Actuator Retainer C-Coupling for Surgical Stapler Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in efficiently clamping, cutting, and stapling tissue layers during procedures like gastrointestinal anastomosis, particularly in maintaining stability and preventing component deflection under off-centered loads during firing.
Innovation Solution
The design of a linear surgical stapler with a firing assembly that includes a slider and actuator, featuring a C-shaped coupling feature and opposing retention features to securely engage the actuator, and the use of overmolded body portions to enhance structural integrity and prevent deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the firing assembly uses a simple coupling mechanism between slider and actuator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural integrity and stability under off-centered loads deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a C-shaped coupling feature formed by combining a first body portion and a second body portion, creating a composite structural configuration. This composite structure provides enhanced structural integrity and resistance to off-centered loads while maintaining relatively simple individual components. The C-shape geometry distributes mechanical stresses more effectively than a single monolithic component would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The firing assembly is segmented into distinct components (slider, actuator, first body portion, second body portion) that can be manufactured and assembled separately. The C-shaped coupling feature is formed by joining these segmented body portions, which simplifies manufacturing while creating a stable composite structure that resists deflection under load.
2Reliability
If the actuator is securely retained by opposing retention features, then the reliability of the stapling process is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex external retention mechanisms to secure the actuator, the patent inverts the approach by having the actuator itself form part of the coupling structure. The actuator includes opposing retention features that directly engage with the C-shaped coupling feature, allowing the actuator to secure itself within the assembly through its own structural elements rather than requiring separate retention components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stapler halves are firmly clamped together, then the stability during cutting and stapling is improved, but the ease of operation for opening and closing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp lever is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot between open and closed positions, allowing the stapler halves to be firmly clamped during operation while remaining easily openable when needed. The pivot connection creates a mechanical system that transitions from a static clamped state to a dynamic opening motion, balancing stability during use with ease of operation for resetting the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, a clamp member, and a firing assembly. The first elongate member includes a distal portion that supports an anvil surface that includes a plurality of staple forming pockets. The second elongate member includes a distal portion that is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The clamp member is operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. The firing assembly is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge. The firing assembly includes a slider and an actuator. The slider includes a first coupling feature. The actuator is configured to be selectively actuated by a user. The actuator includes a second coupling feature that is configured to generally surround the first coupling feature of the slider when the actuator moves relative to the slider.