Flexible Adapter Assembly for Surgical Stapling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices with powered handles face challenges in efficiently replacing disposable or multiple-use loading units during procedures, as the process is often complicated and time-consuming, and there is a need for improved maneuverability of these units within the body cavity.
Innovation Solution
The adapter assembly features a proximal body portion with a flexible length, articulable distal body portion, and a working channel, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of loading units and enhanced maneuverability through a pivoting joint, enabling the transfer of rotational motion into linear motion for actuating the end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid adapter assembly is used to connect the powered handle to the loading unit, then structural stability is improved, but maneuverability and the ability to position the end effector in difficult-to-reach locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into multiple segments: a proximal body portion, a flexible shaft, and a distal body portion. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties - the proximal and distal portions can be rigid for stability, while the flexible shaft provides maneuverability. The segmented structure enables the adapter to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining structural integrity for reliable power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shaft is constructed using flexible materials and结构设计 that allow bending and articulation. This flexible portion enables the adapter assembly to navigate curved anatomical pathways and position the end effector in difficult-to-reach locations while the rigid body portions maintain structural stability for reliable connection and power transmission.
2Reliability
If a complex connection mechanism is used to secure the loading unit to the adapter assembly, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A connection interface acts as an intermediary between the loading unit and the adapter assembly. This interface includes complementary features such as a distal end of the adapter with engagement structures that mate with corresponding features on the loading unit. The intermediary connection mechanism provides reliable securing during operation while allowing for relatively simple attachment and detachment when needed.
3Power
If a long rigid shaft is used to transmit power from the handle to the end effector, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but flexibility and ability to reach remote locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission shaft is segmented into rigid body portions and a flexible intermediate portion. The rigid proximal and distal body portions efficiently transmit power from the powered handle to the end effector, while the flexible shaft segment allows the assembly to navigate curved anatomical pathways and reach remote locations within the body cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shaft portion is constructed to maintain sufficient structural integrity for power transmission while allowing bending and articulation. This enables the adapter assembly to reach difficult-to-access locations within the body cavity while still efficiently transmitting mechanical power from the powered handle to actuate the end effector.
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
This design simplifies the replacement process of loading units and enhances the ability to position the end effector within the body cavity, reducing procedural time and improving the efficiency of surgical stapling operations by allowing for greater articulation and manipulation of the loading unit.
Implementation Method 1
A length of the proximal body portion may be flexible
Implementation Method 2
the adapter assemblies transfer rotational motion from one or more motors in the powered handle assembly into linear motion to actuate and articulate the attached loading units
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion configured for operable connection to an actuation assembly and a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint. The distal body portion includes a distal end configured for selective engagement with a loading unit and defines a longitudinal axis. A length of the proximal body portion is flexible. The proximal body portion may also define a working channel.