US 12,484,899 B2
Distal to articulation medical stapler end effector
Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Hillsboro, OH (US); and Adam Hensel, Cincinnati, OH (US)
Assigned to CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL, Zug (CH)
Filed by CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL, Zug (CH)
Filed on Jan. 30, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/426,480.
Prior Publication US 2025/0241644 A1, Jul. 31, 2025
Int. Cl. A61B 17/072 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 17/07207 (2013.01) [A61B 2017/00473 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07257 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07271 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07278 (2013.01); A61B 2017/07285 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A medical stapler comprising:
a replaceable end effector comprising:
a releasable connector formed at a proximal end of the replaceable end effector;
an anvil jaw extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion;
a cartridge jaw extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion and comprising:
a bearing surface;
a staple cartridge disposed in the cartridge jaw and comprising therein a plurality of staples and a sled configured to advance at least a portion of the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge; and
a slot extending from the bearing surface toward the staple cartridge; and
a hinged connection coupling the proximal portion of the anvil jaw to the proximal portion of the cartridge jaw;
a closure and firing assembly comprising:
a reusable shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising an articulation joint; and
an engagement coupling disposed distal to the articulation joint and configured to releasably engage the releasable connector of the replaceable end effector;
a drive beam configured to:
translate, from outside of the slot, through the slot and across the bearing surface thus advancing the sled from the proximal portion to the distal portion; and
retract from the slot to remain with the closure and firing assembly upon disengagement of the releasable connector and the engagement coupling; and
a cutting edge integral with at least one of the replaceable end effector or the closure and firing assembly, wherein the cutting edge is configured to remain in the replaceable end effector upon the disengagement of the releasable connector and the engagement coupling.