisioned that the mechanical engagement between housing 120 and staple cartridge 150 is the only type of engagement therebetween. For example, the mechanical engagement eliminates the need for adhesives between the two components or welding the components together.
With reference to
Additionally, it is envisioned that sleeve 350 can include information (e.g., indicia or a color) relating to lumen and/or staple size of the stapling instrument, for example. It is envisioned that the circumference of sleeve 350 is equal to or larger than the circumference of the distal portion of housing 120. In the embodiments where sleeve 350 has a larger circumference, an overlapping portion of sleeve 350 will cover the longitudinal seam between sleeve 350 and housing 120. It is envisioned that sleeve 350 is made from plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, etc.) or another suitable material.
With reference to
More particularly, latches 426 of knife carrier 420 are disposed at a proximal end of flexible arms 428. Arms 428 are configured to deflect toward a radial center of knife carrier 420 to facilitate engagement/assembly between knife carrier 420 and pusher adapter 532. Further, to assemble knife carrier 420 and pusher adapter 532, knife carrier 420 is inserted in a proximal direction through a distal opening 560 of pusher adapter 532 until a ramped surface 430 of latches 426 contacts an angled surface 562 of an interior wall of pusher adapter 532. The contact between ramped surfaces 430 and angled surface 562, in combination with the proximal movement of knife carrier 420 with respect to pusher adapter 532, causes arms 428 to deflect radially inwardly, which allows a distal wall 426a of latches 426 to move proximally beyond engagement surfaces 550 of pusher adapter 532. Once in this position, arms 428 deflect radially outwardly (e.g., towards their biased position) such that distal walls 426a of latches 426 are physically prevented by engagement surfaces 550 of pusher adapter 532 from longitudinally translating distally therepast (see
Referring now to
In addition to the embodiment disclosed herein where a proximal portion 422 of knife carrier 420 is configured to engage snap ring 180, another embodiment is disclosed where proximal portion 422 of knife carrier 420 is configured to mechanically engage a drive member or sleeve 450 when knife carrier 420 mechanically engages pusher adapter 532. More particularly, in this embodiment, annular groove 463 of proximal portion 422 of knife carrier 420 is included on plurality of legs 460 (
With reference to
Cutting ring 620 is configured for positioning within annular cavity 608 of anvil head 600. More particularly, cutting ring 620 includes an outer ring 622, an inner ring 624, an annular knife channel 626 disposed between outer ring 622 and inner ring 624, and a severable portion 628 disposed proximally-adjacent knife channel 626. Severable portion 628 is configured to be cut by knife 440 (see
Cutting ring 620 also includes a plurality of tabs 630 disposed around its outer annular edge 622. Tabs 630 are configured to mechanically engage a groove 610 disposed around an inner annular surface 612 of anvil head 600. Any number of tabs 630 (including a single tab 630 that extends along the entire surface 612) may be included on cutting ring 620. More particularly, each tab 630 includes a proximal surface 632 that is substantially perpendicular to annular edge 629, and a distal surface 634 that is angled with respect to annular edge 629 and with respect to proximal surface 632.
Distal surface 634 of tab 630 is configured to facilitate assembly between cutting ring 620 and anvil head 600. That is, during assembly, cutting ring 620 is inserted into annular cavity 608 in a proximal-to-distal direction such that distal surface 634 contacts a portion of anvil head 600 and causes cutting ring 620 to deflect radially inwardly to allow tabs 630 to extend distally beyond a lip 611 formed by a proximal surface of groove 610. It is further envisioned that cutting ring 620 is made of a flexible material (e.g., polyethylene) to further facilitate assembly.
With reference to
With reference to
In the illustrated embodiment, distal portion 108a of retention rod 108 is tapered along its entire length. Further, distal portion 108a includes a continuous taper, which includes a concave portion 108b and a convex portion 108c. As shown, distal portion 108a lacks a stepped configuration and lacks abrupt angle changes. It is envisioned that this tapered configuration of distal portion 108a of retention rod 108 helps purse-string sutured tissue “T” easily slide proximally when anvil head 600 tilts and thus urges tissue “T” proximally (see
With reference to
It is envisioned that each of first retention rod 108′ and first trocar 700′ are configured for use with a particular configuration of staples. For instance, it is envisioned that first retention rod 108′ is part of an anvil assembly 105 that includes two rows of staple-deforming pockets 602, and that first trocar 700′ is part of/usable with a shell assembly 100 including two rows of pusher elements 546 and a staple cartridge 150 having two rows of staples “S.” Likewise, it is envisioned that second retention rod 108″ is part of an anvil assembly 105 that includes three rows of staple-deforming pockets 602, and that second trocar 700″ is part of/usable with a shell assembly 100 including three rows of pusher elements 546 and a staple cartridge 150 having three rows of staples “S.”
