Interchangeable Surgical Cartridge System for Stapling and RF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments lack the ability to seamlessly switch between stapling and radio-frequency (RF) functions during procedures, limiting versatility and efficiency in tissue handling.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with an interchangeable tool assembly that allows for the use of both staple cartridges and RF cartridges, enabling the delivery of staples for sealing and RF energy for tissue treatment, respectively, within the same instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical instrument is designed for a single function (stapling or RF), then it achieves high reliability and ease of operation for that specific function, but it lacks versatility and requires multiple separate instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates an interchangeable tool assembly that can accommodate both staple cartridges and RF cartridges within the same instrument body. The tool assembly includes a cartridge receiver that can selectively receive different types of cartridges, and a drive system that can operate both stapling and RF functions through a single actuator mechanism. This allows one instrument to perform multiple surgical functions (stapling, cutting, sealing) that previously required separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into modular components: a handle assembly, an interchangeable tool assembly, and removable cartridges. The tool assembly can be detached and replaced, and cartridges can be swapped within the tool assembly. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility while managing complexity through modular design, where each module can be optimized independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are integrated into a single surgical instrument, then versatility improves, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument employs dynamic configuration where the tool assembly and cartridges can be interchangeably adjusted based on surgical needs. The system transitions between different operational states (stapling mode, RF mode, cutting mode) through simple cartridge changes and tool assembly replacements, maintaining ease of operation despite multiple functions. The actuator system dynamically adapts its operation based on the installed cartridge type.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument uses disposable cartridges (staple cartridges and RF cartridges) that are replaced rather than reset. This allows the expensive, complex instrument body to remain while only the consumable cartridges are changed between functions. The disposable nature of cartridges simplifies sterilization and maintenance, and reduces the operational complexity for the surgeon.
3Productivity
If separate instruments are used for stapling and RF functions, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but procedural time increases due to instrument changes
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges the stapling function and RF function into a single integrated system with a common handle assembly and actuator mechanism. Both staple cartridges and RF cartridges interface with the same cartridge receiver and are actuated by the same firing mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need to set down one instrument and pick up another, reducing procedural time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cartridges (staple and RF) can be pre-loaded into the instrument or kept ready in sterile packaging. The instrument is designed to quickly accept and initialize different cartridge types without requiring complex setup procedures. The actuator system is pre-configured to recognize and appropriately operate the installed cartridge type, minimizing initialization time when switching functions.
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
Enables efficient and versatile tissue handling by allowing operators to switch between stapling and RF functions, improving procedural efficiency and adaptability during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
delivering radio-frequency energy from a radio-frequency cartridge of the surgical instrument to a second tissue during a second procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed. The method includes delivering staples from a surgical staple cartridge of a surgical instrument to a first tissue during a first procedure; removing the surgical staple cartridge from the surgical instrument; and delivering radio-frequency energy from a radio-frequency cartridge of the surgical instrument to a second tissue during a second procedure.