Motorized Circular Stapler for Consistent Anastomosis Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments face challenges in providing precise and consistent anastomosis between anatomical lumens, particularly in end-to-end, side-to-side, or end-to-side configurations, with issues related to staple formation and tissue sealing, especially in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A circular stapling instrument with a motorized actuation mechanism, featuring a handle assembly, shaft assembly, and stapling head assembly, which includes an anvil with concentric annular arrays of staple forming pockets and a rotary cam drive system for precise tissue clamping, cutting, and stapling, ensuring consistent alignment and staple formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a circular stapler is used to perform tissue cutting and stapling simultaneously, then productivity is improved by completing both functions in one operation, but device complexity increases due to the need for integrated cutting and stapling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting function and stapling function into a single integrated circular stapler device. The anvil includes both a cutting edge for severing tissue and staple forming pockets for creating staples, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously during one surgical operation, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration
2Manufacturing precision
If concentric annular arrays of staple forming pockets are used on the anvil, then manufacturing precision is improved for consistent staple formation, but device complexity increases due to the complex anvil structure
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is segmented into multiple functional zones including an outer array of staple forming pockets and an inner array of staple forming pockets, with each zone optimized for specific staple formation requirements. This segmentation allows precise control over staple geometry and formation consistency while organizing the complex structure into manageable, functionally-distinct regions that can be manufactured with high precision
3Ease of operation
If a motorized actuation mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved for minimally invasive procedures, but device complexity increases due to the addition of motor and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical actuation mechanisms with a motorized actuation system that provides powered control of the stapler's clamping and firing functions. This substitution enables easier operation during minimally invasive procedures where manual manipulation is difficult, while the motorized system integrates compactly within the device architecture to manage overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a shaft, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The body includes a motor, a first user input feature, and a second user input feature. The first user input feature is operable to activate the motor. The shaft extends distally from the body. The stapling head assembly is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil coupling feature, at least one annular array of staples, and a staple driver. The second user input feature is operable to drive the anvil coupling feature longitudinally. The staple driver is operable to drive the at least one annular array of staples. The motor is operable to drive the staple driver. The anvil is configured to couple with the anvil coupling feature. The anvil is further configured to deform the staples driven by the staple driver.