Multi-Layer Adhesive Buttress for Surgical Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack a reliable mechanism to prevent staples from pulling through tissue and reduce tissue tearing at the site of application, necessitating a reinforcement solution to enhance mechanical fastening and tissue integrity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a buttress assembly with a strong yet flexible material, such as a woven mesh, applied to the surgical stapler's end effector, featuring an upper and lower adhesive layer to secure the buttress to the anvil and staple cartridge, respectively, providing structural support and reducing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single adhesive layer is used to attach the buttress to the tissue, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing staple pull-through and tissue tearing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is divided into two distinct layers: a first adhesive layer applied to the tissue surface and a second adhesive layer applied to the buttress. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions - the first layer provides initial bonding to the tissue while the second layer secures the buttress material, collectively preventing staple pull-through and tissue tearing more effectively than a single layer could achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite adhesive structure combining two different adhesive layers with potentially different properties. This composite approach allows optimization of each layer for its specific function - one layer for tissue adhesion and another for buttress attachment - thereby enhancing overall reliability without requiring a single complex multi-functional adhesive material.
2Reliability
If the adhesive layers are made highly adhesive to ensure secure attachment, then the reliability of tissue fastening is improved, but the risk of tissue damage during adhesive application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is divided into two distinct layers: a first adhesive layer applied to the tissue surface and a second adhesive layer applied to the buttress. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions - the first layer provides initial bonding to the tissue while the second layer secures the buttress material, collectively preventing staple pull-through and tissue tearing more effectively than a single layer could achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layers are designed with controlled adhesion parameters that provide sufficient bonding strength for secure attachment while maintaining tissue compatibility. By optimizing the adhesive properties of each layer separately, the system achieves reliable fastening without excessive adhesive force that could cause tissue damage during application or removal.
3Strength
If the buttress assembly uses multiple layers and components to enhance reinforcement, then the strength of tissue fastening is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress assembly is segmented into distinct functional components - the buttress material itself and two separate adhesive layers. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and optimized independently, then assembled together to provide enhanced mechanical fastening strength. The modular nature simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating a single integrated complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite adhesive structure combining two different adhesive layers with potentially different properties. This composite approach allows optimization of each layer for its specific function - one layer for tissue adhesion and another for buttress attachment - thereby enhancing overall reliability without requiring a single complex multi-functional adhesive material.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The buttress assembly effectively prevents staple pull-through and tissue tearing, enhancing the structural integrity of the stapled tissue line while maintaining adhesion under various environmental conditions, including humidity, and facilitating secure attachment during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an upper adhesive layer and a lower adhesive layer respectively providing for adhesion of the buttress assembly to the anvil and the staple cartridge
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapler end effector assembly includes a staple cartridge, an end effector, and a buttress assembly. The cartridge included a plurality of staples and a deck. The cartridge is operable to drive the staples through the deck. The anvil includes an underside having a staple forming surface configured to receive staples driven through the deck. The buttress assembly is sized and configured to be coupled with the deck of the staple cartridge or the underside of the anvil. The buttress assembly includes a buttress body, a first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer. The first and second adhesive layers are formed of different materials. The first adhesive layer is laid over the buttress body. The second adhesive layer is laid over the first adhesive layer such that the first adhesive layer is interposed between the second adhesive layer and the buttress body.