Title of Invention

A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ADAPTED FOR APPLYING A PLURALITY OF SURGICAL FASTENERS TO BODY TISSUE

Abstract This invention relates to a surgical instrument (20) adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue, the surgical instrument (20) comprising; a frame (81) having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle (21) positioned at the proximal end and an end effector (80) positioned at the distal end; the end effector (80) being shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge housing (121) and an anvil (122) being relatively movable between a first spaced apart positioned and a second positioned in close approximation with one another, and the cartridge housing (121) comprises a knife (126) adapted for cutting tissue by moving between the cartridge housing (121) and the anvil (122); a firing mechanism (26,27) associated with the end effector (80) and the cartridge housing (121) for selective actuation; and a tissue retention feature (160) associated with the cartridge housing (121) and anvil (122), the tissue retention feature comprising an upper pin (125) and a lower pin (124) maintaining tissue within the end effector (80) during treatment, wherein the upper and lower pins (125, 124) respectively comprise slots (147a, 147b) associated with the knife (126) for guiding it between the cartridge housing (121) and the anvil (122).
Full Text BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to surgical stapling and cutting instruments adapted
for use in the diagnosis and therapy of pathologies treated by stapled resection. More
particularly, the invention relates to a guided knife for use in a surgical stapling and cutting
instrument.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Surgical stapling and cutting instruments are commonly utilized in the diagnosis
and treatment of pathologies treated by stapled resection. Surgical stapling and cutting
instruments provide a mechanism to extend the transluminal exploitation of
mechanical suturing devices introduced via the anal canal, mouth, stomach and service
accesses. Although surgical stapling and cutting instruments are most commonly
utilized with rectal pathologies, surgical stapling and cutting instruments may be used
in a variety of environments.
Over time, surgical stapling and cutting instruments, in particular, curved
surgical stapling and cutting instruments, have been developed. These instruments
generally include a support frame, an anvil attached to the support frame and a
cartridge housing carrying a plurality of staples. The instruments also include a driver


within the cartridge housing which pushes all of the staples out simultaneously into the
anvil to form the staples to a generally B-shape suturing tissue together. In addition,
these instruments include approximation mechanisms for moving the cartridge
housing from a spaced position from the anvil to accept tissue therebetween to a
closed position where the tissue is clamped between the anvil and the cartridge
housing. Finally, the instruments include a firing mechanism for moving the driver
forward to form the staples against the anvil.
Current surgical stapling and cutting devices have a centrally located knife with
at least one staple row on each side of the knife. It is desirable to obtain a complete
cut with no or minimal tagging (thin strands of tissue joining the two sides of the cut)
when the instrument is actuated. The knife of the surgical stapling and cutting
instrument is advanced in conjunction with the staples of the instrument as it is fired.
The knife penetrates a plastic cutting washer during the final stroke. This penetration
cuts any tissue between the knife and the washer.
However, this happens only if the knife is aligned with the washer. As such, a
system for aligning the washer with the knife is needed. Such a device would ensure
quality cuts and minimize tagging by keeping the tissue within the arc of the knife and
between the washer and the knife. The present invention provides such a guided knife
structure.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the linear surgical stapler in accordance with
the present invention.
Figure 2 is perspective view of the linear surgical stapler with the cartridge
module removed.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the linear surgical stapler with the cartridge
housing moved to an intermediate position.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the linear surgical stapler with the cartridge
housing moved to a closed position.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the linear surgical stapler with the firing trigger
in a firing position.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the cartridge module.
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the cartridge module with the retainer
secured thereto.
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the cartridge module with the retainer
removed.
Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the cartridge module showing the cartridge
housing slot in substantial detail.
Figures 10, 11 and 12 show the assembly of the retainer.


Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the linear surgical stapler in an
unactuated orientation.
Figure 14 is a exploded view of the pin actuation mechanism.
Figure 15 is a partial cross sectional view of the linear surgical stapler with the
closure trigger slighdy retracted.
Figure 16 is a partial cross sectional view of the linear surgical stapler with the
closure trigger nearly fully retracted.
Figure 17 is a partial cross sectional view of the linear surgical stapler with die
closure trigger fully retracted.
Figure 18 is a partial cross sectional view of the linear surgical stapler with the
firing trigger and closure trigger fully retracted.
Figure 19 is partial cross sectional view of the linear surgical stapler after the
surgeon depresses the release button.
Figure 20 is a partial cross sectional view of the linear surgical stapler upon
release of the closure and firing triggers without returning to an intermediate detent
position.
Figure 21 -29 show the insertion of a cartridge module and the removal of the
retainer.


Figures 30-38 show the various steps involved in the actuation of the present
linear surgical stapler.
Figures 39 and 40 are detailed front views of the cartridge housing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It
should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary
of the invention, which may be embothed in various forms. Therefore, the details
disclosed herein arc not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for
teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.
With reference to the various figures, a surgical instrument 20 adapted for
applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue is disclosed. The instrument
includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle 21 positioned at
the proximal end and an end effector 80 positioned at the distal end. The end effector
80 is shaped and dimensioned for supporting a cartridge housing 121 and an anvil 122,
the cartridge housing 121 and anvil 122 being relatively movable between a first spaced
apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another. The
cartridge housing 121 includes a knife 126 adapted for cutting tissue by moving
between the cartridge housing 121 and the anvil 122. The surgical instrument 20
further includes a firing mechanism associated with the end effector 80 and the
cartridge housing 121 for selective actuation. The instrument 20 also includes a tissue
retention feature associated with the cartridge housing 121 and anvil 122, the tissue
retention including an upper pin and a lower pin maintaining tissue within the end


