Multi-zone Platform for Pressure-Focused Buttress Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
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 mechanism to enhance mechanical fastening.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a buttress material with an adhesive layer on the surgical stapler's end effector, which secures to the anvil and staple cartridge, providing structural support and reducing tissue damage during stapling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a buttress material with adhesive layer is added to the surgical stapler, then the mechanical fastening strength is improved and tissue tearing is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress material with adhesive layer is pre-applied to the anvil surface before the stapling procedure. This preliminary action ensures that when the tissue is clamped and stapled, the adhesive is already in position to bond the buttress to the tissue, providing enhanced mechanical strength without requiring additional complex application mechanisms during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the buttress material and the tissue/anvil. It facilitates the bonding process by creating a strong adhesive interface that prevents staple pull-through and reduces tissue tearing, thereby improving mechanical fastening strength without requiring direct mechanical attachment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If pressure is applied to release the buttress from the platform, then the buttress adheres to the anvil, but excessive pressure may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates multiple pressure zones with varying pressure levels. High-pressure zones are positioned to apply sufficient force for reliable adhesive bonding in critical areas, while low-pressure zones are positioned to minimize stress on adjacent tissue structures. This spatial variation in pressure quality ensures reliable adhesion without causing tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter across different zones of the platform. By varying the pressure magnitude from high to low across different regions, the system optimizes adhesive bonding in areas requiring strong attachment while reducing pressure in areas where tissue is vulnerable, thereby preventing tissue damage while ensuring reliable buttress release and adhesion.
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 material effectively prevents staple pull-through and reduces tissue tearing, enhancing the integrity of the stapled line and promoting healing by distributing pressure and providing hemostasis.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a buttress material with an adhesive layer on the surgical stapler's end effector, which secures to the anvil and staple cartridge
Implementation Method 2
multi-zone platform for pressure focused release
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a housing, a platform, and a buttress assembly. The housing defines a gap configured to receive a portion of an end effector of a surgical stapler. A portion of the platform is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The buttress assembly is positioned on the platform. The buttress assembly is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The platform is configured to apply at least two different amounts of pressure against the first buttress assembly in response to a clamping action of an end effector positioned in the gap defined by the housing.