Magnetic Coupling for Surgical Stapler Anvil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circular surgical staplers require creating openings in intestinal segments, allowing bacterial contamination and adding bulk with piercing coupling elements, which are unnecessary and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic circular stapler system where one or both components are magnetic, allowing self-alignment and eliminating the need for openings by using guidewires and a piercing fastener to connect intestinal segments without breaking the tissue, and a cutter to create an opening within the stapled perimeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If piercing coupling elements are used to connect stapler and anvil, then the components can be connected, but the device length, size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical piercing coupling elements with a magnetic coupling system. The stapler and anvil are equipped with magnetic components that enable connection through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for physical piercing fasteners and reducing device weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the piercing coupling elements from the system. By taking out these unnecessary components and replacing them with magnetic coupling, the patent simplifies the overall device structure and reduces weight.
2Reliability
If openings are created in intestinal segments for coupling elements, then connection is enabled, but bacterial contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system eliminates the need to create openings in the intestinal segments. The stapler and anvil can be connected through magnetic attraction without penetrating the tissue, thereby preventing bacterial contamination while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that enables connection between stapler and anvil without direct mechanical penetration of the intestinal tissue. This intermediary mechanism allows connection while preserving tissue integrity and preventing contamination.
3Strength
If piercing coupling elements are inserted through openings, then stapler and anvil connect, but tissue disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling replaces the mechanical piercing action that causes tissue disruption. The magnetic attraction force enables strong connection between stapler and anvil without penetrating or damaging the intestinal tissue, thereby maintaining tissue integrity while achieving connection strength.
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 secure connection of intestinal segments without bacterial contamination and reduces the size, weight, and complexity of the stapler by eliminating the need for pre-drilled openings and minimizing tissue disruption.
Implementation Method 1
A first component of the circular stapler system includes a magnetic component that emits a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
One or both of the stapler and anvil may be magnetic... the magnetic component emits a magnetic field that causes the stapler and anvil to self-align
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool may include a circular surgical stapler and an anvil initially disconnected and separate from the surgical stapler; where at least one of the circular surgical stapler and the anvil is magnetic.