effector during treatment, wherein the upper and lower pins respectively include slots
associated with the knife 126 for guiding it between the cartridge housing 121 and the
anvil 122.
Referring to FIGURE 1 in combination with FIGURES 2 to 5, there is shown a
surgical stapling and cutting instrument, in particular, a linear surgical stapler 20 which
is designed to staple and cut tissue. The linear surgical stapler 20 has a handle 21 at a
first proximal end and an end effector 80 at an opposite distal end. The end effector
80 is curved in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Right and left hand structural plates (often called "handle plates") 34, 35, respectively,
connect the handle 21 to the end effector 80 of the instrument (the left hand handle
plate is not shown in FIGURE 1). The handle 21 has a right hand shroud 22 coupled
to a left hand shroud (the left hand shroud is not shown in FIGURE 1). The handle
21 also has a body portion 23 to grip and maneuver the linear surgical stapler 20 (see
FIGURES 2 to 5).
The end effector 80 is a surgical fastening assembly that includes a cartridge
module 120 (see FIGURES 6 to 9) and a U-shaped supporting structure 81. The distal
end 30 of a closure member 28 is disposed to receive the cartridge module 120. The
end effector 80 also includes a safety lockout mechanism 180 (best seen in FIGURE
31) for preventing the firing of a previously fired cartridge module 120. The cartridge


module 120 contains a cartridge housing 121 coupled to an anvil 122. The cartridge
module 120 also includes a retaining pin 125, a knife 126, a removable retainer 160, a
tissue contacting surface 127 which displays a plurality of staple-containing slots 128 in
staggered formation in one or more rows (that is, staple lines) on either side of the
knife 126. Staples (not shown) are fired from the cartridge housing 121 against staple-
forming surface 129 of the anvil 122 that faces the tissue-contacting surface 127 of the
cartridge housing 121.
As will become apparent based upon the following disclosure, the present linear
surgical stapler 20 is designed as a multiple firing device with a replaceable cartridge
module 120. However, it should be understood that many of the underlying concepts
of the present invention may be equally applied in single firing devices without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The supporting structure 81 of the end effector 80 is respectively attached to
the right and left handle plates 34, 35, by a shoulder rivet 82 and posts 83 which
extend from the supporting structure 81 into receiving holes in the handle plates 34,
35. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
supporting structure 81 is formed via a single piece construction. More specifically,
the supporting structure 81 is formed by extrusion, for example, of aluminum, with
subsequent machining to create the supporting structure 81 disclosed in accordance


- with the present invention. By constructing the supporting structure 81 in this
manner, multiple parts are not required and the associated cost of manufacture and
assembly is substantially reduced. In addition, it is believed the unitary structure of the
supporting structure 81 enhances the overall stability of the present linear surgical
stapler 20. In addition, the unitary extruded structure of the supporting structure 81
provides for a reduction in weight, easier sterilization since cobalt irradiation will
effectively penetrate the extruded aluminum and less trauma to tissue based upon the
smooth outer surface achieved via extrusion.
The handle 21 of the linear surgical stapler 20 includes a hand grip 24 which the
surgeon grasps with the palm of his hand (see FIGURES 2 to 5). The hand grip 24 is
composed of a right hand shroud handle 25 (see FIGURE 1) and a left hand shroud
handle (the left hand shroud handle is not shown in FIGURE 1). Pivotally extending
from the underside of the handle 21 are a closure trigger 26 and a firing trigger 27.
The linear surgical stapler 20 illustrated in FIGURE 1 is shown with the closure and
firing triggers 26, 27 in their unactuated positions and widi a cartridge module 120
inserted and the retainer 160 removed. Consequently, the cartridge housing 121 is
spaced from the anvil 122 for the placement of tissue between the cartridge housing
121 and the anvil 122.


The handle 21 of the linear surgical stapler 20 contains a tissue retaining pin
actuation mechanism 100. The tissue retaining pin actuation mechanism 100 includes
a saddle shaped slide 101 positioned on the top surface of the handle 21. Manual
movement of me slide 101 results in distal movement of die push rod 102. The push
rod 102 is coupled to the retaining pin 125 of the cartridge module 120. The distal
movement or proximal retraction of the push rod 102 results in corresponding
movement of the retaining pin 125. The retaining pin actuation mechanism 100 is
also releasably coupled to the closure trigger 26 within the handle 21 such that
actuation of the closure trigger 26 will result in automatic distal movement of the
retaining pin 125 if it has not already been manually moved to its most proximal
position.
Referring briefly to FIGURES 2 to 5, there is illustrated what happens when the
cartridge module 120 is loaded and the closure and firing triggers 26, 27 arc
sequentially squeezed toward the hand grip 24 to actuate the end effector 80 of the
linear surgical stapler 20. The linear surgical stapler 20 is loaded with the cartridge
module 120, as shown in FIGURE 2, and the retainer 160 is removed. The linear
surgical stapler 20 is now ready to receive tissue as shown in FIGURE 1.
When the closure trigger 26 is partially squeezed to rest in its first detent
position shown in FIGURE 3, the cartridge housing 121 moves from its fully opened


position to an intermediate position between the open and closed positions as
discussed below in greater detail. Simultaneously, the tissue retaining pin actuation
mechanism 100 moves the retaining pin 125 forward from the cartridge housing 121
through an opening in the anvil 122. In this position, tissue which has been placed
between the cartridge housing 121 and the anvil 122 can be properly positioned, and
the retention of the tissue between the cartridge housing 121 and the anvil 122 is
assured. Therefore, when the closure trigger 26 has been actuated to its intermediate
position, the cartridge housing 121 and anvil 122 are correspondingly positioned in
their tissue retaining positions.
When the closure trigger 26 is fully squeezed so that it is adjacent the forward
end of the hand grip 24, as illustrated in FIGURE 4, the tissue contacting surface 127
of the cartridge housing 121 and the staple-forming surface 129 of the anvil 122 are
adjacent to each other, and the properly positioned and retained tissue is consequently
fully clamped. Additionally, the firing trigger 27 has rotated counterclockwise toward
(lie handgrip 24 to enable the surgeon to grasp the firing trigger 27 for the firing of
staples. Accordingly, the firing trigger 27 is now in position for the surgeon to squeeze
it to staple and cut the tissue. When the firing trigger 27 has been fully squeezed to
fire the staples, as shown in FIGURE 5, the firing trigger 27 rests in near proximity to
the closure trigger 26.


