Articulating End Effector With Movable Firing Beam Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently accessing and maneuvering within the body, particularly in procedures like lower anterior resection of the colon, due to limitations in articulation range and dead zones, which affect the ability to reach target tissue effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of surgical instruments with articulatable end effectors and movable firing beam support arrangements, including a firing beam guide assembly, allows for enhanced articulation and reduced dead zones, enabling better access and maneuverability within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is made articulatable to improve access to target tissue, then the ability to reach target tissue is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple articulated segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the distal portion to reach target tissue at angles while the proximal portion remains manageable. The articulation joint separates the fixed shaft portion from the movable end effector portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities where the distal portion can pivot and rotate relative to the proximal portion. This dynamic movement allows adaptation to different anatomical configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through controlled degrees of freedom.
2Ease of operation
If the firing beam support arrangement is made movable to reduce dead zones, then the access to target tissues is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firing beam support arrangement is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adjust its position dynamically during the stapling operation. This movement capability reduces dead zones by enabling the firing beam to reach more positions while the support structure adapts accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable support arrangement acts as an intermediary between the fixed shaft and the firing beam, providing flexible positioning. This intermediate structure absorbs the complexity of movement requirements while keeping the overall device architecture relatively simple.
3Productivity
If the end effector articulation is enhanced to eliminate dead zones, then the productivity of surgical procedure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system is segmented into controlled degrees of freedom, allowing the end effector to navigate complex anatomical paths efficiently. This segmentation enables precise positioning to eliminate dead zones without requiring overly complex mechanisms throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector utilizes multi-dimensional articulation with pivot and rotation joints that add angular degrees of freedom. This dimensional enhancement allows the instrument to access target tissue from multiple angles, eliminating dead zones and improving surgical efficiency without proportionally increasing linear device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that is coupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint. A flexible firing beam extends through the articulation joint to interface with a firing member in the surgical end effector to apply a firing motion thereto. In at least one form, the surgical instrument further includes a movable firing beam support assembly that is configured to movably contact the firing beam on each lateral side thereof as the firing beam flexes about the articulation joint.