Anastomotic Ring Applier with Integrated Forward and Retrograde Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anastomotic ring applier devices lack visualization capabilities, making it difficult for surgeons to accurately place and confirm proper deployment of anastomotic rings, which can lead to complications and increased surgical costs.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument with a handle, elongated shaft, and integrated imaging element that allows for both forward and retrograde visualization of the anastomosis site, enabling the surgeon to confirm proper deployment of the anastomotic ring without additional instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If an endoscope is inserted to view the anastomotic attachment site, then visualization capability is improved, but device complexity and surgical cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the imaging element directly into the anastomotic ring applier device, merging two separate functions (ring deployment and visualization) into a single integrated instrument. This eliminates the need for separate endoscope insertion while providing continuous visualization of the anastomotic site during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deploy the anastomotic ring and simultaneously provide visualization through its integrated imaging element. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments including an endoscope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If an endoscope is inserted to view the anastomotic attachment site, then visualization capability is improved, but surgical cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization capabilityVSAvoidsurgical cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the imaging element into the ring applier, the patent eliminates the need for separate endoscope equipment, thereby reducing surgical costs while maintaining visualization capability throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If traditional anastomotic ring applier is used without imaging, then device simplicity is maintained, but placement accuracy and deployment confirmation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidplacement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging element provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon during ring placement and deployment, enabling accurate positioning and confirmation of proper ring expansion. The surgeon can observe the anastomotic site through the imaging element to ensure correct procedure execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7470275B2Anastomotic ring applier device providing forward and retrograde visualization

Publication Date: 2008.12.30 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC

AI summary

A surgical instrument for deploying an anastomotic ring device comprises a ring deployment mechanism, which is configured to receive and deploy an anastomotic ring. The instrument further comprises an imaging element that is operable to capture an image of the anastomosis site. In one version, the instrument is operable to capture both a forward view and a retrograde view of the anastomosis site.