Referring now to FIGURES 6 to 9, a more detailed description of the cartridge
module 120 is presented. The present cartridge module 120 provides a cutting and
sealing mechanism for utilization within the linear surgical stapler 20 wherein the
stapling and cutting functions operate in the same direction during device actuation.
Although the present cartridge module 120 is particularly adapted for use in
conjunction with linear surgical stapling devices, the concepts of the present cartridge
module 120 may be applied to other surgical devices without departing from the spirit
of the present invention. In particular, the present cartridge module 120 provides that
the knife 126 be utilized in conjunction with a corresponding washer 123 during the
cutting process. The present cartridge module 120 ensures that multiple firings of the
linear surgical stapler 20 will not compromising cutting performance. This is
accomplished by incorporating the anvil 122, in particular, the cutting washing 123,
with the cartridge module 120. By combining the washer 123 with the cartridge
module 120, a new washer 123 is provided each time the cartridge module 120 is
replaced, resulting in improved cutting performance..
Enhanced performance is further provided by positioning the anvil 122 and the
cartridge housing 121 parallel such that they move relative to each other with the
facing surfaces of the anvil 122 and the cartridge housing 121 maintained in a parallel
orientation. This provides for an even distribution of pressure across the tissue,


preventing squeezing of the tissue in a manner which might bunch the tissue and force
portions of the tissue out of the desired spaced defined between the anvil 122 and the
cartridge housing 121.
More specifically, the cartridge module 120 includes a cartridge housing 121
that contains a plurality of staples (not shown) positioned in staple-containing slots
128. Immediately behind the staples is disposed a driver 131 which is disposed to
push the staples out of the staple slots 128. A knife holder 130 is disposed
immediately proximal of the driver 131 in the cartridge housing 121. The knife holder
130 contains a slot 172 and ledge 173 for interaction with a knife retractor hook 45
(see FIG. 37) the function of which will be discussed below in greater. The knife
holder 130 is attached to a knife 126 that extends distally from the knife holder 130
through a slot 200 in the driver 131 and through a slot 199 in the cartridge housing
121.
The knife holder 130 has a detent post 138 that extends through a slot 137 in
the cartridge housing 121. The knife holder detent post 138 is disposed to contact
detent protrusion 139 of the cartridge slot 137 during the longitudinal travel of the
knife 126 and the knife holder 130. Similarly, the driver 131 has a detent post 140 that
is disposed to contact proximal and distal detent protrusions 141, 142, respectively, of
the cartridge slot 137.


The knife 126 and slots 199, 200 are positioned such that there is at least one
row of staples on cither side of the knife 126. In accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, two rows of staple slots 128 (and two rows of
staples) are provided on each side of the slot 199 of the cartridge housing 121.
The cartridge housing 121 contains two generally circular openings 143, 144 at
cither end of the knife slot 199. The general circular opening 143 at the base of the
cartridge housing 121 is shaped and dimensioned for the passage of a guide pin 124
through the cartridge housing 121. The generally circular hole 144 at the top of the
cartridge housing 121 is shaped and dimensioned for the passage of a retaining pin 125
through the cartridge housing 121. The staple slots 128 are arranged such that the
staples laterally extend past the generally circular holes 143, 144.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the anvil
122 includes a plastic washer 123 and a metallic staple-forming surface 129. The anvil
122 is disposed to maintain staple-forming surface 129 in a matching configuration.
The retaining pin 125 is connected to a coupler 133 by a circumferential slot 135 in the
retaining pin 125 and a groove 134 in the coupler 133 (best seen in FIGURE 14).
The coupler 133 is disposed within an arm 145 of the cartridge housing 121 and is held
into the arm 145 by an end cap 146.


The guide pin 124 and retaining pin 125 include respective slots 147a, 147b
(best seen in FIGURES 8, 9, 36, 39 and 40) into which the ends 126a, 126b of the
knife 126 are disposed. The guide pin 124 proximal end 148 is connected to the
proximal end 149 of the anvil 122. The distal end 150 of the guide pin 124 extends
from the cartridge housing 121 and extends through a slot 151 of the anvil 122. A
cutting washer 123 slips onto the anvil 122 by means of a groove 152 on the anvil 122
that fits under a tongue 153 on the washer 123. The opposite end 154 of the cutting
washer 123 slips under the anvil arm 155 and is pinned to the anvil arm 155 by a pin
156. In this position, the cutting surface 157 of the washer 123 extends up through a
slot 151 of the anvil 122. The assembly of the cutting washer 123 to the anvil 122
traps the guide pin 124 into the opening formed by the anvil slot 151 and the cutting
surface 157, thereby, operatively connecting the anvil 122 to the cartridge housing 121.
The retainer 160 is attached to the cartridge module 120 as shown in FIGURE 7 to
hold the components of the cartridge module 120 in a desired orientation until
insertion into the end effector 80.
Turning to FIGURES 6 to 12 in combination with FIGURES 25 to 29, the
retainer 160 will be described in more detail. The retainer 160 has a groove 161 that is
disposed around a protrusion 159 of the cartridge housing 121. The retainer 160
contains a resilient inner spring arm 162 that is disposed for reciprocating movement


within the retainer 160. The retainer 160 includes containment slots 163 which extend
partially around the guide pin 124. The spring arm 162 includes containment slots
164 which extend partially around the guide pin 124, but are configured to face in an
opposing direction to the containment slots 163. The retainer 160 is positioned onto
the cartridge module 120 such that the containment slots 163, 164 surround the guide
pin 124 and trap the retainer 160 onto the cartridge module 120. The spring arm 162
includes a disengagement tab 165 which extends down from the retainer 160 below the
anvil arm 155. As such, the retainer 160 is not easily removed from the cartridge
module 120 until the cartridge module 120 is properly seated within the end effector
80. Upon proper seating of the cartridge module 120 within the end effector 80, the
disengagement tab 165 engages the end effector 80 for release of the retainer 160.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, and with
reference to FIGURES 8, 9, 36, 39 and 40, upper and lower round pins, that is, the
retaining pin 125 and the guide pin 124, extend between the close fitting circular
openings 143,144 of cartridge housing 121 and the anvil 122. Therefore, the guide
pin 124 and the retaining pin 125 keep the cartridge housing 121, the anvil 122 and
washer 123 aligned. The guide pin 124 and retaining pin 125 are provided with slots
147a, 147b and the knife rides in the slots 147a, 147b of the guide pin 124 and the
retaining pin 125. In this way, the knife 126 extends the complete extent of the


