Anvil Assembly Suture Latch Mechanism for Trans-Oral Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trans-oral delivery systems for surgical anvil assemblies lack an efficient method for securing and detaching guide sutures, making it difficult to retrieve the anvil assembly in case of emergencies or post-procedure removal.
Innovation Solution
The anvil assembly incorporates a latch member and backup member system within a housing, allowing the suture to be retained or released by moving between positions, enabling secure attachment and easy detachment through a frangible ring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a guide suture is threaded through openings in the anvil assembly to facilitate trans-oral insertion, then the anvil assembly can be delivered and retrieved, but the suture may become stuck or difficult to detach once delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to be movable between a first position (where it prevents suture separation) and a second position (where it allows suture separation). This dynamic mechanism enables the system to transition from a secure retention state during delivery to an easy detachment state after delivery, resolving the contradiction between reliable retention and easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member acts as an intermediary between the suture and the head assembly. It provides a controlled interface that enables secure attachment during delivery while allowing easy detachment afterward, mediating between the conflicting requirements of reliable retention and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the latch member is positioned to prevent suture separation, then secure retention is achieved, but the suture cannot be detached for retrieval or emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The movable latch member transitions between a first position that provides secure retention and a second position that enables detachment. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational phases: secure attachment during delivery and easy detachment for retrieval or emergency situations, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the retention parameter by moving the latch member between positions. In the first position, the retention parameter is high (secure attachment), and in the second position, the retention parameter is low (easy detachment). This parameter change enables the system to meet both contradictory requirements at different times.
3Ease of operation
If a complex latch mechanism is added to control suture detachment, then controlled separation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch function is extracted as a separate, movable component (latch member) that can be independently controlled. This extraction allows the complex function of controlled detachment to be achieved through a dedicated mechanism rather than integrating it into the main structure, managing complexity while providing controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member serves as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the control of suture detachment. Rather than requiring complex direct manipulation of the suture or head assembly, the latch member provides a simple binary control (engaged/disengaged) that achieves controlled separation with minimal complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a guide suture that is separable from the anvil assembly during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly.