Floating Staple Cartridge for Variable Tissue Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices struggle to provide effective hemostasis for a wide range of tissue thicknesses, as the tissue contact surfaces may not be properly positioned during firing if the tissue thickness is outside the defined range.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling device incorporates a tool assembly with a staple cartridge supported on a compressible base, featuring compression strips and pads that allow the staple cartridge to float and accommodate tissues of different thicknesses, ensuring proper positioning and effective hemostasis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tissue contact surfaces are fixed at a defined position, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot accommodate tissues of different thicknesses effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The staple cartridge is made movable relative to the anvil assembly through a floating mechanism, allowing the tissue contact surfaces to dynamically adjust their position based on tissue thickness. The cartridge can move along guides or rails to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses while maintaining proper contact surface alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows change in the positional parameter of the staple cartridge relative to the anvil assembly. By enabling the cartridge to shift position within a range, the effective tissue contact distance can be adjusted to match different tissue thicknesses, resolving the contradiction between fixed simple structure and adaptive functionality.
2Reliability
If the staple cartridge is fixed in position, then the manufacturing precision is easy to control, but the tissue contact surfaces cannot be properly positioned for tissues outside the defined thickness range
Solution Approach 1:
The floating cartridge mechanism allows the system to adapt to different tissue thicknesses dynamically during operation. The cartridge can move to the appropriate position based on the actual tissue thickness encountered, ensuring reliable hemostasis without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-adjustment of the cartridge position based on the tissue thickness detected during clamping. The mechanical floating mechanism allows the cartridge to automatically position itself relative to the anvil assembly, reducing the need for precise pre-positioning during manufacturing while maintaining reliable tissue contact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a floating staple cartridge mechanism is implemented, then the device can accommodate tissues of varying thicknesses, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating mechanism incorporates movable components such as guides, rails, or springs that allow the cartridge to move relative to the anvil assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables accommodation of varying tissue thicknesses while adding controlled complexity to the cartridge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating cartridge mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates different tissue thicknesses, maintains proper tissue contact surface alignment, and provides adaptability across various surgical scenarios. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive performance benefits.
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 enables the surgical stapling device to effectively accommodate and staple tissues of varying thicknesses, ensuring consistent and reliable hemostasis across a broader range of tissue thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
a staple cartridge (106) supported on a compressible base
Implementation Method 2
compression strips (116) supported on upper edges of side walls of the cartridge channel and positioned to support the staple cartridge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge channel including a bottom wall and side walls defining a recess, each of the side walls having a first end secured to the bottom wall and a second end spaced from the bottom wall, the second end of each of the side walls defining a support surface; a staple cartridge defining a longitudinal axis and including an upper wall defining a tissue contact surface and side walls, the upper wall extending radially outward of the side walls of the staple cartridge to define a longitudinally extending shoulder, the staple cartridge being dimensioned to be received within the recess of the cartridge channel such that the shoulders rest atop the support surface of the side walls of the cartridge channel; and a compression member supported on each of the support surfaces of the cartridge channel, each of the compression members being positioned between one of the shoulders of the staple cartridge and one of the support surfaces of the side walls of the cartridge channel, each of the compression members including a body having an elongated upper portion positioned to engage the shoulders of the staple cartridge and a lower portion defined by a plurality of spaced fingers and grooves further including a support plate secured to the staple cartridge wherein the support plate includes a bottom wall, and first and second side walls that define a U-shaped channel dimensioned to receive the staple cartridge, each of the first and second side walls of the support plate having a first end connected to the bottom wall of the support plate and a second end having a support flange wherein the support flanges are supported on the support surface of the cartridge channel.