CN118829399A - Propel the rack of the surgical handle assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure includes an apparatus for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes: a rack; a movable handle member; a drive pawl configured to engage the rack and advance the rack in a linear distal direction in response to advancement of the movable handle member in a proximal direction; and a latch configured to engage the rack and advance the rack in a linear proximal direction in response to the movable handle member being advanced in a distal direction. The rack includes a recessed portion, the latch is configured to contact the recessed portion, which causes the latch to rotate away from the rack.

Description

Rack for advancing surgical handle assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to surgical handle assemblies, and more particularly to a rack that advances a surgical handle assembly.

Background

The surgical handle assembly may be used in several surgical devices. One example includes use as a surgical stapler. Surgical staplers are fastening devices for clamping tissue between opposing jaw structures to engage the tissue using surgical fasteners. The surgical stapler may comprise two elongated members for clamping tissue. One of the elongate members may include one or more reloadable cartridges and the other elongate member may include an anvil that may be used to form staples when driven from the reloadable cartridge. The surgical stapler can receive one or more reloadable cartridges. An example of a reloadable cartridge may include rows of staples having a linear length. The row of staples may have a linear length of, for example, between 30mm and 60 mm. The staples may be ejected by actuation of a movable handle member that is part of a surgical handle assembly of the surgical stapler.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a schematic view of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical handle assembly and a reloadable cartridge assembly in a released position according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a schematic view of a surgical stapling apparatus including a surgical handle assembly and a reloadable cartridge assembly in a clamped position according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a released position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety latch according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a clamped position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety latch according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2C is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a clamped position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety latch according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2D is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a released position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2E is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a released position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2F is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a released position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2G is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a released position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety latch according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2H is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly in a clamped position including a movable handle member, a button, a rack, a drive pawl, a latch, a disengagement mechanism, and a safety latch according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a safety latch, button, and disengagement mechanism according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4A is a schematic view of a rack according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4B is a schematic view of a rack according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure includes an apparatus for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes: a rack; a movable handle member; a drive pawl configured to engage the rack and advance the rack in a linear distal direction in response to advancement of the movable handle member in a proximal direction; and a latch configured to engage the rack and advance the rack in a linear proximal direction in response to the movable handle member being advanced in a distal direction.

Using a surgical handle assembly having a surgical stapler coupled to a reloadable cartridge can advance the reloadable cartridge to a clamped position in response to the drive pawl advancing the rack in a linear distal direction and the reloadable cartridge can advance to an unclamped position in response to the latch advancing the rack in a linear proximal direction.

For example, a user may move the movable handle member from a distal-most position to a proximal-most position. This movement may cause the drive pawl to engage the rack, driving the rack distally to cause the elongated member of the reloadable cartridge assembly to grip and may cause the latch to enter a slot in the rack. As the rack moves distally, the safety latch may move downward and upward in response to movement of the rack, and the latch may move into engagement with the rack such that the rack cannot move distally with the movable handle member or cannot be manually moved by a user using the retraction handle. At this stage, the user may press a button so that the staples may be delivered or released from the movable handle member to cause the elongate member of the reloadable cartridge assembly to be released.

If the user does not press the button, but releases the movable handle member, the movable handle member may move in the distal direction and stop at a position between the most distal position and the most proximal position. In response to movement of the movable handle member in the distal direction, the latch may engage the rack and may drive the rack in a linear proximal direction causing the elongate member of the reloadable cartridge assembly to be released.

In some examples, the user may move the movable handle member from a position between the most distal position and the most proximal position to the most proximal position. The elongate member of the reloadable cartridge assembly is clampable in response to a user moving the movable handle member from a position between the most distal position and the most proximal position to the most proximal position. Alternatively, the user may move the movable handle member from a position between the most distal position and the most proximal position to the most distal position, and then, after moving the movable handle member in the proximal direction, clamp the elongate member of the reloadable cartridge assembly.

In several embodiments, a surgical handle assembly having a surgical stapler coupled to a reloadable cartridge can deploy several staples. The reloadable cartridge may deploy a number of staples in response to a user pressing a button and moving the movable handle member in a proximal direction. In some examples, the movable handle member may be in a proximal-most position or a position between the proximal-most position and the distal-most position when the button is pressed by a user.

The button may include a first beveled surface. When the button is depressed and the button is in the depressed position, the first sloped surface of the button may cause the safety latch to move in a downward direction. Once the safety latch is in the lowered position, the safety latch may no longer engage the rack to prevent the rack from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that the staples may be delivered.

The button may also include a second beveled surface. When the button is depressed and the button is in the depressed position, the second sloped surface of the button may contact the disengagement mechanism and cause the disengagement mechanism to move in a downward direction. As the disengagement mechanism moves downward, it may contact the drive pawl and move the drive pawl and latch in a downward direction to prevent the drive pawl and latch from engaging the rack.

