WO2023225809A1

WO2023225809A1 - Surgical stapling device with cartridge module having shipping cap

Info

Publication number: WO2023225809A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/094522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gainan SUN; Zhaokai Wang
Original assignee: Covidien Lp
Priority date: 2022-05-23
Filing date: 2022-05-23
Publication date: 2023-11-30

Abstract

Surgical stapling device (10) includes a reload assembly (22) including a cartridge module (30) and a shipping cap (32). The shipping cap (32) includes structure to obstruct removal of the shipping cap (32) from the cartridge module (30) until after the cartridge module (30) is installed onto the stapling device (10).

Description

SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE WITH CARTRIDGE MODULE HAVING SHIPPING CAP

FIELD

The disclosure is generally related to surgical stapling devices and, more particularly, to surgical stapling devices that include replaceable cartridge modules with shipping caps.

BACKGROUND

Surgical stapling devices for applying rows of staples through compressed living tissue are known in the art and are commonly used for closure of tissue or organs prior to transection or resection of the tissue and for occlusion of the organs during thoracic or abdominal procedures. These stapling devices often include a tool assembly that has a cartridge assembly and an anvil that are coupled together and movable in relation to each other between unclamped and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly may be replaceable to facilitate reuse of the stapling device.

Typically, the stapling device includes the tool assembly, an approximation assembly for supporting the cartridge assembly and moving the cartridge assembly in relation to the anvil between the unclamped and clamped positions, and a drive member or thrust bar for ejecting staples from the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a staple pusher, staples, a cartridge body defining a plurality of staple pockets for receiving the staples, and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position in response to advancement of the thrust bar to advance the staple pusher within the cartridge body to eject the staples from the staple pockets, and to advance a knife blade of the knife assembly from a first position shielded within the body to a second position extending from the body.

Typically, replaceable cartridge assemblies are stored and shipped separately from the stapling device and are secured to the approximation assembly immediately prior to use of the stapling device. To maintain the pusher, staples, and knife blade in retracted positions within the cartridge body during storage and shipping of the cartridge assembly, it is common to have a shipping cap secured to the cartridge assembly. When the shipping cap is removed from the cartridge assembly prematurely, the staples and knife may become exposed and pose a danger to a clinician.

A continuing need exists in the art for a shipping cap for a surgical stapling device that prevents premature removal of the shipping cap from the cartridge assembly.

SUMMARY

Aspects of this disclosure generally relate to a surgical stapling device including a reload assembly including a cartridge module and a shipping cap. The shipping cap includes structure to obstruct removal of the shipping cap from the cartridge module until after the cartridge module is installed onto the stapling device.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a reload assembly including a cartridge module and a shipping cap. The cartridge module includes a cartridge assembly, a guide member, and an anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body having a distal surface defining a knife slot and staple pockets positioned adjacent the knife slot. The guide member includes a body having a longitudinally extending leg and a transversely extending leg. The transversely extending leg has a distal surface and a proximal surface. The anvil is supported on the proximal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member and has a proximal surface that faces the distal surface of the cartridge body. The cartridge assembly is movable along the longitudinally extending leg of the guide member in relation to the anvil between clamped and unclamped positions. The shipping cap is releasably coupled to the cartridge module and includes a first cap portion and a second cap portion. The first cap portion is pivotally coupled to the second cap portion by a living hinge to facilitate movement of the shipping cap between an open position and a closed position. The first cap portion defines a first window and includes a stop member, a first cover plate positioned along a first side of the first window, and a second cover plate spaced from the first cover plate positioned along a second side of the first window. The second cap portion defines a second window and includes a latch member, a third cover plate positioned along a first side of the second window, and a fourth cover plate spaced from the third cover plate positioned along a second side of the second window. When the shipping cap is releasably secured to the cartridge module, the first and third cover plates are positioned over the proximal surface of the anvil, the second and fourth cover plates are positioned over the distal surface of the cartridge body, and the stop member is engaged with the latch member to obstruct movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position to retain the shipping cap on the cartridge module.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a shipping cap that includes a first cap portion and a second cap portion. The first cap portion is pivotally coupled to the second cap portion by a living hinge to facilitate movement of the shipping cap between an open position and a closed position. The first cap portion defines a first window and includes a first cover plate positioned along a first side of the first window and a second cover plate spaced from the first cover plate positioned along a second side of the first window. The first cap portion includes a stop member. The second cap portion defines a second window and includes a third cover plate positioned along a first side of the second window and a fourth cover plate spaced from the third cover plate positioned along a second side of the second window. The second cap portion includes a latch member. The shipping cap is configured to be releasably secured to a cartridge module of a stapling device. When the shipping cap is in the closed position about a cartridge module of a stapling device, the first and third cover plates are positioned to cover an anvil of the cartridge module, the second and fourth cover plates are positioned to cover the cartridge body of the stapling device, and the stop member is engaged with the latch member to obstruct movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position.

