Articulating Adapter Assembly for Surgical Stapling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices have complicated and time-consuming processes for replacing disposable or multiple-use loading units, and lack flexibility in maneuvering the units to desired locations during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a proximal body portion and a distal body portion that is selectively articulable, featuring a flexible shaft and a working channel, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of loading units and enhanced maneuverability within a surgical cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid adapter assembly is used to connect the powered handle to the loading unit, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to maneuver the loading unit to desired locations within the surgical cavity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into a proximal body portion and a distal body portion that can articulate relative to each other at an articulation joint. This segmentation allows the distal portion to be positioned independently within the surgical cavity while the proximal portion remains connected to the powered handle, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint between the proximal and distal body portions provides dynamic movement capability, allowing the adapter assembly to change its configuration during surgical procedures. This enables the distal body portion to be maneuvered to desired locations while maintaining a stable connection to the powered handle through the proximal portion.
2Reliability
If a complex connection mechanism is used to secure the loading unit to the adapter assembly, then connection reliability is improved, but the time required to replace loading units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism between the loading unit and the distal body portion is designed to be self-latching or self-locking, allowing the loading unit to be securely attached without requiring complex manual operations. This enables quick and reliable attachment, reducing replacement time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint and connection mechanism are designed to allow the loading unit to be easily extracted from the distal body portion when replacement is needed. This extraction capability enables rapid loading unit replacement while maintaining secure connection during use, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and replacement speed.
3Length of moving object
If a long rigid shaft is used in the adapter assembly, then the working channel can reach deeper surgical sites, but the flexibility to navigate around anatomical structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft of the adapter assembly is segmented into a proximal body portion and a distal body portion connected by an articulation joint. This segmentation allows the shaft to maintain sufficient length to reach deep surgical sites while enabling flexibility through the articulation joint, which allows the distal portion to navigate around anatomical structures independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint incorporates flexible elements or mechanisms that allow the adapter assembly to bend and articulate, providing the necessary flexibility to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining the required shaft length to reach deep surgical sites.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion configured for operable connection to an actuation assembly and a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint. The distal body portion includes a distal end configured for selective engagement with a loading unit and defines a longitudinal axis. A length of the proximal body portion is flexible. The proximal body portion may also define a working channel.