Deformable Tip Articulation for Surgical Stapler Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges in efficiently compressing, stapling, and cutting tissue due to limitations in the design of their end effectors, particularly in terms of articulation and the ability to maintain precise positioning and maneuverability within the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical stapling instrument featuring a deformable tip connected to the anvil, which can move between discrete positions using a polymeric cover and internal support structure, allowing for enhanced articulation and tissue engagement, along with an elastomeric overmold and internal clip mechanism for improved maneuverability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid tip design is used in the end effector, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to navigate and adapt to different surgical sites is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is designed with a deformable member that can dynamically change its configuration between a straight configuration and a curved configuration. This allows the tip to adapt its shape based on surgical needs while maintaining structural integrity through the deformable member's inherent elasticity and the articulation joint's mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable member changes its physical parameters (shape, curvature) in response to actuation forces. When actuated, the deformable member transitions from a straight state to a curved state, allowing the tip to navigate around obstacles or access difficult surgical sites while returning to its original stable configuration when released.
2Ease of operation
If articulation joints are added to enable end effector deflection, then positioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into distinct components: the anvil, the deformable member, and the tip. The articulation joint is positioned specifically between the anvil and the deformable member, allowing independent control of the deformable member's shape while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the end effector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the deformable member. It translates actuator motion into controlled deflection of the deformable member, providing precise positioning capability while isolating the complexity of the articulation mechanism from both the actuator and the deformable member designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tip is made deformable with polymeric cover and internal support structure, then maneuverability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable member is constructed as a composite structure with a polymeric cover and an internal support structure. The polymeric cover provides flexibility and deformability, while the internal support structure maintains structural integrity and enables controlled deformation. This composite design allows the tip to be manufactured using standard processes for each material type while achieving superior maneuverability.
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
This design enables more precise tissue compression, stapling, and cutting, while providing better visualization and tissue engagement, facilitating easier navigation and reduced trauma during procedures like vessel transection and stapling.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible tip may be generally elastic, such that it returns generally to its initial position when external forces are removed from it
Implementation Method 2
The internal support structure comprises a deflectable internal clip having a bias to assume a select one of a first orientation and a second orientation
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus that includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a tip. The second jaw includes an anvil. At least one of the first jaw or the second jaw is configured to move relative to the other of the first jaw or the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The tip is connected with the anvil. The tip includes a deformable member. The tip is movable relative to the anvil between first and second discrete positions using the deformable member. The tip remains in the first discrete position located closer toward the cartridge until the deformable member is acted upon by an external input force. The tip remains in the second discrete position that is located further from the cartridge until the deformable member is acted upon by the external input force.