US5389102A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for subcuticular stapling of body tissue
Assignee: United States Surgical Corp
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Filing: 1992-10-09
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Granted: 1995-02-14
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Expires: 2012-10-09
Abstract
Abstract A surgical apparatus for attaching two portions of cutaneous body tissue includes a pair of opposed elongated members having jaws which have tissue gripping members thereon at one end and which are movable toward each other to a closed position to engage two body tissue portions positioned within the members to move the body tissue portions into close approximation. Manually gripping systems of several alternative configurations are provided to actuate a mechanical transmission system to close the jaws. In a preferred embodiment, a fork is movable from a first position to a second position by manually operable devices to move the jaws toward each other. A pair of cam faces is located adjacent the opposite ends of the jaws. As the fork moves to its second position, the tines of the fork engage against the cam faces to move the opposed jaws to their closed position. A plurality of rod-like fasteners are carded in a stacked configuration proximally of the jaws such that when the jaws are in their closed position and the two body tissue portions are held in close approximation. Each rod-like fastener is movable to a position in ingress to penetrate the body tissue portions to attach the body tissue portions together. In another preferred embodiment, the elongated members are biased outwardly by a coil spring and a unique plate-like fastener drive member is provided to facilitate driving a fastener after the jaws are closed. A fastener cartridge is provided with fasteners stacked in a sloped fashion and having a coil spring to bias the fasteners toward the ejection position. Another embodiment includes a rack and gear teeth arrangement for approximating the jaws and for firing the fasteners. The rack and gear teeth function somewhat like a linear analog of a set of rotary gears. A method of attaching cutaneous body tissue portions is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 David T. Green
- 👤 Henry Bolanos
- 👤 Maria Lopez-Isa
- 👤 Marc J. Theroux
- 👤 John C. Robertson
- 👤 Joseph M. Paul
- 👤 Stephen W. Gerry
- 👤 Wayne P. Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/04; A61B17/064; A61B17/068; A61B17/28; A61B17/2812; A61B17/282; A61B17/56; A61B17/58; A61B17/68
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two portions of body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of support members; b) a tissue gripping jaw supported at the distal end of each of said support members; c) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw, said body tissue engaging means being structured and adapted to engage respective opposed portions of the body tissue whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said opposed portions of body tissue to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape; d) an elongated fastener member supported proximally of said jaws and positioned to be directed generally medially of the body tissue interface to attach the opposed portions of the body tissue; e) resilient means positioned between said support members to bias said support members and said jaws in opposed directions; and f) actuating means adjacent said support members and configured and adapted for advancement in a distal direction to engage said support members in a manner to move said support members toward each other so as to cause said jaws to be moved toward each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two portions of body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of support members; b) a tissue gripping jaw supported at the distal end of each of said support members; c) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw, said body tissue engaging means being structured and adapted to engage respective opposed portions of the body tissue whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said opposed portions of body tissue to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape; d) an elongated fastener member supported proximally of said jaws and positioned to be directed generally medially of the body tissue interface to attach the opposed portions of the body tissue; e) resilient means positioned between said support members to bias said support members and said jaws in opposed directions; and f) actuating means adjacent said support members and configured and adapted for advancement in a distal direction to engage said support members in a manner to move said support members toward each other so as to cause said jaws to be moved toward each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
179 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two portions of body tissue adjacent an opening, which comprises: a) a pair of opposed jaws, each jaw respectively supported on a pivotal support member; b) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw, said body tissue engaging means being structured and adapted to engage the respective opposed portions of the body tissue whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said portions of body tissue adjacent the opening to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape; c) a fastening member supported proximally of said jaws and positioned to be directed generally medially of the body tissue interface to attach the opposed portions of the body tissue; d) means engagable with said pivotal support members to bias said pivotal members in opposite directions; e) actuating means positioned proximally of said jaws; and f) means actuated by said actuating means for engaging said pivotal support members so as to move said opposed jaws toward each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
179 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two portions of body tissue adjacent an opening, which comprises: a) a pair of opposed jaws, each jaw respectively supported on a pivotal support member; b) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw, said body tissue engaging means being structured and adapted to engage the respective opposed portions of the body tissue whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said portions of body tissue adjacent the opening to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape; c) a fastening member supported proximally of said jaws and positioned to be directed generally medially of the body tissue interface to attach the opposed portions of the body tissue; d) means engagable with said pivotal support members to bias said pivotal members in opposite directions; e) actuating means positioned proximally of said jaws; and f) means actuated by said actuating means for engaging said pivotal support members so as to move said opposed jaws toward each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein said actuating means comprises at least one handle manually movable to actuate said actuating means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
197 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two adjacent end portions of a medium such as cutaneous body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of opposed jaws; b) at least two pairs of dual sharp tipped adjacent body tissue engaging members extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw and adapted to engage the respective opposed portions of the medium whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said two end portions of the medium to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape whereby a fastener member may be directed generally medially of said medium interface to thereby attach the opposed portions of the medium; c) means for storing a plurality of rod-like fastener members, said fastener members supported proximally of said jaws and positioned for sequential ejection generally medially of said jaws when said jaws are moved toward each other; and d) manually operable actuating means adjacent said jaws adapted to move said jaws toward each other for gripping the adjacent end portions of the medium and for ejecting at least one of said fastener members from said storing means into the medium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
197 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two adjacent end portions of a medium such as cutaneous body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of opposed jaws; b) at least two pairs of dual sharp tipped adjacent body tissue engaging members extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw and adapted to engage the respective opposed portions of the medium whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said two end portions of the medium to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape whereby a fastener member may be directed generally medially of said medium interface to thereby attach the opposed portions of the medium; c) means for storing a plurality of rod-like fastener members, said fastener members supported proximally of said jaws and positioned for sequential ejection generally medially of said jaws when said jaws are moved toward each other; and d) manually operable actuating means adjacent said jaws adapted to move said jaws toward each other for gripping the adjacent end portions of the medium and for ejecting at least one of said fastener members from said storing means into the medium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 4, wherein said manually operable actuating means comprises a pair of handles, each handle supporting at least one of said jaws at one end, at least one of said handles being pivotally movable toward and away from the other handle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 5, wherein initial movement of at least one of said handles causes said jaws to move toward each other and further movement of at least one of said handles a predetermined amount causes ejection of at least one of said fastener members into the interface of said medium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 6, wherein said fastener member storing means further comprises a cartridge dimensioned and adapted to store said plurality of rod-like fastener members in a stacked configuration, said cartridge being positioned proximally of said jaws and each rod-like fastener member being individually movable to penetrate the body tissue portions when drawn together.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a plate member having a fastener driving member attached thereto and movable distally by said actuating means to individually eject said rod-like fastener members.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 8, wherein said cartridge is removable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
147 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching two portions of cutaneous body tissue surrounding an opening, comprising: a) a pair of opposed jaws, at least one of said opposed jaws being movable by manually operable transmission means from a first open position spaced apart from said other jaw to a second closed position adjacent said other jaw, each of said jaws having a member to engage one portion of the body tissue and having means for holding the portions of body tissue in approximation when moved to their closed positions; b) means positioned proximally of said jaws for storing a plurality of elongated rod-like fasteners; c) means adjacent said jaws for individually ejecting said elongated rod-like fasteners into a path extending between said closed jaws; and d) means associated with and adjacent said rod-like fasteners to provide visual indication when a predetermined plurality of rod-like fasteners have been ejected.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
147 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching two portions of cutaneous body tissue surrounding an opening, comprising: a) a pair of opposed jaws, at least one of said opposed jaws being movable by manually operable transmission means from a first open position spaced apart from said other jaw to a second closed position adjacent said other jaw, each of said jaws having a member to engage one portion of the body tissue and having means for holding the portions of body tissue in approximation when moved to their closed positions; b) means positioned proximally of said jaws for storing a plurality of elongated rod-like fasteners; c) means adjacent said jaws for individually ejecting said elongated rod-like fasteners into a path extending between said closed jaws; and d) means associated with and adjacent said rod-like fasteners to provide visual indication when a predetermined plurality of rod-like fasteners have been ejected.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 10, wherein said jaws are adapted to hold said portions of body tissue in at least partially overlapping waveform.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 11, wherein said rod-like fasteners are stored in stacked relation and positioned proximally of said jaws and means is provided for biasing said fasteners toward a firing position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
