Anvil Assembly Suture Severing Mechanism for Trans-Oral Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trans-oral surgical stapling device anvil assemblies lack efficient methods for securing and detaching guide sutures, particularly during and after the stapling procedure, which complicates retrieval and potential emergencies.
Innovation Solution
An anvil assembly with a housing featuring first and second openings for receiving a suture, a cutting member to sever the suture, and a biasing member to pivot the head assembly, allowing for secure insertion and easy detachment of the guide suture, along with a tubular guide assembly for trans-oral insertion and a reel assembly for managing the guide suture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 method for securing and detaching the guide suture becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting member is pre-positioned within the housing in a retracted state during delivery, with the suture already threaded through the openings. After the anvil assembly is securely delivered and positioned at the surgical site, the cutting member is then actuated to sever the guide suture, allowing easy detachment and retrieval without complex manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide suture is extracted from the anvil assembly through the cutting member mechanism. The suture is severed by the cutting member and can be pulled through the openings for removal, separating the suture from the anvil assembly without requiring complex unthreading or manipulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the head assembly is pivotally secured to allow movement between operative and tilted positions, then the anvil assembly adapts to surgical positioning needs, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head assembly is pivotally secured to the anvil center rod, allowing dynamic movement between an operative position (aligned with the center rod) and a tilted position. This pivotal connection provides the necessary adaptability for surgical positioning while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure compared to multiple locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The anvil assembly is segmented into distinct components: the anvil center rod and the head assembly. This segmentation allows the head assembly to be independently pivoted relative to the center rod, providing positioning flexibility without requiring the entire assembly to be complex. The biasing member further segments the control mechanism, providing automatic return functionality
3Reliability
If a frangible ring is used to maintain the cutting member in the retracted position, then the cutting member is securely held, but the mechanism for releasing it becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible ring is pre-installed on the cutting member in a configuration that maintains the cutting member in the retracted position during delivery. The frangible ring is designed to be separable under specific conditions (such as application of force or thermal exposure), allowing the cutting member to be released and actuated without requiring complex locking or unlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible ring is designed as a single-use, non-reusable component that is intentionally made fragile or separable. Once the cutting member needs to be actuated, the frangible ring is broken or separated, allowing the cutting member to move freely. This disposable approach simplifies the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for complex reversible locking systems
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 secure trans-oral delivery and retrieval of the anvil assembly, ensuring easy detachment of the guide suture post-procedure, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member positioned to urge the head assembly relative to the anvil center rod to position the head assembly in the tilted position
Implementation Method 2
The cutting member includes a knife engageable with the inner surface of the housing between the first and second openings to sever the suture
Data Source
AI summary
An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery is provided. The anvil assembly includes a housing configured to receive a guide suture that is severed during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly including the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly is also provided.