Surgical Clip Applicator Jaw Design for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip applying apparatuses for surgical procedures often obstruct the visualization of the surgical site, especially during endoscopic procedures, due to their design obstructing the view of the surgical site during clip application.
Innovation Solution
The clip applying apparatus features a design with an anvil jaw and a slide member that define an enclosed tissue receiving area, allowing improved visibility and easier tissue positioning, along with a pusher mechanism to deform the clip into a C-shaped configuration, and a clip advancement mechanism with a biasing member to facilitate sequential clip application without obstructing the view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional clip applying apparatus is used, then the clip can be applied to tissue, but the surgical site visualization is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil jaw is divided into a stationary portion and a movable slide member portion. The slide member can be retracted to open the jaw and advanced to close the jaw, allowing the tissue receiving area to be enclosed only when needed for clip application, thereby improving visualization during positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The slide member is movably supported in relation to the anvil jaw between a retracted position and an advanced position. This dynamic structure allows the anvil jaw to transition from an open state (improving visibility) to a closed state (enabling clip application), resolving the contradiction between visibility and functionality
2Ease of operation
If the anvil jaw is kept closed to apply clip, then clip application is effective, but tissue positioning and visualization are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The slide member provides dynamic control over the anvil jaw closure. During tissue positioning, the slide member is retracted to keep the jaw open for better visualization and access. When clip application is required, the slide member advances to close the jaw, ensuring effective clip deployment. This dynamic transition resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
3Productivity
If multiple clips are applied sequentially, then surgical ligation is comprehensive, but the application process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clips are pre-loaded into the clip applying apparatus before the surgical procedure begins. The clip advancement mechanism is pre-configured to automatically advance clips sequentially. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to reload clips during surgery, significantly improving productivity and reducing surgical time
4Reliability
If the slide member is advanced to enclose tissue, then clip application is secure, but the apparatus obstructs the view
Solution Approach 1:
The slide member dynamically transitions between retracted and advanced positions. When retracted, the anvil jaw is open providing unobstructed visualization of the surgical site. When advanced, the anvil jaw encloses the tissue securely for reliable clip application. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for either visibility or security depending on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances visibility and simplifies the application process by minimizing obstruction, allowing for better positioning of tissue and efficient clip deployment, thereby improving the surgical procedure's visibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member positioned between the clip follower and the slidable rack... the biasing member is not in tension and the clip follower is not urged distally
Implementation Method 2
The retaining spring is positioned adjacent a distal end of the clip track in a position to urge a distal-most clip of the series of clips from the clip track through the distally located window
Implementation Method 3
The distal end of the pusher includes a rounded surface positioned to engage the backspan of a distal-most clip of a series of clips to deform the spaced legs along the curved distal portion of the anvil jaw and subsequently collapse the at least one clip into a substantially C-shaped configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A clip applying apparatus is provided for applying a ligating clip to tissue. The clip applying apparatus includes, inter alia, a handle assembly, a central body portion, an anvil jaw, and a slide member movably supported in relation to the anvil jaw. The anvil jaw and the slide member are configured to define an enclosed tissue receiving area when the slide member is in an advanced position. A method is also provided for ligating tissue using the presently disclosed clip applying apparatus.