In aspects of the disclosure, the latch member is movable from a first position engaged with the stop member to a second position disengaged from the stop member to facilitate movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the second cap portion includes a locking member that is movable from an engaged position engaged with the latch member to a disengaged position disengaged from the latch member to facilitate movement of the latch member from the first position of the latch member to the second position of the latch member.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the distal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member defines a channel and an opening that communicates with the channel, and the locking member has a tab that extends through the opening into the channel when the shipping cap is in the closed position.

In aspects of the disclosure, the tab of the locking member includes a cam surface that is positioned within the channel of the transversely extending leg of the guide member when the shipping cap is in the closed position.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the cam surface is positioned to engage an end effector frame of a stapling device when the reload assembly is installed onto the end effector frame to move the locking member to the disengaged position.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the latch member includes a post, a blocking member on one side of the post, and a grip member on an opposite side of the post, and the blocking member is engaged with the stop member when the latch member is in the first position.

In aspects of the disclosure, the latch member is positioned within the second window of the second cap portion and can be pulled outwardly from the second window to disengage the blocking member from the stop member.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the stop member extends through the second window of the second cap portion when the shipping cap is in the closed position.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the shipping cap is molded as a unitary construct from a polymeric material.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a surgical stapling device including an elongate body, an approximation assembly, and an end effector. The elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and the approximation assembly includes a distal portion having a cartridge carrier. The end effector includes an end effector frame and a reload assembly. The end effector frame is secured to the distal portion of the elongate body and includes a distal transverse portion, a proximal transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion that is coupled to the distal and proximal transverse portions to define a pocket. The cartridge carrier is positioned within the cartridge carrier. The reload assembly is supported on the cartridge carrier and includes a cartridge module and a shipping cap. The cartridge module includes a cartridge assembly, a guide member, and an anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body having a distal surface defining a knife slot and staple pockets positioned adjacent the knife slot. The guide member includes a body having a longitudinally extending leg and a transversely extending leg. The transversely extending leg has a distal surface and a proximal surface, and the anvil is supported on the proximal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member. The anvil has a proximal surface that faces the distal surface of the cartridge body. The cartridge assembly is movable along the longitudinally extending leg of the guide member in relation to the anvil between clamped and unclamped positions. The shipping cap is releasably coupled to the cartridge module and includes a first cap portion and a second cap portion. The first cap portion is pivotally coupled to the second cap portion by a living hinge to facilitate movement of the shipping cap between an open position and a closed position. The first cap portion defines a first window and includes a first cover plate positioned along a first side of the first window and a second cover plate spaced from the first cover plate positioned along a second side of the first window. The first cap portion includes a stop member. The second cap portion defines a second window and includes a third cover plate positioned along a first side of the second window and a fourth cover plate spaced from the third cover plate positioned along a second side of the second window. The second cap portion includes a latch member. When the shipping cap is releasably secured to the cartridge module, the first and third cover plates are positioned over the proximal surface of the anvil, the second and fourth cover plates are positioned over the distal surface of the cartridge body, and the stop member is engaged with the latch member to obstruct movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position to retain the shipping cap on the cartridge module.

