Movable Anvil Stapler for Adjustable Tissue Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endocutter devices face challenges in manufacturing small end effectors that can efficiently cut and staple tissue, as they require significant actuation forces that vary with tissue thickness, and are often not well-suited for thinner tissues, lacking the option to install fasteners without cutting tissue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a compact end effector design that includes a movable anvil driven into a staple cartridge to form staples, allowing for adjustable forming pressure and the option to cut tissue after stapling, using a knife member that can be advanced through the end effector to cut tissue separately from stapling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robust anvil closure systems and staple driving systems are employed to accommodate thick tissues, then the device can handle a range of tissue thicknesses, but the device size becomes too large for tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is designed as a movable component that can be driven into the staple cartridge, allowing the closure system to adapt its force application to different tissue thicknesses. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the same device to handle both thin and thick tissues without requiring multiple device sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of staple formation pressure through controlled anvil insertion depth into the cartridge. By changing the pressure parameter rather than the device size, the system can accommodate various tissue thicknesses while maintaining a compact end effector volume suitable for tight surgical spaces.
2Productivity
If cutting and stapling are combined in one action, then the procedure is more efficient, but the surgeon loses the option to install fasteners without cutting tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the cutting function from the stapling function into independent operational sequences. The stapling action can be performed first by driving staples through the tissue, and the cutting action can be performed separately afterward by advancing the knife member. This segmentation allows the surgeon to choose whether to cut the tissue or leave it intact, while still maintaining procedural efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If small end effectors are designed for better visualization and access, then access to tight spaces is improved, but the actuation forces required for stapling and cutting become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces traditional mechanical force transmission systems with a movable anvil mechanism driven by a firing adapter. This substitution allows compact dimensions while generating sufficient actuation forces through the controlled insertion and engagement of the anvil with the staple cartridge, eliminating the need for robust but bulky force transmission components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1E
AI summary
A surgical fastener system can comprise a plurality of fasteners which can be connected to each other by, one, a retention matrix which is assembled to the fasteners in order to capture tissue within the fasteners and, two, an alignment matrix configured to hold the fasteners together before the retention matrix is assembled thereto. In various embodiments, the retention matrix and the alignment matrix can each comprise a tissue-contacting surface configured to compress tissue therebetween.