Articulating Clip Applier Cartridge with Gear Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgical clip appliers face challenges in applying multiple clips during minimally invasive procedures due to limited field of view and tactile feedback, making it difficult to operate effectively, especially when applying clips to blood vessels or other ducts.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip applier with an articulating mechanism that includes a gear rack, gears, and a gear segment, allowing the second tubular member to pivot up to 90°, combined with a rotation mechanism using a dial and band to provide rotational force to the jaw assembly, enabling precise application of clips in a minimally invasive setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multiple clip applier is used during endoscopic procedures, then productivity is improved by applying multiple clips during a single entry, but device complexity increases due to the need for interchangeable clip magazines and multiple loading mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The clip applier is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable handle assembly and interchangeable clip magazines. Each magazine contains multiple clips and is designed to be loaded and unloaded independently, allowing the system to maintain complexity only where necessary while improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of clip magazines. The standardized interface and common drive mechanism allow a single handle to accommodate different clip configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If articulation capability is added to the clip applier, then ease of operation is improved by allowing the shaft to pivot and articulate, but device complexity increases due to additional articulation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft assembly incorporates dynamic articulation capability, allowing the distal portion to pivot relative to the proximal portion around a transverse axis. This dynamic feature enables the shaft to adapt its orientation to reach difficult-to-access areas while maintaining control from the proximal end.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism adds a transverse dimension to the otherwise linear shaft structure. By introducing rotation around a transverse axis, the shaft gains the ability to orient itself in multiple directions, effectively adding a degree of freedom to the system.
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
Enhances the ability to apply surgical clips with improved precision and control, addressing the limitations of limited field of view and tactile feedback, facilitating more effective minimally invasive procedures by allowing for articulation and rotation of the clip applier.
Implementation Method 1
The drive assembly may include a flexible cable that transfers both a translational force and a rotational force from inside of the housing into the second tubular member
Implementation Method 2
The articulation mechanism includes a gear rack, at least one gear and a gear segment
Implementation Method 3
The articulation mechanism includes a gear rack, at least one gear and a gear segment
Implementation Method 4
The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear reciprocating motion to advance clips through the jaw assembly
Implementation Method 5
A spring mechanism loads the clip onto the vessel by converting stored elastic energy into compressive force
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector is provided and includes a distal housing portion and a proximal housing portion interconnected to one another by a knuckle portion, wherein the knuckle portion permits rotation of the distal housing portion relative thereto and articulation of the distal housing portion relative to the proximal housing portion; a jaw assembly supported in the distal end of the distal housing portion, the jaw assembly including a first jaw and a second jaw movable between a spaced apart and an approximated position; and a plurality of fasteners loaded within the distal housing portion, each of the plurality of fasteners defining a fastener axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to a pair of legs thereof, each of the plurality of fasteners being arranged within the base portion such that the fastener axis is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal housing portion.