More particularly, first retention rod 108′ includes a recess 108′R that is configured to engage a lip 700′L extending from first trocar 700′ (
With reference to
Additionally, it is envisioned that each of first trocar 700′ and second trocar 700″ includes an indicator 702 that is perceptible to a user if there is not proper engagement between a retention rod 108 and a trocar 700 (e.g., if a user attempts to engage first retention rod 108′ with second trocar 700″, or vice versa). The present disclosure includes indicators 702 that provide visual (e.g., a colored band, letters, symbols, etc.), audio (e.g., beeps, clicks, etc.) and/or tactile (e.g., vibration, etc.) information. As illustrated, indicator 702 is not perceptible (e.g., visible) when there is proper engagement between a retention rod 108 and a trocar 700. Alternatively, it is envisioned that indicator 702 is perceptible to a user if there is proper engagement between a retention rod 108 and a trocar 700, and indicator 702 is non perceptible to a user if there is not proper engagement between a retention rod 108 and a trocar 700.
Referring now to
In disclosed embodiments and with particular reference to
Additionally, in disclosed embodiments, the height “h” of tabs 810 (and the corresponding depth of the corresponding portion of recess 802) is between about 0.010 inches and about 0.020 inches (see
It is further disclosed that pusher adapter 532 (or at least fingers 820 thereof) is made from glass-filled polycarbonate. Here, it is envisioned that the percentage of glass is between about 20% and about 40% (e.g., about equal to 30%).
It is envisioned that the combination of the angles of distal walls 803 and 812, the height “h” of tabs 810, and the material that pusher adapter 532 is made from all contribute to a secure engagement between pusher adapter 532 and drive member 800, and result in an optimum amount of force necessary to disengage pusher adapter 532 from drive member 800.
With reference to
A proximal portion of communication chip 902 includes a plurality of contacts 904 for engaging contact pins of a portion (e.g., adaptor—not shown) of circular stapler 10. As can be appreciated, this engagement between contacts 904 and contact pins allows information to be communicated from one portion of circular stapler 10 (e.g. handle assembly 20) to shell assembly 100. Further, communication chip 902 is spring-loaded via a biasing member 918 in a proximal direction (e.g., to allow for positional length tolerance of the contact pins in the adapter).
It is envisioned that communication chip 902 includes both read and write capability, and is particularly useful with a powered surgical stapler. The read capability of communication chip 902 enables communication of various features of shell assembly 100 to handle assembly 20. For example, communication chip 902 can store and relay information relating to cartridge size, staple length, and clamp-up distance. Once this information is received by handle assembly 20, for example, firing forces and firing stroke can be adjusted accordingly. The write capability of communication chip 902 enables handle assembly 20, for example, to encode a used (i.e., fired) cartridge assembly 110 to prevent reuse or attempted firing of a staple-less cartridge assembly 110. Further details of communication components (e.g., chips, transmitters, control modules, etc.) are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/545,362, which was filed on Jul. 10, 2012, the entire contents of which being incorporated by reference herein. Further communication components are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/968,634 and 13/968,563, both filed on Aug. 16, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The use of circular stapler 10 will now be described as it pertains to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In use, circular stapler 10 is operated in a manner substantially similar to a traditional circular stapler. Once oriented such that the tissue to be stapled is received between cartridge assembly 110 and anvil assembly 105, and anvil assembly 105 is approximated towards cartridge assembly 110 via rotation of approximation knob 26, trigger 24 may be squeezed to cause the actuation of handle assembly 20. Actuation of handle assembly 20 causes a first advancement of a drive assembly (e.g., 800) which engages and causes the advancement of pusher assembly 530. During the first or staple forming stroke, pusher assembly 530 is moved relative to housing 120 and knife assembly 400, while knife assembly 400 remains stationary relative to housing 120. In this manner, during the first or staple forming stroke of circular stapler 10 only the staple forming function is performed. Accordingly, the force required for completion of the first stroke of circular stapler 10 does not include the force necessary to also cut the tissue simultaneously therewith.