distance between the guide pin 124 and the retaining pin, and, in fact, extends slightly
beyond the distance between the guide pin 124 and the retaining pin 125 because the
knife ends 126a, 126b sit within the slots 147a, 147b of the guide ping 124 and the
retaining pin 125.
As mentioned above, the retaining pin 125 function in much the same manner
as traditional retaining pins in retaining tissue within the end effector 80 prior to
actuation of the staple driver 131 and firing bar 43 of the linear surgical stapler 20.
With this in mind, the retaining pin 125 is controlled for movement between the
cartridge housing 121 and the anvil 122. Movement of the retaining pin 125 is
discussed below in greater detail with reference to FIGURES 13 and 14.
The combination of the slots 147a, 147b, as well as the retaining pin 125 and
guide pin 124, extending from the cartridge housing 121 to the washer 123 and anvil
122 ensures that the knife 126 will accurately hit the washer 123 for clean cutting of
the tissue. The guide pin 124 is permanently extended through the cartridge housing
121, anvil 122 and washer 123. The retaining pin 125 is retractable and is only
advanced from the cartridge housing 121 and into the washer 123 and anvil 122 after
tissue has been inserted into the end effector 80 of the linear surgical stapler 20.
Advancement of the retaining pin 125 traps the tissue between the retaining pin
125 and the guide pin 124. The retaining pin 125 and the guide pin 124 are pressed


against the washer 123, as shown in FIGURE 32, which keeps the tissue between the
knife 126 and the washer 123. As a result, advancement of the knife 126 along the
slots 147a, 147b of the retaining pin 125 and the guide pin 124 results in cutting of the
trapped tissue. Tagging is further minimized by the fact that the knife extends past the
ends of the washer 123 and into slots 147a, 147b in the retaining pin 125 and the guide
pins 124.
It is desirable to minimize the clearance between the knife width and the slot
width, and to maximize the distance the knife 126 extends into the slots on the
retaining pin 125 and the guide pin 124. While round pins have been described in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pins could be
replaced by any slotted pin shape without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. For example, and in accordance with an alternate embodiment, the pins
may be L-shaped and provide a guided rail for the moving blade.
The present knife guide structure enhances cutting of the tissue by assuring
alignment of the knife 126 and the cutting washer 123 while the knife 126 is advancing
from the cartridge housing 121 into the washer 123. In addition, the knife guide
structure allows for the minimization of tissue tags by trapping tissue in the cutting
zone and allowing the knife 126 to extend past the ends of the washer 123.


Referring once again to FIGURE 1 in combination with FIGURE 2 and
FIGURE 13, a more detailed description of the components of the linear surgical
stapler 20 is provided. The linear surgical stapler 20 includes an elongated closure
member 28, with a generally U shaped cross section, extending from the handle 21
into the surgical fastening assembly of the end effector 80. In accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the closure member 28 is a molded
plastic member shaped for movement and functionality in accordance with the present
invention. By manufacturing the closure member 28 from plastic, manufacturing costs
are reduced and the weight of the linear surgical stapler 20 is also reduced. In
addition, the linear surgical stapler 20 is easier to sterilize with cobalt irradiation as
plastic is easier to penetrate than stainless steel. In accordance with an alternate
embodiment, the closure member may be made from extruded aluminum with the
final features machined into place. While an extruded aluminum closure member
might not be as easy to manufacture as the plastic component, it would still have the
same advantages (i.e., elimination of components, easier to assemble, lower weight,
easier to sterilize).
The distal portion of the closure member 28 passes through the walls 84 of the
supporting structure 81. The distal end is disposed to receive and retain the cartridge
housing 121 of the cartridge module 120. The central portion of the closure member


.28 is positioned between the right and left handle plates 34, 35, respectively. Right
and left hand closure links 36, 37, respectively, are pivotally attached at the right and
left proximal ends of the closure member 28 by a first integral closure link pin 38. At
the opposite end of the closure links 36, 37, the closure links 36, 37 are pivotally
attached to a second integral closure link pin 39. The second integral closure link pin
39 connects the closure links 36, 37 to a slotted closure arm link 40. The slotted
closure arm link 40 is pivotally mounted to the handle plates 34, 35 of the linear
surgical stapler 20 at a closure trigger pivot pin 41. The closure trigger 26 descends
from the slotted closure arm link 40 for pivotal rotation about the closure trigger pivot
pin 41 toward and away from the handgrip 24. A closure spring 42 housed within the
hand grip 24 of the handle 21 is secured to the slotted closure arm link 40 to provide a
desired resistance when the surgeon squeezes the closure trigger 26 toward the handle
grip 24, and to bias the closure trigger 26 toward the open position.
Referring to FIGURES 13 and 14, the components of the retaining pin
actuation mechanism 100 will now be described. The handle 21 contains a saddle
shaped slide 101 mounted on top of the handle 21 for linear motion. The slide 101 is
connected to a post 103 that extends outward from a push rod driver 104 through
slots 105 (see FIGURE 2) in the handle 21. The push rod driver 104 is restrained for
longitudinal movement along the long axis of the linear surgical stapler 20 by slots


- 105. The push rod driver 104 is connected to the push rod 102 by a circumferential
groove 107 on the push rod 102 that snaps into a slot 108 of the push rod driver 104.
The distal end of the push rod 102 contains a circumferential groove 109 that
interconnects with a groove 132 in the proximal end of the coupler 133 of the
cartridge module 120 (best seen in FIGURE 22). The distal end of the coupler 133
contains a groove 134 for interconnecting with a circumferential slot 135 on the
retaining pin 125.
The closure member 28 contains posts 29 which extend laterally on both sides
of the closure member 28 inside the handle 21. These posts 29 slidably connect to an
L-shaped slot 110 of a yoke 111. The yoke 111 is pivo tally mounted to the handle 21
by a pivot pin 112 on the yoke 111. The yoke 111 contains cam pins 113 positioned
to push camming surfaces 114 on the push rod driver 104.
Referring to FIGURE 13 and FIGURE 37, the components of the firing
transmission assembly will now be described. The firing transmission assembly has an
elongated firing bar 43 extending from the handle 21 into the surgical fastening
assembly of the end effector 80. The firing bar 43 is positioned within the U shaped
cross section of the closure member 28. The distal end of the firing bar 43 extends
into the cartridge housing 121 and is positioned just proximally of the knife holder 130
and driver 131. The distal end of the firing bar 43 is attached to a knife retractor 44


