Endoscopic Stapler Jaw Structure That Preserves the Visual Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical staplers used for suturing the gastrointestinal tract lack a design that allows for simultaneous visualization of the treatment target and manipulation of the stapler components without obstructing the endoscope's field of view, complicating surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical stapler with a grasping portion that includes a first and second grasping member connected by a rotation shaft, allowing for open and closed states, and featuring a visual-field space that enables the endoscope's objective lens to pass through, maintaining visibility during stapling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the grasping portion is designed to be closeable for stapling, then the stapling function is improved, but the field of view of the endoscope is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping portion is divided into first and second grasping members that can move independently relative to each other, allowing the stapling function to be separated from the visual field obstruction. The segmented design enables the grasping members to close for stapling while maintaining an open configuration that permits endoscope passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes spatial arrangement by positioning the visual field passage in a different dimension or plane than the stapling action. The passage is configured to extend through the grasping portion in a direction that allows optical axis passage while the grasping members operate in a different spatial configuration for stapling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grasping portion is made openable and closeable, then the stapling operation is enabled, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping portion is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between open and closed states through the rotation shaft mechanism. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements without requiring completely separate mechanisms for each state.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into the grasping portion: the first and second grasping members serve both as the stapling mechanism and as the structural framework that accommodates the visual field passage. The rotation shaft combines the functions of actuation and structural support, reducing overall complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the staple extraction portion and reception portion are positioned opposite each other in closed state, then the stapling accuracy is improved, but the visual field access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The visual field passage is positioned in a different dimensional plane than the staple extraction and reception portions. The passage extends through the second grasping member in a direction that allows optical access while the staple portions maintain their opposite positioning for accurate stapling in a different spatial orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical stapler includes an attachment-detachment portion attached to a distal-end portion of an endoscope and including an opening from which an objective lens of the endoscope is exposed; and a grasping portion attached to the attachment-detachment portion and including a first grasping portion and a second grasping portion connected by a rotation shaft to be openable and closeable, wherein the second grasping portion includes a visual-field space penetrating a gap between the staple reception portion and the rotation shaft in an open-close direction, when the grasping portion is in the closed state, the staple extraction portion and the staple reception portion are opposite to each other, and when the grasping portion is in an open state, an optical axis of the objective lens passes through the visual-field space.