Low-Profile Stapler with Box-Shaped Staples for Tissue Approximation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers for gastric volume reduction procedures require manual placement and tensioning of T-Tag anchors, making the process time-intensive and costly, and existing low-profile staplers with soft ductile materials lack strength and holding power due to their design and material limitations.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile surgical stapler and staple design that allows for the deployment of multiple large-sized box staples through a small delivery port, featuring a folded, box-shaped staple with a high yield stress material and multiple bending points for increased strength, and a stapler that alters configuration from a low profile to a wider operable width upon deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual placement and tensioning of T-Tag anchors is used, then tissue approximation can be achieved, but procedure time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler device performs the tissue approximation function automatically through its mechanical action of firing staples and applying tension, eliminating the need for manual suture tensioning by the surgeon. The device serves itself by automating the tissue folding and securing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of placing T-Tag anchors and tensioning sutures is replaced by an automated stapler system that uses mechanical firing mechanisms to deploy staples and apply tension simultaneously, reducing procedure time while maintaining tissue approximation reliability.
2Length of moving object
If low-profile stapler with soft ductile material is used, then small delivery port is achieved, but staple strength and holding power decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The staple is designed with specific geometric parameters including multiple bends at defined angles (45-60 degrees) and a folded box configuration that transforms a low-profile delivered shape into a expanded high-strength configuration upon firing, achieving both small delivery profile and high holding power.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple uses a composite structure combining a flexible yet strong base material (such as stainless steel or titanium alloy) with a specific multi-bend geometry that creates multiple reinforcement points, achieving both ductility for delivery and strength for tissue holding.
3Length of moving object
If existing low-profile stapler design is used, then small delivery port is achieved, but tissue purchase area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The staple undergoes a dynamic transformation from a compact low-profile configuration during delivery to an expanded configuration with increased tissue purchase area after firing. The multiple bends and folded structure allow the staple to expand and engage a larger tissue area while maintaining a small delivery profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple design utilizes dimensional transformation where the folded box configuration and multiple bends allow the staple to occupy a small volume during delivery but expand into a larger effective tissue engagement area upon firing, utilizing spatial reconfiguration to resolve the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of deploying a surgical fastener using the steps of introducing a fastener into a body of a patient while the fastener is in a first shape forming a first loop. Moving end segments of the fastener away from each other substantially along an entire length thereof. And forming the fastener into a second loop having a width greater than a width of the first loop.