Surgical End Effector Articulation Using Closure Tube Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently articulating and locking the surgical end effector, which can lead to inaccuracies and complications during tissue stapling and cutting procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with an articulation system actuated by a closure tube displacement mechanism, allowing for precise control and locking of the surgical end effector, enhancing the instrument's articulation range and stability during surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a closure tube displacement mechanism is used to actuate the articulation system, then precision and stability in articulating the end effector are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure tube is disposed within the elongate shaft, creating a nested configuration where the articulation actuation mechanism is integrated within the existing structural components. This nesting approach allows the articulation system to be actuated without adding significant external complexity, as the closure tube shares space with the shaft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure tube serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the elongate shaft and as the actuation mechanism for the articulation system. By displacing the closure tube, articulation is achieved, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate dedicated actuation components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the articulation system is designed with enhanced locking capability, then stability during surgical procedures is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system includes features that automatically lock the end effector at articulated positions without requiring separate manual locking actions. The system self-regulates to maintain stable positioning once articulation is actuated, reducing the operational burden on the user while preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when the end effector reaches desired articulated positions. This preliminary arrangement of locking features ensures that stability is achieved without requiring additional operational steps from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a surgical instrument is disclosed.