Hemostasis Member Variable Compression Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical fastener applying apparatuses face challenges in achieving optimal hemostasis by applying variable compressive forces to tissue, which can lead to unnecessary necrosis and prolonged recovery due to inconsistent blood flow and tissue compression, especially when dealing with tissues of varying thickness.
Innovation Solution
A surgical fastener applying apparatus with a hemostasis member featuring a stepped profile that applies different compressive forces along various axes, allowing for reduced blood flow near the cut-line while maintaining flow in surrounding tissue, and accommodating tissues of varying thickness by varying the height of tissue contacting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform compressive force is applied to all tissue areas, then hemostasis is achieved at the cut-line, but blood flow is unnecessarily reduced in surrounding tissue leading to necrosis and slower healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different compressive forces to different regions of tissue. The hemostasis member includes a first region with higher compressive force applied directly to the cut-line area to achieve hemostasis, and a second region with lower compressive force applied to surrounding tissue to maintain blood flow and prevent necrosis. This spatial differentiation of compression intensity resolves the contradiction between achieving hemostasis and preventing tissue damage.
2Reliability
If multiple rows of fasteners are applied to compress surrounding tissue, then hemostasis is improved, but device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hemostasis function from the fastening function by introducing a separate hemostasis member that is distinct from the surgical fasteners. This hemostasis member is positioned between the tissue and the fastener cartridge, allowing it to provide compression independently. This separation eliminates the need for multiple rows of fasteners solely for hemostasis purposes, reducing device complexity and surgical time while maintaining effective hemostasis control.
3Reliability
If high compressive force is applied to achieve hemostasis, then blood flow limitation is effective, but tissue healing is delayed due to reduced perfusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by spatially differentiating the compressive force distribution. The first region of the hemostasis member applies high compressive force specifically to the cut-line area where blood flow limitation is needed for hemostasis. The second region applies lower compressive force to surrounding tissue areas where maintaining perfusion is critical for healing. This localized differentiation simultaneously achieves effective blood flow limitation and preserves healing capacity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional fastener cartridges are used, then standard fastening is achieved, but variable tissue thickness cannot be accommodated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a hemostasis member with a graduated compression profile that can accommodate varying tissue thicknesses within a single device. The hemostasis member's stepped or graduated structure provides appropriate compression levels regardless of whether the tissue is thin or thick, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cartridges. This multi-functional design maintains ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability to different tissue conditions.
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 apparatus effectively limits blood flow near the cut-line to achieve hemostasis while maximizing flow in surrounding tissue, reducing necrosis and facilitating healing, and can handle tissues of different thicknesses using a single cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
the hemostasis member is configured and dimensioned such that the compressive forces applied to the tissue are varied along an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The hemostasis member may be formed of a substantially resilient material to support layers of tissue positioned between the first and second jaws
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus (1000,2000), and the application of variable compression to tissue. More specifically, the presently disclosed surgical fastener applying apparatus act to limit the flow of blood through tissue immediately adjacent a cut-line formed therein to effectuate hemostasis, while maximizing the flow of blood through tissue more removed from the cut-line to limit unnecessary necrosis. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener applying apparatus is disclosed having a tool assembly (1006,2010) coupled to a distal end thereof with first and second jaws (1010,1012) respectively including an anvil (1100,2016) and a surgical fastener cartridge (1200,2012). The surgical fastener cartridge includes, among other things, a hemostasis member (1224,1224A) that is configured to apply at least two different compressive forces to tissue clamped between the first and second jaws of the tool assembly.