Curved End Effector for Surgical Stapling Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face difficulties in accessing hard-to-reach areas and lack improved maneuverability, which complicates procedures, especially when trying to apply staples to target organs or tissues during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling instrument with a curved end effector and cartridge assembly, featuring a tissue guard and indicator mechanism, designed to enhance access to surgical sites, improve tissue manipulation, and provide clear positioning feedback to clinicians through a rotatable wheel member within the handle assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a straight end effector is used, then the structure is simple, but access to hard-to-reach surgical areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector housing is designed with a curved configuration instead of a straight structure. The curved housing allows the surgical instrument to navigate and access hard-to-reach surgical areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The curvature enables better maneuverability and positioning at the target site without adding complex mechanical components.
2Reliability
If multiple rows of staples are applied, then tissue joining is more secure, but the cartridge assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is segmented into multiple staple arrays, with each array containing multiple rows of staples. This segmentation allows the application of multiple rows of staples for more secure tissue joining while keeping each individual staple array relatively simple in structure. The curved housing accommodates these segmented arrays in an organized manner.
3Reliability
If different staple heights are used in different rows, then tissue clamping is more effective, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different rows of staples within the arrays have different staple heights, with each row's staple height optimized for its specific location and function. This local quality variation improves tissue clamping effectiveness by providing appropriate staple penetration and compression for different tissue thicknesses and locations. The curved housing and cartridge assembly are designed to accommodate these varying heights with precise positioning features.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending from the handle assembly, and an end effector supported on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The end effector includes a curved housing having a base portion and a jaw portion, a curved anvil assembly supported on the jaw portion, and a curved cartridge assembly supported on the base portion. The cartridge assembly defining first and second arrays of staples receiving slots, the first array of staple receiving slots includes three rows of staples and the second array of staple receiving slots includes two rows of staples. A height of the staples in each of the rows of three rows of staples of the first array of staple receiving slots is different.