End Effector Merging Grasping and Stapling Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic stapling devices require multiple accessory tools for grasping and stapling tissue, which increases the complexity and duration of surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with an end effector featuring a jaw-like structure formed by two rotatably connected arms, equipped with teeth and an anvil, and a cartridge for delivering staples, allowing for both grasping and stapling functions within a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessory tools are used for grasping and stapling tissue, then the grasping and stapling functions are achieved, but the complexity and duration of surgical procedures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrasping and stapling functionsVSAvoidmultiple accessory tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple accessory tools (grasper and stapler) into a single integrated end effector assembly. The upper and lower arms are coupled together with a stapler mechanism, allowing both grasping and stapling functions to be performed by one device rather than requiring separate tools, thereby reducing procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both tissue grasping and stapling operations. The upper arm with teeth provides grasping capability while the integrated stapler provides stapling capability, making the device universal for multiple surgical tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessory tools are used for grasping and stapling tissue, then the grasping and stapling functions are achieved, but the duration of surgical procedures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrasping and stapling functionsVSAvoidduration of surgical procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the grasper and stapler into a single end effector, the patent eliminates the time required to exchange between multiple tools during surgery. The unified design allows seamless transition between grasping and stapling functions without procedural interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector is pre-configured with both grasping teeth and stapler mechanisms in an integrated assembly, so that both functions are ready for immediate use without requiring sequential tool changes or additional setup steps during the surgical procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250134522A1Systems, devices, and related methods for fastening tissue

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a medical device including an end effector having an upper arm including: a first plurality of teeth and a second plurality of teeth; a lower arm including a third plurality of teeth, a fourth plurality of teeth, and an anvil. The third plurality of teeth may be on a first lateral side of the anvil and the fourth plurality of teeth may be on a second lateral side of the anvil. A cartridge may be positioned in a cavity of the upper arm, such that the first plurality of teeth are on a first lateral side of the cartridge and the second plurality of teeth are on the second lateral side of the cartridge. Further, a shaft may be coupled to the end effector; and an operation portion may be coupled to the shaft.