Multi-Diameter Stapler Shaft for Thoracic Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face limitations in range of movement and positioning ability, particularly when inserted through a thoracotomy, as they may damage patient ribs or soft tissue during angulation or movement, and existing stapling instruments lack efficient multi-diameter shaft features for enhanced articulation and tissue handling.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a multi-diameter shaft featuring a closure tube with varying diameters, including a ramped distal portion for reduced trauma and increased articulation range, coupled with an articulation joint that allows remote deflection of the end effector for precise tissue positioning and stapling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a surgical instrument shaft is inserted through a thoracotomy to reach thoracic organs, then the instrument can perform stapling on vessels and organs, but the shaft may damage patient ribs or soft tissue during angulation or movement
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple segments with different diameters - a larger proximal portion and a smaller distal portion. This segmentation allows the instrument to navigate the thoracic cavity more effectively, with the smaller distal portion reducing trauma to ribs and soft tissue while the larger proximal portion provides sufficient structural support for stapling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shaft have different diameters optimized for their specific functions. The proximal portion has a larger diameter to provide structural integrity and support, while the distal portion has a smaller diameter to minimize tissue damage during insertion and positioning. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between operational capability and tissue protection.
2Ease of operation
If a surgical stapler includes articulation joints to enable end effector deflection, then positioning of the end effector is facilitated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is segmented into discrete components including an articulation joint with a pivot axis, articulation bands, and coupling features. This segmentation allows for more manageable complexity, where each component performs a specific function and can be independently controlled or adjusted, facilitating precise end effector positioning while maintaining systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint enables dynamic positioning of the end effector relative to the shaft by allowing rotation about a pivot axis. The articulation bands can be selectively tensioned or relaxed to deflect the end effector to desired angles, providing flexible and adaptive positioning capability that responds to surgical needs without requiring a completely rigid or fixed structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw movable relative to the second jaw. The shaft extends proximally from the end effector. The shaft includes a proximal coupler, a tube, and a distal coupler. The proximal coupler includes a distal coupling feature adjacent a distal end. The tube includes proximal and distal coupling features that are adjacent the respective proximal and distal ends of the tube. The proximal coupling feature is configured to engage the distal coupling feature of the proximal coupler to securably lock the tube and the proximal coupler together. The distal coupler includes a proximal coupling feature adjacent the proximal end of the distal coupler. The proximal coupling feature of the distal coupler is configured to engage the distal coupling feature of the tube to securably lock the distal coupler and the tube together.