E-beam Firing Bar Segmentation for Surgical Stapler Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and severing instruments face challenges in articulating their shafts while maintaining precise control over staple formation and tissue manipulation within the constraints of endoscopic procedures, particularly in achieving proper spacing between clamped jaws and facilitating transverse movement of the end effector.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling instrument featuring a two-piece E-beam firing mechanism with an articulation joint powered by Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuators, allowing for controlled articulation and staple formation, and a laminated tapered firing bar that ensures proper spacing and lockout features for enhanced manufacturability and reduced dimensional variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional single-piece firing mechanism is used, then the structure is simpler, but the precision of staple formation and control over tissue manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The firing mechanism is divided into two separate pieces: a firing bar and a firing member. The firing bar remains stationary while the firing member moves longitudinally to engage and disengage from the firing bar. This segmentation allows for precise control of staple formation and tissue manipulation while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shaft is made rigid for stability, then the stability of the instrument is improved, but the ability to articulate and position the end effector in constrained spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into multiple sections with articulation joints between them. Each section can be controlled independently to achieve desired positioning of the end effector. This allows the instrument to maintain stability when needed while providing the flexibility to articulate in constrained endoscopic spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joints incorporate dynamic control mechanisms that allow the shaft sections to be rigid when stability is required and flexible when positioning is needed. The system can transition between stable and articulated states based on surgical requirements.
3Length of moving object
If the end effector is positioned deep through a long shaft, then the reach to surgical site is improved, but the control precision over the end effector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The firing member acts as an intermediary between the operator's control and the firing bar at the distal end. By moving the firing member longitudinally to engage and disengage from the stationary firing bar, precise control is transmitted through the long shaft to the end effector, maintaining control precision despite the increased length.
4Ease of operation
If the articulation mechanism is added for transverse movement, then the ease of positioning the end effector is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joints are integrated into the existing shaft structure and serve multiple functions: enabling transverse movement for positioning, maintaining structural stability, and providing a platform for additional controls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms and minimizes 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
The instrument enables precise articulation and staple formation, ensuring proper tissue engagement and orientation, even in constrained spaces, with improved manufacturability and reduced variability, facilitating easier tissue manipulation and staple line placement.
Implementation Method 1
an articulation joint powered by Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.