Dual-Track Surgical Stapler for Scar Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical staples often result in aesthetically displeasing scars due to their linear pattern, which can be noticeable, especially in cosmetic procedures, and traditional suturing methods are impractical for expedited wound closure in certain surgical scenarios where prolonged anesthesia poses risks.

Innovation Solution

A surgical stapler with dual tracks for standard and fine staples, along with hammers/anvils for precise deployment, allowing for the use of larger staples for deeper tissues and smaller staples for skin edges, mimicking the vertical mattress suture technique for efficient and cosmetically appealing closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional surgical staples are used for wound closure, then the closure speed is improved, but the cosmetic outcome deteriorates due to visible linear scar patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure speedVSAvoidscar appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is divided into multiple separate staple tracks (first staple track, second staple track, third staple track) that can be independently configured. Each track can hold staples of different sizes and types, allowing the surgeon to selectively deploy standard staples for deep tissue closure and fine staples for skin edge approximation, thereby achieving both speed and cosmetic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the wound are treated with different staple characteristics: standard staples are used for deep tissue layers where cosmetic appearance is less critical, while fine staples are used specifically at the skin edge level where cosmetic appearance is paramount. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between closure speed and scar appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If traditional suturing methods are used for wound closure, then the cosmetic outcome is improved with vertical mattress sutures, but the procedure time increases and anesthesia duration is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescar appearanceVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual suturing process is replaced with an automated stapling mechanism. The surgical stapler mechanically deploys pre-configured staples through a controlled firing system, eliminating the need for manual needle handling, knot tying, and suture trimming operations that characterize traditional suturing, thereby dramatically reducing procedure time while maintaining cosmetic effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The stapler is pre-loaded with multiple rows of staples in different sizes and types before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to immediately deploy the appropriate staple configuration without needing to prepare individual sutures during surgery, thus reducing anesthesia duration and procedure time while achieving vertical mattress suture效果的

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single type of staple is used for all tissue layers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility and precision of tissue approximation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaple track configurationVSAvoidtissue approximation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical stapler cartridge is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of staples (standard staples and fine staples) within a single device. The multiple staple tracks are configured to hold different staple sizes, allowing one device to perform both deep tissue closure and skin edge approximation functions that would traditionally require multiple different instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stapler mechanism includes a movable selector or configurable tracking system that allows dynamic switching between different staple types during the procedure. The staple tracks can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on the specific surgical requirement, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple base device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12089840B2Medical stapler for efficient skin and tissue closure

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 AYUB HAMID

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a medical stapler that comprises an assembly of staples to close an incision. The assembly of staples comprises of one or more standard staples and one or more fine staples. Further, the medical stapler comprises a first staple track and a second staple track. The first staple track is configured to hold the one or more standard staples. The second staple track is configured to hold the one or more fine staples. Further, the medical stapler comprises one or more hammers/anvils arranged over the assembly of staples for dispensing and puncturing the one or more standard staples and the one or more fine staples to close the incision.