'that has a knife retraction hook 45.
The firing bar 43 has a rectangular receiving slot 46 in that portion of the firing
bar 43 that is housed within the handle 21 (see FIGURE 13). The first integral closure
link pin 38 extends through the receiving slot 46. The firing bar 43 also has a proximal
end section 47. The underside of the proximal end section 47 of the firing bar 43 has
a sliding surface 48. The proximal end section 47 also has a terminal side engagement
surface 49 extending from the sliding surface 48. The firing trigger 27 is pivotally
mounted to the handle plates 34, 35 by a firing trigger pivot pin 50 spaced from the
closure trigger pivot pin 41 so that each of the pivot pins pivot about mutually
independent axes. The firing trigger 27 includes an arcuate firing trigger link 51
extending from the firing trigger 27 at the firing trigger pivot pin 50 to an apex 52
which rests on the sliding surface 48 of the proximal end section 47 of the firing bar
43. Within the handle 21, the firing trigger 27 is attached to first and second firing
trigger spring arms 53, 54, respectively. The firing trigger spring arms 53, 54 support a
torsion spring (not shown) on the right half of the firing trigger 43. Finally, a firing
bar return spring 55 is secured to the underside of the firing bar 43 at that portion of
the firing bar 43 within the handle 21 to bias the firing bar 43 toward its unactuated
position.
When the closure trigger 26 is squeezed toward the handgrip 24, the slotted


closure arm link 40 and the closure links 36, move distally within the receiving slot 46
of the firing bar 43. This distal movement causes the closure member 28 to
correspondingly move distally. likewise, the firing bar 43 concurrently moves distally
with the closure member 28 because the first integral closure link pin 38, to which the
closure links 36, 37 are attached, extends through the receiving slot 46 in the firing bar
43.
The mechanism which defines an intermediate closure detent position and the
release of the closure trigger 26 from an actuated position to its original unactuated
position will now be described in connection with FIGURE 1 in combination with
FIGURES 13-20. The top side of the slotted closure arm link 40 has a clamp sliding
surface 56 that displays an intermediate detent 57 and a closure detent 58. A release
pall 59 slides on the clamp sliding surface 56 and may engage the intermediate and
closure detents 57, 58. The release pall 59 has a laterally extending pall lug 60 (best
seen in FIGURE 1) at its distal end. The release pall 59 is located within the handle 21,
and it is integrally attached to a release button 61 situated exteriorly of the handle 21.
The release button 61 has a thumb rest 62, and the release button 61 is pivotally
attached to the handle 21 by a release trunnion 63. The release button 61 is biased
outwardly from the handle 21 and, therefore, the release pall 59 is biased downwardly
toward the clamp sliding surface 56 by a release spring 64 which is mounted to the


handle 21 by a spring retention pin 65 and mounted to the release button 61 by a
button spring post 66. The slotted closure arm link 40 has an arcuate recess 67 located
between the intermediate and closure detents 57, 58. Sitting within this arcuate recess
67 for rotational movement are a left hand toggle 68 integrally connected to a right
hand toggle (the right hand toggle is not shown). Each toggle 68 has a toggle arm 69
that is engageable with the pall lug 60. The pall lug 60 has a concave proximal surface
70 to provide clearance between the toggle arm 69 and the pall lug 60.
Referring to FIGURE 31 (cut away view into cartridge and supporting
structure), the components of the fired device lockout mechanism 180 will now be
described. The lockout mechanism 180 contains a lockout lever 181 that is pivotally
mounted to the distal end 30 of the closure member 28 by a pin 182. The lockout
lever 181 is spring biased down toward the base of supporting structure 81 by a spring
(not shown). The lockout lever 181 contains a proximal and distal end 184,185,
respectively. The proximal end 184 has a cam surface 186 and locking groove 187.
The supporting structure 81 of the end effector 80 contains a ledge 85 that is disposed
to interact with locking groove 187 when the lockout mechanism 180 is engaged. The
supporting structure 81 contains a base surface 86 between walls 84. The base surface
86 is disposed to interact with cam surface 186 when the lockout lever 181 is not
engaged.


The operation of loading the cartridge module 120, the closure mechanism, the
retaining pin mechanism, the firing transmission assembly, the intermediate and
closure detents 57, 58, the release mechanism, and the lockout mechanism 180 will
now be described. Referring to FIGURES 7 to 12 and FIGURES 21 to 28 the
loading of the cartridge module 120 into the tissue end effector 80 is described. The
cartridge module 120 is shaped and dimensioned for selective insertion and removal
from the tissue end effector 80 of the linear surgical stapler 20.
Prior to insertion of the cartridge module 120 into the end effector 80 of the
linear surgical stapler 20, as seen in FIGURE 7, the retainer 160 can not easily be
removed from the cartridge module 120 as the groove 161 is disposed around the
protrusion 159 at the top end of the retainer 160 preventing disconnection. Further,
the containment slots 163, 164 of the retainer are disposed around the guide pin 124 at
the bottom of the retainer 160 preventing disconnection as shown in FIGURE 25.
The attached retainer 160 provides support to the structure of the cartridge
module 120 and an extended surface area for gripping, both features making loading
easier. The retainer 160 also prevents staples from dislodging from the cartridge
housing 121 during casual handling and prevents the knife 126 from accidental
exposure during casual handling.


