Magnetic Alignment and Translating Lock for Surgical Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in efficiently clamping, severing, and stapling tissue layers during procedures like gastrointestinal anastomosis, with existing instruments lacking effective mechanisms for secure tissue retention and easy alignment of instrument halves.
Innovation Solution
The design of a surgical stapler with a linear cutting mechanism that includes a staple cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a firing assembly, featuring tissue retaining features and magnetic alignment members for secure tissue engagement and easy instrument half alignment, along with a translating locking structure for secure coupling and decoupling of instrument halves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional surgical stapling instruments are used, then tissue clamping, severing, and stapling can be performed, but the alignment of instrument halves is difficult and tissue retention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment mechanisms with magnetic alignment members that use magnetic fields to automatically align the first and second instrument halves during assembly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment procedures and improving both ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic alignment members as intermediary elements between the instrument halves that facilitate precise alignment through magnetic attraction, serving as a mediator that simplifies the coupling process while ensuring reliable tissue retention
2Reliability
If secure tissue retention is achieved through traditional means, then tissue stability is maintained, but the instrument structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical tissue retention mechanisms with magnetic fields generated by magnetic alignment members, achieving secure tissue retention through non-contact magnetic forces while maintaining a simpler overall instrument structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the alignment and retention system by using magnetic fields instead of mechanical contacts, altering the fundamental interaction parameters between instrument components and tissue to achieve reliable retention with reduced structural complexity
3Ease of operation
If magnetic alignment members are used for easy alignment, then instrument half alignment is simplified, but the coupling strength between halves may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function and the coupling strength function into a single integrated magnetic alignment member system, where the same magnetic members that facilitate alignment also provide the necessary coupling strength to securely join the instrument halves during tissue stapling
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 stapler ensures secure clamping and severing of tissue layers while facilitating easy alignment and operation, enhancing the efficiency and precision of surgical procedures by maintaining tissue retention and instrument stability throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of magnetic alignment members arranged on a first lateral axis A1 of the coupling projection (540), and a second plurality of magnetic alignment members arranged on a second lateral axis A2 of the coupling socket (542). The magnetic alignment members are configured to draw the coupling projection (540) into the coupling socket (552)
Implementation Method 2
The coupling projection (540) includes a cam-like configuration configured to contact a confronting surface of the anvil cover (534) and function as a fulcrum as the anvil half (504) is separated from the cartridge half (502), thereby amplifying a separation force applied to the instrument halves
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapler includes an anvil half having an anvil channel member and a cartridge half having a cartridge channel member. A latching lever is coupled to the cartridge channel member and is pivotable between a closed position in which the lever fixes the anvil channel member relative to the cartridge channel member, and an open position in which the lever permits relative movement between the channel members. A locking member coupled to a proximal portion of the cartridge half is movable between a locked position when the lever is in the closed position and an unlocked position when the lever is in the open position. In the locked position the locking member captures the projection and locks the anvil half proximal portion to the cartridge half proximal portion. In the unlocked position the locking member releases the projection and permits separation of the proximal portions.