Deformable Surgical Stapling Tip with Central Void
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in efficiently positioning and maneuvering within the body, particularly in accessing and visualizing vessels during procedures, and in making sequential cuts along a continuous path without causing tissue trauma.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an articulatable end effector with a shaft and modular placement tips that can deform to facilitate insertion and visualization, featuring angled cartridges and anvils for better maneuverability and visibility, and placement tips with central voids and malleable members for customizable angles and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid placement tip is used, then structural strength is improved, but maneuverability and ability to navigate through tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The placement tip incorporates a central void that creates local variation in structural properties - the peripheral portions maintain rigidity for strength while the central region provides flexibility for maneuverability. This local quality differentiation allows the tip to navigate tissue while maintaining structural integrity during stapling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement tip is designed with dynamic characteristics through the central void that allows it to deflect and adapt its shape during insertion and manipulation. The tip can dynamically adjust its flexibility based on operational needs, transitioning from a more rigid state during stapling to a more flexible state during navigation.
2Ease of operation
If a deformable placement tip is used, then maneuverability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The placement tip incorporates a central void that creates local variation in structural properties - the peripheral portions maintain rigidity for strength while the central region provides flexibility for maneuverability. This local quality differentiation allows the tip to navigate tissue while maintaining structural integrity during stapling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement tip is designed with dynamic characteristics through the central void that allows it to deflect and adapt its shape during insertion and manipulation. The tip can dynamically adjust its flexibility based on operational needs, transitioning from a more rigid state during stapling to a more flexible state during navigation.
3Ease of operation
If an articulatable end effector is used, then positioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into multiple articulation joints that can be independently controlled to achieve complex positioning. The shaft is divided into segments that allow rotational movement at multiple locations, enabling the tip to reach difficult-to-access areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector incorporates articulation joints that enable dynamic repositioning of the tip relative to the shaft. This dynamic capability allows the tip to be selectively articulated or deflected to access different anatomical structures without requiring a completely complex rigid structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If placement tips with central voids are used, then deformability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The placement tip utilizes a central void structure that can be manufactured using various techniques including 3D printing, injection molding with voids, or machining operations. This void structure provides the necessary deformability while the manufacturing process is integrated into standard fabrication methods for surgical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement tip may incorporate composite material structures where the central void is filled with materials having different mechanical properties. This allows customization of the deformability characteristics while maintaining manufacturability through established composite material fabrication techniques.
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 the ability to position and visualize the surgical site, reduces tissue trauma during sequential cuts, and improves the instrument's ability to navigate through tissue with atraumatic movement.
Implementation Method 1
a distal portion that connects the first and second legs, wherein the distal portion has a first cross-sectional height that is greater than a second cross-sectional height of the first and second legs
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector in communication with the shaft. The end effector includes opposing jaws, a staple cartridge, and a placement tip located at a distal end of one of the jaws. The placement tip includes first and second legs extending distally from one of the jaws. A void extends completely through the placement tip and separates the first and second legs. A distal portion connects the first and second legs. The distal portion has a first cross-sectional height that is greater than a second cross-sectional height of the first and second legs. The placement tip may include a body portion formed between an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. The inner perimeter is defined by a void extending through the placement tip. At least a distal end of the body portion is bent towards the opposing jaw.