Endoluminal Stapler Rotating Wheel Cam Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bariatric surgical procedures for treating obesity, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, are invasive and costly, and existing endoluminal plication devices face limitations in plication size and complexity due to geometric constraints and the need for multiple fastener applications, which may not be suitable for less invasive or overweight patients.
Innovation Solution
An endoluminal stapling instrument with a rotating wheel cam mechanism that allows for simultaneous tissue suction, stapling, and staple formation, enabling the creation of larger plications with fewer device repositions, using a handle assembly, shaft assembly, and end effector with articulation and vacuum head to facilitate stapling within the stomach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing endoluminal plication devices use opposing jaws with a grasper element to draw tissue between the jaws, then the device can form plications, but the geometry of the device limits the size of the plication that can be formed and requires multiple fastener applications with device repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a rotating wheel cam mechanism that dynamically adjusts the position of the anvil relative to the stapling assembly. This rotational movement allows the anvil to move from a retracted position during tissue grasping to an advanced position during stapling, enabling larger plication sizes without increasing device complexity. The dynamic repositioning capability allows multiple staples to be applied in a single device placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rotational degree of freedom to the anvil positioning system. By rotating the wheel cam mechanism, the anvil can be positioned at different angular locations, effectively adding a dimensional capability that allows the device to reach further into the gastric cavity and form larger plications while maintaining the same basic device geometry.
2Ease of operation
If laparoscopic procedures are used for plication, then access to the surgical site is gained, but multiple surgical entry ports are required and surrounding omentum must be separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laparoscopic approach with an endoscopic system that uses a flexible shaft assembly to deliver the stapling device through the esophagus. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple abdominal entry ports and omentum separation, as the device is introduced through the natural esophageal lumen and articulates within the gastric cavity to perform plications.
3Ease of operation
If endoscopic procedures are used for plication, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but plication depth is limited due to the size restrictions of the endoscopic lumen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating wheel cam mechanism provides dynamic repositioning of the anvil, allowing it to extend further into the gastric cavity along the longitudinal axis during the stapling phase. This dynamic extension capability overcomes the static size limitations of the endoscopic lumen, enabling deeper plications while maintaining minimal invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the stapling function into multiple components: the flexible shaft assembly for minimally invasive delivery, the articulating end effector for positioning, the rotating wheel cam mechanism for anvil repositioning, and the stapling assembly for tissue approximation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the anvil extending beyond the lumen constraints during stapling.
4Quantity of substance
If existing devices apply fasteners sequentially after releasing tissue, then multiple fasteners can be applied, but the procedure requires repeated device repositioning and increases operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-positions multiple staples in the stapling assembly before tissue approximation. The rotating wheel cam mechanism pre-positions the anvil at the correct location, and the stapling assembly is configured with multiple staples ready for simultaneous or sequential firing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for repeated device repositioning during fastener application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the tissue grasping, anvil repositioning, and stapling functions into a single integrated operation. The rotating wheel cam mechanism coordinates the movement of the anvil and stapling assembly, allowing multiple fasteners to be applied in one device placement without repeated repositioning, thereby reducing procedural time while maintaining the ability to apply multiple fasteners.
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
The instrument enables minimally invasive, efficient stapling of gastric tissue, allowing for larger plications with reduced procedural complexity and invasiveness, addressing the limitations of existing devices by facilitating simultaneous tissue grasping and stapling.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum head to facilitate stapling within the stomach
Implementation Method 2
rotating wheel cam mechanism that allows for simultaneous tissue suction, stapling, and staple formation
Implementation Method 3
compressing the tissue between the anvil and the stapling assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler has a body, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, and an end effector coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector has a stapling head assembly, an anvil, and a vacuum port. The vacuum port is operable to draw tissue between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The anvil is operable to move toward and away from the stapling head assembly to thereby capture the tissue drawn between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The stapling head assembly comprises a plurality of wheel assemblies and staple cartridges. At least one wheel assembly is operable to rotate to thereby move the anvil toward and away from the body. The remaining wheel assemblies are operable to rotate to thereby drive staples through the captured tissue. The body includes user input features operable to drive the wheel assemblies.