Circular Anvil Introduction System Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack an effective mechanism for aligning and securing the anvil during anastomotic procedures, particularly in trans-oral circular anvil systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in stapling and sealing tissue.
Innovation Solution
The development of a circular stapling surgical instrument with an anvil introduction system that includes alignment features and locking mechanisms, such as pivoting tabs, ribbed trocars, and anvil sleeves, to ensure precise alignment and secure attachment of the anvil to the trocar, facilitating efficient tissue stapling and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a circular stapler is inserted through a patient's orifice to perform anastomotic procedures, then the surgical instrument can reach and interact with tissue within the patient, but the anvil alignment and attachment mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil introduction system is divided into separate functional components: the anvil with alignment features, the trocar with corresponding alignment features, and the locking mechanism with pivoting tabs. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, sterilized, and assembled, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining functional integration during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar serves as an intermediary component between the stapler body and the anvil. It includes alignment features that guide the anvil into proper rotational position and locking features that secure the anvil attachment. This intermediary structure simplifies the attachment process by providing a standardized interface that automatically aligns components.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment features are added to the anvil and trocar to ensure precise alignment, then the stapling accuracy improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features utilize asymmetric geometric shapes on the anvil and trocar that complement each other. The tapered portion of the trocar fits into a corresponding recess in the anvil at a specific rotational orientation, while the pivoting tabs engage with slots at predetermined angles. This asymmetric design ensures precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features are pre-configured on the anvil and trocar before insertion. The tapered portions and angular slots are manufactured with precise geometries that automatically guide the components into correct alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for post-insertion adjustment or complex real-time alignment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with pivoting tabs is used to secure the anvil, then the attachment reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses pivoting tabs that can dynamically change position between locked and unlocked states. The tabs are spring-loaded or elastomeric, allowing them to flex outward during insertion to pass over the trocar's locking protrusions, then automatically pivot inward to engage and lock. For detachment, a simple actuation force causes the tabs to pivot outward, releasing the lock. This dynamic behavior provides reliable locking with simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the anvil to the trocar upon insertion without requiring manual intervention. The pivoting tabs are positioned and dimensioned so that the insertion motion itself provides the necessary force to pivot the tabs into the locked position. Similarly, a simple pulling or twisting motion automatically actuates the tabs to unlock and release the anvil.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for stapling tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil and a trocar selectively coupled with the anvil. The anvil may have an inner opening and a plurality of staple pockets aligned around a surface of the anvil. The anvil may be inserted trans-orally through an esophagus prior to being coupled with the trocar. The trocar may include a shaft and a locking assembly. The locking assembly may secure the anvil in position relative to the trocar when the locking assembly is in the expanded position. The apparatus may also include an alignment assembly to align the staple pockets of the anvil relative to the apparatus. The apparatus may also include an introduction assembly to guide the anvil through the esophagus.