Elastically Deformable Anvil Tip for Surgical Stapler Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack the ability to efficiently maneuver and visualize the surgical site, particularly in procedures requiring multiple cutting sequences and tissue gathering, due to rigid structures that can cause tissue trauma and limited visibility.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical stapler with an end effector featuring an elastically deformable angled anvil tip that biases to an angled configuration, allowing for smooth tissue engagement and improved visibility, while also providing atraumatic tissue deflection and gathering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid anvil tip structure is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but maneuverability and visibility at the surgical site deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil tip is divided into two distinct segments: a proximal rigid portion that maintains structural strength and stability, and a distal deformable portion that can flex and deform to improve maneuverability and visibility at the surgical site. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the anvil tip is designed with dynamic properties, allowing it to deform elastically under tissue forces. This dynamic behavior enables the anvil tip to adapt to varying tissue conditions, improve visibility by flexing away from obstructions, and enhance maneuverability while maintaining overall structural integrity through the rigid proximal portion.
2Manufacturing precision
If a rigid anvil tip is used, then manufacturing precision and structural integrity are improved, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil tip is segmented into a rigid proximal portion that maintains manufacturing precision and structural integrity, and a distal deformable portion that reduces tissue trauma by flexing and deforming to conform to tissue shapes, thereby minimizing mechanical damage during tissue engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The anvil tip exhibits parameter changes in its distal portion, transitioning from a rigid state during insertion to a deformable state during tissue engagement. This parameter change allows the tip to adapt its mechanical properties to reduce tissue trauma while maintaining precision in the rigid proximal portion.
3Ease of operation
If an angled configuration is added to the anvil tip, then visibility and tissue gathering capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil tip is segmented such that the angled configuration is integrated only into the distal deformable portion, while the proximal rigid portion maintains a standard configuration. This segmentation allows the angled feature to improve visibility and tissue gathering capabilities without unnecessarily complicating the entire anvil tip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled configuration is applied locally to the distal portion of the anvil tip where it is most needed for visibility and tissue gathering, rather than the entire anvil tip. This local application improves functionality while minimizing overall device complexity.
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
Enhances maneuverability and visibility during surgical procedures, reduces tissue trauma, and facilitates efficient multiple cutting sequences without compromising the stapling process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable angled anvil tip that biases to an angled configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument, operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue, includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector with a pair of jaws. A placement tip that is bent, angled, or curved and 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, such as when the end effector is closed with the jaws in contact or when tissue is clamped between the jaws of the end effector. When the placement tip deflects, relative angles defined in part by the placement tip vary compared to an initial state without the clamping force. Furthermore, 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.