Knife 126 movement and staple movement are further resisted prior to loading
and during loading by a series of detents. Referring to FIGURE 9, detent post 138 on
the knife holder 130 is prevented from proximal and distal movement by the detent
protrusion 139 on the cartridge housing slot 137. The driver 131 is prevented from
distal movement due to casual handling and during loading of the cartridge module
120 into the linear surgical stapler 20 by the interaction of the detent post 140 and the
detent protrusion 141 on the cartridge housing slot 137.
The cartridge module 120 is loaded into the tissue effector 80 such that the
cartridge housing 121 slips into the distal end 30 of the closure member 28 as seen in
FIGURES 21 to 24. Walls 31a and 31b on the closure member 28 slip into slots 170a,
170b of the cartridge housing 121 during loading. Simultaneously, tabs 174 (See
FIGURE 8) slip into groove 88 of the U-shaped supporting structure 81. Loading of
the cartridge module 120 is completed when the detents 171 snap onto the detent
groove 32 of the closure member distal end 30, as shown in FIGURES 21 to 24.
In the position shown in FIGURE 24, the cartridge module 120 is fully loaded
and the proximal groove 132 of the coupler 133 has engaged the distal circumferential
groove 109 of the push rod 102 such that the retaining pin 125 in the cartridge module
120 has been connected to the retaining pin advancement mechanism 100. The slot
172 of knife holder 131 engages the knife retraction hook 45 during loading such that


*the hook 45 has engaged the retraction ledge 173 on the knife holder 130 at the
completion of the cartridge module 120 loading.
At the completion of the cartridge module 120 loading a post 188 positioned on
driver 131 contacts the distal end 185 of the lockout lever 181 (see FIGURE 31). This
contact pivots the lockout lever 181 about the lockout lever pin 182 to a position such
that the camming surface 186 is horizontally aligned with the base surface 86 of the U
shaped supporting structure 81.
The retainer 160 can now be removed from the end effector 80. Specifically,
completion of loading the cartridge module 120 causes the disengagement tab 165 to
contact the supporting structure 81 (See FIGURE 23), resulting in an upward
movement of the spring arm 162 when the cartridge module 120 is fully loaded as in
FIGURE 24. This upward movement displaces containment slots 164 upward such
that the guide pin 124 is no longer contained (see FIGURES 25 and 26). Referring
now to FIGS 27 to 29, a removal force applied to the thumb pad 166 results in the
retainer 160 pivoting outward about protnasion 159 until the groove 161 is able to slip
off protrusion 159. Removal of the retainer 160 allows for the loaded stapler 20 to be
utilized.
In FIGURE 15, the closure trigger 26 has been partially squeezed from its opea,
unactuated position illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 13. When the closure trigger 26 is


partially squeezed, it pivots about the closure trigger pivot pin 41 in a
counterclockwise direction toward the handgrip 24. As it pivots, the slotted closure
arm link 40 and closure plate closure links 36, 37 move forwardly, consequendy
moving the closure member 28 and firing bar 43 distally. As the slotted closure arm
link 40 moves forwardly, the pall lug 60 of the release pall 59 slides on the clamp
sliding surface 56. The pall lug 60 engages the distal ends of the toggle arms 69 of the
toggles 68, and consequendy pivots the toggles 68 in a clockwise direction. As the
slotted arm closure link 40 continues to move forwardly in response to the pivotal
movement of the closure trigger 26 toward the handgrip 24, the pall lug 60 of the
release pall 59 will eventually lodge into the intermediate detent 57. Once positioned
in the intermediate detent 57, the closure spring 42 is incapable of returning the
closure trigger 26 to its original, unactuated position. The closure trigger 26 is now in
its intermediate, partially closed position, to properly position and retain tissue
between the cartridge housing 121 and anvil 122, as shown in FIGURE 15. In
addition, as the closure member 28 and firing bar 43 move distally, the apex 52 of the
arcuate firing trigger link 51 slides on the sliding surface 48 of the proximal end
section 47 of the firing bar 43.
During the closing stroke from the open to the intermediate position the
retaining pin mechanism 100 is activated. Forward movement of the closure member


28 moves the integral posts 29 distally. The posts 29 contact the L-shaped slot 110 of
the yoke 111. Hence, distal movement of the posts 29 cam the L-shaped slot 110
causing the yoke to pivot around pins 112. The rotation brings bearing posts 113 on
the yoke 111 into contact with camming surfaces 114 on the push rod driver 104.
Further rotational movement of the yoke 111 causes bearing posts 113 to move the
push rod driver 104 distally through camming contact on surfaces 114. The push rod
driver 104 contacts the push rod 102, moving the push rod 102 distally. The push rod
102, in turn, moves the coupler 133 and retaining pin 125 distally. Completion of the
closing stroke to the intermediate detent 57 position results in the retaining pin 125
moving distally through the hole 144 of the cartridge housing 121, the slot of the anvil
151, the hole in the washer 170 and into the hole 89 (not shown) in the supporting
structure 81. Tissue, which was disposed between the contact surface 127 of the
cartridge housing 121 and the anvil 122, is now trapped between retaining pin 125 and
the guide pin 124.
This same result can be obtained prior to closing by manual distal movement of
saddle slide 101. Slide movement will result in forward movement of the push rod
102, coupler 133 and retaining pin 125 until the retaining pin 125 is fully disposed
through the anvil 122, washer 123 and hole 89 in the supporting structure 81.
Activation of the closing stroke after the retaining pin 125 has been manually moved


I forward would still result in the rotation of the yoke 111 as described above but
without any additional movement of the retaining pin actuation mechanism 100.
The closing stroke from the open to the intermediate detent 57 position moves
the lockout lever 181 distally as it is attached to closure member 28 by the pin 182 as
shown in FIGURE 31 (open) and FIGURE 32 (intermediate position). Distal
movement of the lockout lever 181 causes the camming surface 186 to contact the
lockout ledge 85 of the support 81, resulting in the lockout lever 181 rotating
clockwise and coming to slidable contact with base surface 86 of supporting structure
81. In this position, the distal end 185 of the lockout lever 181 has rotated away from
post 188 on driver 131.
Referring now specifically to FIGURE 16, when the closure trigger 26 is
squeezed toward the handgrip 24 from the intermediate detent 57 position, the toggle
arms 69 of the toggle 68 disengage from the pall lug 60. Consequently, as the toggle
68 continues to rotate in a clockwise direction, the release pall lug 60 rides up the
toggle arms 69 and with continued motion of the closure trigger 26 falls into the
closure detent 58. As the release pall 59 rides up the toggle arm 69 it rotates the
release button 61 clockwise around pivot 63. As the release pall 60 falls into closure
detent 58, it makes an audible clicking sound alerting the surgeon that closure position
has been reached.


