Stapler powered auxiliary device

Abstract

There is disclosed an auxiliary device for injecting material between the jaws of a surgical stapler. The auxiliary device includes a nozzle assembly having a discharge port and a compression assembly having at least one compression roller for forcing material out of the discharge port. The disclosed compression rollers may be formed of an incompressible or compressible material. The auxiliary device also includes a drive mechanism for moving the compression assembly within a nozzle body of the nozzle assembly. There is also disclosed a rupturable capsule for retaining material to be dispensed.

1 . A material dispenser for use in a surgical stapler, the material dispenser comprising:
 a nozzle assembly defining a cavity configured and dimensioned to contain medicament therein;   a compression assembly having a roller movable within the cavity, the roller configured to discharge the medicament from the cavity; and   an actuation assembly having a drive member operatively associated with the roller, wherein translation of the drive member causes the roller to move within the cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The material dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle assembly defines a discharge port configured and dimensioned to discharge the medicament therethrough, the discharge port in communication with the cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The material dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the drive member is a threaded drive screw, whereby rotation of the threaded drive screw causes the roller to move within the cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The material dispenser according to  claim 3 , further comprising a motor operatively coupled with the threaded drive screw. 
     
     
         5 . The material dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the compression assembly includes an arm member configured to rotatably support the roller. 
     
     
         6 . The material dispenser according to  claim 5 , wherein the compression assembly further includes a biasing member to bias the roller toward an inner surface of the nozzle assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The material dispenser according to  claim 6 , wherein the roller is formed of a compressible material. 
     
     
         8 . The material dispenser according to  claim 1 , wherein the medicament is contained in a capsule. 
     
     
         9 . The material dispenser according to  claim 8 , wherein the capsule has a weakened region configured to rupture upon exertion of force by the roller. 
     
     
         10 . The material dispenser according to  claim 6 , wherein the compression assembly further includes a second arm member and a second roller rotatably supported on the second arm member. 
     
     
         11 . The material dispenser according to  claim 10 , wherein the rollers are made of a compressible material. 
     
     
         12 . The material dispenser according to  claim 11 , wherein the arm members are connected about a pivot, the biasing member biasing the rollers toward respective opposing inner walls of the nozzle assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The material dispenser according to  claim 12 , wherein the rollers engage each other during movement within the cavity. 
     
     
         14 . The material dispenser according to  claim 2 , wherein the cavity is tapered longitudinally to facilitate discharge of the medicament through the discharge port. 
     
     
         15 . A surgical stapler comprising:
 a handle assembly;   a pair of jaw members operatively coupled to the handle assembly, the jaw members movable between an open position and a closed position;   a nozzle assembly disposed in at least one of the jaw members, the nozzle assembly defining a cavity configured and dimensioned to hold medicament therein and an opening configured and dimensioned to discharge the medicament therethrough;   a compression assembly having a pair of rollers configured to discharge the medicament from the cavity, the pair of rollers movable along respective opposing inner walls of the nozzle assembly; and   an actuation assembly having a drive member operatively associated with the pair of rollers, wherein translation of the drive member causes the pair of rollers to move within the cavity, wherein the pair of rollers are at least partially in contact with each other.   
     
     
         16 . The surgical stapler according to  claim 15 , further comprising a motor operatively coupled to the drive member and actuatable by the handle assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The surgical stapler according to  claim 15 , wherein the actuation assembly further includes an actuation cable coupled with the drive member and a support member rotatably supporting the drive member, whereby rotation of the actuation cable causes translation of the drive member. 
     
     
         18 . The surgical stapler according to  claim 15 , wherein the rollers are made of a compressible material. 
     
     
         19 . The surgical stapler according to  claim 15 , wherein the medicament is contained in a capsule having a weakened region configured to rupture upon exertion of force to the capsule. 
     
     
         20 . The surgical stapler according to  claim 15 , wherein the nozzle assembly is integrally formed with the at least one of the jaw members.