Latching Proximal Coupling for Surgical Stapler Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges in securely coupling and decoupling the cartridge and anvil halves during procedures, leading to potential accidental decoupling and instability, which can affect the precision and reliability of tissue clamping and stapling.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a latching proximal coupling assembly, including a pivoting cartridge section and an anvil coupling section with resilient latches or magnetic mechanisms, ensures a secure pivotal relationship between the cartridge and anvil halves, preventing accidental decoupling and facilitating easy alignment and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple coupling mechanism is used between cartridge and anvil halves, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of coupling and resistance to accidental decoupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly uses a resilient latch member that automatically engages with a detent feature on the cartridge section, creating a self-locking mechanism that maintains coupling without requiring continuous external force or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates a resilient latch member that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the system to adapt between secure coupling during operation and easy separation when needed
2Reliability
If a secure coupling mechanism with resilient latches or magnetic mechanisms is introduced, then the reliability and stability of coupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a resilient latch member for engagement, a detent feature for positioning, and a pivot connection for movement, allowing each element to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient latch member acts as an intermediary element between the anvil section and cartridge section, providing the coupling function while absorbing mechanical stresses and enabling smooth engagement and disengagement
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cartridge and anvil halves are rigidly fixed together, then the stability during operation is improved, but the ease of alignment and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection enables the anvil section to rotate relative to the cartridge section, allowing dynamic adjustment during engagement while maintaining a stable locked position during operation, and facilitating easy separation when needed
4Ease of operation
If a pivotable connection is introduced between cartridge and anvil sections, then the ease of alignment is improved, but the stability and resistance to accidental decoupling may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection provides controlled mobility during alignment while the resilient latch member provides static locking during operation, creating a system that is both easy to align and stable when engaged
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
This solution enhances the stability and reliability of the surgical stapler by maintaining a secure coupling between the cartridge and anvil halves, reducing the risk of accidental decoupling and improving the precision and efficiency of tissue clamping and stapling during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient latch member configured to selectively engage with a detent feature
Implementation Method 2
anvil coupling section with resilient latches or magnetic mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first portion having a handle and a jaw, a second portion having a handle and a jaw, a latching member, and a proximal coupling assembly. The second portion may selectively pivot about a proximal location relative to the first portion. The latching member drives the first jaw and the second jaw toward a fully closed configuration. The first jaw and second jaw may clamp, cut, and staple tissue between the jaws. The proximal coupling selectively attaches the first portion with the second portion. The proximal coupling includes a pivot body and a coupling body. The pivot body is pivotally attached to the first portion at the proximal location. The coupling body, which is associated with the second portion, engages the pivot body at a location distal to the proximal location to selectively attach the first portion with the second portion.