Articulating Surgical Stapler With Flexible Firing Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently and effectively stapling and cutting tissue, particularly in articulating configurations, with limitations in flexibility and precision.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical stapling instrument with an articulating end effector and a flexible firing drive system, allowing for precise tissue stapling and cutting, even in complex anatomical locations, through the use of a shaft assembly and articulation joint, and a closure drive system for jaw manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid firing drive system is used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to complex anatomical configurations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The firing drive system is divided into multiple segments including a proximal portion, a articulation joint, and a distal portion. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function while adapting to complex anatomical configurations, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint introduces dynamic movement capability to the firing drive system, allowing it to articulate relative to the shaft assembly. This dynamic feature enables the system to adapt to various anatomical configurations while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
2Device complexity
If a simple linear drive system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but precision in tissue stapling and cutting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint acts as an intermediary between the proximal and distal portions of the firing drive system. It transmits and transforms the driving force while enabling precise positioning of the end effector, thereby achieving high precision without requiring an overly complex direct drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint introduces an additional degree of freedom by enabling articulation movement. This dimensional change allows the firing drive system to achieve precise positioning in complex three-dimensional anatomical spaces without requiring excessive complexity in the linear drive components.
3Device complexity
If the end effector is fixed in a straight configuration, then structural simplicity is improved, but ability to access complex anatomical locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with articulation capability through the articulation joint, transforming it from a fixed straight configuration to a dynamic structure that can articulate to various angles. This enables access to complex anatomical locations while maintaining relative structural simplicity through a single articulation degree of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly can include a first jaw, a second jaw, an articulation joint, a closure drive comprising a first flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint, and a firing drive comprising a second flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint and rotatable independent of the first flexible rotary drive. The surgical stapling assembly can further include a 3D-printed component.