Linear Staple Cartridge Structure for 3D Tissue Stapling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear surgical staplers face challenges in effectively clamping, cutting, and stapling tissue layers during gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures, with a need for improved tissue gripping and staple formation to enhance hemostasis and reduce user input force.
Innovation Solution
The linear surgical stapler features a cartridge half with enhanced tissue gripping features, including stand-off members and staple drivers configured to form three-dimensional staples, along with a firing assembly that simultaneously cuts and drives staples, ensuring proper staple formation and reduced user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional linear surgical staplers are used for tissue clamping and stapling, then the basic stapling function is achieved, but tissue gripping effectiveness is insufficient and staple formation is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge deck incorporates stand-off members at specific locations to provide localized tissue gripping enhancement. These stand-off members create localized compression zones that improve tissue holding strength at critical areas while maintaining overall device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar stapling to three-dimensional staple formation by introducing stand-off members that create vertical dimensionality. This allows staples to be formed with height and depth, improving engagement with tissue layers and enhancing the sealing effect.
2Ease of operation
If conventional stapling mechanisms are used, then stapling is achieved, but user input force required is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The firing assembly incorporates a cam mechanism that converts the user's linear pushing motion into a more effective stapling action. The cam profile is designed to progressively increase the mechanical advantage during the firing stroke, reducing the peak force required from the user while maintaining adequate stapling power.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand-off members act as intermediaries between the tissue and the staple drivers. They provide a mechanical advantage by creating a lever system that amplifies the force applied during stapling, thereby reducing the direct user input force needed while maintaining effective staple formation.
3Reliability
If standard tissue compression is applied, then basic clamping is achieved, but sealing effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off members create localized compression zones at specific positions along the tissue interface. This localized compression enhances the sealing effectiveness at critical areas where tissue layers need to be securely joined, while allowing other areas to maintain appropriate compression levels.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing three-dimensional staple formation through stand-off members, the compression force is distributed across multiple dimensions rather than a single plane. This multi-dimensional compression improves the sealing effectiveness by engaging tissue layers more thoroughly and creating more robust staple-tissue connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapler includes a cartridge body, a deck defined configured to compress tissue against an anvil of the surgical stapler, and a plurality of staple openings formed in the deck. A plurality of staples is disposed within the staple openings, with each staple having a pair of legs. A plurality of staple drivers is also disposed within the staple openings, with the staple drivers being actuatable to drive the staples through tissue and against the anvil to form the legs. Each of the staple drivers includes a driver body, a first pocket disposed on a first lateral side of the driver body, and a second pocket disposed on a second lateral side of the driver body. The first and second pockets are configured to receive the legs of the respective staple when the legs are formed against the anvil.