Pivotable Anvil and Stabilized Cartridge for Surgical Stapler Jaw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack effective tissue positioning and jaw alignment features, leading to inefficiencies in clamping and stapling procedures, particularly in endoscopic surgeries where precise alignment is crucial for minimizing tissue damage and ensuring proper closure.
Innovation Solution
The development of an articulating surgical stapler with a motorized drive system and enhanced end effector design, featuring a pivotable anvil and laterally stabilized cartridge, allows for precise tissue engagement and staple placement, enabling better alignment and stabilization of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical staplers are used without articulation features, then the device structure remains simple, but the precision of tissue engagement and jaw alignment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is designed to be pivotable relative to the cartridge, allowing dynamic adjustment of the jaw alignment to match the curvature of the tissue being stapled. This dynamic feature enables precise tissue engagement while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is divided into separate components including a pivotable anvil and a cartridge, allowing independent positioning and alignment of each component. This segmentation enables precise jaw alignment through the pivot mechanism while keeping the individual components structurally simple.
2Reliability
If endoscopic surgical instruments are used to minimize incisions, then post-operative recovery time is reduced, but the precision of tissue stapling and sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint allows the end effector to be deflected relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, enabling the instrument to navigate complex endoscopic pathways while maintaining precise tissue stapling capability at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable anvil adds a rotational degree of freedom to the end effector, allowing adjustment in multiple dimensions to achieve proper alignment and sealing orientation even when accessed through constrained endoscopic routes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the anvil is fixed relative to the cartridge, then the device structure is simpler, but tissue damage increases due to improper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable anvil mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the jaw alignment to precisely match the tissue curvature, minimizing tissue damage during stapling while using a relatively simple rotational joint rather than a complex positioning system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a shaft in communication with the body, and an end effector in communication with the shaft. The end effector is operable to drive staples through tissue. The end effector comprises an anvil and a cartridge. The anvil is operable to move pivotally relative to the cartridge. The cartridge is positioned to drive staples upwardly toward the anvil. The cartridge comprises a plurality of protrusions operable to prevent lateral rocking of the anvil. The plurality of protrusions is pointed toward the anvil. In some versions, an alignment member and/or a lateral stabilization member may be used between the anvil and the cartridge.