Mechanical Anvil Buttress Loading for Faster Stapler Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling apparatus require complex and costly attachment processes for anvil buttresses, increasing setup time and costs in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Anvil buttress loading systems with mechanical engagement mechanisms, allowing for easy transfer and attachment of anvil buttresses onto surgical stapling apparatus, reducing the number of components and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-based attachment systems are used for anvil buttresses, then the anvil buttress can be securely attached to the surgical stapling apparatus, but the number of components and assembly steps increases, leading to higher cost and longer setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive component from the attachment system, replacing it with a purely mechanical engagement mechanism. The anvil buttress is attached through direct mechanical interlocking with the anvil assembly, removing the need for adhesive materials and associated application steps, thereby reducing component count and simplifying the attachment process while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a loading tool as an intermediary device that facilitates the mechanical attachment process. The loading tool includes engagement features that interface with both the anvil buttress and the anvil assembly, enabling straightforward mechanical coupling without requiring adhesives or complex assembly procedures, thus reducing setup time and cost
2Reliability
If adhesive-based attachment systems are used for anvil buttresses, then the anvil buttress can be securely attached to the surgical stapling apparatus, but the assembly time increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adhesive application steps from the attachment process, replacing them with immediate mechanical engagement. The anvil buttress is directly coupled to the anvil assembly through mechanical features, eliminating the time required for adhesive application, drying, and verification, thereby significantly reducing setup time and improving surgical productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-configured mechanical engagement features during manufacturing, such as pre-formed engagement surfaces and interlocking structures. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid attachment in the operating room without requiring complex assembly steps or multiple components, enabling quick setup while maintaining secure attachment
3Ease of operation
If complex automated attachment processes are used for anvil buttresses, then the attachment can be performed in the operating room, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex automated attachment mechanisms and replaces them with simple manual mechanical engagement. The anvil buttress is attached through straightforward manual manipulation of mechanical features, eliminating the need for expensive automated attachment systems while maintaining ease of operation in the operating room environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical engagement features that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The attachment mechanism uses basic mechanical elements such as lugs, grooves, and snap-fit connections that are cost-effective to produce and replace, reducing the overall cost of the surgical stapling apparatus while maintaining operational ease
Data Source
AI summary
An anvil buttress loading system includes an anvil assembly, an anvil buttress loading tool, and an anvil buttress. The anvil buttress is retainable on each of the anvil buttress loading tool and the anvil buttress, and is transferrable from the anvil buttress loading tool to the anvil assembly.