Laparoscopic Stapler With Integrated Imaging for Precise Staple Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic staplers face challenges in minimizing post-operative bleeding and intestinal fluid leakage during procedures like appendectomy due to inconsistent staple sizes and inadequate visualization, leading to complications in staple line management.
Innovation Solution
A stapler apparatus with adjustable jaw configurations and integrated imaging, allowing for precise staple deployment based on anatomy, featuring different sized staples and an imaging system for enhanced visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform sized staples are used in all positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and adaptability to different anatomical structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The staple cartridge is segmented into multiple rows, with each row containing staples of different sizes tailored for specific anatomical structures. This segmentation allows precise selection of staple size for vessels, appendix, and intestinal walls without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sized staples are placed in different rows within the cartridge, with each row optimized for specific tissue types. Larger staples for vessels, medium for appendix, and smaller for intestinal walls, ensuring local quality matches anatomical requirements at each position
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent devices are used for stapling and visualization, then the functionality is complete, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler device is merged with an integrated imaging system, combining stapling functionality and visualization into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate camera equipment and reduces the number of devices the surgeon must manage
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: stapling tissue, cutting, and real-time imaging visualization. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into one universal surgical instrument
3Device complexity
If conventional staplers are used without integrated imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of staple line management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated imaging system provides real-time visual feedback during the stapling procedure, allowing the surgeon to verify staple placement accuracy and detect potential bleeding or leakage at the staple line immediately, improving measurement precision of staple line management
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy or tubal ligation, using a stapler apparatus including a handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the handle carrying one or more staples, and an imaging sleeve carried on the shaft. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue.