# Surgical Stapler That Adjusts for Different Tissue Thicknesses > This patent describes a surgical stapling instrument that can use different disposable cartridges, called reloads, to staple tissues of varying thicknesses by changing the gap between the stapler's jaws. - **Patent:** US 12733930 - **Original title:** Surgical stapling instrument - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** medical_devices, surgical_instruments ## What it does The surgical instrument includes a long shaft and an end effector, which is the part that does the stapling. This end effector has a jaw and a special coupling member. This coupling member is designed to hold two different types of reloads, attaching them to the end effector. When the first reload is in place, the coupling member holds it so there's a specific 'tissue gap' between the jaw and the reload. When the second reload is used, the coupling member holds it to create a different, larger tissue gap. This design allows a surgeon to treat tissues of various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses using the same main instrument, simply by switching reloads. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover surgical stapling instruments that only accept one type of reload with a fixed tissue gap. - Does not cover surgical stapling instruments where the tissue gap is adjusted by the instrument's internal mechanism, rather than by swapping different reloads. - Does not cover surgical instruments that do not use disposable reloads. - Does not cover surgical instruments that do not create a specific tissue gap, such as simple cutting or grasping tools. ## The clever bit The innovation lies in the 'coupling member' that specifically retains different reloads, each designed to create a distinct, predetermined tissue gap. This allows the same instrument to precisely handle varying tissue thicknesses without complex mechanical adjustments by the surgeon. ## Real-world examples 1. Ethicon Echelon Flex powered staplers 2. Medtronic Signia powered staplers 3. Most modern surgical stapling platforms with interchangeable cartridges ## Why it matters This technology simplifies surgical procedures by allowing a single stapling instrument to adapt to different patient anatomies and tissue types. Surgeons can quickly change reloads to match the tissue thickness, potentially reducing the number of instruments needed in an operating room. This versatility can lead to more efficient surgeries and better patient outcomes by ensuring the correct staple compression for various tissues. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Surgical Stapler That Adjusts for Different Tissue Thicknesses cover? This patent describes a surgical stapling instrument that can use different disposable cartridges, called reloads, to staple tissues of varying thicknesses by changing the gap between the stapler's jaws. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? This technology simplifies surgical procedures by allowing a single stapling instrument to adapt to different patient anatomies and tissue types. Surgeons can quickly change reloads to match the tissue thickness, potentially reducing the number of instruments needed in an operating room. This versatility can lead to more efficient surgeries and better patient outcomes by ensuring the correct staple compression for various tissues. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover surgical stapling instruments that only accept one type of reload with a fixed tissue gap. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733930/surgical-stapling-instrument **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12733930 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Surgical Tool with Flexible, Articulating, and Rotating End Effectors](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10736702/activating-and-rotating-surgical-end-effectors) — This patent describes a surgical tool with a flexible tip that can bend in multiple directions and also twist, allowing surgeons to precisely control instruments like graspers and cutters inside the body. - [How Surgical Tools Give Haptic Feedback Near Operation Limits](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12402879/surgical-instrument-having-force-feedback-capabilities) — This patent describes a surgical instrument that uses a motor to move a tool, continuously tracking its position and providing a tactile vibration or haptic feedback to the surgeon as the tool approaches the end of its movement, improving precision and safety. - [Testing and Calibrating Surgical Instrument Tips with Built-in Alignment Features](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733950/end-effector-assembly-instrument-system-and-method-facilitating-testing) — This patent describes a special design for the tip of a surgical tool, called an end effector, that includes features to help correctly position it for testing and calibration. - [Customizing Surgical Dissectors Using 3D Printing](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10959744/surgical-dissectors-and-manufacturing-techniques) — This patent describes a surgical tool's working tip, called an end effector, which has two jaws whose gripping features can be custom-made using 3D printing for specific surgical needs. - [Connecting Surgical Tools with Rotational-to-Linear Motion Adapters](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733934/adapter-extension-and-connector-assemblies-for-surgical-devices) — This patent describes a system for connecting surgical tools, specifically an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument, by converting rotational motion into linear motion for precise control.