Articulatable Shaft With Locking Detents For Compact Surgical End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endocutter devices face challenges in manufacturing small end effectors that can efficiently cut and staple tissue, as they require significant actuation forces varying with tissue thickness and composition, and are often too large for tight spaces, lacking the option to install fasteners without cutting tissue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an articulatable shaft assembly and articulation control member that allows selective pivoting and rotation, enabling precise control over the end effector for cutting and stapling, and an articulation ball within a socket with locking detents for retaining positions, facilitating smaller size and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robust anvil closure systems and staple driving systems are employed to accommodate thick tissues, then the device can handle a specific range of tissue thicknesses, but the device becomes too large for tight spaces and is not well-suited for treating thinner tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic articulation system where the distal portion can pivot relative to the proximal portion about a transverse axis, allowing the end effector to adapt its orientation and access tight spaces. The articulation control member enables selective engagement of articulation detents, providing variable positions for different surgical needs while maintaining a compact overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly is divided into distinct segments: a proximal portion and a distal portion that are selectively pivotable relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of the end effector, enabling the device to reach tight spaces and accommodate various tissue thicknesses without requiring a uniformly large structure throughout the entire device.
2Measurement precision
If the articulation control member is designed with multiple locking detents for precise position control, then the device provides enhanced positioning accuracy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation control member incorporates locking detents that automatically engage with corresponding features on the articulation shaft, providing self-locking functionality. This mechanism maintains precise articulation positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, as the detents naturally lock into place during normal operation and can be released by simple manual manipulation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1E
AI summary
A surgical cutting and stapling instrument with an articulatable elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is operably coupled to a handle assembly and has an articulation joint therein. The distal end of the elongated shaft is couplable to and end effector that supports a staple cartridge therein. The end effector may be articulated relative to the elongated shaft by an articulation control system operably supported in the handle assembly.