44 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 12, wherein said visual indication means is a flexible member attached to said fastener biasing means and movable between a first position prior to firing the first stored fastener to a second position after firing the last stored fastener.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 13, wherein said flexible member includes a portion having a visually distinctive color, the position of which is indicative of the number of fasteners which have been fired.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 14, wherein said distinctive colored portion of said visually distinctive colored portion bears calibrated markings to indicate the number of fasteners remaining in said fastener storing means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
44 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a plate-like platform positioned adjacent said jaws and dimensioned and arranged for engagement with the body tissue surrounding the opening to facilitate stabilizing the position and orientation of said jaws with respect to the body tissue.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 11, wherein said transmission means is engagable with said jaws to approximate said jaws in close adjacent relation after gripping body tissue surrounding the opening.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
399 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two end portions of cutaneous body tissue adjacent an opening which comprises: a) a support frame having a proximal end and a distal end; b) a pair of elongated members pivotally attached at proximal end portions thereof; c) a jaw attached to the distal end of each elongated member, each jaw supporting a plurality of sharp tissue engaging members, said tissue engaging members on each jaw generally facing said tissue engaging members on the other jaw whereby, when pivotal movement of said elongated members causes the distal ends to move toward each other, said tissue engaging members face each other in generally opposed adjacent relation; d) a first resilient member positioned between and adapted to bias said elongated pivotal members and the distal ends of said jaws away from each other; e) fastener support means disposed proximally of said jaws and adapted to store a plurality of rod-like fasteners in stacked relation, a first fastener being positioned adjacent an opening through which the fasteners may be individually advanced generally distally; f) a second resilient member positioned and adapted to engage a fastener pushing member to move said fasteners toward said fastener firing opening; g) a flexible flag attached to said fastener pushing member and extending proximately therefrom prior to firing the first fastener and adapted to advance distally as said fasteners are fired, said flag having a distinctive visually observable portion which moves in relation to the number of fasteners which have been fired to provide visual indication thereof; h) yoke means movably supported by said support frame and supporting a pair of rollers, said yoke means adapted for movement distally whereby said rollers engage respective surface portions of said elongated members in manner to approximate said members and said jaws and movable proximally whereby said members and said jaws are permitted to move away from each other under said bias of said first resilient member; i) a first handle fixed with respect to said support frame; j) a second handle pivotally attached to said support frame and pivotal toward and away from said fixed handle; and k) a strap-like member having a connector portion at a distal end thereof connected to said yoke means, said strap-like member movable by movement of said pivotal handle to move said yoke means between positions corresponding to proximal and distal positions of said yoke means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
399 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two end portions of cutaneous body tissue adjacent an opening which comprises: a) a support frame having a proximal end and a distal end; b) a pair of elongated members pivotally attached at proximal end portions thereof; c) a jaw attached to the distal end of each elongated member, each jaw supporting a plurality of sharp tissue engaging members, said tissue engaging members on each jaw generally facing said tissue engaging members on the other jaw whereby, when pivotal movement of said elongated members causes the distal ends to move toward each other, said tissue engaging members face each other in generally opposed adjacent relation; d) a first resilient member positioned between and adapted to bias said elongated pivotal members and the distal ends of said jaws away from each other; e) fastener support means disposed proximally of said jaws and adapted to store a plurality of rod-like fasteners in stacked relation, a first fastener being positioned adjacent an opening through which the fasteners may be individually advanced generally distally; f) a second resilient member positioned and adapted to engage a fastener pushing member to move said fasteners toward said fastener firing opening; g) a flexible flag attached to said fastener pushing member and extending proximately therefrom prior to firing the first fastener and adapted to advance distally as said fasteners are fired, said flag having a distinctive visually observable portion which moves in relation to the number of fasteners which have been fired to provide visual indication thereof; h) yoke means movably supported by said support frame and supporting a pair of rollers, said yoke means adapted for movement distally whereby said rollers engage respective surface portions of said elongated members in manner to approximate said members and said jaws and movable proximally whereby said members and said jaws are permitted to move away from each other under said bias of said first resilient member; i) a first handle fixed with respect to said support frame; j) a second handle pivotally attached to said support frame and pivotal toward and away from said fixed handle; and k) a strap-like member having a connector portion at a distal end thereof connected to said yoke means, said strap-like member movable by movement of said pivotal handle to move said yoke means between positions corresponding to proximal and distal positions of said yoke means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 18, wherein said opening for advancement of said fasteners is positioned in said fastener support means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 19, wherein said fastener support means is a cartridge.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
