Lockable Firing Assembly for Surgical Stapler Cartridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical instruments with interchangeable staple cartridges face issues where the cutting member can be inadvertently activated without a properly installed unspent staple cartridge, leading to incomplete stapling or excessive tissue cutting.

Innovation Solution

The surgical instrument system incorporates a locking mechanism that ensures the cutting member can only be actuated when an unspent staple cartridge is properly seated, utilizing a sled and firing assembly configuration that aligns only when the cartridge is correctly installed, preventing the firing assembly from advancing unless the cartridge is in its starting position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent cutting member activation, then safety and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of inadvertent cutting member activationVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is merged with the existing firing assembly and sled components. The interlocking surfaces and engagement features are integrated into the structural elements already present in the stapling system, rather than adding separate locking components. This reduces overall complexity while maintaining the safety function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism ensures that the cutting member is prevented from activating before the staple cartridge is properly installed and the sled is in the correct position. The lock is released only after the necessary preliminary condition (proper cartridge installation) is met, preventing inadvertent activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the firing assembly is restricted from advancing unless the cartridge is correctly installed, then stapling completeness improves, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling completenessVSAvoidfiring mechanism activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically verifies whether the staple cartridge is correctly installed through the mechanical interaction between the sled and firing assembly. If the cartridge is properly installed, the sled positions itself to enable firing assembly advancement. The system self- verifies the installation condition without requiring separate checks or complex controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable staple cartridges are used, then adaptability improves, but the risk of incorrect installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge interchangeabilityVSAvoidcorrect installation assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sled and firing assembly incorporate asymmetric interlocking surfaces and engagement features that are specific to each cartridge type. This asymmetry ensures that only the correct cartridge configuration will properly engage with the sled, preventing incorrect installation while maintaining interchangeability among compatible cartridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11317917B2Surgical stapling system comprising a lockable firing assembly

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument system comprising a completely replaceable cartridge jaw is disclosed.