Curved Stapler Placement Tip for Precise Tissue Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges in effectively positioning and articulating the end effector to achieve precise tissue engagement and sealing, particularly in endoscopic procedures, lacking sufficient visual and feedback mechanisms for proper alignment and alignment confirmation.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling instrument incorporates an articulation joint and end effector with enhanced visualization features, allowing for precise positioning and alignment of the end effector, including a curved tip section for improved access and visibility during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a curved tip section is incorporated into the end effector, then access and visibility during surgical procedures is improved, but the complexity of the end effector structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates a curved tip section that allows the tip to articulate relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This curvature enables improved access to difficult-to-reach surgical sites and enhanced visibility for the clinician during procedures, while the curved geometry is integrated into the overall structure to maintain functionality.
2Measurement precision
If articulation joints are added to enable end effector positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector includes articulation joints that enable dynamic positioning of the tip relative to the shaft. The articulation mechanism allows the end effector to be selectively articulated or deflected at desired angles, providing precise positioning control. The dynamic capability is achieved through a mechanism that can be actuated during the procedure to adjust the tip position as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of surgical stapling uses a surgical instrument operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector with a pair of jaws. A placement tip extends distally from one of the jaws of the end effector. The placement tip is elastically deformable when the placement tip is subject to a clamping force. In some instances the placement tip includes an arcuate bend, while in other instances the placement tip is straight. The placement tip can have a variety of non-rectangular lateral cross-sectional shapes. In some instances, the placement tip is made of a material of a specified durometer range and having a high color contrast. A distal end of the placement tip may change position based on the state of deflection of the placement tip in response to the clamping force.