Curved Tip Stapler Buttress Applicator with Compression Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack effective reinforcement of tissue fastening, leading to potential staple pull-through and tissue tearing at the application site, especially when dealing with thick or vascular tissues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a buttress material and a buttress assembly applicator system that secures the buttress assemblies to the surgical instrument's end effector, providing structural reinforcement and preventing staple pull-through by adhering the buttress to the anvil and staple cartridge, ensuring secure tissue closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical staplers are used to clamp, cut, and seal tissue layers, then tissue severing and closure is achieved, but staple pull-through and tissue tearing may occur at the application site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the surgical stapler with a buttress material that has both adhesive and structural properties. The buttress material comprises a first portion with adhesive characteristics for bonding to tissue and a second portion with structural characteristics for reinforcing the staple line, creating a composite structure that prevents staple pull-through while maintaining tissue closure integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress material is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion designed for adhesive bonding to the tissue layers and staple crowns, and a second portion designed for structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, with the adhesive portion securing the staple line and the structural portion preventing pull-through
2Ease of operation
If endoscopic surgical instruments are used through trocar cannulas, then smaller incisions reduce recovery time, but positioning and articulation of the end effector becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates an articulation joint that enables dynamic adjustment of the end effector's orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This dynamic capability allows the end effector to be selectively articulated to match the curvature of the gastrointestinal tract or other anatomical structures, facilitating precise positioning through the trocar while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint enables the end effector to follow curved paths and articulate at angles, allowing it to navigate the curved anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. The curved articulation capability permits the end effector to reach target sites through the straight trocar entry point by bending and articulating along the anatomical curve
3Reliability
If buttress material is applied to reinforce staple lines, then tissue reinforcement is improved, but the application process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical stapler and buttress material are merged into an integrated assembly where the buttress material is pre-attached to the stapler's anvil or cartridge. This merging eliminates the need for separate application steps, as the buttress material is automatically positioned and applied during the normal stapling procedure, simplifying the overall process while maintaining reinforcement benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress material is pre-positioned and pre-attached to the stapler assembly before the stapling procedure begins. This preliminary action ensures that the buttress material is already in the correct position and orientation, eliminating the need for complex real-time application mechanisms during the procedure and reducing surgical steps
Data Source
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AI summary
A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing and a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies. The buttress applier cartridge further includes a predefined pocket in the platform between each buttress assembly that allows a curved tip of the end effector to pass through. The platform is thinner along a central axis and becomes progressively thicker in the lateral direction. In some examples the predefined pocket is a slit in the platform.