Elastomeric Introducer Tip for Tissue Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in separating adherent tissue portions, which can hinder access to internal anatomical structures and complicate the surgical process.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an introducer assembly that can be releasably coupled to a surgical fastener applying apparatus, featuring a collar, tip, and body portion, with an elastomeric proximal tip and optional epoxy coating, designed to facilitate tissue separation and access by guiding the end effector between tissue portions, and optionally including interchangeable dissecting devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a surgical fastener applying apparatus is used for minimally invasive procedures, then trauma and recovery time are reduced, but the ability to separate adherent tissue portions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue traumaVSAvoidtissue separation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument is designed with dual functionality: the end effector performs fastener application while the introducer assembly provides tissue separation and dissection capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single device to address both trauma reduction and tissue separation needs during minimally invasive procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer assembly is designed to be inserted within or alongside the end effector, with the tip navigating through tissue planes to create separation paths. The nested configuration allows the introducer to access adherent tissue portions that need separation before the end effector can properly position and apply fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the introducer assembly is made with rigid structure for strength, then it can effectively separate tissue, but it causes increased trauma to the tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue separation effectivenessVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The introducer assembly employs local quality variation through its elastomeric tip portion, which provides flexibility and compliance at the tissue interface while maintaining structural strength in the proximal portions. This gradient of material properties allows effective tissue separation without causing excessive trauma to delicate anatomical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer assembly utilizes composite construction combining elastomeric materials in the tip region with more rigid materials in the body and collar portions. This composite structure provides the necessary strength for tissue separation while the elastomeric portion minimizes trauma through compliance and adaptability to tissue contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the tip is made elastomeric for reduced trauma, then tissue trauma is minimized, but the ability to effectively separate adherent tissue is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue traumaVSAvoidtissue separation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If the introducer assembly is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different surgical configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsurgical configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The introducer assembly is segmented into distinct components including the collar, body portion, and tip, which can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation provides manufacturing flexibility while allowing the components to be configured for different surgical applications and instrument types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 separate and access adherent tissue portions with reduced trauma, allowing for more precise and efficient minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The proximal portion of the tip may be elastomeric and may include an opening that conforms to a shape and size of the jaw when the tip is attached to the jaw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

In embodiments, a portion of the tip of the introducer assembly may be coated with an epoxy to modify the surface properties of the tip, thereby facilitating passage of the tip between tissue portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9936952B2Introducer assembly for a surgical fastener applying apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An introducer assembly can be releasably coupled to a surgical instrument and includes a collar, a tip, and an elongated body portion disposed between the collar and the tip. The tip may be configured to releasably engage a dissecting device. The collar may releasably couple the introducer assembly to a shaft of a surgical fastener applying apparatus. The tip may have an opening to receive a distalmost end of an end effector of a surgical fastener applying apparatus.