Combined Dilator Introducer for Surgical Stapler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical stapling procedures require separate dilators and staplers, which can be cumbersome and require additional sterilization steps, and lack an integrated solution for dilation and introduction of the stapler into the rectum during intestinal anastomosis procedures.

Innovation Solution

A combined dilator and introducer device that attaches to the stapler, providing dilation and facilitating the introduction of the stapler through a structure, with a collapsible design for easy retrieval, using a string mechanism for detachment and removal, allowing for efficient stapling of tubular structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate dilators and staplers are used, then dilation function is provided, but device complexity and procedural steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedilation functionVSAvoidprocedural steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the dilator and stapler into a single integrated device. The dilator shaft and stapler shaft are coupled together, with the stapler shaft positioned within the dilator shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate dilation and stapling procedures, reducing the number of procedural steps while maintaining both dilation and stapling functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: dilation of the rectum, introduction of the stapler into the rectum, and subsequent stapling operation. The dilator shaft with its collapsible elements provides dilation capability, while the coupled stapler shaft provides stapling capability, making the device universal for both preparation and surgical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate dilators and staplers are used, then dilation can be achieved, but sterilization requirements and storage needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedilation capabilityVSAvoidsterilization and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the dilator and stapler into one device, the patent reduces the number of separate instruments that need to be sterilized individually. The combined device can be sterilized as a single unit, and requires only one storage location, simplifying sterilization protocols and storage requirements while maintaining full dilation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a blunt tip stapler is introduced through the rectum, then stapling can be performed, but tissue damage and procedural difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling capabilityVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs dilation as a preliminary action before introducing the stapler. The collapsible dilator elements are expanded to dilate the rectum in advance, creating a larger cavity and facilitating easier introduction of the stapler. This preliminary dilation reduces the difficulty of insertion and minimizes tissue damage that would occur with forceful introduction of a blunt tip stapler.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dilator incorporates collapsible elements that can dynamically change size. The elements are expanded during the dilation phase to enlarge the rectal cavity, then collapsed to reduce the profile for easier stapler introduction and retrieval. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both dilation effectiveness and minimizes tissue trauma during subsequent steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If dilator elements are made rigid for structural support, then structural integrity is maintained, but tissue damage and retrieval difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dilator elements are designed to be dynamically configurable between expanded and collapsed states. When expanded, they provide sufficient structural support for dilation; when collapsed, they minimize tissue contact and facilitate easy retrieval. This dynamic property allows the elements to maintain structural integrity when needed while reducing tissue damage during retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dilator elements utilize flexible materials that can be expanded to provide structural support during dilation, then collapsed to a compact form for retrieval. The flexible nature of these elements allows them to conform to tissue boundaries, reducing the risk of tissue damage while maintaining the necessary structural integrity for their dilating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20230390539A1Introducer and dilator for surgical instrument

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 GREGORIAN ARMEN

AI summary

In some embodiments, a device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a rounded shape for introduction into an opening of a structure. The second portion includes a recess to receive a needle from an instrument. A retrieval mechanism retrieves the device after removal of the device from the instrument. The device is collapsible in the structure when removed from the instrument after insertion of the instrument and the device into the structure.