In several embodiments, the movable handle member may be coupled to a spring. The spring may bias the movable handle member to the proximal-most position. In response to the disengagement mechanism preventing the latch from engaging the rack, the spring may bias the movable handle member to the distal-most position without urging the rack in the linear proximal direction. Without advancing the rack in the linear proximal direction, the reloadable cartridge may stay in the clamped position.

The user may advance the movable handle member from the distal-most position to the proximal-most position. The drive pawl is reengageable with the rack and advances the rack in a linear distal direction in response to advancement of the movable handle member in the proximal direction. The safety latch in the lowered position may no longer engage the rack to prevent the rack from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that the staples may be delivered.

When the user has completed delivering the staples, the user can manually move the rack in the linear proximal direction. In some examples, a user may manually move the rack in the linear proximal direction by engaging the retraction handle on both sides of the surgical handle assembly and pulling the retraction handle in the linear proximal direction to cause the rack, button, safety latch, disengagement mechanism, drive pawl, and latch to return to the starting position.

In several embodiments, the surgical handle may be constructed in accordance with US10,433,842, US10,433,842 incorporated herein by reference and which, among many embodiments, shows a switch configured to provide two or more modes of operation for a movable handle member.

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, identifier designations such as "X", "Y", "N", "M", etc., particularly with respect to reference numbers in the figures, may include a number of particular features so specified. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may include both the singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, "a number," "at least one," and "one or more" (e.g., a number of pivot points) may refer to one or more pivot points, while "a number" is intended to refer to more than one such thing. Moreover, the word "can/make" is used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term "comprising" and derivatives thereof means "including (but not limited to)". The term "coupled/coupled" is intended to mean either a direct or an indirect physical connection or for accessing and moving the movable handle member, depending on the context.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the use of similar digits. For example, 106 may refer to element "6" in fig. 1, and a similar element may be referred to as 206 in fig. 2A. As should be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein may be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, the proportions and/or relative dimensions of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

Fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of a surgical stapling apparatus 100 including a surgical handle assembly 102 and a reloadable cartridge assembly in a released position in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure. In an example, the surgical stapling apparatus 100 can include a surgical handle assembly 102 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 103.

As shown in the example of fig. 1A, the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 (e.g., a disposable loading unit) may be releasably secured to the distal end of the elongate body of the surgical handle assembly 102. In this example, the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may include a first elongated member 107 and a second elongated member 109. The reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may be in a clamped position when the first and second elongate members 107, 109 are clamping tissue and/or are in contact with each other. The reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may be in the undamped position when the first and second elongate members 107, 109 are not clamping tissue and/or are not in contact with each other.

In several embodiments, one of the elongate members may house one or more staple cartridges. The other elongate member may have an anvil that may be used to form staples when driven from the staple cartridge. As mentioned, the surgical stapling apparatus 100 may receive a reloadable cartridge assembly having rows of staples. In a number of embodiments, a third party reloadable cartridge and/or reloadable cartridge assembly may be used with the surgical handle assembly 102, and embodiments of the surgical handle assembly 102 may be configured to receive a third party reloadable cartridge and/or reloadable cartridge assembly.

Surgical handle assembly 102 coupled to reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may advance reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the clamped position in response to a user actuating movable handle member 104 of surgical handle assembly 102 in the proximal direction. The user may also advance the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the released position in response to the user actuating the movable handle member 104 in the distal direction.

In several embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 102 coupled to the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may deploy several staples. Reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may deploy a number of staples in response to a user pressing button 106 and moving movable handle member 104 to the proximal most position. Button 106 may be depressed from either the right hand side or the left hand side of surgical handle assembly 102. When the movable handle member 104 cannot move farther in the proximal direction, the movable handle member 104 may be in the proximal-most position.

When button 106 is pressed, reloadable cartridge assembly 103 is no longer prevented from delivering a number of staples. Once the button 106 is in the depressed position, a number of staples may be ejected in response to a user actuating the movable handle member 104 in the proximal direction.

When the button 106 is depressed, the movable handle member 104 is free to move to the distal-most position. When the movable handle member 104 cannot move farther in the distal direction, the movable handle member 104 is in the most distal position. When the button 106 is pressed, it also allows the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to stay in the clamped position even when the movable handle member 104 is moved to the most distal position.

The user may advance the movable handle member 104 from the distal-most position to the proximal-most position. Because the user has pressed button 106 and no longer prevents reloadable cartridge assembly 103 from delivering a number of staples, a number of staples may be delivered in response to the user advancing movable handle member 104 in the proximal direction.

When the user has completed delivering the staples, the user may return the surgical handle assembly 102 and reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the starting position. In the starting position, the button 106 may be in the non-depressed position, the movable handle member 104 may be in the distal-most position, and the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may be in the released position. The user may return the surgical handle assembly 102 and reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the starting position by engaging the retraction handle 105 on both sides of the surgical handle assembly 102 and pulling the retraction handle 105 in a linear proximal direction. In some examples, the retraction handle 105 can be used in response to the surgical stapling apparatus 100 being unable to be released.

