Anvil Compression Feature for Thin Tissue Stapling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers face challenges in effectively cutting and stapling thin tissues due to the predefined gap distance between the anvil and cartridge deck, leading to tissue movement and potential tearing during the stapling process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating compressible features on the staple cartridge or anvil, such as curved C-shaped compressible elements, fins, or elongate members, to securely hold the tissue in place and prevent movement during the stapling process, ensuring effective cutting and stapling even with tissues thinner than the predefined gap distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a predefined gap distance is maintained between the anvil and cartridge deck for structural stability, then the overall device structure is simplified, but thin tissues cannot be securely held and move during stapling causing tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding compressible features (such as compressible elements, fins, or elongate members) specifically at the tissue interface regions of the anvil and cartridge deck, while maintaining the overall rigid structure of the device. These localized compressible features provide tissue stabilization only where needed, without requiring the entire device structure to be modified, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing compressible features that can dynamically adjust their compression level based on tissue thickness and stapling forces. These features compress during the stapling process to maintain consistent tissue contact and stability, adapting to varying tissue conditions while the main device structure remains static and simple.
2Reliability
If the gap distance between anvil and cartridge deck is reduced to accommodate thin tissues, then tissue stability improves, but the risk of tissue tearing increases due to excessive compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the compression characteristics of the features at the tissue interface. The compressible features are designed with specific material properties and geometries (such as fin thickness, elongate member cross-sections) that allow them to provide appropriate compression forces for different tissue thicknesses, changing the mechanical parameters locally to prevent both tissue movement and tissue tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible features provide localized quality control by concentrating compression forces only at specific contact points with the tissue, rather than applying uniform compression across the entire tissue surface. This localized compression stabilizes thin tissues during stapling without exerting excessive force that could cause tearing.
3Ease of operation
If compressible features are added to the anvil or cartridge deck to hold thin tissues, then tissue stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compressible features directly into the existing anvil or cartridge deck structures. Rather than adding separate independent components, the compressible elements are integrated as part of the anvil or cartridge deck itself (such as fins extending from the cartridge deck or elongate members formed as part of the anvil), reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining tissue stabilization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible features serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide tissue stabilization, maintain the predefined gap distance, and facilitate the stapling process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving ease of operation.
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
The compressible features maintain tissue stability, reducing stress on staples and preventing tearing, resulting in a more reliable and effective stapling process with improved structural integrity of the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
moving the anvil toward the jaw to place the anvil a closed position, wherein moving the anvil toward the jaw causes the compressible feature to compress the tissue against the anvil or the deck
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to capture tissue between the anvil and the lower jaw. The staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck and a plurality of staples. The deck faces the anvil. The anvil or the deck (or both) includes a compressible that extends toward the other of the anvil or the deck. The compressible feature of the anvil of the deck is configured to compress tissue against the other of the anvil or the deck.