Upon completion of the first or staple forming stroke, trigger 24 is released to permit the retraction of the drive member and pusher adapter 532 of pusher assembly 530. In various embodiments, pusher adapter 532 is retracted to a position proximal of its initial position. For example, it is envisioned that pusher adapter 532 is retracted about 0.25 inches farther proximally from its initial starting position. In this retracted position, notch 535 formed in the distal end of pusher adapter 532 is aligned with snap ring 180 thereby allowing snap ring 180 to expand from the first or compressed condition to the second or uncompressed condition.
A subsequent squeezing or actuation of trigger 24 causes a second advancement of the drive member and pusher adapter 532. Advancement of pusher adapter 532 causes engagement of ledge 536 of pusher adapter 532 with snap ring 180. Since snap ring 180 remains engaged with knife carrier 420 in this position, advancement of pusher adapter 532 also causes the advancement of knife assembly 420. Advancement of circular knife 440 of knife assembly 400 causes the cutting of tissue positioned between cartridge assembly 110 and anvil assembly 105. Because staples “S” were ejected and formed during the first stroke of circular stapler 10, and pusher member 540 remained in the advanced position upon retraction of pusher adapter 532 following the first or staple forming stroke, the force required to complete the second or cutting stroke of circular stapler 10 is less then the force that would be necessary to complete both the staple ejecting/forming and tissue cutting procedure. It is envisioned that the force provided by the drive member during the second stroke would be sufficient to disengage any securing mechanism maintaining knife assembly 400 relative to inner cylindrical housing 124 of housing 120. Such securing mechanism may include protrusions (not shown) formed on the inner surface of knife carrier 420 and/or on the outer surface of inner cylindrical portion 124 of housing 120 configured to be received within detents (not shown) formed on the other of the outer surface of inner cylindrical portion 124 and/or on the inner surface of knife carrier 420 such that knife assembly 400 is permitted to advance distally relative to housing 120.
Upon completion of the tissue cutting stroke, pusher adapter 532 is retracted proximally to one of the initial position or the retracted position. As discussed above, pusher assembly 530 and knife assembly 400 may be configured such that either or both of pusher assembly 530 and knife assembly 400 are retracted following the second or cutting stroke of circular stapler 10. Retraction of pusher adapter 532 to one of the initial or retracted positions causes disengagement of pusher member 540 from pusher adapter 532. In this manner, pusher member 540 and empty staple cartridge 150 may be separated or unloaded from housing 120 and replaced with a new pusher member 540 and/or staple cartridge 150.
Further details regarding the operation of circular stapler 10, including the operation of cartridge assembly 110, will now be described as it pertains to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In the initial condition, pusher assembly 530 is received between outer and inner cylindrical portions 122, 124 of housing 120. Knife assembly 400 is received within longitudinal passage 531 of pusher adapter 532 and about inner cylindrical portion 124 of housing 120. Staple cartridge 150 is in operative engagement with a distal portion of housing 120 to operably retain pusher assembly 530 and knife assembly 400 within housing 120. Snap ring 180 is in the first or radially compressed condition and received within annular groove 463 formed on knife carrier 420. Snap ring 180 is maintained in the radially compressed condition by an inner wall of pusher adapter 532. Notch 535 formed in the distal end of pusher adapter 532 is disposed distal of annular groove 463 and snap ring 180. In this manner, pusher assembly 530 may be advanced distally without causing the advancement of knife assembly 400.
In the initial position, pusher assembly 530 is prevented from inadvertent distal advancement relative to housing 120 through engagement of the plurality of paired detents 538a, 538b (
During a first or staple forming stroke of circular stapler 10, following approximation of anvil assembly 105 with respect to cartridge assembly 110 (e.g., via rotation of approximation knob 26), actuation of trigger 24 relative to handle 22 causes advancement of a drive assembly (e.g., 800) which operably engages pusher adapter 532 to cause the distal translation of pusher assembly 530. Distal translation of pusher adapter 532 advances pusher member 540 thereby causing pusher elements 546 to be advanced into and/or through staple receiving pockets 152 of staple cartridge 150 and to eject staples “S” from staple cartridge 150. Although not explicitly shown, the ejection of staples “S” from staple cartridge 150 causes advancement of staples “S” into staple-deforming pockets 602 of anvil head 600. Forming of staples “S” secures the tissue retained between staple cartridge 150 and anvil assembly 105.
Upon completion of the stapling stroke, pusher adapter 532 is refracted proximally relative to housing 120. Pusher adapter 532 is sufficiently retracted relative to knife carrier 420 and snap ring 180 such that snap ring 180 is aligned with notch 535 formed in the distal end of pusher adapter 532. Alignment of notch 535 with snap ring 180 allows snap ring 180 to move from the first or compressed condition to the uncompressed condition, i.e., snap ring 180 is able to decompress or radially expand.
