Bendable Surgical Staple for Internal Incision Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for closing abdominal incisions during surgical procedures are time-consuming and cause unnecessary trauma and scarring due to the need for internal access or enlargement of the incision to apply staples or sutures, which is not feasible when accessing a body cavity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical staple with a bendable design and a stapling apparatus that includes a vacuum assembly, allowing for the staple to be deformed and inserted through a small opening to close the incision from within the body cavity, using an absorbable material that dissolves harmlessly over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods (staples or sutures) are used to close the abdominal incision, then the incision can be closed securely, but it requires accessing the incision internally or enlarging the incision, which adds time, causes additional tissue trauma, and creates unnecessary scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The staple is designed to be applied from the inside of the body cavity rather than from the outside, reversing the conventional approach. The stapling device is inserted through the incision, and the staple is deformed and applied to the inner surface of the incision edges, eliminating the need for external manipulation or incision enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stapling device and staple are designed to be inserted through the existing incision opening, nesting the closing mechanism within the access pathway already created for the surgical procedure, avoiding the need for additional incisions or enlargements.
2Reliability
If conventional methods (staples or sutures) are used to close the abdominal incision, then the incision can be closed securely, but it requires accessing the incision internally or enlarging the incision, which causes additional tissue trauma and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
By reversing the application direction to close the incision from the inside, the method avoids external manipulation that would cause additional trauma. The staple is deformed within the body cavity to secure the incision edges without requiring external access or incision enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple is pre-formed in an open configuration that allows it to be inserted through the incision with minimal tissue disruption. Once inside, it is deformed into the closed configuration to secure the incision, performing the closing action after the harmful access phase is complete.
3Ease of manufacture
If the staple is made of absorbable material, then it dissolves harmlessly over time eliminating the need for removal, but it must maintain sufficient strength during the absorption period to ensure secure closure
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbable material is selected and engineered to have specific mechanical properties that provide sufficient strength during the critical early healing period. The material's degradation rate and strength characteristics are matched to the tissue healing timeline, ensuring adequate closure strength while maintaining biocompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple may utilize composite material structures or metal alloys with controlled absorption properties that balance initial strength requirements with gradual degradation. The material composition is designed to maintain structural integrity during the absorption period while ensuring harmless dissolution after serving its function.
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
Facilitates efficient closure of body cavity incisions with reduced tissue trauma and scarring by enabling the staple to be deployed and deformed internally, ensuring secure closure with minimal additional tissue manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes a vacuum assembly slidably disposed on the elongated shaft relative to the staple forming assembly. The vacuum assembly may include a housing. The housing is configured for operable engagement with a vacuum source.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical staple configured to close an opening in tissue is provided. The surgical staple includes a base including first and second base portions and first and second legs extending from respective first and second base portions. The first and second base portions form a bendable connection therebetween. The staple has a first substantially open position in which the first base portion defines an angle with the second base portion and a second substantially closed position.