Endoscopic Clip Applier Segmentation for Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopic surgical clip appliers are limited in their ability to efficiently apply multiple sizes and configurations of surgical clips during a single procedure, requiring multiple devices and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A reposable endoscopic surgical clip applier with a reusable handle assembly and disposable clip cartridge assemblies, allowing for the loading and firing of different sized surgical clips using a single device, featuring a trigger-actuated mechanism with biasing members to advance the clip cartridge and jaws for precise clip application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single endoscopic surgical clip applier is designed to accommodate multiple sizes and configurations of surgical clips, then the versatility and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply various sized surgical clipsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: a reusable handle assembly and replaceable shaft/clip cartridge assemblies. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be distributed across modules, where each module can be optimized independently. The shaft assembly can be exchanged to provide different clip sizes without redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple shaft assemblies configured for different clip sizes and types. The standardized interface and drive mechanism allow a single handle to fire various clip cartridges, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate devices are used for different surgical clip sizes, then the manufacturing precision and reliability for each specific function improve, but the overall device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip application precisionVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal handle assembly with standardized drive mechanisms that can reliably fire multiple types of shaft assemblies. Each shaft assembly is designed for specific clip sizes, maintaining specialized reliability, while the universal interface ensures consistent actuation across all configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft and clip cartridge assemblies are designed as disposable components that are pre-configured for specific clip types. This allows each disposable unit to be optimized for its specific function with high reliability, while the reusable handle assembly amortizes its complexity cost over multiple uses with different shaft assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reusable handle assembly with disposable clip cartridge assemblies is implemented, then the adaptability to use different sized clips improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to load different sized clipsVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a reusable handle assembly and disposable shaft/clip cartridge assemblies with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows the adaptability to be achieved through simple component exchange rather than complex reconfiguration mechanisms within a single integrated device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft assembly acts as an intermediary between the universal handle assembly and the specific clip cartridges. It provides the mechanical interface and drive transmission, allowing the handle to operate different clip types without requiring direct complex integration between the handle and each specific cartridge design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient application of various sized surgical clips during a single procedure, reducing the need for multiple devices and lowering overall costs while maintaining precision and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member disposed within the cartridge cylinder and interposed between the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder and the cartridge plunger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11298135B2Endoscopic reposable surgical clip applier

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to endoscopic reposable surgical clip appliers having a reusable handle assembly, at least one reusable shaft assembly, and at least one disposable clip cartridge assembly.