Flexible Surgical Stapler Torque Design for Curved Anatomy Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical staplers have rigid elongate shafts, making it difficult to introduce and position the stapling assembly within a body cavity through tortuous paths and curvatures of the anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elongate body adapter with a cycloid gear assembly to increase input torque for actuating the firing assembly, and drive assemblies for gross and fine movement of the trocar member, facilitating the introduction and positioning of the stapling assembly within a body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid elongate shaft is used in the surgical stapler, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the ability to navigate tortuous paths and curvatures in the body cavity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate shaft is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the shaft to bend and follow tortuous paths while maintaining structural integrity through the articulated connections between segments
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during insertion and positioning, enabling navigation through curvaceous anatomical paths while maintaining sufficient strength for surgical operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible elongate shaft is used in the surgical stapler, then the ability to navigate tortuous paths and curvatures is improved, but the structural strength and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft incorporates composite construction with materials that provide both flexibility for navigation and sufficient structural strength for supporting surgical functions, combining properties that individually would not achieve both requirements simultaneously
3Force
If a cycloid gear assembly is added to increase input torque, then the actuation force for the firing assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cycloid gear assembly replaces simpler mechanical transmission mechanisms, using the specific geometry of cycloid gears to achieve high torque multiplication in a compact configuration, thereby increasing actuation force while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
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 the flexible introduction and positioning of the stapling assembly through natural orifices or incisions around contours and curvatures of the anatomy, improving the accessibility and usability of surgical staplers.
Implementation Method 1
The firing assembly includes a cycloid gear assembly for increasing an input torque from the first drive assembly to actuate the firing assembly
Implementation Method 2
The second drive assembly may include a drive screw and a push/pull cable movably secured to the drive screw by a threaded nut. Rotation of the drive screw may cause longitudinal movement of the push/pull cable
Implementation Method 3
The input gear of the first drive assembly may rotate an internally threaded gear to finely move the trocar member relative to the loading unit. Rotation of the internally threaded gear may cause longitudinal movement of the trocar member
Implementation Method 4
The firing assembly may further include a spider gear having an external thread, and a jack nut having an internal thread. The external thread of the spider gear may engage the internal thread of the jack nut such that rotation of the spider gear causes longitudinal movement of the jack nut
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible surgical stapler includes an adapter having a coupling assembly configured for securing the adapter assembly to a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the coupling assembly, a first drive assembly extending through the elongate body, and a loading unit secured to a distal portion of the elongate body. The loading unit includes a firing assembly operably connected to the first drive assembly. The firing assembly includes a cycloid gear assembly for increasing an input torque from the first drive assembly to actuate the firing assembly. The flexible surgical stapler may include an introducer assembly to facilitate introduction of a stapling portion of the surgical stapler into a body cavity of a patient.