Circular Stapler Reciprocating Drive for Independent Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack an efficient mechanism for independent stapling and cutting of tissue, particularly in endoscopic procedures, which can complicate the sealing and severing process.
Innovation Solution
A powered circular stapler with a reciprocating drive member that allows for independent stapling and cutting of tissue, utilizing a motor-driven mechanism to control the movement of staple drivers and a blade assembly for precise tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional surgical stapler is used, then the stapling function is achieved, but the cutting function cannot be performed independently, complicating the sealing and severing process
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into functionally independent modules: a stapling system with staple drivers and a cutting system with a blade assembly. The reciprocating drive member segments the operation into distinct phases, allowing stapling and cutting to be performed independently rather than simultaneously, thereby achieving versatile functionality while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can perform stapling, cutting, and sealing operations. The reciprocating drive member enables the instrument to switch between these functions by controlling the movement of different components (staple drivers vs. blade assembly), making the device universally applicable for various surgical tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reciprocating drive member is implemented for independent stapling and cutting, then functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating drive member merges the control of multiple functions (stapling and cutting) into a single drive mechanism. This shared drive system reduces the number of separate actuators needed, thereby managing device complexity while still enabling independent operation of stapling and cutting functions through coordinated control
3Productivity
If simultaneous stapling and cutting is performed, then the surgical process is simplified, but the reliability of sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument performs stapling as a preliminary action before cutting. The reciprocating drive member first actuates the staple drivers to seal the tissue, then subsequently activates the blade assembly for cutting. This sequential arrangement ensures that sealing is completed and reliable before the cutting action begins, maintaining sealing reliability while improving overall surgical efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath and a staple driving mechanism. The end effector includes a staple deck, an anvil, a first staple driver, and a second staple driver. The staple deck defines a plurality of staple openings in at least one annular array. Each staple opening in the plurality of staple openings houses a staple. The anvil is configured to actuate relative to the staple deck to compress tissue between the staple deck and the anvil. The staple driving mechanism is configured to actuate the first staple driver to fire a first staple of the plurality of staples against the anvil. The staple driving mechanism is further configured to actuate the second staple driver independently of the first staple driver to fire a second staple of the plurality of staples against the anvil.