Vacuum assisted surgical stapler

Abstract

A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil half-section and a cartridge-receiving half-section including an elongated channel member having a pair of opposed openings defined through sidewalls thereof. A disposable assembly including a single use loading unit and a single use firing unit is configured to be releasably supported within the cartridge-receiving half-section. The disposable assembly includes a stationary housing for supporting the firing unit which includes a distal extension for supporting the single use loading unit. The stationary housing includes a pair of flared tabs configured to be releasably received within the openings of the cartridge-receiving half-section to releasably engage the disposable assembly within the cartridge-receiving half-section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 540,197, filed Jun. 20, 2005, which is a National Stage Entry under 35 U.S.C. §371(a) of International Patent Application No. PCT / US03 / 41068, filed on Dec. 22, 2003, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 435,223, filed on Dec. 20, 2002, now expired, the entire content of each of the applications identified above being incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, e.g., surgical fastener or stapler apparatus and, more particularly to circular surgical staplers for performing surgical procedures, including but not limited to rectal mucosectomies, rectal anopexies, anastamoses, hemorrhoidectomies, or the like. In addition the present disclosure relates to methods of performing such surgical procedures.[0004]2. Background of Related Ar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a surgical stapling apparatus that can be used with a vacuum device. The vacuum device can be attached to the stapling apparatus or used separately. The vacuum device can be secured to the stapling apparatus using a collar or directly to the vent holes. The vacuum device can also have vacuum tubes and a manifold for positioning the tubes. The stapling apparatus can also have a vacuum channel for drawing vacuum. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a surgical stapling apparatus with a vacuum device that can efficiently and effectively remove fluids and blood from the surgery.

Problems solved by technology

Chronic straining damages the submucosal fibroelastic connective and the anal cushions protrude into the anal canal and may produce painless bleeding (first degree hemorrhoids).

This condition may result in gangrene with the risk of abscess formation.

One limitation of Dr.

The gap between the anus and the stapling head assembly is needed to permit withdrawal of the suture from the anus and thus limits the depth that the stapling end effector can be placed into the anus.

An additional limitation of Dr.

A significant drawback of both the Dr.

Allegra and the Longo et al. procedures is the complexity of the procedures.

This significantly increases the time of performing the procedure and in turn increases the potential for complications and the potential for trauma to the patient.

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