Adjustable Stapler Clamping Height for Variable Tissue Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices lack the ability to adjust the tissue gap effectively to accommodate tissues of varying thickness, which can lead to suboptimal stapling results.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a dynamic clamping member that features an adjustable clamp height, allowing for the adjustment of the tissue gap by moving an adjustment member relative to the clamping member between different positions, thereby accommodating tissues of varying thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height clamping member is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate tissues of varying thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping member is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the distance between its clamping surface and the cartridge to be changed during operation. This enables the device to adapt to different tissue thicknesses by adjusting the clamping height, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can respond to varying surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the clamping member by providing multiple adjustable heights. The clamping member can be positioned at different distances from the cartridge, creating variable tissue gaps that accommodate different tissue thicknesses. This parameter adjustment is achieved through mechanisms such as adjustable support surfaces or movable clamping member positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the clamping height is adjusted, then the tissue gap can be optimized for different tissue thickness, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete, pre-determined height positions. Rather than allowing continuous adjustment, the system provides specific stepped positions that are optimized for different tissue thicknesses. This segmentation simplifies the adjustment mechanism while maintaining precision, as each segment corresponds to a clinically relevant tissue gap setting.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adjustment mechanism is introduced between the clamping member and the main device body. This intermediary component facilitates height adjustment through simple mechanical means such as adjustable support surfaces, movable platforms, or height-adjustable linkages, reducing the complexity of direct clamping member adjustment while achieving precise tissue gap control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes a jaw assembly including a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. A drive assembly is translatable through the jaw assembly to effect the clamping and stapling of tissue. The drive assembly includes a clamping member and an adjustment member. The clamping member includes a first clamping surface configured to engage the anvil assembly. The adjustment member includes a second clamping surface configured to engage the staple cartridge. The first clamping surface is spaced from the second clamping surface to define a clamping height. The adjustment member is moveable relative to the clamping member between a first position and a second position to change the clamping height.