Powered Stapler Handle With Ball-Screw Jaw Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers with complex mechanisms lead to increased manufacturing burdens and potential device failures, as well as user confusion.
Innovation Solution
A powered handle for surgical staplers featuring a drive system, manual articulation mechanism, and control system that includes a ball screw mechanism for continuous articulation of the jaw assembly, with a redundant manual return mechanism for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to ensure proper tissue positioning and stapling, then stapling reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical triggering mechanisms with a powered drive system that uses an electric motor to actuate the stapling sequence. The motor-controlled system eliminates the need for multiple mechanical triggers and handles, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable stapling through electronic control and feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered drive system incorporates sensors and control circuits that automatically monitor and adjust the stapling process. The system self-regulates tissue positioning, clamp closure, and staple firing sequences through feedback from position sensors and force sensors, reducing the need for complex manual mechanical controls while ensuring reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple triggers and handles are provided for proper stapling, then stapling control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The powered handle integrates multiple functions into a single unified control interface. The electric motor system can perform tissue clamping, jaw closure, and staple firing through a single controlled sequence initiated by one trigger, eliminating the need for multiple separate triggers and handles. The system provides multi-functional control through a simplified user interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms are used for tissue clamping and stapling, then stapling precision is improved, but manufacturing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a reusable powered handle containing the motor and control system, and disposable reload cartridges containing the stapling mechanism. This segmentation allows precise manufacturing of the disposable portion using standardized processes, while the complex powered handle is manufactured separately and can be serviceable. Each module can be optimized for its specific manufacturing requirements.
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 powered handle simplifies stapling operations, reduces manufacturing complexity, enhances user ergonomics, and ensures reliable stapling with a backup mechanism for system failures.
Implementation Method 1
The powered handle can further comprise a manual articulation system including a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism can allow continuous articulation of a jaw assembly of the stapling system within a predetermined articulation range.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.