For ease of understanding and illustration, the surgical handle assembly 102 is described throughout this disclosure with respect to an example surgical stapling apparatus 100. However, embodiments are not limited to use with surgical stapling apparatus 100.

Fig. 1B is a schematic view of a surgical stapling apparatus 100 including a surgical handle assembly 102 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in a clamped position according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in the example of fig. 1B, the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 (e.g., a disposable loading unit) may be releasably secured to the distal end of the elongate body of the surgical handle assembly 102. In this example, the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may include a first elongated member 107 and a second elongated member 109. The reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may be in a clamped position when the first and second elongate members 107, 109 are clamping tissue and/or are in contact with each other. The reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may be in the undamped position when the first and second elongate members 107, 109 are not clamping tissue and/or are not in contact with each other.

In several embodiments, one of the elongate members may house one or more staple cartridges. The other elongate member may have an anvil that may be used to form staples when driven from the staple cartridge. As mentioned, the surgical stapling apparatus 100 may receive a reloadable cartridge assembly having rows of staples. In a number of embodiments, a third party reloadable cartridge and/or reloadable cartridge assembly may be used with the surgical handle assembly 102, and embodiments of the surgical handle assembly 102 may be configured to receive a third party reloadable cartridge and/or reloadable cartridge assembly.

Surgical handle assembly 102 coupled to reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may advance reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the clamped position in response to a user actuating movable handle member 104 of surgical handle assembly 102 in the proximal direction. The user may also advance the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the released position in response to the user actuating the movable handle member 104 in the distal direction.

In several embodiments, the surgical handle assembly 102 coupled to the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may deploy several staples. Reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may deploy a number of staples in response to a user pressing button 106 and moving movable handle member 104 to the proximal most position. Button 106 may be depressed from either the right hand side or the left hand side of surgical handle assembly 102. When the movable handle member 104 cannot move farther in the proximal direction, the movable handle member 104 may be in the proximal-most position.

When button 106 is pressed, reloadable cartridge assembly 103 is no longer prevented from delivering a number of staples. Once the button 106 is depressed, a number of staples may be ejected in response to a user actuating the movable handle member 104 in the proximal direction.

When the button 106 is depressed, the movable handle member 104 is free to move to the distal-most position. When the movable handle member 104 cannot move farther in the distal direction, the movable handle member 104 is in the most distal position. When the button 106 is pressed, it also allows the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to stay in the clamped position even when the movable handle member 104 is moved to the most distal position.

The user may advance the movable handle member 104 from the distal-most position to the proximal-most position. Because the user has pressed button 106 and no longer prevents reloadable cartridge assembly 103 from delivering a number of staples, a number of staples may be delivered in response to the user advancing movable handle member 104 in the proximal direction.

When the user has completed delivering the staples, the user may return the surgical handle assembly 102 and reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the starting position. In the starting position, the button 106 may be in an unpressed position, the movable handle member 104 may be in a most distal position, and the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 may be in a released position. The user may return the surgical handle assembly 102 and reloadable cartridge assembly 103 to the starting position by engaging the retraction handle 105 on both sides of the surgical handle assembly 102 and pulling the retraction handle 105 in a linear proximal direction. In some examples, the retraction handle 105 can be used in response to the surgical stapling apparatus 100 being unable to be released.

For ease of understanding and illustration, the surgical handle assembly 102 is described throughout this disclosure with respect to an example surgical stapling apparatus 100. However, embodiments are not limited to use with surgical stapling apparatus 100.

Fig. 2A is a schematic view of a surgical handle assembly 202 in a released position including a movable handle member 204, a button 206, a rack 208, a drive pawl 210, a latch 212, a disengagement mechanism 214, and a safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

When the movable handle member 204 is not actuated by a user and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) is in the released position, the surgical handle assembly 202 may be in the initial released position. When the movable handle member 204 is in the distal-most position that the movable handle member 204 can travel, the movable handle member 204 is not actuated by the user.

The drive pawl 210 can be coupled to the movable handle member 204. In some examples, the drive pawl 210 may be coupled to the movable handle member 204 via a pin, which may allow the drive pawl 210 to pivot and engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. When the rack 208 is in the linear proximal-most position, the rack 208 may be in the initial position. When the rack 208 is in the initial position, the drive pawl 210 can disengage from the rack 208.

Latch 212 may be coupled to drive pawl 210. The latch 212 may pivot via a pin coupling the latch 212 to the drive pawl 210. In some examples, the latch 212 may pivot to engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. When the rack 208 is in the initial position, the latch 212 may be disengaged from the rack 208.

The latch 212 and/or the drive pawl 210 may be disengaged from the rack via a disengagement mechanism 214. Disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 to disengage drive pawl 210 and/or latch 212 from rack 208 in response to a user depressing button 206. However, when the rack 208 is in the initial position, the disengagement mechanism 214 may not contact the drive pawl 210.

