Anastomosis Applier Ring Deployment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anastomotic ring applier devices require significant actuating force to be transmitted from the proximal to the distal portion, which can lead to buckling or twisting of control wires and misalignment of flexible joints, making it difficult to deploy anastomotic rings effectively in surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The device employs a ring deployment mechanism with a double-hinged structure and a spring actuation system that allows for the deployment of anastomotic rings without requiring a large actuating force, using a combination of proximal and distal fingers and a spring mechanism to articulate the ring from a cylindrical to a hollow rivet shape, minimizing the force transmission through flexible joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If actuation force is transmitted from proximal handle to distal ring deployment mechanism through control wires, then the ring can be deployed, but the control wires may buckle or twist and flexible joints may misalign

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvering deployment reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol wire stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ring deployment mechanism utilizes the elastic energy stored in the compressed ring itself to drive the deployment process. When the retention member is released, the ring's inherent elasticity propels the deployment without requiring external actuation force transmission through the shaft, making the system self-actuating and eliminating the need for control wires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the control wire transmission system from the device architecture. By using the compressed ring's own elastic energy as the actuation source, the system removes the problematic intermediary components (control wires, flexible joints) that caused buckling and misalignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Length of moving object

If an elongated shaft is used to hold and deploy the compressed ring, then the ring can be delivered to the anastomotic opening, but force transmission becomes prohibitive over long flexible structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft lengthVSAvoidactuation force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a long shaft to push the ring outward from the proximal end, the invention inverts the deployment direction. The compressed ring is contained within an enclosure that is pushed through the shaft, and the ring deploys outward from the distal end using its own elastic energy, eliminating the need for proximal-to-distal force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressed ring serves as both the deployed object and the actuation mechanism. Its stored elastic energy automatically drives the deployment process once released, requiring no external force transmission through the elongated shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If control wires are used to transmit actuating force through flexible joints, then the ring deployment mechanism can be actuated, but the flexible joint orientation may be altered due to increased tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvering deployment controlVSAvoidflexible joint orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the compressed ring's elastic energy to drive deployment, eliminating the need for control wires that would tension and misalign flexible joints. The self-actuating mechanism preserves the intended orientation of flexible joints throughout the deployment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the control wire system entirely, extracting the source of tension-induced misalignment. Without control wires transmitting force through flexible joints, the joints maintain their intended orientation during ring deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution enables the deployment of anastomotic rings with minimal force transmission, preventing misalignment of flexible joints and allowing for precise ring placement, thereby facilitating surgical procedures like bariatric gastric bypass without the need for excessive force, ensuring effective and accurate anastomotic attachment.

Implementation Method 1

EP 1520531 A discloses an anastomotic ring applier having an elongated shaft for transferring a compressive actuation force from a handle down to a ring deployment mechanism to actuate the anastomotic ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1719453B1Anastomosis applier

Publication Date: 2008.11.12 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC

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AI summary

A surgical instrument for applying an anastomotic ring device comprises a handle that is connected to an anastomotic ring deployment mechanism by an elongate shaft. The instrument also comprises an actuation mechanism that is configured to apply an actuating force to the ring deployment mechanism to deploy an anastomotic ring. The actuation mechanism may comprise a spring or other resilient member moveable from a first position to a second position in order to actuate the ring deployment mechanism.