In aspects of the disclosure, the distal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member defines a channel and an opening that communicates with the channel, and the locking member has a tab that extends through the opening into the channel when the shipping cap is in the closed position.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the tab of the locking member includes a cam surface that is positioned within the channel of the transversely extending leg of the guide member when the shipping cap is in the closed position, and the cam surface positioned to engage the distal transverse portion of the end effector frame when the reload assembly is installed on the cartridge carrier and the end effector frame to move the locking member to the disengaged position.

Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a surgical stapling device according to the aspects of the disclosure with a reload assembly of an end effector of the stapling device separated from a cartridge assembly carrier of the stapling device;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the reload assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the reload assembly shown in FIG. 2 with the shipping cap separated from the cartridge module;

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view from the proximal end of the cartridge module of the reload assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view from a second side of the shipping cap of the reload assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view from a first side of the shipping cap of the reload assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken through section line 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of the shipping cap shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the reload assembly shown in FIG. 5 as the shipping cap is installed on the cartridge module;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the reload assembly shown in FIG. 5 with the shipping cap installed on the cartridge module;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the end effector of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the reload assembly installed onto the cartridge carrier;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken through a portion of the end effector as the shipping cap is removed from the cartridge module; and

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the end effector of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with the shipping cap removed from the cartridge module and the surgical stapling device in a pre-fired, unclamped position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed surgical stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician during use of the device in its customary fashion, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician during use of the device in its customary fashion; the term “endoscopic” is used generally to refer to endoscopic, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or any other procedure conducted through a small diameter incision or cannula; and the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel. In addition, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, and similar terms are used to assist in understanding the description and are not intended to limit the disclosure.

The disclosed surgical stapling device includes a reload assembly including a cartridge module and a shipping cap. The reload assembly is releasably coupled to the stapling device and is replaceable to facilitate reuse of the stapling device. The shipping cap includes structure to obstruct removal of the shipping cap from the cartridge module until after the cartridge module is installed on the stapling device.

FIG. 1 illustrates the disclosed surgical stapling device shown generally as stapling device 10. The stapling device 10 includes a handle assembly 12, an elongate body portion 14 that defines a longitudinal axis “X” , and an end effector 16. The handle assembly 12 includes a stationary handle 18 and a pivotable trigger 19 that is movable in relation to the stationary handle 18 through one or more actuation strokes. The end effector 16 includes an end effector frame 20 that is secured to a distal portion of the elongate body portion 14 and a reload assembly 22. The end effector frame 20 includes a distal transverse portion 20a, a proximal transverse portion 20b, and a longitudinal portion 20c that is coupled to the distal and proximal

transverse portions

20a and 20b, respectively, to form a U-shape that defines a pocket 20d. The stapling device 10 also includes an approximation assembly 24 and a thrust bar 26 that extend from the handle assembly 12 to the end effector 16. The approximation assembly 24 has a distal portion that forms a cartridge carrier 24a. The cartridge carrier 24a and a thrust bar 26 are movable within the pocket 20d of the end effector frame 20 between retracted and advanced positions in response to movement of the pivotable trigger 16 through the one or more actuation strokes. The cartridge carrier 24a defines a curved channel 28 that receives the reload assembly 22 when the reload assembly 22 is installed onto the cartridge carrier 24a. For a detailed description of an exemplary stapling device including components identified above, see, e.g., WO 2021/022407 (hereinafter the “407 Application” ) .

FIGS. 2 to 3A illustrate the reload assembly 22 of the end effector 20 of the stapling device 10 which includes a cartridge module 30 and a shipping cap 32. The cartridge module 30 includes a cartridge assembly 34, a guide member 36, and an anvil 37 (FIG. 3A) that is supported on the guide member 36 of the cartridge module 30. The anvil 37 includes a proximally facing surface that defines staple forming pockets 37a (FIG. 3A) . The cartridge assembly 34 includes a cartridge body 38 that has a distal surface that defines a knife slot 40 (FIG. 3) and staple pockets 42 that are positioned on each side of the knife slot 40. In aspects of the disclosure, the staple pockets 42 are aligned in curved rows on each side of the knife slot 40, e.g., two or more rows. Alternately, other configurations of staple pockets 42 are envisioned. In aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge body 38 has a curved configuration although other configurations are envisioned.