In some examples, pressing button 206 may disengage safety latch 216. When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 (e.g., sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3) may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the safety latch 216 (e.g., sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 in fig. 3) and cause the safety latch 216 to move in a downward direction. In the lowered position, the safety latch 216 cannot engage the rack 208 to prevent the rack 208 from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that staples can be delivered.

The safety latch 216 may prevent a user from accidentally ejecting a staple. For example, the safety latch 216 may enable a user to press the button 206 in order to eject a staple. In fig. 2A, the safety latch 216 is biased upward, which may prevent the staples from being ejected if the user is to actuate the movable handle member 104 in the proximal direction.

Fig. 2B is a schematic view of surgical handle assembly 202 in a clamped position, including movable handle member 204, button 206, rack 208, drive pawl 210, latch 212, disengagement mechanism 214, and safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

When the movable handle member 204 is fully actuated by a user and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) is in the clamped position, the surgical handle assembly 202 may be in the indexed clamped position. For example, the movable handle member 204 may be fully actuated by a user squeezing the movable handle member 204 (shown in fig. 2A) in a proximal direction from a distal-most position until the movable handle member 204 cannot travel farther in the proximal direction.

As previously described in fig. 2A, the drive pawl 210 may be coupled to the movable handle member 204 via a pin, which may allow the drive pawl 210 to pivot and engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. For example, the drive pawl 210 can be configured to engage the rack 208 and advance the rack 208 in a linear distal direction in response to advancement of the movable handle member 204 in the proximal direction. In some examples, surgical handle assembly 202 may advance a reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) to a clamped position in response to drive pawl 210 advancing rack 208 in a linear distal direction.

As previously described in fig. 2A, the latch 212 may be pivoted from the drive pawl 210 to engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. When the rack 208 is in the index position, the latch 212 may engage the rack 208.

Disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 to disengage drive pawl 210 and/or latch 212 from the rack. In fig. 2B, the disengagement mechanism 214 does not contact the drive pawl 210.

The drive pawl 210 is disengageable from the rack 208 in response to a user pressing the button 206. Button 206 may include one or more beveled surfaces (e.g., beveled surfaces 320, 322 in fig. 3). When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 may contact a surface of the disengagement mechanism 214 and cause the disengagement mechanism 214 to move in a downward direction. As disengagement mechanism 214 moves downward, disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 and move drive pawl 210 and latch 212 in a downward direction to prevent drive pawl 210 and latch 212 from engaging rack 208. In fig. 2B, button 206 is not in the depressed position.

In some examples, pressing button 206 may disengage safety latch 216. When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 (e.g., sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3) may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the safety latch 216 (e.g., sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 in fig. 3) and cause the safety latch 216 to move in a downward direction. In the lowered position, the safety latch 216 cannot engage the rack 208 to prevent the rack 208 from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that staples can be delivered.

As previously described in fig. 2A, the safety latch 216 may prevent a user from accidentally ejecting a staple. For example, the safety latch 216 may enable a user to press the button 206 in order to eject a staple. In fig. 2B, the movable handle member 204 is in the proximal-most position, but the staples are not ejected, because the safety latch 216 is in the upward position preventing the rack 208 from moving farther in the linear distal direction. The rack 208 may include an opening, such as a slot. The safety latch 216 in the upward position may enter the opening of the rack 208, as shown in fig. 2B. In some examples, a safety latch 216 engaged in an opening of the rack 208 may maintain the surgical handle assembly 202 in a clamped position.

Fig. 2C is a schematic view of surgical handle assembly 202 in a clamped position, including movable handle member 204, button 206, rack 208, drive pawl 210, latch 212, disengagement mechanism 214, and safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

When the movable handle member 204 is partially actuated by a user and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) is in the clamped position, the surgical handle assembly 202 may be in the clamped position between the most distal position and the most proximal position. In some examples, the movable handle member 204 may remain in a position between the most distal position and the most proximal position without any assistance from the user. Such a position may be, but is not limited to, intermediate the most distal position and the most proximal position.

As previously described in fig. 2A, the drive pawl 210 may be coupled to the movable handle member 204 via a pin, which may allow the drive pawl 210 to pivot and engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. The drive pawl 210 can disengage from the rack 208 when the rack 208 is between the linear proximal-most position and the linear distal-most position. For example, the drive pawl 210 may be disengaged from the rack 208 to allow the rack 208 to move in a linear proximal direction in response to the movable handle member 204 moving in the distal direction.

As previously described in fig. 2A, the latch 212 may be pivoted from the drive pawl 210 to engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. In the clamped position, with the movable handle member 204 between the most distal and most proximal positions, the latch 212 may engage the rack 208. The latch 212 may cause the rack 208 to advance in a linear proximal direction in response to a user moving the movable handle member 204 in a distal direction. In some examples, a reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) may be moved to a release position in response to rack 208 being advanced in a linear proximal direction.

Disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 to disengage drive pawl 210 and/or latch 212 from rack 208. In fig. 2C, the disengagement mechanism 214 is not in contact with the drive pawl 210.

The latch 212 may disengage from the rack 208 in response to a user pressing the button 206. Button 206 may include one or more beveled surfaces (e.g., beveled surfaces 320-1, 320-2, 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3). When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the disengagement mechanism 214 (e.g., sloped surfaces 324-1, 324-2 in fig. 3) and cause the disengagement mechanism 214 to move in a downward direction. As disengagement mechanism 214 moves downward, disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 and move drive pawl 210 and latch 212 in a downward direction to prevent latch 212 from engaging rack 208. In fig. 2C, button 206 is not in the depressed position.

In some examples, pressing button 206 may disengage safety latch 216. When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 (e.g., sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3) may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the safety latch 216 (e.g., sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 in fig. 3) and cause the safety latch 216 to move in a downward direction. In the lowered position, the safety latch 216 cannot engage the rack 208 to prevent the rack 208 from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that staples can be delivered.

The safety latch 216 may prevent a user from accidentally ejecting a staple. For example, the safety latch 216 may enable a user to press the button 206 in order to eject a staple. In fig. 2C, the safety latch 216 is in an upward position, which may prevent the staples from being ejected if the user is to actuate the movable handle member 204 in the proximal direction. The rack 208 may include an opening, such as a slot. The safety latch 216 in the upward position may enter the opening of the rack 208, as shown in fig. 2C. In some examples, a safety latch 216 engaged in an opening of the rack 208 may maintain the surgical handle assembly 202 in the clamped position.

Fig. 2D is a schematic view of surgical handle assembly 202 in a released position, including movable handle member 204, button 206, rack 208, drive pawl 210, latch 212, disengagement mechanism 214, and safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

When the movable handle member 204 is partially actuated by a user and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) is in the released position, the surgical handle assembly 202 may be in the released position with the movable handle member 204 between the most distal and most proximal positions. In some examples, the movable handle member 204 may be maintained in a released position between the most distal and most proximal positions without any assistance from the user. Wherein the released position of the movable handle member 204 between the distal-most position and the proximal-most position may be, but is not limited to, intermediate the distal-most position and the proximal-most position.

As previously described in fig. 2A, the drive pawl 210 may be coupled to the movable handle member 204 via a pin, which may allow the drive pawl 210 to pivot and engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. In a released position, in which the movable handle member 204 is between the distal-most position and the proximal-most position, the drive pawl 210 can engage the rack 208. For example, the drive pawl 210 can engage the rack 208 to allow the drive pawl 208 to advance the rack 208 in a linear distal direction in response to the movable handle member 204 moving in a proximal direction toward the index position.

As previously described in fig. 2A, the latch 212 may be pivoted from the drive pawl 210 to engage the rack 208 or disengage from the rack 208. The latch 212 may be biased by a spring to engage the rack 208. During release, the latch 212 engages the rack 208 at the engaged position 230. In some examples, a spring may bias latch 212 in an upward direction. In a clamped position, in which the movable handle member 204 is between a distal-most position and a proximal-most position, the latch 212 may engage the rack 208. The latch 212 may advance the rack 208 in a linear proximal direction in response to a user moving the movable handle member 204 in a distal direction to release.

Disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 to disengage drive pawl 210 and/or latch 212 from rack 208. In some examples, in a released position in which movable handle member 204 is between a distal-most position and a proximal-most position, disengagement mechanism 214 does not contact drive pawl 210.

The drive pawl 210 is disengageable from the rack in response to the user pressing the button 206. Button 206 may include one or more beveled surfaces (e.g., beveled surfaces 320-1, 320-2, 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3). When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the disengagement mechanism 214 (e.g., sloped surfaces 324-1, 324-2 in fig. 3) and cause the disengagement mechanism 214 to move in a downward direction. As disengagement mechanism 214 moves downward, disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 and move drive pawl 210 and latch 212 in a downward direction to prevent drive pawl 210 and latch 212 from engaging rack 208 such that latch 212 is no longer in contact with engagement position 230. In fig. 2D, button 206 is not in the depressed position.

In fig. 2D, the safety latch 216 is in a lowered position. In some examples, the safety latch 216 in the lowered position may engage the rack 208 to prevent the rack 208 from moving farther from the indexed position in the linear distal direction.

Fig. 2E is a schematic view of surgical handle assembly 202 in a clamped position, including movable handle member 204, button 206, rack 208, drive pawl 210, latch 212, disengagement mechanism 214, and safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

In fig. 2E, the surgical handle assembly 202 may be transitioned to a ready to fire position, and the movable handle member 204 may be in a position between a most distal position and a most proximal position.

