Pivoting Stapler Jaw Locking for Rigid Tissue Dissection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices with pivotable cartridge assemblies lack rigidity during tissue dissection, compromising their performance when used endoscopically or laparoscopically.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a pivotably coupled cartridge assembly that includes a channel lock retained by a drive assembly in the retracted position, providing stability and rigidity for tissue dissection, and allowing easy access for cartridge replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cartridge assembly is pivotally supported on the anvil to allow movement between open and clamped positions, then the device can perform tissue dissection and stapling functions, but the cartridge assembly lacks rigidity during tissue dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is designed with a pivot connection to the anvil, allowing it to dynamically change position between open and clamped states. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to different operational requirements (tissue dissection vs. stapling) while maintaining structural integrity through the pivot mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot pin or pivot member acts as an intermediary element between the cartridge assembly and the anvil. This intermediary component provides the necessary rotation capability while maintaining a rigid connection, allowing the cartridge to pivot for positioning while remaining structurally stable during tissue dissection operations.
2Ease of repair
If the cartridge assembly is not fixedly secured to the adapter assembly, then the cartridge can be easily replaced, but the cartridge assembly may not perform as desired during tissue dissection
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently replaced. The pivot connection to the anvil creates a segmented structure where the cartridge can be easily detached and replaced without affecting the main adapter assembly, while still maintaining reliable performance during tissue dissection through the pivot mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly is pre-positioned and pre-oriented using the pivot mechanism before tissue dissection begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the cartridge is correctly aligned and stable during the dissection process, while still allowing for easy replacement after use without requiring complex reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If the cartridge assembly is used for tissue dissection, then the device can access the surgical site, but the cartridge assembly lacks stability during the dissection process
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection allows the cartridge assembly to dynamically adjust its position and orientation during tissue dissection. This dynamic capability enables the cartridge to maintain stability relative to the tissue while still providing the necessary flexibility for surgical site access and manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot pin serves as an intermediary that transmits and stabilizes forces between the cartridge assembly and the anvil during tissue dissection. This intermediary component ensures that the cartridge remains stable and controlled while still allowing for the necessary movement to access and manipulate tissue at the surgical site.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes a drive assembly and a tool assembly having an anvil and a cartridge assembly that is pivotably coupled to the anvil for movement between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge and a channel member that defines a cavity that receives the staple cartridge. The channel member includes a channel lock that is positioned on a proximal portion of the channel member. The drive assembly is movable between a drive advanced position and a drive retracted position and engages the channel lock in the drive retracted position to retain the tool assembly in the open position.