Linear Surgical Stapler Architecture for 8 mm Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing surgical stapling apparatus to fit within small diameter tubes of 8 mm for tight access and incorporating electronic chip technology poses significant challenges, particularly in vascular tissue stapling and articulation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an articulation assembly with an articulation drive screw, nut, yolk, and tube, and a firing assembly with a drive screw and nut, enabling articulation and firing mechanisms within a small diameter, along with a rotation assembly for rotating the end effector, all integrated with electronic chip technology for cartridge detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgical stapling apparatus are designed to fit within small diameter tubes of 8 mm, then access to tight spaces is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of articulation and firing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the firing assembly inside the articulation assembly. The firing drive screw and nut are positioned within the articulation tube, and the drive beam travels through the articulation mechanism. This nested configuration allows multiple functional assemblies to occupy a compact volume, enabling the device to fit within 8 mm diameter tubes while maintaining both articulation and firing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to resolve the contradiction. The articulation assembly allows angular movement in one dimension while the firing assembly operates in another dimension (axial direction). The drive beam is positioned to travel through the articulation mechanism rather than parallel to it, creating orthogonal motion paths that save space and reduce overall device diameter.
2Measurement precision
If electronic chip technology is incorporated for cartridge detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to limited space in small diameter design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic chip technology with existing structural components. The cartridge detection assembly is integrated into the cartridge itself, with detection elements positioned on or within the cartridge body. This merging approach allows electronic functionality to be added without requiring separate dedicated space, as the detection system utilizes the same structural envelope as the mechanical cartridge components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulation assembly with drive screw and nut is used, then articulation capability is improved, but volume of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation drive screw and nut are positioned within the articulation tube, which itself is contained within the outer housing. The firing drive screw and nut are nested within the articulation tube as well. This multi-level nesting reduces the overall volume of the articulation assembly by eliminating the need for separate housings for each component, allowing the mechanism to fit within constrained dimensions while maintaining full articulation capability.
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
Enables effective stapling and cutting of tissue within small diameters while facilitating articulation and rotation, enhancing surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The articulation assembly includes an articulation drive screw, an articulation nut threadedly mounted to the articulation drive screw, an articulation yolk coupled to the articulation nut, and an articulation tube that is positioned to move in response to movement of the articulation nut
Implementation Method 2
The firing assembly may further include a firing drive screw that is positioned within the articulation tube. The firing drive screw may be threadedly coupled to a firing nut. The firing nut may be coupled to a firing tube. The firing tube may be axially advanceable through the articulation tube in response to axial movement of the firing nut
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing assembly and an adapter assembly defining a longitudinal axis and selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The adapter assembly supports an end effector including an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a spring lock. The cartridge assembly supports a plurality of fasteners and a sled that is movable through the cartridge assembly to fire the plurality of fasteners. The spring lock is supported on the sled. The spring lock is positioned to move from an unlocked position to a locked position when the sled moves through the cartridge assembly to prevent the cartridge assembly from being refired.