Compression Staple Holder With Cam-Driven Spreading and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack the ability to effectively hold and spread compression staples for insertion into bone segments, and there is a need for instruments that can lift or remove staples for repositioning, which affects bone healing by potentially creating gaps between bone segments.
Innovation Solution
A staple instrument with a handle, shaft, and jaws that can hold and spread staples, allowing for insertion into pre-drilled bone holes, and features a cam mechanism to convert handle rotation into axial translation for staple placement and removal, using a snap-fit housing and spring bias for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing surgical instruments are used, then bone segments can be operated on, but the instruments lack the ability to effectively hold and spread compression staples for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle for operation, a shaft for transmission, and specialized jaws for staple manipulation. The jaws are further segmented into first and second jaws that can independently engage with the staple legs, allowing precise spreading and insertion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument introduces intermediary components including a cam mechanism that mediates between handle rotation and staple placement, and a holder that mediates between the jaws and the staple during insertion. These intermediaries enable precise control of the staple spreading and insertion process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing instruments are used, then bone segments can be accessed, but there is no capability to lift or remove staples for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform both insertion and removal operations. The same jaws and shaft structure can engage with staples for insertion, and the cam mechanism can be operated in reverse to release and remove staples for repositioning, eliminating the need for separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument employs dynamic components including movable jaws that can open and close, and a cam mechanism that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic design enables the instrument to adapt between different operational modes (insertion and removal) using the same physical structure.
3Reliability
If compression staples are not properly compressed, then bone segments can be joined, but gaps may form between bone segments lengthening healing time
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates tactile feedback through the cam mechanism and jaws that provide sensation to the operator during staple spreading and insertion. This feedback ensures proper compression is achieved without excessive force, and the operator can detect when the staple is properly positioned to prevent gaps between bone segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the staple in the jaws and pre-spreading the legs before insertion into the bone segments. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and compression are achieved during the actual insertion, preventing gap formation and optimizing healing time.
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
Enables secure staple placement and removal, ensuring bone segment compression for enhanced healing by maintaining staple alignment and providing tactile and auditory feedback for precise operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that engages the housing at a distal end of the shaft channel and normally biases the shaft in a proximal direction relative to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a cam surface at the proximal end of the shaft... a cam driver at the distal end of the handle... converts rotation of the handle into axial translation of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
These staples are commonly made from material having memory, such as a nitinol alloy, so that when the legs are splayed, they are inclined to return to their natural position
Data Source
AI summary
A staple instrument includes a staple holder comprising a pair of jaws, a drive shaft, a rotational handle, and a coupling to convert rotational motion of the handle into axial advancement of the shaft. A distal end of the shaft cooperates with the staple holder to cause three-point bending of a staple bridge to thereby open the legs of the staple.