When the surgical handle assembly 202 transitions to the ready to fire position, the latch 212 may disengage from the rack 208 in response to the user pressing the button 206. Button 206 may include one or more beveled surfaces (e.g., beveled surfaces 320-1, 320-2, 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3). When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the disengagement mechanism 214 (e.g., sloped surfaces 324-1, 324-2 in fig. 3) and cause the disengagement mechanism 214 to move in a downward direction. As disengagement mechanism 214 moves downward, disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 and move drive pawl 210 and latch 212 in a downward direction to prevent latch 212 from engaging rack 208. In fig. 2E, button 206 is in the depressed position.

In fig. 2E, pressing button 206 also causes disengagement of safety latch 216. When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 (e.g., sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3) may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the safety latch 216 (e.g., sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 in fig. 3) and cause the safety latch 216 to move in a downward direction. In the lowered position, the safety latch 216 cannot engage the rack 208 to prevent the rack 208 from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that staples can be delivered.

Fig. 2F is a schematic view of surgical handle assembly 202 in a clamped position, including movable handle member 204, button 206, rack 208, drive pawl 210, latch 212, disengagement mechanism 214, and safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

When the movable handle member 204 is not actuated by a user and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) is in the clamped position, the surgical handle assembly 202 may be in the ready to fire position. When the movable handle member 204 is in the distal-most position, the movable handle member 204 is not actuated by the user.

In the ready to fire position, the drive pawl 210 may be disengaged from the rack 208, the latch 212 may be disengaged from the rack 208, and the disengagement mechanism 214 may not contact the drive pawl 210.

The latch 212 may disengage from the rack 208 in response to a user pressing the button 206. Button 206 may include one or more beveled surfaces (e.g., beveled surfaces 320-1, 320-2, 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3). When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the disengagement mechanism 214 (e.g., sloped surfaces 324-1, 324-2 in fig. 3) and cause the disengagement mechanism 214 to move in a downward direction. As disengagement mechanism 214 moves downward, disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 and move drive pawl 210 and latch 212 in a downward direction to prevent latch 212 from engaging rack 208. In fig. 2F, button 206 is in the depressed position.

In some examples, pressing button 206 may disengage safety latch 216. When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 (e.g., sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3) may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the safety latch 216 (e.g., sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 in fig. 3) and cause the safety latch 216 to move in a downward direction. In the lowered position, the safety latch 216 cannot engage the rack 208 to prevent the rack 208 from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that staples can be delivered.

The safety latch 216 may prevent a user from accidentally ejecting a staple. For example, the safety latch 216 may enable a user to press the button 206 in order to eject a staple. In fig. 2F, the safety latch 216 is in a downward position, which may allow the staples to be ejected if the user is to actuate the movable handle member 204 in the proximal direction.

Fig. 2G is a schematic view of surgical handle assembly 202 in a released position, including movable handle member 204, button 206, rack 208, drive pawl 210, latch 212, disengagement mechanism 214, and safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

When disengagement mechanism 214 is lowered in response to a user pressing button 206, surgical handle assembly 202 may be moved from the released position depicted in fig. 2D to a starting position (fig. 2A).

When the movable handle member 204 is in a position between the most distal and most proximal positions, the drive pawl 210 can be disengaged from the rack 208, the latch 212 can be disengaged from the rack 208, and the disengagement mechanism 214 can be in contact with the drive pawl 210.

The latch 212 may disengage from the rack 208 in response to a user pressing the button 206. Button 206 may include one or more beveled surfaces (e.g., beveled surfaces 320-1, 320-2, 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3). When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 may contact one or more sloped surfaces of the disengagement mechanism 214 (e.g., sloped surfaces 324-1, 324-2 in fig. 3) and cause the disengagement mechanism 214 to move in a downward direction. As disengagement mechanism 214 moves downward, disengagement mechanism 214 may contact drive pawl 210 and move drive pawl 210 and latch 212 in a downward direction to prevent drive pawl 210 and/or latch 212 from engaging rack 208. In fig. 2G, button 206 is in the depressed position.

In fig. 2G, the safety button 216 is biased downward by the disengagement mechanism 214 such that one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 (e.g., sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3) will not contact the one or more sloped surfaces of the safety latch 216 (e.g., sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 in fig. 3), and the safety latch 216 will not move in a downward direction when the user presses the button 206.

Fig. 2H is a schematic view of surgical handle assembly 202 in a clamped position, including movable handle member 204, button 206, rack 208, drive pawl 210, latch 212, disengagement mechanism 214, and safety latch 216, according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

When the movable handle member 204 is fully and/or partially actuated by a user and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in fig. 1) is in the clamped position, the surgical handle assembly 202 may be in the firing mode as shown in fig. 2H.

When the surgical handle assembly 202 is being fired, the drive pawl 210 can engage the rack 208, the latch 212 cannot engage the rack 208 to advance the rack 208 in a linear proximal direction, and the disengagement mechanism 214 cannot contact the drive pawl 210.