During the second or cutting stroke of circular stapler 10, a second actuation of trigger 24 relative to handle 26 causes advancement of the drive member (e.g., 800) which operably engages pusher adapter 532 to cause the distal translation of pusher adapter 532. Distal translation of pusher adapter 532 causes ledge 536, defined by notch 535 formed in the distal end of pusher adapter 532, to engage an outer portion of snap ring 180 while an inner portion of snap ring 180 remains engaged with knife carrier 420. In particular, step 142a, formed within/adjacent groove 463 of knife carrier 420, engages snap ring 180 and prevents snap ring 180 from being radially compressed back into annular groove 463 during the second advancement of pusher adapter 532 during the second or tissue cutting stroke of circular stapler 10. Accordingly, step 462a of knife carrier 420 maintains snap ring 180 in the second or expanded condition such that snap ring 180 remains in contact with both pusher adapter 532 and knife carrier 420 to assure the simultaneous advancement of knife assembly 400 with the advancement of pusher adapter 532.
Continued advancement of pusher adapter 532 causes knife 440 to be received through longitudinal opening 151 of staple cartridge 150, thereby severing the tissue retained between staple cartridge 150 and anvil assembly 105, and thereby penetrating severable portion 628 of cutting ring 620. It is envisioned that pusher assembly 530 and knife assembly 400 may be configured such that retraction of the drive assembly causes the retraction of pusher adapter 532 and knife carrier 420 (see
In addition to the reduced force requirements provided by the two stroke operation of circular stapler 10, the independent or decoupled staple forming and tissue cutting function of circular stapler 10 also permits the varying of the staple crimp height relative to the knife travel distance, the varying of the staple travel speed relative to the knife travel speed, and/or the addition of a dwell time between staple formation and tissue cutting. This configuration allows a clinician to optimize staple crimp heights to given conditions, such as, tissue thickness, tissue compliance and clamping force. This configuration may also allow for the monitoring of staple forming and knife cutting forces, to alert the clinician in case an abnormal force is detected. This configuration further allows force and other data to be monitored and used for data collection and research, which when analyzed, may lead to further optimization of operational parameters, such as staple crimp height, and dwell and travel speed. By independently controlling and optimizing these various parameters, improved hemostasis and anastomonic joint strength may result across a much broader range of tissue thicknesses, thereby allowing a clinician to have improved and customized control over the results. Further still, when the stapling and cutting functions are performed at the same time, the tissue being stapled may be displaced by the knife, thereby causing the staple legs to deflect and misalign with their intended anvil pockets, resulting in poor staple formation and possible leakage.
With reference to
Additionally, trocar 1700 includes a light source 1710 which is configured to illuminate an area distally of trocar 1700. The light source can be an LED, laser or other light source. It is envisioned that light source 1710 is disposed within trocar 1700 (i.e., at least a portion of trocar 1700 is hollow) and that a distal tip 1720 of trocar 1710 is transparent or translucent to enable a light beam “LB” to shine through.
In disclosed embodiments, light source 1710 is configured to project the light beam “LB” onto a linear staple line “SL” in tissue “T” (
As can be appreciated, light source 1710 of the present disclosure helps enable the surgeon to better visualize the target tissue, and thus helps ensure a desired placement of distal tip 1720 of trocar 1700 through the tissue (e.g., along the staple line “SL”). It is envisioned that light source 1710 includes a laser mounted on or associated with trocar 1700. Here, it is disclosed that the laser is configured to project a light beam “LB” (e.g., in a concentrated area) onto the tissue “T” aligned with the projected path of trocar 1710. Further, it is envisioned that the diameter “d1” (
The present disclosure also includes a method of performing an anastomosis. The method includes using circular stapler 1010, as described above, illuminating the target tissue “T” to show the projected path of trocar 1700, distally advancing trocar 1700 through the illuminated portion of the target tissue, engaging trocar 1700 with the retention rod of the anvil assembly, approximating the anvil assembly 105 with respect to cartridge assembly 1110, and firing fasteners from cartridge assembly 1110 toward the anvil assembly to join two sections of tissue.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, circular stapler 10, 1010 may include a mechanism for changing cartridge assembly 110, 1110 from two stroke operation to a single stroke operation. Additionally, light source 1710 may be disposed in mechanical cooperation with a different portion of circular stapler 1010 other than trocar 1700. For instance, light source 1710 may be coupled to shell assembly or cartridge assembly while still being configured to project a light beam “LB” onto target tissue “T.” Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
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