Curved Tip End Effector and Buttress Applier Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack effective mechanisms for enhancing visualization and maneuverability during procedures, particularly in accessing and clamping vessels, and do not efficiently integrate buttress materials to reinforce staple lines.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a surgical stapling end effector with a curved distal tip and a buttress applier cartridge that includes a housing and platform to securely position and apply buttress assemblies, enhancing visualization and maneuverability through an angled surface configuration, and facilitating the integration of buttress materials to reinforce tissue staples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a curved distal tip is added to the end effector to improve visualization and maneuverability, then the ability to access and clamp vessels is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates a curved distal tip instead of a straight configuration. This curvature allows the end effector to navigate around anatomical structures and access vessels that are not in direct line with the surgical approach, significantly improving maneuverability and visualization of the surgical site.
2Strength
If a buttress applier cartridge with housing and platform is integrated to apply buttress assemblies, then the structural reinforcement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress applier cartridge integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the housing provides structural support and guidance, the platform supports and positions the buttress assembly, and the overall structure enables simultaneous application of buttress material during stapling. This merging of functions provides structural reinforcement capability while managing device complexity through integration.
3Ease of operation
If the platform is exposed within the gap of the housing to facilitate buttress assembly positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protection of buttress assemblies from inadvertent contact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure provides localized protection for the buttress assemblies by enclosing them within its walls, while strategically exposing the platform within the gap to allow for easy positioning and application. This local differentiation of enclosed versus exposed areas simultaneously provides protection from inadvertent contact and facilitates ease of operation during the stapling process.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a housing a platform, and a first buttress assembly. The housing defines a gap configured to receive a portion of an end effector of a surgical stapler. The housing includes proximal and distal portions. A portion of the platform is exposed within the gap defined by the housing. The platform includes proximal and distal portions. The first buttress assembly is positioned on at least the proximal portion of the platform. The first buttress assembly is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. At least one of the distal portion of the platform or the distal portion of the housing includes a cavity configured to receive a curved distal tip of the end effector.