Surgical Clip Applier Anti-Backup Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical clip appliers face issues with partial clip release during surgery, leading to dropped clips and jammed mechanisms, and lack adaptability for various clip sizes and handle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip applier with a removable and disposable cartridge, featuring a scissors grip handle with a spring-biased linear actuator, anti-backup mechanism, and a lockout mechanism to prevent partial releases, allowing for efficient clip application and adaptation to different clip sizes and handle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional surgical clip applier is used, then clip application can be performed, but partial clip release may occur leading to dropped clips and jammed mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an anti-backup mechanism with a backup spring and blocking surface that prevents partial clip release by applying a counteracting force. When the trigger is released, the backup spring engages with the blocking surface to prevent the jaw from moving backward, ensuring the clip is either fully released or remains securely held, eliminating the hazard of dropped clips and mechanism jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the backup spring and blocking surface in advance within the trigger assembly to prepare for potential partial release scenarios. The anti-backup mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically if partial release occurs, preventing the harmful effect before it can manifest as a dropped clip or jammed mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed handle configuration is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for various clip sizes and handle configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clip applier into two separate modules: a reusable handle assembly and a disposable cartridge. The cartridge contains the clip supply and applying mechanism, while the handle provides actuation and anti-backup functionality. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be optimized for specific clip sizes and the handle to remain a versatile platform, enhancing adaptability without permanently increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple cartridge types through standardized interface features. The anti-backup mechanism and trigger assembly in the handle can work with various cartridges designed for different clip sizes, allowing a single handle to perform multiple functions across different surgical applications.
3Productivity
If a disposable cartridge system is implemented, then clip application efficiency is improved, but tooling and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the disposable cartridge from the reusable handle, the patent enables simplified manufacturing of the cartridge as a standalone component. The cartridge can be manufactured with focused tooling for its specific functions (clip storage, advancement, and application), while the handle is manufactured separately with its own specialized components. This segmentation reduces overall tooling complexity compared to manufacturing a complete integrated device.
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
The solution ensures reliable clip application without partial releases, reduces tooling and assembly complexity, and supports a wide range of clip sizes, enhancing surgical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
scissors grip handle with a spring-biased linear actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical clip applier with scissor-type operating handle and clip applying cartridge in which handle has housing of upper and lower shells that defines socket for receiving cartridge, includes a lever arm actuated linear translator for linear reciprocating movement delivered to the cartridge, and an anti-backup mechanism for full forward and release strokes of the handle, and in which cartridge includes jaws for applying clips, safety means to ensure opening of jaws for each cycle, a puller bar for receiving motion from handle and timing of jaw operation to clip feed, a magazine for feeding clips to jaws in proper sequence, and a lockout mechanism to render applier inoperative after using last clip.