Curved End-Effector for Surgical Stapler Visibility and Tissue Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers with linear end-effectors face difficulties in positioning and visibility when used near curved tissue surfaces, such as the thoracic cavity wall, leading to challenges in effectively stapling and transecting tissue without tissue escape or incomplete capture.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with a curved end-effector that deploys staples in curved lines, featuring a staple cartridge and anvil with curved slots to guide the cutting member and staple driver along a curved path, facilitating easier positioning and ensuring complete tissue capture, while also using a flexible drive bar to prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear end-effector is used, then the end-effector can be aligned with the cannula axis, but it is difficult to position behind delicate tissue and the distal end is not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The end-effector is configured with a curved profile instead of a linear configuration. The curvature allows the distal end to be positioned laterally offset from the cannula axis, making it visible to the surgeon while still allowing passage through the cannula. The curved geometry enables the end-effector to be positioned behind delicate tissue without requiring precise linear alignment.
2Device complexity
If a linear end-effector is used, then the structure is simple, but tissue escape occurs and complete tissue capture is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The curved configuration of the end-effector allows the jaws to wrap around and capture tissue more effectively. The curvature enables the distal jaw to position behind tissue that would escape a linear configuration, achieving complete tissue capture without adding complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a curved end-effector is used, then positioning and visibility are improved, but the drive bar may buckle or deform
Solution Approach 1:
The drive bar is configured as a flexible element that can bend along the curved path of the end-effector without buckling or deforming. The flexibility allows the drive bar to accommodate the curved geometry while maintaining structural integrity and force transmission throughout the stapling cycle.
4Reliability
If a curved end-effector is used, then complete tissue capture is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved slots in the anvil and staple cartridge are designed to guide the cutting member and staple driver along the curved path. This geometric feature achieves complete tissue capture through a relatively simple curvature design without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a cutting member having a cutting surface, wherein the cutting member is relatively movable with respect to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can define a path having linear and/or curved portions. In various embodiments, the path can include a curved portion having a first portion that extends away from the shaft axis and a second portion that extends toward the axis. In one embodiment, the path can include a curved portion defined by an arc corresponding to an angle greater than 90 degrees.