In addition, as the firing bar 43 continues to move forwardly, the apex 52 of the
arcuate firing trigger link 51 comes into contact with the side engagement surface 49 of
the proximal end section 47 of the firing bar 43. Consequently, the firing trigger 27 is
moving into a position where it can continue to move the firing bar 43 distally to fire
staples after the tissue has been fully clamped. When the apex 52 of the arcuate firing
trigger link 51 moves into engagement with the engagement surface 49 of the proximal
end section 47, the firing trigger 27 begins to pivotally rotate in a counterclockwise
direction toward the hand grip 24 in response to the action of a torsion spring on the
right hand side of the trigger 27 (torsion spring not shown). The firing trigger 27
pivots independently of the pivotal movement of the closure trigger 26, but its pivotal
rotation is blocked until the firing bar 43 has moved distally to enable engagement of
the firing trigger link 51 with the terminal engagement surface of the firing bar 43.
Turning specifically to FIGURE 17, when the closure trigger 47 has been fully
squeezed and it is adjacent the handgrip 24, the pall lug 60 at the distal end of the
release pall lodge 59 into the closure detent 58. In the closure detent 58 position, the
tissue has been fully clamped between the cartridge housing 121 and anvil 122, and the
closure spring 42 is incapable of returning the closure trigger 26 to its original position.
Therefore, the closure trigger 26 is retained in the position shown in FIGURE 4.
Concurrendy widi (lie counterclockwise motion of the closure trigger 26, the


firing trigger 27 continues to rotate counterclockwise by the action of the torsion firing
bar return spring 55 until the firing trigger 27 is in a relatively vertical orientation with
respect to the handle 21 of the linear surgical stapler 20. In the fully clamped position,
the apex 52 of the arcuate firing trigger link 51 has fully engaged the engagement
surface of the proximal end section 47 of the firing bar 43 and, therefore, the firing
trigger 27 is in a position to further move the firing bar 43 distally to fire staples into
the tissue.
In the fully closed position the staple pockets 128 of the cartridge housing 121
are aligned with the staple-forming surface 129 of the anvil 122 as shown in FIGURE
33. The retaining pin 125 has aligned the top of the anvil 122 and the cartridge
housing 121 and the guide pin 124 has aligned the bottom of the cartridge housing 121
with the bottom of the anvil 122.
As illustrated in FIGURE 18 and FIGURE 34, the firing trigger 27 can be
squeezed to pivotally rotate it toward the hand grip 24 until it is positioned adjacent
the closure trigger 26. During the pivotal rotation of the firing trigger 27, the firing
bar 43 moves distally, contacts the knife holder 130. The resulting distal movement of
the knife holder 130 results in contact with the knife 126 and driver 131. Distal
movement of the driver 131 results in the staples (not shown) to be distally advanced
into the staple forming surfaces 129 of the anvil 122 resulting in staple formation of a


generally B shape. The knife 126 distally advances in slots 147 of the guide pin 124
and the retaining pin 125 in conjunction with staple formation. These slots 147 guide
the knife 126 onto the cutting surface 157 of cutting washer 123 resulting in the
transection of any tissue caught between.
Release of manual pressure to the firing trigger 27 results in the firing bar return
spring 55 to retract the firing bar 43 and returns the firing trigger 27 to the position
shown in FIGURE 17. This movement results in the retraction hook 45 to retract on
the retraction ledge 173 on the knife holder 130 and knife 126. The resulting proximal
movement retracts the knife 126 into the cartridge housing 121 as shown in FIGURE
35. Detent post 138 on the knife holder 130 retracts into engagement with the detent
139 on the cartridge housing 121 to hold the knife holder 130 and knife 126 in this
retracted position. The driver 131 is retained in its distal most (fired) position by
engagement of the detent post 140 on the driver 131 engaging detent 142 of the
cartridge slot 137.
Should there be an interference on the knife 126, as from the user cutting into
another surgical instrument by mistake, such that the force from the firing bar return
spring 55 is insufficient to retract the firing bar 43 and thus retract the knife 126 into
the cartridge housing 121, the user can manually retract the cutting system by pulling
clockwise on the firing trigger 27. The manual clockwise movement causes the arcuate


firing trigger link 51 to rotate clockwise until it strikes a firing bar retraction tab 71 on
the proximal end 47 of the firing bar 43. The contact between the clockwise moving
arcuate firing trigger link 51 and the firing bar retraction tab 71 cause the firing bar 43
to retract ptoximally and return to the position shown in FIGURE 17. This in turn
causes the retraction hook 45 to retract on the retraction ledge 173 on the knife holder
130 and knife 126. Thus, this safety feature allows for the user to retract the cutting
mechanism to a safe position and return the firing system to a position that would
allow the linear surgical stapler 20 to be opened as will now be described.
Referring to FIGURE 19, when the surgeon depresses the release button 61,
the release pall 59 pivots about the release trunnion 63 in a clockwise direction to
dislodge the pall lug 60 from the closure detent 58 position. As it is dislodged, the pall
lug 60 rides on the toggle arms 69 to bypass the intermediate detent position 57 on
clamp link 40. In this manner, the closure and firing triggers 26, 27 can return to their
original, unactuated positions in response to the bias created from the closure spring
42 and firing bar return spring 55. When the pall lug rides 60 on the toggle arms of
the toggles 68, the toggle arms 69 rotate counterclockwise as the closure and firing
triggers 26, 27 rotate in a clockwise direction to return to their original unactuated
positions. Therefore, the surgeon can release the closure and firing triggers 26, 27 so
that they can return to the positions illustrated in FIGURE 20 without unnecessarily


