Flexible Stapler Coupler for Tortuous Anatomy Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear staplers used in medical procedures, such as colorectal anastomosis, are often rigid and unable to navigate through tortuous anatomy without causing tissue trauma.

Innovation Solution

A fastening mechanism for a medical device, such as an endoscope, comprising an actuator, a stapler attached to its distal end, a sheath for longitudinal movement, and a device coupler for attaching the stapler to the endoscope, allowing the stapler to pivot and deploy staples effectively in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid linear stapler is used, then stapling function is achieved, but the stapler cannot navigate through tortuous anatomy without causing tissue trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate tortuous anatomyVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stapler is designed with a flexible shaft that allows dynamic bending and articulation, enabling it to navigate tortuous anatomy. The distal end of the shaft can be articulated relative to the proximal end, allowing the stapler to conform to curved anatomical pathways while maintaining stapling functionality at the distal end

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stapler incorporates a flexible shaft constructed from flexible materials that allow the device to bend and flex without causing tissue trauma. This flexible construction enables navigation through tortuous anatomy while the stapler head remains functional for tissue stapling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible stapler is used, then navigation through tortuous anatomy is improved, but structural stability for precise stapling may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate tortuous anatomyVSAvoidstructural stability for stapling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stapler is divided into distinct segments including a flexible shaft portion and a more rigid stapler head portion. This segmentation allows the shaft to flex for navigation while the head maintains structural stability for precise stapling operations. The device coupler further segments the connection between the shaft and stapler head, allowing independent optimization of each portion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexibility is introduced in the longitudinal dimension of the shaft while the stapler head maintains rigidity in the dimensions required for stable stapling. The articulation mechanism allows bending in specific directions while maintaining structural integrity for the stapling function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a rigid stapler is used, then structural stability for stapling is maintained, but the stapler cannot be positioned in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning in confined spacesVSAvoidtissue trauma from rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible shaft with articulation capabilities allows the stapler to dynamically adapt its shape and position itself in confined spaces and tortuous anatomy, improving ease of positioning while avoiding tissue trauma associated with rigid structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250025143A1Fastening device and related methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A medical assembly may comprise an end effector; a sheath; and a device coupler. The device coupler may include a proximal support, a distal support, and a coupler arm extending between the proximal support and the distal support. The coupler arm may include a surface configured to accommodate a shape of a medical device resting upon the coupler arm. The end effector may be attached to the distal support, and the proximal support may be attached to the sheath.