In fig. 2H, button 206 is in the non-depressed position. In some examples, pressing button 206 may disengage safety latch 216. When the button 206 is pressed, one of the one or more sloped surfaces of the button 206 (e.g., sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 in fig. 3) may contact one or more surfaces of the safety latch 216 (e.g., sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 in fig. 3) and cause the safety latch 216 to move in a downward direction. In the lowered position, the safety latch 216 cannot engage the rack 208 to prevent the rack 208 from moving farther in the linear distal direction so that staples can be delivered.

The safety latch 216 may prevent a user from accidentally ejecting a staple. For example, the safety latch 216 may enable a user to press the button 206 in order to eject a staple. In fig. 2H, the safety latch 216 cannot engage the rack 208 to prevent movement of the rack 208 in the linear distal direction, and the staples can be ejected as the user continues to actuate the movable handle member 204 in the proximal direction.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a safety latch 316, a button 306, and a disengagement mechanism 314 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure.

The safety latch 316 may include one or more sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2, the button 306 may include one or more sloped surfaces 320-1, 320-2, 322-1, 322-2, and the disengagement mechanism 314 may include one or more sloped surfaces 324-1, 324-2.

One or more beveled surfaces 320-1, 320-2 of button 306 may contact one or more beveled surfaces 324-1, 324-2 of disengagement mechanism 314 to activate disengagement mechanism 314 and move disengagement mechanism 314 in a downward direction. For example, sloped surface 320-1 of button 306 may be a surface parallel to sloped surface 324-1 of disengagement mechanism 314 and may contact sloped surface 324-1 of disengagement mechanism 314, and/or sloped surface 320-2 of button 306 may be a surface parallel to sloped surface 324-2 of disengagement mechanism 314 and may contact sloped surface 324-2 in response to a user pressing button 306.

One or more sloped surfaces 322-1, 322-2 of the button 306 may contact one or more sloped surfaces 326-1, 326-2 of the safety latch 316 to move the safety latch 316 in a downward direction. For example, the sloped surface 322-1 of the button 306 may be a surface parallel to the sloped surface 326-1 of the safety latch 316 and may contact the sloped surface 326-1 of the safety latch 316, and/or the sloped surface 322-2 of the button 306 may be a surface parallel to the sloped surface 326-2 of the safety latch 316 and may contact the sloped surface 326-2 of the safety latch 316 in response to a user pressing the button 306.

In some examples, the safety latch 316 may include one or more notches 328-1, 328-2. The one or more indentations 328-1, 328-2 may each include one or more beveled surfaces to each create an indentation in the safety latch 316. When the button 306 is pressed toward the ready to fire position, as shown in FIG. 2F, the button 306 is locked inside the 328-1 notch or 328-2 notch of the safety latch 316. For example, if the button 306 is pressed from a first side of a surgical handle assembly (e.g., the surgical handle assembly 202 in fig. 2A-2H), the button 306 will lock with the 328-1 notch, and if the button 306 is pressed from a second side of the surgical handle assembly, the button 306 will lock with the 328-2 notch.

The locking of button 306 to the 328-1 notch or 328-2 notch may create noise. For example, the noise may be click noise audible to the user. Noise may alert the user that disengagement mechanism 314 has biased safety latch 316 in a downward direction to disengage safety latch 316 from a rack (e.g., rack 208 in fig. 2A-2H) and that the surgical handle assembly (e.g., surgical handle assembly 202 in fig. 2A-2H) is now in the firing mode.

In some examples, locking of button 306 with a 328-1 notch or 328-2 notch may generate a physical cue. For example, the physical cues may be clicks that may be felt by the user. The physical prompt may alert the user that the disengagement mechanism 314 has biased the safety latch 316 in a downward direction to disengage the safety latch 316 from a rack (e.g., rack 208 in fig. 2A-2H) and that the surgical handle assembly (e.g., surgical handle assembly 202 in fig. 2A-2H) is now in the firing mode.

In some embodiments, due to the placement and size of the various components, the latch (e.g., latch 212 in fig. 2A-2H) may catch on the rack and may remain in a vertical position as it moves from the configuration shown in fig. 2D to the configuration shown in fig. 2E and then to the configuration shown in fig. 2F. In some examples, the latch is pivotally attached to a drive pawl (e.g., drive pawl 210 in fig. 2A-2H) and loads a spring such that an end of the latch is biased in an upward direction away from the drive pawl. In some examples, after button 306 is depressed and the user begins to move the movable handle member proximally (e.g., movable handle member 204 in fig. 2), the drive pawl may be relatively horizontal. Since the latch is biased in an upward direction, if an imaginary line between the pivot point of the drive pawl and the pivot point of the latch on the drive pawl is considered, it will be at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the compressive force on the latch as the latch moves up into the rack. This approximately 90 degree angle results in the latch not being able to move in the proximal direction and the latch being caught on the rack.

