Multi-diameter Shaft Articulation in Surgical Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack advanced articulation and motorized control mechanisms, limiting their ability to efficiently and precisely staple and sever tissue, especially in confined surgical sites.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulating surgical stapling instrument with a multi-diameter shaft and motorized drive features, including an E-beam firing mechanism and articulation joint, allows for precise tissue manipulation and stapling, enabling the instrument to be articulated and rotated for better positioning and to drive staples and cut tissue effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-diameter shaft is used in surgical stapling instruments, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the instrument lacks articulation capability and precision in confined surgical sites
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple sections with different diameters along its length. The multi-diameter shaft includes a proximal section, intermediate section, and distal section, each with specific diameter variations that enable articulation at the distal end while maintaining structural integrity and enabling passage through trocars of corresponding sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument transitions from a straight, single-diameter shaft to a multi-diameter shaft with articulation joints that add rotational freedom. This dimensional change allows the distal end effector to articulate relative to the proximal handle, enabling access to confined surgical sites that would be inaccessible with a rigid straight shaft
2Measurement precision
If manual firing mechanisms are used in surgical staplers, then the device structure is simpler, but precision and efficiency in tissue stapling and severing are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical firing mechanism is replaced with a motorized drive system. The motorized firing mechanism provides more precise control over the stapling and severing processes, enabling accurate tissue manipulation and cutting while reducing dependence on manual dexterity
Solution Approach 2:
The firing mechanism incorporates variable speed and torque control parameters. The motor can adjust its rotational speed and torque output to optimize the stapling and severing actions, providing precise control over the force applied to tissue during different phases of the surgical procedure
3Measurement precision
If a multi-diameter shaft with articulation joint is implemented, then positioning precision and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into multiple diameter sections with an articulation joint positioned at a specific location. This segmentation allows the distal portion to articulate independently while the proximal portion maintains a larger diameter for structural support and motor housing, achieving precise positioning without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint and multi-diameter shaft design allow nested configuration where the distal articulating portion can be positioned within or alongside the proximal shaft sections. This nested arrangement enables compact packaging and streamlined insertion through trocars while maintaining articulation capability for precise positioning at the surgical site
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an end effector and a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and second jaw. The first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The distal end of the shaft has an articulation joint that pivots the end effector from a first position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation joint includes at least one articulation band that bends outwardly within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position. The articulation band then bends inwardly when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The shaft includes an outer closure tube having a neck-down region that promotes a greater range of pivotal movement within a surgical passageway.