returning to the intermediate detent 57 position.
The release of the linear surgical stapler 20 to the open position shown in
FIGURE 20 causes the closure member 28 and the attached lockout lever 181 to
retract to the full open position as shown in FIGURE 36. In this position the post
188 on the driver 131 is no longer disposed to hold down the lockout lever distal end
185. The driver 131, as described above, has been detented into place in the forward
position by post 140 and the cartridge detent 142. Hence, when the lockout lever
181, whose proximal end 184 slides along support arm surface 86, is fully retracted it is
now free to rotate counter-clockwise and drop lockout groove 187 below ledge 85 on
the U-shaped supporting structure 81. The lockout lever 181 will remain in this
position when the cartridge module 120 is removed as shown in FIGURE 37.
Any future attempt to close the linear surgical stapler 20 which has been fired
will result in the lockout groove 187 hooking into the ledge 85 as shown in FIGURE
38, supplying feedback to the user of a previously fired device. This same feature will
engage if the retainer 160 has been removed prior to loading and the cartridge module
120 has been misloaded without the cartridge module 120 being in the right position.
In this case the driver post 188 would not be in the right position to move lockout
lever 181 into the position to be cammed up onto surface 86 as described above.
Similarly, a cartridge module 120 which has already been fired would also not release


the lockout mechanism 180. It is important to note that there is closure stroke travel
allowed in the lockout mechanism 180 prior to engagement of the lockout groove 187
hooking into the ledge 85. This travel indicates to the user that the device is not
jammed due to some malfunction as might be the reaction if the lockout mechanism
180 had no travel. Hence, the user knows that the device is not jammed but
incorrectly loaded when the lockout mechanism engages.
After release of the device back to the open position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2,
the retaining pin mechanism 100 must be manually retracted by pulling proximally on
saddle 101. The retraction causes the retaining pin 125 to retract back into the cartridge
housing 121. At the completion of the manual retraction the fired cartridge module 120
can be unloaded and replaced with a new cartridge module 120.
While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be
understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is
intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and
scope of the invention.


WE CLAIM
1. A surgical instrument (20) adapted for applying a plurality of surgical
fasteners to body tissue, the surgical instrument (20) comprising :
a frame (81) having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle (21)
positioned at the proximal end and an end effector (80) positioned at the
distal end;
the end effector (80) being shaped and dimensioned for supporting a
cartridge housing (121) and an anvil (122) being relatively movable
between a first spaced apart positioned and a second positioned in close
approximation with one another, and the cartridge housing (121)
comprises a knife (126) adapted for cutting tissue by moving between the
cartridge housing (121) and the anvil (122);
a firing mechanism (26,27) associated with the end effector (80) and the
cartridge housing (121) for selective actuation; and
a tissue retention feature (160) associated with the cartridge housing
(121) and anvil (122), the tissue retention feature comprising an upper
pin (125) and a lower pin (124) maintaining tissue within the end effector
(80) during treatment, wherein the upper and lower pins (125, 124)
respectively comprise slots (147a, 147b) associated with the knife (126)
for guiding it between the cartridge housing (121) and the anvil (122).

2. The surgical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper pin (125)
is a retaining pin.
3. The surgical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower pin (124)
is a guide pin.
4. The surgical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and
lower pins (125, 124) extend between the cartridge housing (121) and the
anvil (122).


This invention relates to a surgical instrument (20) adapted for applying a
plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue, the surgical instrument (20)
comprising; a frame (81) having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle
(21) positioned at the proximal end and an end effector (80) positioned at the
distal end; the end effector (80) being shaped and dimensioned for supporting a
cartridge housing (121) and an anvil (122) being relatively movable between a
first spaced apart positioned and a second positioned in close approximation with
one another, and the cartridge housing (121) comprises a knife (126) adapted
for cutting tissue by moving between the cartridge housing (121) and the anvil
(122); a firing mechanism (26,27) associated with the end effector (80) and the
cartridge housing (121) for selective actuation; and a tissue retention feature
(160) associated with the cartridge housing (121) and anvil (122), the tissue
retention feature comprising an upper pin (125) and a lower pin (124)
maintaining tissue within the end effector (80) during treatment, wherein the
upper and lower pins (125, 124) respectively comprise slots (147a, 147b)
associated with the knife (126) for guiding it between the cartridge housing
(121) and the anvil (122).

Documents:

880-KOL-2004-(09-02-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

880-KOL-2004-(09-02-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

880-kol-2004-abstract.pdf

880-kol-2004-assignment.pdf

880-kol-2004-claims.pdf

880-kol-2004-correspondence.pdf

880-kol-2004-correspondence1.1.pdf

880-kol-2004-description (complete).pdf

880-kol-2004-drawings.pdf

880-kol-2004-examination report.pdf

880-kol-2004-examination report1.1.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 1.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 18.1.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 18.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 2.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 26.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 3.1.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 3.pdf

880-kol-2004-form 5.pdf

880-KOL-2004-FORM-27.pdf

880-kol-2004-gpa.pdf

880-kol-2004-granted-abstract.pdf

880-kol-2004-granted-claims.pdf

880-kol-2004-granted-description (complete).pdf

880-kol-2004-granted-drawings.pdf

880-kol-2004-granted-form 1.pdf

880-kol-2004-granted-form 2.pdf

880-KOL-2004-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

880-kol-2004-granted-specification.pdf

880-KOL-2004-OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT.pdf

880-kol-2004-others.pdf

880-kol-2004-reply to examination report.pdf

880-kol-2004-reply to examination report1.1.pdf

880-kol-2004-specification.pdf

880-kol-2004-translated copy of priority document.pdf

880-kol-2004-translated copy of priority document1.1.pdf


Patent Number 248997
Indian Patent Application Number 880/KOL/2004
PG Journal Number 38/2011
Publication Date 23-Sep-2011
Grant Date 20-Sep-2011
Date of Filing 30-Dec-2004
Name of Patentee ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY INC.
Applicant Address 4545 CREEK ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 PETER WUKUSICK 20157 FIVE POINT ROAD, BATESVILLE, INDIANA 47006
2 RICHARD SCHWEMBERGER 8250 EAGLE CREEK ROAD, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45247
3 RICHARD SMITH 1493 GREYSTONE COURT, MILFORD, OHIO 45150
4 MICHAEL KRUSZYNSKI 1410 CHELTENHAM DRIVE, LOVELAND, OHIO 45140
5 ANTHONY NGUYEN 3900 BELFAST AVENUE, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45236
6 WILLIAM KELLY 4886 ELIZABETH COURT, MASON, OHIO 45040
PCT International Classification Number A61B 17/04
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/532,913 2003-12-30 U.S.A.