Modular Stop Member for Surgical Stapler Stroke Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical stapling devices often face challenges in controlling the length of the staple line ejected, particularly in procedures where the staple cartridge length exceeds the tissue to be stapled and cut, leading to staples being ejected into the body cavity.

Innovation Solution

A stop member is introduced that can be selectively mounted on the surgical stapling device to limit the movement of the drive assembly, allowing clinicians to adjust the effective stroke length by coupling and separating sections of the stop member, which is secured to the cartridge assembly to prevent excessive staple line deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a long staple cartridge is used to cover the entire length of the cartridge, then the cartridge can accommodate various tissue lengths, but staples are ejected into the body cavity when the tissue length is shorter than the cartridge length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge length accommodationVSAvoidstaples ejected into body cavity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member is divided into multiple sections that can be selectively coupled together to create different lengths. This segmentation allows the stop member to be customized for different tissue lengths, preventing staples from being ejected into the body cavity while maintaining the ability to accommodate various tissue sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop member provides dynamic adjustability by allowing the clinician to selectively couple or separate sections based on the specific surgical requirements. This dynamic configuration enables precise control over the staple line length, ensuring staples are deposited only on the intended tissue area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the drive assembly is allowed to move to the fully advanced position, then all staples in the cartridge can be ejected, but excessive staple line length is deployed beyond the required tissue area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaple ejection completenessVSAvoidstaple line length control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member acts as an intermediary element between the drive assembly and the cartridge assembly. It provides a physical stop that limits the drive assembly's travel distance, ensuring that staples are ejected only to the required length while preventing over-deployment into the body cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stop member is self-adjusting in that it can be selectively configured by the clinician to match the specific tissue length requirements. Once configured, it automatically limits the drive assembly movement without requiring additional control mechanisms, achieving precise staple line length control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11406384B2Stapling device with drive assembly stop member

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A stop member for use with a surgical stapling device includes a plurality of sections that are releasably coupled to each other. Each of the sections includes a coupling member that can be selectively coupled to a tool assembly of the surgical stapling device to limit an actuation stroke of a drive assembly of the stapling device. Sections of the stop member can be removed from the stop member to change the position of a stop surface of the stop member on the tool assembly to change the effective stroke length of the clamp member.