US 12,357,302 B2
Integral cartridge stiffening features to reduce cartridge deflection
Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hillsboro, OH (US); Seth D. Holdmeyer, Cincinnati, OH (US); Adam D. Hensel, Gahanna, OH (US); Nicholas Fanelli, Morrow, OH (US); Kevin M. Fiebig, Cincinnati, OH (US); and Gregory J. Bakos, Mason, OH (US)
Assigned to Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed by Cilag GmbH International, Zug (CH)
Filed on Oct. 13, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/379,796.
Prior Publication US 2025/0120701 A1, Apr. 17, 2025
Int. Cl. A61B 17/072 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/072 (2013.01) [A61B 2017/07264 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07271 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07278 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07285 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A surgical stapling assembly, comprising:
a first jaw;
a second jaw; and
a staple cartridge assembly positioned in the first jaw, wherein the staple cartridge assembly comprises:
a plurality of staples;
a plurality of staple drivers;
a cartridge body, comprising:
a deck surface configured to support patient tissue;
a longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body and configured to receive at least a portion of a knife therethrough during a firing stroke;
a plurality of staple cavities defined in the deck surface, wherein the plurality of staples are removably stored within the plurality of staple cavities; and
a longitudinal wall extending vertically below the deck surface and longitudinally adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the longitudinal wall comprises a first zone comprising a first wall height within the firing stroke and a second zone comprising a second wall height within the firing stroke greater than the first wall height; and
a sled movable longitudinally through the cartridge body, wherein the sled comprises:
a support base; and
a ramped wedge extending upward from the support base, wherein the ramped wedge is configured to lift the plurality of staple drivers to eject the plurality of staples from the plurality of staple cavities during the firing stroke, and wherein the sled is sized and configured resist deflection of the cartridge body during the firing stroke within the second zone.