The cartridge assembly 34 also includes an alignment pin assembly 46 (FIG. 3) , a knife assembly including a knife (not shown) , a pusher (not shown) , and staples (not shown) . The knife assembly (not shown) is coupled to the thrust bar 26 (FIG. 1) and is movable in response to movement of the thrust bar from a retracted position to an advanced position to advance the pusher and the knife to an advanced position within the cartridge body 38. The staples (not shown) are received within the staple pockets 42 of the cartridge body 38 and are engaged by the pusher when the pusher is moved to the advanced position to eject the staples from the cartridge body 38. When the knife assembly is moved to the advanced position, the knife (not shown) moves from a position shielded within the cartridge body 38 through the knife slot 40 (FIG. 3) of the cartridge body 38 towards the anvil 37 (FIG. 3A) to cut tissue clamped between the cartridge body 38 and the anvil 37. For a more detailed description of an exemplary cartridge assembly, see, e.g., the ‘407 Application.

The cartridge body 38 includes a proximally extending housing portion 44 that encloses the alignment pin assembly 46 (FIG. 3) . The alignment pin assembly 46 includes an alignment pin 48 that is selectively movable from a retracted position enclosed within the housing 44 to an advanced position extending from the housing 44 into an opening 47 (FIG. 3A) defined in the anvil 37. The alignment pin 48 extends between the cartridge assembly 34 and the anvil 37 to capture tissue between the distal surface of the cartridge body 38 and the proximal surface of the anvil 37 within the pocket 20d (FIG. 1) of the end effector frame 20.

The guide member 36 (FIG. 3) of the cartridge module 30 includes an L-shaped body having a longitudinally extending leg 50 and a transversely extending leg 52. The longitudinally extending leg 50 is coupled to one side of the cartridge body 38 and defines a track 50a (FIG. 3) along which the cartridge body 38 moves as the cartridge assembly 34 moves in relation to the anvil 37 between the unclamped and clamped positions. The transversely extending leg 52 of the guide member 36 is integrally formed with the longitudinally extending portion 50 of the guide member 36 and includes a proximal surface and a distal surface. The distal surface defines a channel 58 that receives a raised surface 60 (FIG. 1) of the distal transverse portion 20a of the end effector frame 20 when the cartridge module 30 is installed into the curved channel 28 of the cartridge carrier 24a. The raised surface 60 extends along the length of the distal transverse portion 20a of the end effector frame 20 and includes an end opposite to the longitudinal portion 20c of the end effector frame 20 having a radiused or angled surface 66. The proximal surface of the transverse portion 52 of the guide member 36 defines a second channel 59 (FIG. 3A) that receives the anvil 37 such that the anvil 37 faces the distal surface of the cartridge body 38. The transversely extending leg 52 of the guide member 52 has an end portion spaced from the longitudinally extending portion 50 of the guide member 36 that defines first and second openings 62 and 64 (FIG. 3) that extend through side walls of the guide member 36 and communicate with the first channel 58.

FIGS. 3-6A illustrate the shipping cap 32 which includes a first cap portion 70 and a second cap portion 72 that is pivotally connected to the first cap portion 70 by a hinge, e.g., a living hinge 74 (FIG. 3) . The first and

second cap portions

70 and 72 have curved configurations that correspond to the configuration of the cartridge body 38 and are pivotable about the cartridge module 30 between an open position (FIG. 3) and a closed position (FIG. 10) to releasably secure the shipping cap 32 to the cartridge module 30.

The first cap portion 70 includes a body having an upper wall 76, a lower wall 78 and side walls 80 that define a window 82. The upper wall 76 supports a first inwardly extending cover plate 84 that extends along an upper edge of the window 82 and the lower wall supports a second inwardly extending cover plate 86 that extends along a lower edge of the window 82. The first cap portion 70 includes an inwardly extending stop member 88 that is positioned near the hinge 74 and extends from the window 82 towards the second cap portion 72. In aspects of the disclosure, the stop member 88 has a substantially L-shaped body 88a that includes an angled portion 90. The upper wall 76 of the first cap portion 70 includes an inwardly extending tab 92 that is received within the first opening 62 (FIG. 3) of the transversely extending leg 52 of the guide member 36 of the cartridge module 30 when the shipping cap 32 is moved to the closed position (FIG. 10) about the cartridge module 30. In some aspects of the disclosure, the first cap portion 70 includes an extension plate 94 that extends downwardly from the lower wall 78 of the first cap portion 70 over an outer surface of one side of the cartridge body 38 (FIG. 2) when the shipping cap 32 is moved to the closed position (FIG. 10) about the cartridge module 30.

