Deformable Stapler Placement Tip for Visibility and Tissue Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges in providing improved visualization and maneuverability during endoscopic procedures, particularly when engaging with tissue, as they often obstruct the view of the surgical site and may not effectively guide tissue into the stapling mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapler incorporates an end effector with an elastically deformable tip that angles towards the cartridge, providing atraumatic tissue deflection and enhanced visibility, allowing for better positioning and maneuverability of the end effector within the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid end effector tip is used, then structural strength is maintained, but visualization and maneuverability are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector tip is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically change shape from a straight configuration during insertion to a bent configuration during tissue engagement. This dynamic adaptation enables the tip to navigate tight spaces and conform to tissue surfaces while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to deliver the stapling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip's physical state changes from rigid to elastically deformable based on operational requirements. The material properties are engineered to allow controlled deformation under specific forces applied during tissue engagement, enabling the tip to adapt its geometry to match the curvature of tissue surfaces while maintaining strength during the stapling operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a straight end effector tip is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but tissue engagement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tip transitions from a simple straight structure to a dynamically deformable structure that can bend and conform to tissue surfaces. This dynamic capability allows the tip to precisely engage with curved or irregular tissue geometries, achieving accurate stapling positions without requiring complex active articulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip utilizes its own elastic deformation properties to automatically adapt to the geometry of the tissue it contacts. When force is applied during tissue engagement, the tip self-adjusts its shape to conform to the tissue surface, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex articulation mechanisms while maintaining high positioning precision.
3Ease of operation
If an elastically deformable tip is used, then visualization and maneuverability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is constructed using flexible, elastically deformable materials that can be formed into curved configurations and return to their original shape when force is removed. This flexibility enables the tip to navigate tight anatomical spaces and conform to tissue surfaces, improving visualization and maneuverability while allowing for relatively simple manufacturing processes using standard elastomeric materials.
4Ease of operation
If a rigid tip is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but tissue deflection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is designed with elastic deformability that enables it to dynamically bend and deflect when force is applied during tissue engagement. This dynamic response allows the tip to effectively guide and deflect tissue into the stapling mechanism, achieving precise tissue manipulation without requiring complex active articulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip utilizes its inherent elastic properties to automatically deflect and conform to the geometry of the tissue it contacts. When force is applied during stapling, the tip self-adjusts its shape to match the tissue surface, providing effective tissue deflection and positioning without requiring external control mechanisms or complex structural designs.
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 elastically deformable tip enhances visualization and maneuverability, ensuring precise stapling and sealing of tissue while minimizing obstruction and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an end effector with an elastically deformable tip that angles towards the cartridge
Data Source
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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.