Curved Shaft Anastomotic Ring Applier for Colorectal Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anastomotic ring applier devices are unsuitable for colorectal applications due to their elongated shaft lacking desirable curvature and actuating mechanisms that are not ideal for such procedures, making them less effective for treating morbid obesity through bariatric gastric bypass surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument with a rigid, curved elongate shaft and a ring deployment mechanism featuring a double-hinged ring deployment mechanism with sliders and flexible inner and outer tubes, allowing for the deployment of anastomotic rings from a cylindrical to a hollow rivet shape, suitable for colorectal procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional anastomotic ring applier device is used, then the device can deploy anastomotic rings, but the elongated shaft lacks desirable curvature and provides poor leverage for colorectal applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature and leverage for colorectal applicationsVSAvoidsuitability for colorectal applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the elongated shaft of the anastomotic ring applier device, transforming it from a straight conventional design to a curved configuration. This curved shaft enables the device to navigate the anatomical pathways in colorectal applications more effectively, providing desirable curvature and improved leverage for reaching target sites in colorectal surgery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Extent of automation

If a conventional ring applier actuating mechanism is used, then the mechanism can actuate the ring deployment, but it is unsuitable for use in colorectal applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvering deployment actuationVSAvoidsuitability for colorectal applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the actuating mechanism to be more dynamic and adaptable for colorectal applications. The mechanism incorporates features that allow for greater flexibility in actuation, enabling the device to function effectively in the constrained and complex anatomical environment of colorectal surgery while maintaining the ring deployment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a straight elongated shaft is used in conventional appliers, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide ideal leverage and curvature for colorectal procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft structure simplicityVSAvoidleverage and curvature for colorectal procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces curvature to the elongated shaft, transitioning from a simple straight structure to a curved configuration. This modification enhances the device's ability to provide ideal leverage and navigate anatomical structures in colorectal procedures, accepting increased structural complexity as a necessary trade-off for improved operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP1745750B1Anastomotic ring applier for use in colorectal applications
Publication Date: 2009.01.21 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC
  • EP1745750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1745750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1745750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A surgical tool or applier (10) operable to deploy an anastomotic ring comprises a handle (13) connected to an elongate shaft (15). The elongate shaft comprises an anastomotic ring deployment mechanism (20) on a distal portion of the shaft. The ring deployment mechanism is moveable from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The elongate shaft comprises a rigid, curved member, thereby rendering the tool applicable for colorectal applications. In one embodiment, the tool comprises an actuating mechanism (22,24) that is operable to transfer an actuating force to the ring deployment mechanism via a flexible connecting member (54,56).