Articulating Surgical Applicator Shaft for Hernia Mesh Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical instruments for hernia mesh attachment face challenges in ergonomics, maneuverability, and distal shaft strength during laparoscopic procedures, particularly in achieving pre-defined articulation angles and consistent fastener deployment.

Innovation Solution

An applicator instrument with an articulating shaft featuring a proximal and distal section, an articulating joint, and an articulation control element, allowing for adjustable angles and a firing system for precise deployment of surgical fasteners, ensuring consistent and secure attachment of hernia mesh to tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid straight shaft is used, then distal shaft strength is maintained, but maneuverability and ergonomics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoiddistal shaft strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is divided into multiple articulated sections that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the distal end to reach difficult angles while maintaining overall structural strength through the segmented design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with movable joints, enabling the shaft to adapt its configuration based on surgical access requirements while maintaining strength through controlled articulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If an articulating shaft is introduced, then maneuverability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidshaft structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation control elements and flexible linkages are nested within the shaft structure, with components housed inside outer tubes, reducing external complexity while maintaining internal articulation functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible linkages act as intermediaries between the articulation control elements and the distal shaft section, transmitting control forces while allowing smooth articulation movements without complex mechanical connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If articulation control elements are added, then user experience is simplified, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation control elements are designed to be intuitively operated by the surgeon's natural hand movements, with the control mechanism automatically translating user input into shaft articulation without requiring complex manual manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional complex mechanical control systems are replaced with flexible linkage mechanisms that use elastic deformation and tension to transmit control forces, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the distal shaft section articulates, then access to difficult areas is improved, but fastener deployment consistency may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess capabilityVSAvoidfastener deployment consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation is pre-configured with stoppers and controlled range limits that ensure the shaft reaches optimal positions for fastener deployment before firing, maintaining consistency through pre-established geometric constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft articulation parameters are controlled within specific ranges that optimize both access capability and fastener deployment accuracy, with the articulation angle and position adjusted to maintain proper alignment during firing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3376968B1Applicator instruments for dispensing surgical fasteners having articulating shafts and articulation control elements

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 ETHICON INC

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B

AI summary

An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a handle and an articulating shaft extending from the distal end of the handle. The articulating shaft includes a proximal shaft section, a distal shaft section, and an articulating joint. An articulation control element is coupled with the proximal shaft section for articulating the distal shaft section relative to the proximal shaft section via the articulating joint. The applicator instrument includes an incompressible member interconnecting the proximal and distal shaft sections that maintains a fixed distance between the distal end face of the distal shaft section and the distal end of the handle as the articulating shaft moves between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration to ensure a consistent firing stroke.