Circular Stapling System Lockout for Spent-Cartridge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments lack effective mechanisms to prevent improper use or misuse, such as firing a spent cartridge or using an anvil that is not fully extended, which can lead to suboptimal tissue stapling and cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a lockout mechanism that prevents the firing drive from being actuated until the anvil is fully extended and attached to the closure drive, and ensures the staple cartridge is fully assembled, thereby ensuring proper operation and preventing misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent improper use, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout mechanism performs preliminary actions by detecting the presence and proper assembly of the anvil and staple cartridge before allowing the firing drive to be actuated. The sensor detects whether the anvil is fully extended and whether the staple cartridge is properly assembled, and the firing drive is prevented from operating until these conditions are met. This preliminary verification ensures proper operation and prevents misuse such as firing a spent cartridge or using an improperly assembled anvil.
2Reliability
If sensor detection and lockout features are integrated, then manufacturing precision requirements increase, but safety is improved
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the physical components (anvil, staple cartridge) and the control system. The sensor detects whether the anvil is fully extended and whether the staple cartridge is properly assembled, converting these physical states into signals that control the lockout mechanism. This intermediary approach simplifies the integration requirements by providing a clear detection interface between mechanical components and the firing control system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A circular stapling instrument is disclosed which comprises a replaceable staple cartridge. The circular stapling instrument and/or staple cartridge comprises a lockout configured to prevent a previously-fired staple cartridge from being re-used.