LOCKOUT ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER

摘要

A surgical instrument comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
(a) a body; (b) an shaft assembly extending distally from the body; and (c) a end effector located at the distal end of the shaft assembly, wherein the end effector comprises:
(i) a cutting member, wherein the cutting member includes:
(A) a first vertical end,(B) a blade, and(C) a distally projecting feature vertically positioned between the first vertical end and the blade,(ii) a lockout feature operable to selectively restrict distal advancement of the cutting member,(iii) a jaw,(iv) a staple cartridge configured for insertion in the jaw, wherein the staple cartridge comprises:
(A) a plurality of surgical staples, and(B) a movable member operable to drive the staples into tissue in response to distal advancement of the cutting member, wherein the distally projecting feature is configured to engage the movable member, and(v) a lockout bypass feature configured to engage the cutting member to thereby bypass the lockout feature.