Robotic Stapler Articulation Bushings for Independent End Effector Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a dedicated surgical stapling instrument into the surgical workflow of a multi-purpose robotic system remains an unmet need, as existing robotic surgical systems lack seamless integration of stapling capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The development of an articulation subsystem for a surgical instrument, including a rotatable shaft with a distal channel retainer and articulation bushings, allows for independent actuation of end effector closure, articulation, and staple firing, enhancing the functionality of robotic surgical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-purpose robotic surgical system is used, then versatility is improved, but integration of dedicated stapling capabilities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidintegration of stapling capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is divided into distinct functional subsystems: a closure subsystem for closing the end effector, an articulation subsystem for articulating the end effector, a roll subsystem for rolling the shaft, and a transection subsystem for firing staples and cutting tissue. Each subsystem operates independently with its own actuation mechanism, allowing the multi-purpose robot to perform dedicated stapling functions through coordinated activation of these segmented components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If independent actuation of multiple subsystems is implemented, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each subsystem is designed with dynamic actuation capabilities allowing independent control during the surgical procedure. The closure subsystem can close the end effector, the articulation subsystem can articulate it to different angles, the roll subsystem can rotate the shaft, and the transection subsystem can fire staples and cut tissue. This dynamic independence enables precise control of each function separately, improving surgical precision while the modular design manages the complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a dedicated surgical stapling instrument is developed, then surgical workflow integration is improved, but existing robotic system compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical workflow integrationVSAvoidrobotic system compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is designed as a universal attachment that can be integrated into existing multi-purpose robotic surgical systems. By implementing independent subsystems with standardized actuation interfaces, the instrument maintains compatibility with various robotic platforms while providing dedicated stapling functionality. The modular architecture allows the same instrument design to work across different robotic systems, achieving both workflow integration and system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12616467B2Systems and subsystems for articulating a surgical instrument
Publication Date: 2026.05.05 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
  • US12616467B2 patent drawing
  • US12616467B2 patent drawing
  • US12616467B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and subsystems for articulating an end effector of a stapler are disclosed. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and subsystems for attachments for robotic surgeries. The surgical instrument is a robotic attachment. The surgical instrument includes an articulation subsystem that moves independently of other subsystems that are operable independently of each other.