Anvil Snap Ring Activator for Surgical Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical fastening devices for circular anastomosis face issues with the anvil head's ability to pivot freely due to component interference and tissue obstruction, which complicates the procedure and device removal.

Innovation Solution

A surgical fastening apparatus with a pivotably connected anvil center rod assembly and an anvil head assembly, featuring a deformable member and securing member configuration that allows the anvil head to pivot freely by deforming and securing the activator plate, enabling the anvil head to tilt or pivot without interference from tissue or other components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the anvil head is designed to pivot relative to the anvil rod after firing, then the device can present a smaller cross-sectional profile for easier removal, but movable components and tissue may interfere with the pivoting motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanvil head pivotingVSAvoidcomponent and tissue interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anvil assembly is segmented into the anvil head and anvil rod as separate pivotable components, allowing the anvil head to rotate independently relative to the anvil rod about a pivot axis. This segmentation enables the anvil head to be repositioned away from tissue and components that could interfere with pivoting motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular knife cores the tissue interior before the anvil head pivots. By performing the coring action in advance, the tissue is already freed and less likely to interfere with the subsequent pivoting motion of the anvil head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If close tolerances are used for movable components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but component interference during pivoting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent tolerancesVSAvoidcomponent interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the anvil head from the anvil rod with a defined pivot interface, the design allows for adequate clearance and tolerance accumulation. The pivot axis serves as a reference that accommodates manufacturing variations while maintaining reliable pivoting function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot axis acts as an intermediary element between the anvil head and anvil rod, providing a defined rotation point that accommodates manufacturing tolerances. This intermediary interface allows the components to pivot relative to each other despite close tolerances in other parts of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If tissue is allowed to surround the connection point of anvil head and anvil rod, then tissue clamping is improved, but tissue interference with pivoting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue clampingVSAvoidtissue interference

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anvil head is designed to be dynamically repositionable relative to the anvil rod through pivoting. After the static clamping phase, the anvil head can rotate to a new position where it no longer interferes with tissue or other components during device removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The annular knife performs the tissue coring action before the anvil head pivots. This preliminary coring frees the tissue interior in advance, reducing the likelihood of tissue interference during the subsequent pivoting and removal phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates smooth pivoting and tilting of the anvil head, reducing the device's cross-sectional profile for easier insertion and removal, while maintaining tissue spacing to prevent interference, thus enhancing the surgical procedure's efficiency and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable member is configured to deform such that the activator plate is advanced distally into the interior recess to facilitate the anvil head pivoting about the pivot axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10499921B2EEA anvil snap ring activator

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A surgical fastening apparatus and associated method of use is disclosed. The surgical fastening apparatus includes a handle assembly, a central body portion extending from the handle assembly, and a distal head portion including an anvil head assembly. The anvil head assembly includes an anvil head defining an interior recess, an activator plate, a deformable member, and a securing member. The anvil center rod assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotably connected to the anvil head assembly about a pivot axis. The anvil center rod assembly includes a configured to contact the anvil head assembly upon an actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus. Upon the actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus, the deformable member is configured to deform such that the activator plate is advanced distally into the interior recess to facilitate the anvil head pivoting about the pivot axis.