End Effector Dampener for Surgical Instrument Back-Drive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue with precise control and synchronization of multiple drive systems, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, and lack efficient mechanisms for reloading staple cartridges without removing the instrument from the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with synchronized drive systems for stapling and cutting, including an articulation drive, anvil drive, and tissue drive, which allows for precise tissue manipulation and staple deployment, along with a cartridge reloading system that enables refilling without removing the instrument, and an end effector dampener to minimize unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive systems are used for stapling and cutting functions, then the functionality and versatility of the surgical instrument is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive systems (articulation drive, anvil drive, tissue drive) into a single integrated surgical instrument shaft, allowing stapling, cutting, and articulation functions to be coordinated through unified control mechanisms in the handle assembly, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with a universal drive system that can perform multiple functions (stapling, cutting, tissue manipulation) through a single integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing the complexity of managing multiple independent drive systems
2Loss of time
If the instrument remains in the surgical site for reloading, then the loss of time is reduced, but the risk of contamination and sterility maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested cartridge reloading mechanism where a new staple cartridge is inserted into the existing instrument housing without removing the instrument from the patient's body, allowing rapid reloading while maintaining the sterile field through the instrument's sealed construction
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates a self-contained reloading system with integrated cartridge ejection and insertion mechanisms that allow the operator to reload staples independently without requiring instrument removal or external assistance, reducing both time loss and contamination risk
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 precision and efficiency of tissue stapling and cutting procedures, allowing for synchronized operation of multiple drive systems and convenient reloading of staple cartridges, thereby improving surgical outcomes in minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an end effector dampener to minimize unintended movement
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the shaft comprises a longitudinal axis and the end effector comprises a tissue gap, wherein the tissue gap faces the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its first orientation, and wherein the tissue gap extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its second orientation. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft and a dampener configured to prevent the end effector from being back-driven from its second orientation into its first orientation.