46 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means engageable with said strap-like member when said strap-like member is moved toward said distal position, said engaging means adapted to prevent proximal movement of said strap-like member when the pivotal movement of said pivotal handle is discontinued.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 21, wherein said means engageable with said strap-like member is a pawl pivotally supported independently of said strap-like member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 22, wherein said pawl is pivotally supported by said support frame.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
69 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 23, wherein said strap-like member supports a resilient pad positioned and adapted for engagement by said pawl in a manner to cause said pawl to impress said pad, said pawl being biased and oriented such as to prevent proximal movement of said strap-like member when said pivotal movement of said pivotal handle is discontinued and said pawl is in engagement with said resilient pad.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 24, wherein said pad is made of nylon.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 25, wherein said cartridge is removable and replaceable.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
199 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two portions of body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of support members; b) a tissue gripping jaw supported at the distal end of each said support member; c) means disposed proximally of said tissue gripping jaw for storing at least one elongated fastener member having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration; d) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw and adapted to engage respective opposed portions of the body tissue whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said opposed portions of body tissue to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape whereby said elongated fastener member may be directed generally medially of said body tissue interface to thereby attach the opposed portions of the body tissue; e) resilient member positioned between said support members to bias said support members and said jaws in opposed directions; and f) means adjacent said support members configured and adapted for advancement in a distal direction in a manner to engage said support members whereby said support members and said jaws are caused to move toward each other.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
199 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two portions of body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of support members; b) a tissue gripping jaw supported at the distal end of each said support member; c) means disposed proximally of said tissue gripping jaw for storing at least one elongated fastener member having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration; d) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw and adapted to engage respective opposed portions of the body tissue whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said opposed portions of body tissue to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape whereby said elongated fastener member may be directed generally medially of said body tissue interface to thereby attach the opposed portions of the body tissue; e) resilient member positioned between said support members to bias said support members and said jaws in opposed directions; and f) means adjacent said support members configured and adapted for advancement in a distal direction in a manner to engage said support members whereby said support members and said jaws are caused to move toward each other.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
235 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two adjacent end portions of a medium such as cutaneous body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of opposed jaws; b) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw and adapted to engage the respective opposed portions of the medium whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said two end portions of the medium to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape whereby a fastener member may be directed generally medially of said medium interface to thereby attach the opposed portions of the medium; c) a cartridge positioned proximally of said jaws and adapted for storing a plurality of rod-like fasteners biased toward a fastener ejecting opening; d) mechanical means operatively associated with said jaws for approximating said jaws toward each other; e) manually operable actuating means operatively associated with said mechanical means for actuating said mechanical means to move said jaws toward each other; f) a fastener drive plate positioned proximally of the lowermost fastener; and g) a member associated with said jaw approximating means and adapted to engage said fastener drive plate when said jaws are approximated into adjacent relation whereby further actuation of said mechanical means caused advancement of said fastener drive plate to eject said lowermost fastener into the medium and generally medially of the interface.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
235 words
