Non-symmetrical Articulation for Surgical Stapling Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in achieving precise tissue manipulation and efficient staple deployment due to limitations in articulation mechanisms and staple cartridge design, which can lead to suboptimal tissue closure and cutting performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with a non-symmetrical articulation arrangement that includes a staple cartridge with laterally spaced rows of staples and an anvil, along with a pusher bar and knife blade system, allowing for precise staple formation and tissue cutting through camming surfaces and a wedge sled mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a symmetrical articulation arrangement is used in surgical stapling instruments, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the tissue manipulation precision and staple deployment accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the articulation mechanism with non-uniform linkages and joint arrangements that differ from symmetrical designs. The articulation system includes specifically positioned links and joints that create asymmetric motion paths, enabling precise control of the end effector's degrees of freedom for improved staple deployment accuracy while maintaining manageable structural complexity through purposeful asymmetric geometry
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is constrained to move only in the longitudinal direction, then the structure is simpler, but the tissue manipulation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a static, single-degree-of-freedom end effector to a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom. The articulation mechanism enables the end effector to perform complex motions including lateral movements, rotations, and articulated adjustments, allowing adaptive tissue manipulation while controlling overall system complexity through modular linkage design
3Productivity
If camming surfaces and wedge sled mechanism are used for staple formation and tissue cutting, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple functions into the camming surfaces and wedge sled mechanism. These components simultaneously perform staple formation, tissue cutting, and articulation control through combined mechanical actions, improving productivity by eliminating separate mechanisms while managing complexity through functional integration in a coordinated system
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
This solution enables improved tissue closure and cutting efficiency by allowing for precise staple deployment and tissue manipulation, enhancing the overall performance of surgical stapling procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The camming surfaces can be configured to activate a plurality of staple drivers carried by the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
a knife blade which are slidable relative to the jaw members to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cartridge via camming surfaces on the pusher bar and/or camming surfaces on a wedge sled
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about an articulation axis that is laterally offset from the shaft axis and extends transversely relative thereto. An end effector driver link is operably coupled to the surgical end effector and an articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel in distal and proximal directions upon application of articulation motions thereto. A flexible de-articulation member is coupled to the elongate shaft assembly and the surgical end effector to apply de-articulation motions to the surgical end effector.