Anastomosis Clamp Fastener Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical instruments for anastomosis face difficulties in aligning pins and corresponding holes due to increased angles during closure, limiting the use of larger ring sizes and requiring cumbersome tools, which restricts the optimization of fastener sizes for surgical applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly that facilitate the alignment of fastener parts with disc-type shapes and axially directed pins and apertures, allowing for larger diameters and longer pins by positioning and moving the parts in a substantially axial relationship, regardless of the angle of closure, using a clamp and fastener assembly with features like angled or varying thickness configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger ring sizes and longer pins are used for anastomosis, then the strength and security of the joinable parts increase, but the difficulty of aligning pins with corresponding holes increases due to angles produced in pivoting closure movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane pivoting closure to a multi-dimensional alignment mechanism. The clamp members are configured with specific angular relationships (e.g., 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis) and include guide surfaces that constrain movement in multiple dimensions, allowing large fastener components to align properly during closure by controlling the spatial trajectory of the joinable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies geometric parameters of the clamp and fastener components. The clamp members are positioned at specific angles (45 degrees to longitudinal axis, 90 degrees to each other), and the fastener portions have corresponding angular orientations. These parameter changes enable proper alignment of pins and holes even with larger component sizes by controlling the closure kinematics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger diameter fastener parts are used, then the range of applicable vessel sizes increases, but the overall assembly size becomes larger and more cumbersome in surgical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clamp into separate movable members (first and second clamp members) that can be independently positioned and closed. This segmentation allows the fastener portions to be brought together in a controlled manner, enabling the use of larger diameter fasteners for bigger vessels while keeping individual clamp member sizes manageable for surgical handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses angular positioning of clamp members (45 degrees to longitudinal axis) and guide surfaces to control the closure path in three-dimensional space. This allows large fastener components to be aligned and joined without requiring the entire assembly to be proportionally larger, maintaining surgical accessibility while accommodating various vessel sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes an assembly for anastomosis having a clamp being arranged to support a fastener. The clamp can be actuated to join a vessel with the fastener to establish a fluid communication. In some embodiments, the invention includes an assembly having a clamp and a fastener with first and second joinable parts, and the assembly can be adapted to facilitate the alignment of the first and second joinable parts.