Surgical Stapler Anvil Detection Feature Prevents Premature Jaw Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack an effective mechanism to ensure proper anvil seating before firing, which can lead to incomplete stapling or tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an anvil detection feature, such as a translatable member with a protrusion or an anvil sensing tube, that prevents the trigger from actuating unless the anvil is properly seated, and a lockout feature that engages and disengages based on the anvil's position, ensuring safe and complete stapling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no anvil detection mechanism is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but premature jaw opening can occur leading to incomplete stapling or tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil detection feature performs preliminary verification of anvil seating before allowing the stapling operation to proceed. The translatable member is positioned to detect anvil presence in advance of trigger actuation, preventing premature jaw opening and ensuring the anvil is properly seated before stapling occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
A translatable member serves as an intermediary detection element between the anvil and the trigger mechanism. This member translates the physical state of anvil seating into a mechanical signal that controls trigger availability, mediating the interaction between anvil position and firing capability.
2Reliability
If a translatable member detection feature is added, then anvil seating can be verified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The translatable member is self-actuating based on anvil seating. When the anvil is properly seated, it automatically translates the detection member to the actuated position, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms or additional control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a purely mechanical detection system where the translatable member's position directly controls trigger availability through mechanical interference or engagement. This replaces more complex electronic sensing and control systems with a straightforward mechanical linkage approach.
3Productivity
If the trigger can be actuated without anvil detection, then the operation is simpler and faster, but tissue damage may occur due to incomplete stapling
Solution Approach 1:
The detection feature applies preliminary anti-action by preventing trigger actuation when the anvil is not properly seated. The translatable member physically blocks or prevents trigger movement until the correct anvil position is detected, eliminating the harmful possibility of incomplete stapling before the operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through the translatable member's position, which either permits or prevents trigger actuation based on real-time anvil seating status. This feedback mechanism ensures that only properly configured setups can proceed, preventing tissue damage while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An apparatus for stapling tissue, the apparatus comprising a stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly comprises a staple driver, a pointed rod, and an anvil detection feature. The staple driver is configured to be actuated distally relative to the pointed rod to drive a plurality of staples out of the stapling head assembly. The anvil detection feature is configured to engage the staple driver to prevent it from moving distally relative to the pointed rod in the absence of a seated anvil.