Cable-Driven Surgical Stapler Articulation Beyond 60 Degrees
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers used in colectomies face challenges in articulating the stapler head to achieve proper angles relative to the tissue due to the incorporation of flexible pushrods, limiting the articulation range to approximately 45-60 degrees, which complicates stapling and cutting at desired angles.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a tool assembly that includes a stapler and anvil assembly pivotably coupled via cables, allowing for articulation joints that enable the tool assembly to pivot more than 60 degrees, facilitated by a revolute joint and controlled by a handle assembly with triggers and articulation control elements, enabling precise positioning and operation within confined body cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible pushrods are used to actuate the stapler head, then the stapler can be operated through a small incision, but the articulation range is limited to 45-60 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible pushrods from the system and replaces them with a cable-driven mechanism. This extraction of the limiting component enables the stapler head to articulate beyond 60 degrees, achieving up to 120 degrees of articulation while maintaining operability through a trocar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the flexible pushrod mechanical system with a cable-driven articulation mechanism. This replacement allows for greater articulation range and positioning flexibility while maintaining the ability to operate through a small incision, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
2Device complexity
If the stapler head articulation is limited to 45-60 degrees, then the pushrod mechanism remains simple, but it becomes difficult to staple and cut tissue at proper angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cables as intermediary elements to transmit force from the handles to the stapler head for articulation control. This cable-mediated mechanism enables precise articulation control and proper stapling angles while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device structure.
3Productivity
If the stapler head is positioned through a small incision, then minimally invasive surgery is achieved, but proper positioning and angulation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic articulation mechanism where the stapler head can be actively positioned and angled through cable-driven rotation. This dynamic positioning capability allows the surgeon to achieve proper stapling angles and positioning despite the constraints of a small incision, thereby maintaining surgical efficiency while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument may include a tool assembly including a stapler assembly and an anvil assembly. The surgical instrument may include a handle assembly that includes a handle grip, a first cable drive assembly operatively coupled to the anvil assembly via a first cable, the first cable disposed within a channel assembly, a first trigger operatively coupled to the anvil assembly via the first cable, wherein an actuation of the first trigger causes the first cable to move from a protracted position to a retracted position, a second cable drive assembly operatively coupled to the stapler assembly via a second cable, the second cable disposed within the channel assembly; and a second trigger coupled to the stapler assembly via the second cable, wherein an actuation of the second trigger causes the stapler assembly to drive staples into a tissue.