Curved-Tip Stapler Cartridge Loader and Unloader

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical staplers with straight distal ends pose difficulties for users in loading and unloading curved-tip staple cartridges, leading to hesitation and uncertainty among surgeons and operating room personnel due to unfamiliarity with these cartridges.

Innovation Solution

A loader and unloader system designed to ergonomically facilitate the insertion and removal of curved-tip cartridges into and from surgical staplers, featuring a two-piece or single-component design with springs and ramps to securely hold and align the cartridges, allowing for easy handling and secure engagement with the stapler channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If curved-tip staple cartridges are used, then stapling functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user unfamiliarity and difficulty in loading/unloading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling functionalityVSAvoidease of loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A loader device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the user and the curved-tip cartridge. The loader includes a holder that receives the cartridge and a channel that guides it into the stapler, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate the curved cartridge directly. This mediator simplifies the loading process and builds user confidence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is pre-loaded into the loader device before being transferred to the stapler. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and orientation of the curved-tip cartridge, allowing users to simply insert the pre-prepared loader-stapler assembly without having to manually position the cartridge themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If curved-tip staple cartridges are used, then stapling functionality is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized loading requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling functionalityVSAvoidloading mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading system is segmented into separate functional components: a loader device with a holder for the cartridge, a channel for guidance, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loader device serves as a standalone intermediary tool that handles the complexity of curved-tip cartridge loading. By separating the loading function from the stapler itself, the stapler remains simple while the loader handles the specialized requirements of curved-tip cartridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If curved-tip staple cartridges are used, then stapling functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential misalignment and improper engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling functionalityVSAvoidengagement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is pre-aligned within the loader device before engagement with the stapler channel. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the cartridge is transferred to the stapler, it is already correctly oriented, eliminating misalignment issues and ensuring reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The loader device acts as a precision intermediary that guarantees proper alignment between the curved-tip cartridge and the stapler channel. The holder and channel components are designed to maintain correct orientation throughout the transfer process, ensuring reliable engagement without relying on manual precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system simplifies the process of loading and unloading curved-tip cartridges, enhancing user confidence and efficiency by providing a secure and aligned engagement with the stapler channel, ensuring proper orientation and secure attachment, thus streamlining the handling of these cartridges in surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11109861B2Surgical stapler cartridge loading and unloading

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 TOUCHSTONE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL SCIENCE CO LTD

AI summary

An exemplary surgical method includes possessing a loader that holds a curved-tip cartridge, and a surgical stapler that includes an anvil and channel at a distal end thereof; causing at least one of the loader and the channel to move toward the other; as a result of the causing, engaging the loader and the curved-tip cartridge with the channel; and causing at least one of the loader and the channel to move away from the other, such that the curved-tip cartridge remains engaged with the channel. That method further may include actuating the surgical stapler; grasping the unloader; sliding the unloader toward the channel; disengaging the curved-tip cartridge from the channel with the unloader; and withdrawing the unloader away from said channel, wherein the withdrawing causes the curved-tip cartridge to disengage from the channel.