Articulatable Surgical Stapler Ball Joint Articulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments with disposable loading units face challenges in articulation, requiring high torque and complex control mechanisms within the limited space of endoscopic instruments, and lack efficient passive and active articulation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling apparatus with a handle assembly and elongated body featuring a ball joint and intermediate articulation joint that allows selective pivoting of the distal body segment, enabling both passive and active articulation motions to be transmitted effectively, facilitating easier engagement with tissue and improved control over stapling and cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex control mechanisms are used to achieve articulation, then articulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument shaft is divided into multiple segments (proximal body segment and distal body segment) that can articulate relative to each other. The articulation joint is positioned at the distal end of the shaft, allowing the distal segment to pivot independently. This segmentation enables articulation capability while keeping each segment's control mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate articulation joint serves as a mediator between the proximal and distal body segments. This joint includes a pivot axis and articulation control mechanisms that translate simple rotational movements into effective articulation of the distal end effector, simplifying the overall control architecture.
2Measurement precision
If high torque is applied to achieve articulation, then articulation precision is improved, but force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint introduces a new rotational degree of freedom about a transverse pivot axis, perpendicular to the instrument's longitudinal axis. This dimensional change allows precise articulation positioning without requiring high torque along the original axis, as the articulation occurs in a different dimensional plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint is designed to utilize the natural pivot motion and gravitational forces to maintain articulated positions, reducing the continuous torque requirements. The joint structure itself provides mechanical advantage through its geometry, allowing precise positioning with minimal sustained force.
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
The solution enhances articulation capabilities, reducing the need for high torque and simplifying control mechanisms, allowing for more precise and efficient surgical procedures within the constraints of endoscopic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
The surgical stapling apparatus with a handle assembly and elongated body featuring a ball joint and intermediate articulation joint
Implementation Method 2
intermediate articulation joint that allows selective pivoting of the distal body segment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a disposable loading unit. Various embodiments include an elongated body assembly that comprises a distal body segment and a proximal body segment that are operably coupled together by an intermediate articulation joint such that the proximal body segment and the distal body segment define a longitudinal axis. The intermediate articulation joint may be configured to facilitate articulation of the distal body segment about an intermediate articulation axis that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. The elongated body assembly may be configured to transfer actuation motions from an actuation shaft housed in a handle assembly to the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, the intermediate articulation joint may be adjacent to the handle assembly.