The second cap portion 72 of the shipping cap 32 also includes an upper wall 98, a lower wall 100 and side walls 102 that define a window 104. The upper wall 98 supports an inwardly extending cover plate 106 that extends along an upper edge of the window 104 and the lower wall 100 supports a second inwardly extending cover plate 108 that extends along a lower edge of the window 104. The lower cover plate 108 of the second cap portion 72 supports a latch member 109 that is positioned within the window 104 of the second cap portion 72. In aspects of the disclosure, the latch member 109 is pivotally supported on a post 110 that is integrally formed with the lower cover plate 108 and includes a grip portion 112 on one side of the post 110 and a blocking portion 114 on an opposite side of the post 110. In some aspects of the disclosure, an inner surface of the blocking portion 114 of the latch member 109 includes a catch member 116. The second cap portion 72 includes an extension plate 117 (FIG. 3) that extends downwardly from the lower wall 100 of the second cap portion 72 over an outer surface of the other side of the cartridge body 38 (FIG. 2) when the shipping cap 32 is moved to the closed position (FIG. 10) about the cartridge module 30.

The upper cover plate 106 of the second cap portion 72 supports a releasable locking member 120. In aspects of the disclosure, the locking member 120 is coupled to the upper cover plate 106 by a living hinge 122 and includes a tab 124 on one side of the living hinge 122 and a hook member 126a on an opposite side of the living hinge 122. The hook member 126a is supported on the end of a resilient arm 126 that is formed with the living hinge 122. The tab 124 is received within the first opening 62 (FIG. 3) of the transversely extending leg 52 of the guide member 36 of the cartridge module 30 and extends into the first channel 58 (FIG. 7) defined in the distal surface of the transversely extending leg 52 of the guide member 36 when the shipping cap 32 is moved to the closed position (FIG. 10) about the cartridge module 30. In aspects of the disclosure, the tab 124 includes a curved or angled cam surface 124a. The hook member 126a of the locking member 120 is positioned to engage the catch member 116 of the latch member 109 when the shipping cap 32 is moved to a closed position about the cartridge module 30 to obstruct movement of the catch member 116 from a blocking position to a release position as described in further detail below.

FIGS. 5-6A illustrate the shipping cap 32 in the open position before the shipping cap 32 is installed on the cartridge module 22. In the open, pre-installed position of the shipping cap 32, the catch member 116 on the blocking portion 114 of the latch member 109 of the second cap portion 72 is engaged with the hook member 126a on the end of the resilient member 126 of the locking member 120 of the second cap portion 72. Engagement between the hook member 126a and the catch member 116 obstructs outward movement of the latch member 109.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate the shipping cap 32 as the shipping cap 32 is installed onto the cartridge module 30. To install the shipping cap 32 onto the cartridge module 30, the second cap portion 72 of the shipping cap 32 is inserted between the proximal surface of the anvil 37 (FIG. 3A) and the distal surface of the cartridge body 38 of the cartridge assembly 34 such that the tab 124 of the locking member 120 is received within the opening 64 (FIG. 10) in the transversely extending leg 52 of the guide member 36 of the cartridge module 30. As described above, the tab 124 extends through the opening 64 and into the channel 58 defined by the transversely extending portion 52 of the guide member 36. When the second cap portion 72 of the shipping cap 32 is received between the proximal surface of the anvil 37 and the distal surface of the cartridge body 38 of the cartridge assembly 34, the cover plate 106 of the second cap portion 72 extends partially across the proximal surface of the anvil 37, and the cover plate 108 of the second cap portion 72 extends partially across the proximal surface of the cartridge body 38 of the cartridge assembly 34 (FIG. 7) to cover the staple pockets 42 of the cartridge body 38.

Once the second cap portion 72 of the shipping cap 32 is properly positioned on the cartridge module 30 as described above, the first cap portion 70 of the shipping cap 32 is pivoted about the living hinge 74 (FIG. 3) of the shipping cap 32 in the direction of arrow “A” in FIG. 8. As the first cap portion 70 is moved from the open position towards the closed position in the direction of arrows “A” in FIG. 9, the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88 of the first cap member 70 engages the hook member 126a of the locking member 120 to deflect hook member 126 of the locking member 120 and the blocking portion 114 of the latch member 109 of the second cap portion 72 outwardly in the direction of arrow “B” to allow the stop member 88 to pass by the blocking portion 114 of the latch member 109 and allow the first cap portion 70 to move in relation to the second cap portion 72 to the closed position. In aspects of the disclosure, the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88 includes a radiused outer surface 90a to allow the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88 to easily pass over the hook member 126a and the blocking portion 114 of the latch member 109.

When the first cap portion 70 of the shipping cap 32 is moved to the closed position, the cover plate 84 of the first cap portion 70 extends partially across the proximal surface of the anvil 37, and the cover plate 86 of the first cap portion 70 extends partially across the proximal surface of the cartridge body 38 of the cartridge assembly 34 (FIG. 7) to cover the staple pockets 42 of the cartridge body 38. The

cover plates

84, 86 of the first cap portion 70 and the

cover plates

106, 108 of the second cap portion 72 maintain separation of the cartridge assembly 34 and the anvil 37 by preventing movement of the cartridge assembly 34 along the guide member 36 of the cartridge module 30 towards the anvil 37. In addition, the

cover plates

86 and 108 of the first and

second cap portions

70 and 72 cover the distal surface of the cartridge body 38 to prevent staples from exiting from the staple pockets 42 of the cartridge body 42.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the reload assembly 22 with the shipping cap 32 coupled to the cartridge module 30. When the shipping cap 32 is moved to the closed position about the cartridge module 30, and the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88 moves past the blocking member 114 of the latch member 109, the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88 is positioned adjacent to the blocking member 114 of the latch member 109 to prevent outward movement of the latch member 109. As described above, the hook member 126a of the locking member 120 is engaged with the catch member 116 of the latch member 109 to prevent inward movement of the latch member 109. As such, the latch member 109 prevents movement of the shipping cap 32 to the open position to secure the shipping cap 32 to the cartridge module 30.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate the cartridge module 30 as the cartridge module 30 is installed onto the cartridge carrier 24a of the approximation assembly 24 (FIG. 1) of the stapling device 10.When the cartridge module 30 is installed onto the cartridge carrier 24a of the approximation assembly 24 (FIG. 1) , the channel 58 in the transversely extending leg 52 of the guide member 36 receives the raised surface 60 (FIG. 1) on the distal transverse portion 20a of the end effector frame 20. As the guide member 36 is slid onto the raised surface 60 of the distal transverse portion 20a of the end effector frame 20, the cam surface 124a of the tab 124 on the locking member 120 engages the radiused or angled surface 66 of the raised surface 60 of the end effector frame 20 such that the tab 124 is urged in the direction of arrows “C” in FIGS. 14 and 15. When the tab 124 is urged in the direction of arrows “C” , the resilient arm 126 of the locking member 120 is pivoted about the hinge 122 in the direction of arrow “D” in FIG. 15 to disengage the hook member 126a of the locking member 120 from the catch member 116 of the latch member 109. When the hook member 126a of the locking member 120 is disengaged from the catch member 116 of the latch member 109, the latch member 109 can be manually pivoted to disengage the latch member 109 from the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88 as described below.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate the shipping cap 32 as the shipping cap 32 is removed from the cartridge module 30. Once the latch member 109 is pivoted to disengage the latch member 109 from the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88, the grip portion 112 of the latch member 109 can be grasped and pulled in the direction of arrow “E” in FIG. 16 to pivot the catch member 116 of the latch member 109 out of engagement with the angled portion 90 of the stop member 88.Once this occurs, the second cap portion 72 of the shipping cap 32 can be pivoted away from the first cap portion 70 of the shipping cap 32 to move the shipping cap 32 from the closed position to the open position to release the shipping cap 32 from the cartridge module 30.

In aspects of the disclosure, the shipping cap 32 is of integral construction. In other aspects of the disclosure, the shipping cap is molded as a single construct from a suitable polymeric material. It is also envisioned that the first and second cap portions could be formed separately and joined together with hinges other than living hinges, e.g., the first and second cap portions may be pivotably coupled together with one or more pins.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosed stapling device. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspect of the disclosure may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosed ligation clip. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

A reload assembly comprising:

a cartridge module including a cartridge assembly, a guide member, and an anvil, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge body having a distal surface defining a knife slot and staple pockets positioned adjacent the knife slot, the guide member including a body having a longitudinally extending leg and a transversely extending leg, the transversely extending leg having a distal surface and a proximal surface, the anvil supported on the proximal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member and having a proximal surface that faces the distal surface of the cartridge body, the cartridge assembly being movable along the longitudinally extending leg of the guide member in relation to the anvil between clamped and unclamped positions; and

a shipping cap releasably coupled to the cartridge module and including a first cap portion and a second cap portion, the first cap portion pivotally coupled to the second cap portion by a living hinge to facilitate movement of the shipping cap between an open position and a closed position, the first cap portion defining a first window and including a first cover plate positioned along a first side of the first window and a second cover plate spaced from the first cover plate positioned along a second side of the first window, the first cap portion including a stop member, the second cap portion defining a second window and including a third cover plate positioned along a first side of the second window and a fourth cover plate spaced from the third cover plate positioned along a second side of the second window, the second cap portion including a latch member, wherein when the shipping cap is releasably secured to the cartridge module, the first and third cover plates are positioned over the proximal surface of the anvil, the second and fourth cover plates are positioned over the distal surface of the cartridge body, and the stop member is engaged with the latch member to obstruct movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position to retain the shipping cap on the cartridge module.
The reload assembly of claim 1, wherein the latch member is movable from a first position engaged with the stop member to a second position disengaged from the stop member to facilitate movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position.
The reload assembly of claim 2, wherein the second cap portion includes a locking member that is movable from an engaged position engaged with the latch member to a disengaged position disengaged from the latch member to facilitate movement of the latch member from the first position of the latch member to the second position of the latch member.
The reload assembly of claim 3, wherein the distal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member defines a channel and an opening that communicates with the channel, the locking member having a tab that extends through the opening into the channel when the shipping cap is in the closed position.
The reload assembly of claim 4, wherein the tab of the locking member includes a cam surface that is positioned within the channel of the transversely extending leg of the guide member when the shipping cap is in the closed position, the cam surface positioned to engage an end effector frame of a stapling device when the reload assembly is installed onto the end effector frame to move the locking member to the disengaged position.
The reload assembly of claim 2, wherein the latch member includes a post, a blocking member on one side of the post, and a grip member on an opposite side of the post, the blocking member being engaged with the stop member when the latch member is in the first position.
The reload assembly of claim 6, wherein the latch member is positioned within the second window of the second cap portion and can be pulled outwardly from the second window to disengage the blocking member from the stop member.
The reload assembly of claim 1, wherein the stop member extends through the second window of the second cap portion when the shipping cap is in the closed position.
The reload assembly of claim 1, wherein the shipping cap is molded as a unitary construct of a polymeric material.
A shipping cap comprising:

a first cap portion and a second cap portion, the first cap portion pivotally coupled to the second cap portion by a living hinge to facilitate movement of the shipping cap between an open position and a closed position, the first cap portion defining a first window and including a first cover plate positioned along a first side of the first window and a second cover plate spaced from the first cover plate positioned along a second side of the first window, the first cap portion including a stop member, the second cap portion defining a second window and including a third cover plate positioned along a first side of the second window and a fourth cover plate spaced from the third cover plate positioned along a second side of the second window, the second cap portion including a latch member, the shipping cap being configured to be releasably secured to a cartridge module of a stapling device, wherein when the shipping cap is in the closed position about a cartridge module of a stapling device, the first and third cover plates are positioned to cover an anvil of the cartridge module, the second and fourth cover plates are positioned to cover the cartridge body of the stapling device, and the stop member is engaged with the latch member to obstruct movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position.
The shipping cap of claim 10, wherein the latch member is movable from a first position engaged with the stop member to a second position disengaged from the stop member to facilitate movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position.
The shipping cap of claim 11, wherein the second cap portion includes a locking member that is movable from an engaged position engaged with the latch member to a disengaged position disengaged from the latch member to facilitate movement of the latch member from the first position of the latch member to the second position of the latch member.
The shipping cap of claim 12, wherein the locking member has an inwardly extending tab that defines a cam surface.
The shipping cap of claim 13, wherein the cam surface of the tab of the locking member is positioned to engage an end effector frame of a stapling device when a cartridge module to which the shipping cap is releasably coupled is installed onto the end effector frame to move the locking member to the disengaged position.
The shipping cap of claim 11, wherein the latch member includes a post, a blocking member on one side of the post, and a grip member on an opposite side of the post, the blocking member being engaged with the stop member when the latch member is in the first position.
The shipping cap of claim 15, wherein the latch member is positioned within the second window of the second cap portion and can be pulled outwardly from the second window to disengage the blocking member from the stop member.
The shipping cap of claim 10, wherein the stop member extends through the second window of the second cap portion when the shipping cap is in the closed position.
The shipping cap of claim 1, wherein the shipping cap is molded as a unitary construct of a polymeric material.
A surgical stapling device comprising:

an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion;

an approximation assembly including a distal portion having a cartridge carrier; and

an end effector including

an end effector frame secured to the distal portion of the elongate body, the end effector frame having a distal transverse portion, a proximal transverse portion, and a longitudinal portion that is coupled to the distal and proximal transverse portions to define a pocket, the cartridge carrier positioned within the cartridge carrier; and

a reload assembly supported on the cartridge carrier, the reload assembly including:

a cartridge module including a cartridge assembly, a guide member, and an anvil, the cartridge assembly including a cartridge body having a distal surface defining a knife slot and staple pockets positioned adjacent the knife slot, the guide member including a body having a longitudinally extending leg and a transversely extending leg, the transversely extending leg having a distal surface and a proximal surface, the anvil supported on the proximal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member and having a proximal surface that faces the distal surface of the cartridge body, the cartridge assembly being movable along the longitudinally extending leg of the guide member in relation to the anvil between clamped and unclamped positions; and

a shipping cap releasably coupled to the cartridge module and including a first cap portion and a second cap portion, the first cap portion pivotally coupled to the second cap portion by a living hinge to facilitate movement of the shipping cap between an open position and a closed position, the first cap portion defining a first window and including a first cover plate positioned along a first side of the first window and a second cover plate spaced from the first cover plate positioned along a second side of the first window, the first cap portion including a stop member, the second cap portion defining a second window and including a third cover plate positioned along a first side of the second window and a fourth cover plate spaced from the third cover plate positioned along a second side of the second window, the second cap portion including a latch member, wherein when the shipping cap is releasably secured to the cartridge module, the first and third cover plates are positioned over the proximal surface of the anvil, the second and fourth cover plates are positioned over the distal surface of the cartridge body, and the stop member is engaged with the latch member to obstruct movement of the shipping cap from the closed position to the open position to retain the shipping cap on the cartridge module.
The surgical stapling device of claim 19, wherein the distal surface of the transversely extending leg of the guide member defines a channel and an opening that communicates with the channel, and the locking member has a tab that extends through the opening into the channel when the shipping cap is in the closed position, wherein the tab of the locking member includes a cam surface that is positioned within the channel of the transversely extending leg of the guide member when the shipping cap is in the closed position, the cam surface positioned to engage the distal transverse portion of the end effector frame when the reload assembly is installed on the cartridge carrier and the end effector frame to move the locking member to the disengaged position.