Circumferential Stapler Channels for Longer Legs

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical staplers with smaller diameters face limitations in staple leg length and tissue holding due to the need for shorter staples and compromised design, which can lead to staple jamming and reduced tissue coverage.

Innovation Solution

The surgical stapler employs circumferential channels for staple deployment, allowing for the use of staples with longer legs and enabling the stapler to fire larger staples within a smaller diameter, while novel jaw reinforcement structures and specialized staples facilitate effective tissue stapling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stapler diameter is reduced for minimally invasive surgery, then the ease of insertion through small incisions is improved, but the staple leg length and tissue holding capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidstaple leg length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The staple channels are configured in a circumferential arrangement around the central axis of the stapler shaft, transitioning from conventional linear/staight channels to a circular path. This dimensional change allows staples to be fired radially outward in multiple directions, effectively utilizing the circumferential space within the limited stapler diameter to achieve longer staple leg deployment without increasing the stapler's overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The staple channels follow a curved circumferential path rather than straight linear trajectories. This curvature allows the staple legs to be positioned at various radial distances from the central axis, enabling longer effective staple length within the constrained diameter by utilizing the radial dimension created by the curved path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If the stapler diameter is reduced, then the device can fit within smaller cannulas, but the quantity of staples that can be accommodated and the tissue coverage area are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with small cannulasVSAvoidstaple quantity and tissue coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The staple channels are arranged circumferentially around the central axis, utilizing the radial dimension created by the circular cross-section. This allows multiple staple channels to be positioned at different radial distances from the center, maximizing the number of staples that can be accommodated within the limited cross-sectional area of the stapler shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The stapling function is divided into multiple independent staple channels arranged around the circumference, with each channel capable of delivering individual staples. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate multiple staples simultaneously or sequentially within the constrained diameter, increasing overall staple quantity and tissue coverage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If conventional staple channels are used in small diameter staplers, then the device structure remains simple, but the staple deployment effectiveness and tissue holding are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel structure simplicityVSAvoidstaple deployment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The staple channels are configured in a circumferential arrangement around the central axis of the stapler shaft, transitioning from conventional linear/staight channels to a circular path. This dimensional change allows staples to be fired radially outward in multiple directions, effectively utilizing the circumferential space within the limited stapler diameter to achieve longer staple leg deployment without increasing the stapler's overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The staple channels follow a curved circumferential path rather than straight linear trajectories. This curvature allows the staple legs to be positioned at various radial distances from the central axis, enabling longer effective staple length within the constrained diameter by utilizing the radial dimension created by the curved path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250064453A1Surgical stapler with circumferential firing

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 APPL MEDICAL RESOURCES CORP

AI summary

A surgical stapler is provided. The stapler employs circumferential channels through which staples are deployed along an arc pathway against an anvil surface. The curved channels allow staples with relatively longer legs to be used in the stapler having a smaller diameter at the jaws. Also, by utilizing a curved path, a much larger staple can be placed in the same diameter device. Specialized curved staples for use with the stapler of the present invention are also provided. To further enable the benefits of the stapler with circumferential channels and method of staple deployment, novel jaw reinforcement structures are provided in the present invention. The jaw reinforcement structures are located towards the center or bladeline of the device instead of around the circumference as in conventional staplers, thereby clearing the outer area near the circumference of the device to provide room for longer staples and staple firing components.