A surgical apparatus for attaching at least two adjacent end portions of a medium such as cutaneous body tissue, which comprises: a) a pair of opposed jaws; b) body tissue engaging means extending from each jaw and facing said opposed jaw and adapted to engage the respective opposed portions of the medium whereby movement of said jaws toward each other causes said two end portions of the medium to be displaced toward each other and engage at the interface thereof so as to assume an irregular shape whereby a fastener member may be directed generally medially of said medium interface to thereby attach the opposed portions of the medium; c) a cartridge positioned proximally of said jaws and adapted for storing a plurality of rod-like fasteners biased toward a fastener ejecting opening; d) mechanical means operatively associated with said jaws for approximating said jaws toward each other; e) manually operable actuating means operatively associated with said mechanical means for actuating said mechanical means to move said jaws toward each other; f) a fastener drive plate positioned proximally of the lowermost fastener; and g) a member associated with said jaw approximating means and adapted to engage said fastener drive plate when said jaws are approximated into adjacent relation whereby further actuation of said mechanical means caused advancement of said fastener drive plate to eject said lowermost fastener into the medium and generally medially of the interface.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 28, wherein said fastener drive plate is fabricated of metal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 29, wherein said metal has super elastic properties.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 30, wherein said actuating means comprises a pair of handles.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
89 words
A surgical fastening apparatus for attaching two adjacent portions of body tissue comprising: a) means for storing at least one elongated rod-like fastener; b) resilient means associated with said storing means for biasing said at least one elongated rod-like fastener toward a fastener ejection position; c) a flexible strap-like member disposed proximally of said storing means and movable between a first position and a second position to advance said rod-like fastener; and d) means for altering the direction of said elongated fastener prior to insertion into the body tissue.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
89 words
A surgical fastening apparatus for attaching two adjacent portions of body tissue comprising: a) means for storing at least one elongated rod-like fastener; b) resilient means associated with said storing means for biasing said at least one elongated rod-like fastener toward a fastener ejection position; c) a flexible strap-like member disposed proximally of said storing means and movable between a first position and a second position to advance said rod-like fastener; and d) means for altering the direction of said elongated fastener prior to insertion into the body tissue.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
47 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a plate-like ejection means proximal of said at least one elongated rod-like fastener having an elongated member attached thereto and movable therewith from a first position to a second position to eject said at least one elongated rod-like fastener.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 33, wherein said means for altering the direction is an arcuate opening through which said elongated fastener passes.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a surgical apparatus for attaching at least two adjacent end portions of body tissue, the improvement in combination therewith comprising: a) a pair of tissue approximation means each having dual pairs of sharp tissue engaging tips for holding the adjacent end portions of tissue in approximation; b) actuating means operatively associated with said tissue holding means; c) means adjacent and actuated by said actuation means for moving said tissue holding means to approximate and hold the end portions of body tissue in approximation with each other; d) means adjacent and actuable by said actuating means for advancing an elongated fastener member along a path at least a portion of which is non-linear so as to direct said fastener member into the end portions and attach the end portions together; and e) stabilizer means disposed alongside said tissue holding means to facilitate positioning and orienting said tissue approximation means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a surgical apparatus for attaching at least two adjacent end portions of body tissue, the improvement in combination therewith comprising: a) a pair of tissue approximation means each having dual pairs of sharp tissue engaging tips for holding the adjacent end portions of tissue in approximation; b) actuating means operatively associated with said tissue holding means; c) means adjacent and actuated by said actuation means for moving said tissue holding means to approximate and hold the end portions of body tissue in approximation with each other; d) means adjacent and actuable by said actuating means for advancing an elongated fastener member along a path at least a portion of which is non-linear so as to direct said fastener member into the end portions and attach the end portions together; and e) stabilizer means disposed alongside said tissue holding means to facilitate positioning and orienting said tissue approximation means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 35, wherein said stabilizer means substantially surrounds said tissue holding means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 36, wherein said stabilizer means is a plate-like member having a rectangular configuration.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
13 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 37, wherein said rectangular configuration is substantially square.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
The surgical apparatus of claim 38, wherein said non-linear path is arcuate.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
184 words
A surgical fastener cartridge for use with a surgical apparatus for attaching body tissue, said surgical fastener cartridge comprising: a) a plurality of substantially straight rod-like fasteners; b) carrying means for holding said plurality of rod-like fasteners in laterally stacked, contacting relation, said fasteners defining a generally longitudinal axis extending therethrough and the lowermost fastener being positioned adjacent an opening which permits sequential ejection of said fasteners in a direction generally in line with said longitudinal axis; c) at least one resilient member having one end attached to said carrying means, the other end positioned to permit said resilient member to apply resilient spring force against said stack of fasteners; and d) follower means positioned at the upper end of said stack of fasteners and cooperating with a free end of said resilient member to move said fasteners transversely toward said fastener ejection opening, said resilient member providing a resilient force to bias said follower means and said fasteners toward said fastener ejection opening, said resilient member biasing said follower means against said plurality of fasteners to retain said fasteners in their contacting relationship.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
