Articulating Anvil Retainer for Circular Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circular stapling devices face difficulties in attaching the anvil assembly to the anvil retainer in confined spaces due to the rigidity of the retainer and the limited space within the body lumen during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling device incorporates an articulating anvil retainer assembly with a retainer member and an engagement member that includes a clevis with spaced fingers and a pivotally secured engagement member, allowing for axial movement and pivotal articulation to facilitate attachment in confined spaces, utilizing a clevis pin, slot, and biasing member for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid anvil retainer is used to securely hold the anvil assembly, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in attachment within confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil retainer assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure. The engagement member is pivotally connected to the retainer body, allowing it to rotate between a first position (for easy attachment/detachment) and a second position (for secure retention). This dynamic capability enables the retainer to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and ease of attachment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the anvil retainer is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the stability of the structure is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to inability to articulate in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil retainer assembly is segmented into distinct components: a retainer body and a separately pivotally connected engagement member. This segmentation allows the engagement member to articulate relative to the retainer body, providing adaptability for navigating confined surgical spaces while the overall assembly maintains structural stability through the pivotal connection mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the engagement member is fixed in position relative to the retainer body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation worsens due to inability to pivot for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the retainer body and engagement member. This intermediary allows relative motion while maintaining structural integrity, enabling easy attachment and detachment operations without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms. The simple pivotal joint adds minimal complexity while significantly improving operability.
Data Source
AI summary
A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body portion that extends distally from the handle assembly, a shell assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body portion, an anvil retainer assembly extending through the shell assembly, and an anvil assembly supported on the anvil retainer assembly. The anvil retainer assembly includes a retainer member including a retainer body and an engagement member that is pivotally supported on the retainer body. The engagement member is movable axially in relation to the retainer body from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the engagement member to from a locked position to an unlocked position in relation to the retainer body. In the unlocked position, the engagement member is movable from a non-articulated position to an articulated position in relation to the retainer body.