Surgical Stapling Device Laser Probe Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling devices pose a risk of accidental cutting to clinicians due to the presence of knife blades, particularly during the removal and replacement of cartridge assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling device incorporates a tool assembly with a drive assembly that includes a working member with a laser probe and a recess across the tissue gap, allowing for precise cutting of tissue using a laser beam, supplemented by a surgical blade for redundancy, and optionally features bipolar heating pads for tissue sealing, minimizing the need for mechanical staples and reducing the risk of blade-related injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a knife blade is used for cutting tissue, then cutting function is achieved, but risk of accidental cutting to clinicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical knife blade cutting system with a laser-based cutting system. The laser probe emits a laser beam through the tissue gap to cut tissue, eliminating the need for a mechanical blade that could accidentally contact the clinician. This substitution maintains cutting functionality while removing the harmful mechanical contact risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the tissue gap - through which the laser beam passes to reach the tissue. This intermediary space separates the cutting mechanism from the clinician's hand, providing an additional safety barrier while enabling the laser to perform its cutting function on the targeted tissue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a laser probe is used for cutting tissue, then risk of accidental cutting is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working member is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports both the laser probe for cutting and the bipolar heating pads for tissue sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and assemblies, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while providing diverse surgical capabilities through a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cutting function (laser probe) and sealing function (bipolar heating pads) into a single working member assembly. By combining these functions in one integrated component rather than using separate devices, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving multiple surgical objectives.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bipolar heating pads are added for tissue sealing, then sealing function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working member is designed as a multi-functional component that integrates both the laser probe for cutting and bipolar heating pads for tissue sealing. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple surgical functions, adding versatility without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
4Productivity
If cartridge assembly removal and replacement is required, then staple refilling is enabled, but risk of blade injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical knife blade with a laser cutting system, the patent eliminates the primary source of blade injury risk during cartridge handling. The laser probe can be deactivated or shielded when not in use, and no sharp mechanical blade is exposed during cartridge assembly removal and replacement, thereby enabling staple refilling operations without the same injury risks.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of accidental cutting to clinicians by using a laser probe for precise tissue cutting and bipolar heating pads for sealing, ensuring safe and efficient surgical procedures without the need for frequent cartridge replacements.
Implementation Method 1
The working member supports a laser probe that is positioned to emit a laser beam across the tissue gap
Implementation Method 2
emit a laser beam across the tissue gap as the working member moves through the tool assembly to cut tissue positioned within the tissue gap
Implementation Method 3
one or more heating pads arranged on either side of the elongated slot
Implementation Method 4
optionally features bipolar heating pads for tissue sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly or a heating assembly along with an anvil assembly, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a working member and a laser probe that is pivotally supported on the working member and emits a laser beam. The laser probe is positioned between the cartridge and anvil assemblies such that the laser beam extends across a tissue gap of the tool assembly when the tool assembly is in the clamped position.