C-Shaped Surgical Stapler Lateral Tissue Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical methods for endoluminal or laparoscopic tissue sampling are invasive, limit tissue excision volume due to small window size, and obstruct visualization, requiring extensive endoscope articulation and partial occlusion of the visual field.

Innovation Solution

A surgical stapling device with a C-shaped frame and lateral opening allows for improved visualization and increased tissue excision by rotating the end effector laterally to position tissue within a window, using a snare or grasper for traction and stapling, and a protective sheath for safe access along the colon.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional surgical stapling device with a window is used, then tissue can be excised, but the window size limits the amount of tissue that can be grasped and excised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of tissue excisedVSAvoidwindow size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is designed with a C-shaped frame that defines a window with lateral opening, allowing tissue to be accessed from the lateral dimension rather than only through the distal window. This dimensional change enables greater tissue volume to be grasped and excised while maintaining a compact device profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the surgical stapling device is positioned close to the tissue, then tissue excision can be performed, but the device obstructs access to the tissue and partially occupies the visual field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue excision capabilityVSAvoidvisualization quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the grasping function (performed by the end effector through the window) from the visualization function (performed by the endoscope approaching from a different angle). The C-shaped frame configuration allows the endoscope to approach from the lateral direction while the end effector acts through the window, dividing the operational space to reduce mutual obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral opening acts as an intermediary access path that allows the endoscope to visualize the tissue from an angle that does not conflict with the end effector's position. This intermediary approach path enables simultaneous visualization and tissue excision with reduced obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the endoscope articulates extensively to visualize tissue, then the visual field can be improved, but the procedure complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual field qualityVSAvoidendoscope articulation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By providing lateral opening for endoscope access, the visualization path is changed from requiring extensive articulation to a more direct lateral approach. This dimensional change in the access path simplifies the endoscope's required articulation while maintaining good visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1929963B1Device for endoluminally or laparoscopically grasping and excising a tissue sample from areas in a patient's body
Publication Date: 2010.02.17 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC
  • EP1929963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1929963B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1929963B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A surgical device for endoluminally or laparoscopically grasping and excising a target tissue (1) sample from areas in a patient's body comprises a surgical stapling device (4) having a distal staple fastening assembly (5) connected via one or more flexible force transmitters (25) to a proximal handle, wherein the staple fastening assembly (5) comprises a cartridge device (8) containing one or more curved open rows of staples as well as a knife, a curved anvil (7) having a staple forming face adapted to cooperate with the cartridge device (8) to form the ends of the staples expelled from the cartridge device (8). The anvil (7) is movable with respect to the cartridge device (8) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the staple fastening assembly (5) and the staple fastening assembly (5) is curved about the longitudinal axis (L). A lateral end of the anvil (7) and a corresponding lateral end of the cartridge device (8) are connected by a longitudinally extending lateral shaft (9) so that a substantially C shaped frame is formed which defines a window (6) for receiving the target tissue (1) and a lateral opening (10) opposite the lateral shaft (9) configured to provide lateral access to the window (6).