Articulation Mechanism for Surgical Stapling Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laparoscopic surgical stapling devices require multiple instruments for different staple sizes, increasing procedural time, complexity, and cost, and lack the ability to perform multiple tasks such as stapling, clipping, cutting, and articulation with varying disposable loading units.
Innovation Solution
An articulation mechanism with a housing and rotatable shaft, including a main shaft with a cam member and clutches, allows for the use of various disposable loading units and enables the stapling apparatus to articulate, staple, clip, and cut, while ensuring a fresh knife blade for each firing and secure retention of the loading unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stapling instruments of different sizes are used to address various staple size requirements, then the ability to perform different surgical tasks is improved, but the procedural time, complexity, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal articulating shaft design that can accommodate multiple disposable loading units of different sizes (30mm, 45mm, 60mm) through a standardized interface system. The articulating mechanism with clutches and cam members enables a single instrument to perform stapling, cutting, and articulation functions regardless of the specific loading unit size, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized instruments and decreasing procedural time
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stapling instruments of different sizes are used to address various staple size requirements, then the ability to perform different surgical tasks is improved, but the overall costs associated with procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single multipurpose stapling instrument with a standardized articulating shaft and clutch mechanism that can accept various disposable loading units. This universal design reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce multiple specialized instrument platforms, while still providing the versatility to perform different surgical tasks with appropriately sized loading units
3Device complexity
If a single multipurpose stapling instrument is designed to accommodate various disposable loading units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure retention and proper operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stapling instrument into modular components: a reusable articulating shaft assembly containing the clutch and cam mechanisms, and disposable loading units. This segmentation allows the complex articulation and retention mechanisms to be standardized and thoroughly tested in the reusable portion, while the disposable units are simplified for manufacturing. The standardized interface ensures reliable retention through precise mechanical engagement features that have been optimized for reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized interface mechanism with clutches and cam members as an intermediary between the reusable articulating shaft and various disposable loading units. This intermediary component ensures reliable mechanical engagement and power transmission regardless of the specific loading unit type, maintaining reliability while enabling compatibility across different sizes and configurations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism reduces the need for multiple instruments by allowing a single device to perform multiple tasks with different sized disposable loading units, decreasing procedural time and cost, and maintaining the benefits of existing devices like the MULTIFIRE ENDO GIA* 30.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is positioned between the cover and the upper clutch. The biasing member urges the bottom surface of the upper clutch into engagement with the serrated portion of the lower clutch.
Implementation Method 2
The translation member includes a slot dimensioned to receive the cam member which extends from the bottom surface of the base portion of the main shaft such that rotation of the main shaft effects linear movement of the translation member.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical apparatus having an articulating tool assembly is described. The articulation mechanism includes a rotatable shaft which is fixedly secured to a disk defining a spiral groove or slot. A linearly movable translation member is provided and includes a pin which is received within the spiral groove such that rotation of the disk effects linear translation of the translation member. The configuration of the spiral groove can be selected to provide any desired ratio of angular rotation of the disk to linear advancement of the translation member. As such, the configuration of the spiral slot can be selected to provide a uniform rate of articulation of the tool assembly of the surgical apparatus or a variable rate of articulation.