Elongated Anvil Stapler for Low Anastomosis Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical staplers face challenges in creating low and ultra-low ileo or colo-rectal anastomoses while preserving sphincter integrity and avoiding parastomal hernias, particularly due to anatomical limitations and the need for external docking of anvil and stapler components during procedures like APPEAR.
Innovation Solution
A modified surgical stapler apparatus with an elongated anvil shaft of at least 4 cm, allowing endo-anal or extracorporeal docking, and featuring a viewing window with a docking indicator for clear visualization and secure engagement, facilitates the creation of anastomoses and stoma trephines with reduced risk of sphincter loss and hernias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional staplers with short anvil shafts are used for low and ultra-low anastomoses, then the docking of anvil and stapler must be performed internally within the body lumen, but this restricts surgical access and increases difficulty of the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil shaft is extended beyond the conventional internal docking approach, allowing the docking interface to be positioned in an external or endo-anal dimension. This dimensional extension provides surgeons with improved access and visualization while maintaining the integrity of the stapling mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the anvil shaft is extended to allow external docking, then surgical access and visualization are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A viewing window is introduced as an intermediary feature on the anvil shaft that provides visual feedback during docking without requiring complex electronic sensors or imaging systems. This simple optical intermediary achieves the goal of improved visualization while minimizing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional staplers are used for stoma formation, then the abdominal wall must be stretched to accommodate surgeon's fingers, but this uncontrolled stretching weakens the abdominal wall and increases hernia risk
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical stretching method is replaced with a controlled stapling mechanism that creates the stoma opening through precise application of staples. This substitution eliminates the need for uncontrolled manual stretching while maintaining the ability to create the necessary opening for stoma formation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If surgical staplers are used for anastomoses, then the two ends of the GI tract are reattached, but the internal docking requirement limits the types of procedures that can be performed
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the anvil shaft to enable external or endo-anal docking, the system transitions from purely internal docking to a multi-dimensional docking approach. This allows the same stapler to perform both conventional internal anastomoses and specialized procedures like ultra-low anastomoses and stoma formation with external access.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a stapler apparatus, comprising a stapler having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the stapler further comprising a trigger, an anvil docking pin aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stapler, and a stapling means, the anvil docking pin and stapling means being at the distal end of the stapler, and a detachable anvil, comprising an anvil head and an anvil shaft, wherein the anvil shaft is adapted to receive the anvil docking pin and operation of the trigger causes the stapling means to be actuated, characterised in that the length of the anvil shaft is at least 4 cm. The present invention also relates to a method of forming an anastomosis between two surfaces using the stapler apparatus of the invention and a method of forming a stoma trephine in a subject using the stapler apparatus of the invention. The present invention further relates to the use of the stapler apparatus or anvil for a stapler apparatus in such methods and a kit of parts comprising the stapler apparatus of the invention and additional components.