Active Wedge and I-Beam for Surgical Stapler Clamp Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endocutters face challenges in maintaining a consistent clamp gap between the anvil and staple holder during stapling, which can affect the proper deployment and engagement of staples, leading to inconsistent tissue transection and hemostasis in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling device incorporates an I-beam that engages the anvil member to maintain a clamp gap between the anvil and staple holder, ensuring proper stapling and tissue transection, and features an actuated wedge system with catch elements to control the deployment of staples, allowing for precise engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional wedges are used without I-beam, then device complexity is reduced, but clamp gap consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional modules: the I-beam serves as a separate gap-maintenance component distinct from the wedge and staple driver assembly. This segmentation allows the I-beam to be optimized specifically for maintaining clamp gap consistency without interfering with the staple deployment mechanism, thereby achieving precise gap control while keeping the overall structure manageable through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The I-beam acts as an intermediary element between the anvil and the staple holder. It physically maintains the clamp gap by engaging with both components, ensuring consistent spacing during the stapling process. This intermediary structure solves the gap consistency problem without requiring direct modification of the wedge or staple holder, effectively mediating the relationship between these components
2Reliability
If wedge without catch elements is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but staple deployment control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catch elements are pre-configured on the wedge in a ready-to-engage position before the stapling operation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the wedge is actuated, the catch elements immediately provide controlled engagement with the staple drivers at the correct moment, enabling reliable staple deployment control without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The catch elements are designed to automatically engage and disengage from the staple drivers through the wedge's own motion. The wedge's movement itself provides the actuation force for the catch elements to grip and release the staples, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures consistent and effective stapling and cutting of tissues, promoting hemostasis and reducing tissue trauma by maintaining a uniform clamp gap and controlled staple deployment, enhancing the precision and reliability of the surgical procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The I-beam member is advanced to engage the anvil member to maintain a clamp gap between the anvil member and the staple holder member
Implementation Method 2
an actuated wedge to deploy staples. The actuated wedge is put into an active state by a first wedge catch element or a first wedge actuation element
Implementation Method 3
The actuated wedge is put into a neutral state by a second wedge catch element or a second wedge actuation element. In the neutral state, the actuated wedge disengages with the staples
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device designed and constructed for cutting and stapling tissues in a surgical procedure. The surgical stapling device includes an actuated wedge to deploy staples. The actuated wedge is put into an active state by a first wedge actuation element. In the active state, the actuated wedge is ready to engage and deploy staples in a staple holder. The actuated wedge is put into a neutral state by a second wedge actuation element. In the neutral state, the actuated wedge disengages with the staples and does not deploy the staples. The surgical stapling device includes an I-beam that acts to maintain a clamp gap between the anvil and staple holder of the surgical stapling device to ensure proper stapling of tissue.