Oval Surgical Stapler Tool Assembly for Rib-Sparing Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Circular surgical stapling devices often face difficulties in inserting through intercostal spaces due to their diameter, requiring rib breaking during esophagectomy procedures, which causes trauma to the patient.

Innovation Solution

A surgical stapling device with an oval-shaped reload assembly and anvil assembly that can pivot, allowing for minimal trauma insertion by aligning the anvil head assembly with the center rod and utilizing a backup member and cut ring to facilitate passage through smaller spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a circular stapling device with standard diameter is used, then the anastomosis procedure can be performed with proper stapling function, but the device cannot be inserted through the intercostal space without breaking ribs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion through intercostal spaceVSAvoidrib breaking and patient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The staple cartridge is changed from a circular configuration to an oval configuration, where the long dimension allows the device to be inserted through the intercostal space by aligning with the rib orientation, while the short dimension maintains sufficient stapling functionality. This asymmetric shape resolves the contradiction by enabling insertion without rib breaking while preserving the essential stapling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dimensional transformation by changing the cross-sectional shape from circular to oval, allowing the device to exploit the spatial orientation of the intercostal space. The oval shape's alignment with the rib direction enables passage through a smaller effective opening without compromising the internal stapling mechanism's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the staple cartridge is made smaller to fit through intercostal space, then insertion trauma is reduced, but the stapling capacity and anvil alignment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion traumaVSAvoidstapling function and anvil alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anvil assembly is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation during insertion and deployment. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the anvil's stapling surface aligns properly with the oval staple cartridge's configuration, maintaining reliable stapling function despite the reduced and non-circular cross-section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the staple cartridge from circular to oval, with specific dimension ratios that maintain adequate stapling capacity while reducing the insertion profile. The oval configuration's long dimension provides sufficient space for staple formation and anvil engagement, while the overall reduced cross-sectional area minimizes insertion trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11801054B2Surgical stapler with oval tool assembly

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly for performing anastomoses procedures. The tool assembly includes a reload assembly and an anvil assembly that have oval configurations to facilitate passage of the tool assembly into a body cavity of a patient with minimal trauma.