Multi-use Surgical Stapling Cartridge with Snap-fit Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments often require multiple devices for tissue closure and cutting, with limited versatility and efficiency in reusing staple cartridges, leading to increased procedural complexity and time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use loading unit with a removable assembly that includes a cartridge body and support plate, configured for snap-fit engagement with a channel, allowing for longitudinal alignment and mechanical engagement, along with a lockout mechanism to prevent premature actuation, enabling the same instrument to fire multiple staple lines without manual reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical devices are used for tissue closure and cutting, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates a reusable channel assembly that can accommodate multiple different cartridge assemblies with varying functions (staple firing, cutting, sealing). The channel includes universal engagement structures (bosses, recesses, fingers) that interface with different cartridge types, allowing one instrument body to perform multiple surgical functions by simply replacing the cartridge component
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical devices are used for tissue closure and cutting, then functional versatility is improved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into a reusable channel assembly and replaceable cartridge assemblies. This segmentation allows the cartridge (containing staples, cutting edges, or sealing elements) to be quickly swapped out without affecting the main instrument body, enabling rapid transition between different surgical functions during a procedure
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration is required for different staple cartridges, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is extracted as a separate, self-contained module from the channel assembly. The cartridge includes all necessary components (staple storage, firing mechanism, cutting edge) and can be removed and replaced as a complete unit without requiring manual reconfiguration or adjustment of the main instrument body
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structures (U-shaped recesses, protrusions, fingers) are designed to automatically align and secure the cartridge to the channel through simple insertion and snapping motions. The system self-locks into place without requiring additional manual steps for configuration or adjustment
4Productivity
If the instrument allows multiple staple line firings, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to premature actuation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The channel assembly includes engagement structures (protrusions, fingers, recesses) that physically prevent the cartridge from being properly installed unless it is intended for use. The U-shaped recesses and corresponding protrusions create a mechanical interlock that blocks premature actuation while allowing legitimate multiple firings when cartridges are properly loaded
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel and a removable assembly in releasable engagement wit the channel. The removable assembly includes a cartridge body and a support plate. The cartridge body includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The support plate is configured to mechanically engage the cartridge body and includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof The engagement structure of the cartridge body is configured for longitudinal alignment with the engagement structure of the support plate. The engagement structures of the cartridge body and the engagement structure of the support plate are configured to mechanically engage the engagement structure of the channel when the removable assembly is engaged with the channel.