Flexible Endoscopic Stapler Shaft for Tortuous Anatomy Navigation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic staplers are rigid and cannot navigate through tortuous anatomy without causing tissue trauma, limiting their effectiveness in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with an end effector that includes a sled with a slider for delivering staples and a blade for cutting tissue, actuated by a system of cables and motors, allowing for precise control and navigation through complex anatomical paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rigid staplers are used for tissue fastening, then stapling function is achieved, but the device cannot navigate through tortuous anatomy and causes tissue trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate through tortuous anatomyVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is designed with flexible segments that allow dynamic bending and articulation to navigate tortuous anatomical paths. The flexible shaft can adapt its configuration to follow the natural curves of the gastrointestinal tract without causing trauma to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft incorporates flexible materials and thin-walled structures that enable the device to bend and conform to irregular anatomical surfaces. This flexibility allows the stapler to navigate through complex pathways while maintaining contact with tissue surfaces without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid members are used in staplers, then structural strength is maintained, but the device cannot be navigated through tortuous anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigability through complex anatomical pathsVSAvoidstructural strength of shaft

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is divided into multiple flexible segments or articulated sections that can bend independently. This segmentation allows the shaft to navigate complex anatomical paths while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the cumulative rigidity of the segmented structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaft utilizes composite material construction combining flexible polymers with reinforcing elements. This composite structure provides the necessary flexibility for navigation while maintaining adequate structural strength to support the stapling mechanism and withstand operational forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If multiple control members are added to control sled movement, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecise control of sled movementVSAvoidnumber of control members and actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system is designed with multi-functional components that can perform multiple control functions. A single actuator mechanism can control both the movement of the sled and the articulation of the shaft, reducing the overall number of control members while maintaining precise control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control functions are merged into integrated control mechanisms. The control members are combined with the actuator system in a way that allows simultaneous control of sled movement and shaft articulation, reducing complexity while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250072895A1Systems, devices, and related methods for fastening tissue

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

In examples, a medical device for tissue fastening may comprise an end effector having: a cartridge, a sled positioned in the cartridge, a first control member coupled to the sled, and a second control member coupled to the sled; a shaft coupled to the end effector; and an operation portion coupled to the shaft. The operation portion may include an actuator that is configured to actuate at least the first control member or the second control member in order to move the sled proximally or distally.