Surgical End Effector Jaw Stiffener for Firing Member Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling systems face challenges in efficiently deploying staples and cutting tissue with precise control, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, where the alignment and alignment monitoring of dynamic clamping assemblies are complex and may lead to tissue compression issues.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling system with a shaft and end effector featuring a pivotable anvil and staple cartridge, where the end effector includes an articulation joint for rotation and a dynamic clamping assembly with a cutting edge that aligns staples and cuts tissue, allowing for precise staple deployment and tissue incision, and includes features for monitoring the dynamic clamping assembly's position during firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dynamic clamping assembly is used for staple deployment and tissue cutting, then surgical precision and versatility are improved, but alignment monitoring becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change appearance or position based on the alignment state of the dynamic clamping assembly. These indicators use color contrasts or visual transitions to communicate alignment status, making it easy to monitor without complex measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicator elements as intermediaries between the dynamic clamping assembly and the operator. These indicators translate complex alignment information into simple visual signals, allowing the operator to monitor alignment without directly measuring the complex mechanical parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector includes rotation and articulation capabilities, then adaptability for different surgical procedures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with multiple functions integrated into a single device, including stapling, cutting, articulation, and rotation capabilities. This universal design allows the same device to perform various surgical procedures without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the articulation joint and rotation mechanisms are integrated within the compact end effector assembly. The dynamic clamping assembly is housed within the jaw structure, and articulation components are nested within the overall device framework, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual indicators are added to monitor firing member position, then alignment monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicators utilize color contrasts or optical properties to indicate the position of the firing member. By using materials with different optical characteristics, the system provides clear visual feedback without requiring complex electronic sensors or measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicators are designed to automatically display the firing member position without requiring external monitoring equipment or complex processing. The indicators self-regulate based on the mechanical position, providing passive visual feedback that reduces the need for additional active monitoring components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An end effector for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally interconnected and moved between open and closed positions by a firing member. One or both of the jaws are configured with jaw stiffener features that are adapted to permit a user to monitor movement of the firing member during use.