184 words
A surgical fastener cartridge for use with a surgical apparatus for attaching body tissue, said surgical fastener cartridge comprising: a) a plurality of substantially straight rod-like fasteners; b) carrying means for holding said plurality of rod-like fasteners in laterally stacked, contacting relation, said fasteners defining a generally longitudinal axis extending therethrough and the lowermost fastener being positioned adjacent an opening which permits sequential ejection of said fasteners in a direction generally in line with said longitudinal axis; c) at least one resilient member having one end attached to said carrying means, the other end positioned to permit said resilient member to apply resilient spring force against said stack of fasteners; and d) follower means positioned at the upper end of said stack of fasteners and cooperating with a free end of said resilient member to move said fasteners transversely toward said fastener ejection opening, said resilient member providing a resilient force to bias said follower means and said fasteners toward said fastener ejection opening, said resilient member biasing said follower means against said plurality of fasteners to retain said fasteners in their contacting relationship.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 40, wherein said fasteners are diagonally stacked to each other and the centers of said fasteners define a line angled relative to the longitudinal axis of said fasteners.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
The surgical fastener cartridge of claim 41, wherein said follower is adapted to move within a diagonally oriented slot in a support member adjacent said stack of fasteners.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surgical fastener cartridge according to claim 42, wherein said rod-like fasteners are composed of a bioabsorbable material.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
178 words
A method of attaching two portions of cutaneous body tissue adjacent an opening with an apparatus having means for holding two portions of body tissue together and actuating means adapted to actuate transmission means for displacing said body tissue holding portions toward each other, comprising the steps of: a) positioning said body tissue holding means generally centrally over the body tissue by inserting alignment means between the two portions of body tissue; b) manually gripping said actuating means and causing said actuating means to actuate said transmission means so as to move said body tissue holding means toward each other; c) approximating the two portions of body tissue; d) ejecting an elongated rod-like fastener along a path which intersects longitudinally with the approximated portions of body tissue so as to penetrate the approximated body tissue to attach the two portions together; e) repeating steps a) through d) to attach the portions of body tissue together adjacent the first two portions; and f) repeating steps a) through e) until the body tissue portions adjacent the entire opening are attached.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
178 words
A method of attaching two portions of cutaneous body tissue adjacent an opening with an apparatus having means for holding two portions of body tissue together and actuating means adapted to actuate transmission means for displacing said body tissue holding portions toward each other, comprising the steps of: a) positioning said body tissue holding means generally centrally over the body tissue by inserting alignment means between the two portions of body tissue; b) manually gripping said actuating means and causing said actuating means to actuate said transmission means so as to move said body tissue holding means toward each other; c) approximating the two portions of body tissue; d) ejecting an elongated rod-like fastener along a path which intersects longitudinally with the approximated portions of body tissue so as to penetrate the approximated body tissue to attach the two portions together; e) repeating steps a) through d) to attach the portions of body tissue together adjacent the first two portions; and f) repeating steps a) through e) until the body tissue portions adjacent the entire opening are attached.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of attaching two portions of body tissue comprising: a) positioning an apparatus adjacent an opening between the body tissue portions; b) aligning said apparatus relative to the opening by inserting an alignment pin attached thereto into the opening; c) positioning a stabilizer platform attached thereto against the body tissue to facilitate orienting and positioning the apparatus in predetermined fashion; d) inserting a first rod-like fastener into a region formed by the abutment of the two body tissue portions; e) placing the apparatus in position adjacent the inserted fastener; f) inserting another rod-like fastener; and g) repeating steps c) and d) to place a linear row of fasteners one at a time along the length of the opening.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of attaching two portions of body tissue comprising: a) positioning an apparatus adjacent an opening between the body tissue portions; b) aligning said apparatus relative to the opening by inserting an alignment pin attached thereto into the opening; c) positioning a stabilizer platform attached thereto against the body tissue to facilitate orienting and positioning the apparatus in predetermined fashion; d) inserting a first rod-like fastener into a region formed by the abutment of the two body tissue portions; e) placing the apparatus in position adjacent the inserted fastener; f) inserting another rod-like fastener; and g) repeating steps c) and d) to place a linear row of fasteners one at a time along the length of the opening.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-02-13 | 1998-08-15 | 1999-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-08-15 | 2003-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-02-13 | 2006-08-15 | 2007-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |