Linear Staple with a Multi-Functional Retaining Pin Subassembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a linear stapler having a multi-functional retaining pin subassembly. The linear stapler comprises a handle stem connecting an anvil to a handle, and the retaining pin subassembly is movably supported on the handle stem and comprises a connecting cover having a retaining pin extending from the connecting cover. The present invention also provides a multi-functional retaining pin subassembly. The retaining pin subassembly can achieve cartridge alignment and tissue retention during the firing of the stapler and protect tissue from unintended damage.

1 . A linear stapler ( 1 ), comprising:
 a body ( 2 ) for supporting a cartridge ( 9 ) having one or more surgical staples, wherein the body ( 2 ) has a driver ( 15 ) for acting on the cartridge ( 9 ) to drive the surgical staples therefrom;   the body ( 2 ) has a handle stem ( 20 ) supporting an anvil ( 7 ) against which tissue can be pressed by the cartridge ( 9 ) for stapling; and   a retaining pin subassembly ( 10 ) movably supported on the handle stem ( 20 ), wherein the retaining pin subassembly ( 10 ) comprises a connecting cover ( 12 ) having a retaining pin ( 11 ) extending therefrom, the connecting cover ( 12 ) being capable of covering an opening of the handle stem ( 20 ).   
     
     
         2 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining pin ( 11 ) extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of slide of the connecting cover ( 12 ) but is off set upward therefrom 1 cm to 10 cm. 
     
     
         3 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining pin ( 11 ) extends in a direction aligned with a direction of slide of the connecting cover ( 12 ). 
     
     
         4 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the connecting cover ( 12 ) has a base ( 19 ) for the retaining pin ( 11 ). 
     
     
         5 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the connecting cover ( 12 ) has at its proximate end a push lever ( 13 ) extending at an angle from a sliding direction of the connecting cover ( 12 ). 
     
     
         6 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the connecting cover ( 12 ) is made of a metal material. 
     
     
         7 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of legs ( 14 ) extends downwardly from the connecting cover ( 12 ). 
     
     
         8 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of legs ( 14 ) are provided in pairs and have bumps ( 18 ) facing each other, the connecting cover ( 12 ) snap fits on sides of the handle stem ( 20 ) via the bumps ( 18 ). 
     
     
         9 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 7  or  8 , wherein the legs ( 14 ) are elastic. 
     
     
         10 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the handle stem ( 20 ) includes left and right handle plates. 
     
     
         11 . The linear stapler ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the retaining pin subassembly ( 10 ) is undetachably connected to the handle stem ( 20 ) via a locking device. 
     
     
         12 . A retaining pin subassembly ( 10 ) for use in a linear stapler ( 1 ), the linear stapler ( 1 ) comprises a handle stem ( 20 ) connecting an anvil ( 7 ) to a handle ( 4 ), wherein the retaining pin subassembly ( 10 ) is movably supported on the handle stem ( 20 ) and comprises a connecting cover ( 12 ) having a retaining pin ( 11 ) extending therefrom, the connecting cover ( 12 ) being capable of covering an opening of the handle stem ( 20 ).