Floating Anvil Jaw for Compact Surgical Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endocutter devices face challenges in manufacturing small end effectors that can efficiently cut and staple tissue due to the varying actuation forces required for different tissue thicknesses, and they often lack the option to install fasteners without cutting tissue, limiting their effectiveness in accessing tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling instrument with a handle, knife bar, and end effector that includes a support jaw and anvil jaw, where the knife bar's cam contacts the anvil jaw to deform staples, allowing for adjustable staple formation without cutting tissue, enabling the instrument to accommodate different tissue thicknesses and provide the option to staple without cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robust anvil closure systems and staple driving systems are employed to accommodate thick tissues, then the device can handle a specific range of tissue thicknesses, but the device becomes too large to effectively access tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil jaw is made displaceable rather than fixed, allowing it to move between open, closed, and fired positions. This dynamic configuration enables the system to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses without requiring a permanently robust structure, thus reducing the overall size of the end effector while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The knife bar is designed to perform multiple functions: it can cut tissue, drive staples, and deform the anvil jaw. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate robust closure and firing systems, reducing the end effector size while maintaining the ability to handle different tissue thicknesses.
2Productivity
If cutting and stapling are performed simultaneously, then the tissue can be cut and fastened effectively, but the surgeon loses the option of installing fasteners without cutting tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument separates the cutting function from the stapling function, allowing them to be performed independently or simultaneously. The knife bar can advance to cut tissue after staples are formed, or the anvil jaw can be displaced to form staples without cutting, providing surgical flexibility while maintaining efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If the end effector is made smaller for better visualization and access, then tight spaces can be accessed more effectively, but the actuation forces required to form staples and cut tissue become difficult to transmit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional robust mechanical transmission systems with a cam mechanism. The cam on the knife bar converts rotational or linear motion into the precise displacements needed to move the anvil jaw and drive staples, enabling effective force transmission in a compact end effector design.
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 solution allows for efficient cutting and stapling across various tissue thicknesses, enabling better access in tight spaces and providing the option to staple without cutting, thus improving the versatility and effectiveness of the surgical instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The cam of the knife bar is configured to contact the anvil jaw and drive the anvil surface toward the support surface when the knife bar is moved from the proximal end toward the distal end of the end effector
Implementation Method 2
an anvil surface configured to deform the staples
Implementation Method 3
The anvil jaw comprises a follower slidably received within the displacement guide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1E
AI summary
A surgical instrument can include an anvil and, in addition, a staple cartridge support configured to support a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the jaw can be moved toward the staple cartridge to deform staples contained within the staple cartridge. The anvil can be configured to be translated and/or rotated as the anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the anvil can be configured to float and adjust such that the anvil is moved downwardly in a level manner.