Laproscopic Stapler Sequential Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling/cutting devices lack an efficient mechanism for simultaneously stapling and cutting tissue with precise control and sequential operation of staples and a blade, leading to suboptimal tissue handling and closure.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with an end effector and actuator system that includes a staple cartridge holder, anvil, and a sled assembly with ramps to progressively eject staples, combined with a knife assembly for controlled cutting, where the actuator's levers drive the end effector from an open to a closed position and the sled engages staple pushers to eject staples while the blade is deployed for cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a surgical stapler combines stapling and cutting functions in a single device, then surgical efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines stapling and cutting functions into a single integrated surgical stapler device. The end effector assembly includes both staple cartridges for stapling and a knife assembly for cutting, allowing both functions to be performed with one device rather than requiring separate instruments during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical stapler is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both stapling and cutting operations. The end effector can accommodate different staple cartridge configurations and integrate a knife assembly, enabling the same device to handle various surgical tasks including tissue stapling, tissue cutting, and vessel sealing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the stapler uses a sequential ejection mechanism for staples, then precision and control are improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staple pushers are pre-positioned in the cartridge holder in a staged configuration, with each pusher associated with specific staples that will be ejected in a predetermined sequence. This preliminary arrangement allows for controlled sequential ejection of staples during the stapling operation, ensuring precise tissue engagement while maintaining efficient operation timing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anvil is movable between open and closed positions, then tissue handling capability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is designed as a movable component that can transition between open and closed positions to adapt to different tissue configurations. This dynamic positioning capability allows the anvil to engage with tissue in various states, providing versatility in tissue handling while using a relatively simple mechanical linkage system.
4Manufacturing precision
If the sled assembly progressively ejects staples from open distal end toward proximal end, then tissue closure quality is improved, but the actuation force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The staple ejection process is segmented into multiple stages, with each staple or group of staples being ejected sequentially from the open distal end toward the proximal end. The sled assembly is divided into multiple ramps, each engaged by a separate staple pusher, allowing progressive ejection that distributes the required actuation force across multiple discrete actions rather than requiring a single large force.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling and cutting method comprises: inserting tissue between jaws of a stapler/cutter end effector; closing the jaws; progressively ejecting staples from a first jaw, the progression being from an open distal end of the end effector toward a proximal end of the end effector; and drawing a blade through the tissue in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. Apparatus may be provided for performing the method.