Magnetized Trocar Adapter for Flexible Stapler Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling devices face challenges in efficiently connecting anvil assemblies to elongate bodies during procedures, minimizing tissue and device damage, and enhancing visualization, especially when introducing flexible shafts through natural orifices or incisions, while also accommodating guide wires and testing seal integrity.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adapter assembly with a magnetized trocar member and center rod for magnetic attraction, an insertion instrument with an electromagnet and light source for precise placement, and protective assemblies with inflatable cavities and camera capabilities to minimize damage and improve visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible shaft is introduced through a natural body orifice or incision, then the ability to perform minimally invasive surgery is improved, but the risk of damage to the patient and device during introduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective assembly is placed on the distal end of the flexible circular stapler before introduction into the patient. This protective assembly includes a protective member that shields the functional end of the stapler during the introduction process through natural orifices or incisions, preventing tissue damage and device damage before the actual surgical function is needed
2Productivity
If an adapter assembly with magnetized components is used to connect anvil assembly to elongate body, then the efficiency of connection and alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly replaces traditional mechanical alignment and connection mechanisms with magnetic attraction. The magnetized trocar member and center rod use magnetic forces to automatically align and connect the anvil assembly to the elongate body, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment systems while improving connection efficiency
3Measurement precision
If an electromagnet and light source are added to the insertion instrument, then the precision of anvil assembly placement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion instrument incorporates an electromagnet that uses electromagnetic forces to precisely control and position the magnetized anvil assembly during insertion. This electromagnetic control system provides precise placement capability without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A light source is integrated into the distal end of the insertion instrument to illuminate the surgical site during the insertion and positioning process. This visual enhancement allows the surgeon to better visualize the placement area, improving placement precision through optical rather than mechanical means
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective assembly with inflatable cavity is used during introduction, then the protection of tissue and device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective assembly includes an inflatable cavity that can be inflated with fluid to create a protective barrier during the introduction of the flexible circular stapler. This pneumatic protection system shields both the tissue and device from damage during insertion through natural orifices or incisions, providing protection through fluid pressure rather than complex mechanical structures
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
Facilitates efficient connection and alignment of anvil assemblies, reduces risk of damage to tissues and devices, and enhances visualization and seal testing during surgical procedures, allowing for safer and more precise surgical stapling.
Implementation Method 1
The trocar member is magnetized. The center rod magnetized to compliment the trocar member such that the center rod is magnetically attracted to the trocar member
Implementation Method 2
The insertion instrument includes an electromagnet including a coil of wire received around a ferromagnetic member, the electromagnet being disposed on a distal end of the elongate body. The trocar assembly may include an electromagnet received about the trocar member for selectively magnetizing the trocar member
Implementation Method 3
The adapter assembly may further include a light source. The insertion instrument includes a light source disposed on a distal end of the elongate body
Implementation Method 4
The sleeve defines an inflatable cavity on the distal end configured to be disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body. The assembly includes an insufflation port in fluid communication with the inflatable cavity for selectively inflating the inflatable cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly for connecting a handle assembly with a loading unit is provided. The adapter assembly includes a housing, an elongate body extending from the housing, and a trocar assembly supported within the elongate body and including a trocar member. The trocar member extends from the elongate body and is magnetized. Also provided are various assemblies for protecting the distal end of a surgical stapler during introduction of the surgical stapler within a patient.