Fig. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of racks 408 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In several embodiments, the rack 408 includes a recessed portion 432 positioned at a proximal end of the engagement location 430. The recessed portion 432 provides an initial proximal force to the tip of a latch (e.g., latch 212 in fig. 2A-2H), allowing the latch to move to a slightly nearly vertical position, after which the spring force from the drive pawl spring can then fold the latch away from the rack 408. The recessed portion 432 is configured to have a proximally facing acute angle 434 relative to a longitudinal axis of the rack 408. Recessed portion 432 is shown as having an asymmetric concave shape. However, the concave portion 432 may be a curved shape or a combination of inclined surfaces connected by curved positions. Recessed portion 432 may be recessed relative to the bottom of rack 408 positioned between two rows of teeth.

In some examples, after a button (e.g., buttons 206 and 306 in fig. 2A-2H and 3, respectively) is pressed and a user begins to move a movable handle member (e.g., movable handle member 204 in fig. 2) proximally, a drive pawl (e.g., drive pawl 210 in fig. 2A-2H) may be biased in an upward direction, causing a tip of a latch to contact recessed portion 432. The force vector may be perpendicular to a tangent at the point of contact between the latch and the recessed portion 432, resulting in both downward and proximal forces applied to the latch from the recessed portion 432 rotating the latch to a position just near vertical. For example, the latch may rotate away from the rack 408 in response to the latch contacting the recessed portion 432.

The depth of the recessed portion 432 may be minimized to prevent adversely affecting the strength of the rack 408. The recessed portion 432 may be positioned such that the tip of the latch will contact the distal portion of the recessed portion 432 after the user presses the button. In some embodiments, the distal end of recessed portion 432 is positioned just distal of engagement location 430, wherein the latch abuts rack 408 when rack 408 is positioned as shown in fig. 2E.

In several embodiments, after a user moves the movable handle member to the proximal-most position to cause a reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., the reloadable cartridge assembly in fig. 1A-1B) to move to the clamped position, the user may release the movable handle member and allow the movable handle member to move back toward the distal-most position portion. The user may then press a button to place the movable handle member in the ready to fire mode or move the movable handle member distally to release the reloadable cartridge assembly. If the button is depressed, the drive pawl and latch can be pulled downward and away from the rack 408 by a disengagement mechanism (e.g., disengagement mechanisms 214 and 314 in fig. 2A-2H and 3, respectively) and the latch can be allowed to rotate to a position just near vertical in response to contacting the recessed portion 432.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that an arrangement that achieves the same result results calculation may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. The disclosure is intended to cover adaptations or variations of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative manner and not a restrictive manner. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not explicitly described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications in which the above structures and processes are used. The scope of one or more embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing detailed description, for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure, some features are grouped together in a single embodiment. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the disclosure have to use more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims (20)

1. A surgical handle assembly device, comprising: a rack including a recessed portion proximal to the engaged position; a movable handle member; button; and A latch configured to: engaging the rack at the engagement position and advancing the rack in a linear proximal direction in response to advancement of the movable handle member in a distal direction; and The rack contacts the rack at the recessed portion and rotates in response to the button being pressed. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reloadable cartridge assembly is advanced to the clamped position in response to the drive pawl advancing the rack in a linear distal direction. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the reloadable cartridge assembly is advanced to a released position in response to the latch advancing the rack in the linear proximal direction. 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recessed portion is located between two rows of teeth comprised in the rack. 5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the latch is biased in an upward direction. 6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the latch is configured to rotate to a nearly vertical position in response to contacting the rack at the recessed portion. 7. A surgical handle assembly device, comprising: a rack including a recessed portion proximal to the engaged position; a disengagement mechanism configured to disengage the latch from the rack; and The latch is configured to: engaging the rack at the engagement position and advancing the rack in a linear proximal direction; and The latch contacts the rack at the recessed portion and rotates in response to the disengagement mechanism disengaging the latch from the rack. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the disengagement mechanism is further configured to disengage a drive pawl from the rack. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a button for activating the disengagement mechanism. 10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a movable handle member. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rack is advanced in the linear proximal direction in response to the movable handle member being advanced in the distal direction. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the surgical handle assembly ejects one or more staples in response to a safety latch being disengaged and the movable handle member being advanced in a proximal direction. 13. A surgical handle assembly device comprising: a rack including a recessed portion proximal to an engaged position, wherein the recessed portion is configured to provide a proximal force to the latch; a movable handle member; and The latch is configured to: engaging the rack at the engagement position and advancing the rack in a linear proximal direction in response to advancement of the movable handle member in a distal direction; and The rack contacts the recessed portion and rotates in response to receiving the proximal force from the recessed portion. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a reloadable cartridge assembly coupled to the rack. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the reloadable cartridge assembly ejects one or more staples in response to activating a disengagement mechanism and advancing the movable handle member in a proximal direction. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the rack moves in a linear distal direction. 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the reloadable cartridge assembly moves to a released position in response to advancing the movable handle member in the distal direction. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the rack moves in the linear proximal direction. 19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the drive pawl and the latch are coupled via a pin. 20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the recessed portion comprises a concave shape.