Circular Stapler Anvil Tilt Indication for Locked Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular stapling devices lack a mechanism to signal clinicians when the anvil assembly is in a position where the anvil head is tilted and locked to the anvil retainer, which can lead to separation during removal from the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A circular stapling device with an indicator assembly that provides an audible and/or tactile signal when the anvil assembly is moved from the clamped position towards the open position, indicating that the anvil head is spaced from the reload assembly a sufficient distance to pivot to a tilted reduced profile position, while remaining locked to the anvil retainer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the anvil assembly is moved from the clamped position towards the open position to allow the anvil head to tilt, then the anvil head can pivot to a reduced profile position, but the anvil assembly may separate from the anvil retainer during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator assembly provides visual feedback to the clinician by changing color or providing an audible signal when the anvil assembly is at the correct position - tilted and locked to the anvil retainer. This feedback mechanism ensures the clinician can confirm the safe position without moving the anvil assembly further, thus preventing separation while enabling the tilted position for easy removal.
2Reliability
If the anvil assembly remains locked to the anvil retainer during removal, then separation is prevented, but the anvil head cannot pivot to the tilted reduced profile position
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator assembly is designed to signal in advance - before the clinician attempts removal - that the anvil assembly has reached the correct position where it is both tilted and locked to the anvil retainer. This preliminary indication allows the clinician to know the safe position is achieved without needing to move the anvil assembly further during the removal process.
3Device complexity
If no indicator mechanism is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but the clinician cannot determine when the anvil assembly is in the correct tilted and locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator assembly utilizes color changes to communicate the position of the anvil assembly. When the anvil assembly reaches the correct tilted and locked position, the indicator changes color or provides an audible signal, giving clear visual or auditory information to the clinician without requiring complex mechanical indicators or additional mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A circular stapling device (10) includes a handle assembly (12) having an indicator assembly (80) that includes a clicker assembly (82) and a biasing member (84). The clicker assembly (82) provides an audible and/or tactile signal to a clinician when an anvil assembly (20) of the stapling device (10) is moved from a clamped position towards an open position a distance sufficient to allow an anvil head (56) of the anvil assembly (20) to pivot in relation to a reload assembly (18) of the stapling device (10) from an operative position to a tilted reduced profile position. The signal is provided to the clinician while the anvil assembly (20) is locked onto the stapling device (10).