Method of Fabricating a Stiff Anvil for a Surgical Instrument

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a surgical apparatus may include fabricating an anvil that includes an insert composed of a first material, the insert located within a cavity in a body composed of a second material, where the first material and the second material have different properties.

1 . A method of manufacturing a surgical apparatus, comprising:
 fabricating an anvil comprising an insert composed of a first material, said insert located within a cavity in a body composed of a second material, wherein said first material and said second material have different properties.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first material is high-modulus and said second material is high-strength. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said fabricating comprises
 fabricating said insert; and then   metal injection molding said body about at least part of said insert.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said fabricating comprises
 fabricating said body; and then   metal injection molding said into said cavity in said body.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said fabricating comprises
 fabricating said insert; and then   insert molding said body about at least part of said insert.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said fabricating comprises
 fabricating said insert;   separately fabricating said body;   inserting said insert into said cavity; and   fixing said insert to said body.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first material is tungsten carbide and wherein said second material is 17-4 PH stainless steel. 
     
     
         8 . A surgical apparatus, comprising:
 an anvil, comprising
 van upper layer composed of a first material; and 
 a lower layer composed of a second material different from said first material, 
 said lower layer fixed to said upper layer. 
   
     
     
         9 . The surgical apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said first material is high-modulus and said second material is high-strength. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said first material is high-strength and said second material is high-modulus. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein each said layer extends along substantially all of the entire length and width of said anvil.