Flexible Stabilizing Member for Surgical Clip Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clip appliers provide insufficient stability to surgical clips, leading to movement or dislodgment during surgical procedures, particularly in endoscopic surgeries with limited space and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A flexible stabilizing member for a clip applier that engages the proximal portion of the surgical clip, reducing lateral movement and securing it in place using a combination of channels, apertures, and bends, which compress and pivot to maintain stability without impeding jaw closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizing member is added to secure the surgical clip, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing member is integrated with the jaw members by securing its end portion to the inner surface of the first jaw member, combining the stabilizing function with the existing jaw structure rather than adding a completely separate component
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing member is received within a longitudinal channel formed in the first jaw member, nesting the stabilizing component within the existing jaw structure to minimize additional space and complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stabilizing member is made rigid to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with jaw closure
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing member is designed with flexibility to compress during jaw closure and then rebound to its original configuration, dynamically adapting its rigidity based on the operational phase rather than being statically rigid throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the stabilizing member changes from a compressed low-rigidity state during closure to an expanded high-rigidity state during clipping, with the compression ratio and material properties being optimized parameters
3Ease of operation
If the stabilizing member is made flexible to accommodate jaw closure, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to potential clip movement
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing member transitions from a flexible compressed state during jaw closure to a rigid expanded state during clip holding, with the timing and degree of compression carefully controlled to ensure stability is achieved when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing member is pre-compressed during jaw closure before the clip is fully secured, cushioning the transition and ensuring the member is in the optimal rigid state to prevent subsequent clip movement or dislodgment
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 stabilizing member enhances the stability of surgical clips, preventing movement and ensuring secure application, even in confined surgical environments, by providing distal force and flexibility to accommodate clip lengthening during closure.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizing member may be configured to be compressed from a first configuration when the first and second jaw members are in the open configuration to a second configuration when the first and second jaw members are in the closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
The stabilizing member may include a spring element
Implementation Method 3
The stabilizing member may include at least one bend that facilitates compression of the stabilizing member when the first and second jaw members close
Data Source
AI summary
A clip applier is provided for applying a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier may include a first jaw member that engages a first distal portion of the surgical clip, and a second jaw member that engages a second distal portion of the surgical clip. The first and second jaw members move relative to each other between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A first longitudinal channel extends through a first inner portion of the first jaw member and separates the first jaw member into a pair of first extensions. A first stabilizing member has a first distal end portion fixedly secured to the first jaw member inside of the first longitudinal channel, and a first proximal end portion that engages a first proximal portion the surgical clip to reduce movement of the surgical clip.