Powered Surgical Stapler Handle With Manual Articulation Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers with complex mechanisms face increased manufacturing burdens, potential device failure, and user confusion, necessitating a simpler and more reliable stapling solution.
Innovation Solution
A powered surgical stapler with a handle assembly featuring a motor-driven clamping and stapling mechanism, integrated control system, and manual redundancy for failure backup, allowing for ergonomic operation and versatile articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms with multiple triggers and handles 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 motorized drive system. The motorized actuator electronically controls the stapling sequence, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical triggers and handles while maintaining reliable tissue positioning and stapling through programmed control sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized drive system serves multiple functions that previously required separate mechanical mechanisms. A single motorized actuator performs tissue approximation, jaw closure, staple deployment, and cutter actuation through programmable control, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining comprehensive stapling functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanisms with multiple triggers and handles are used to ensure proper stapling, then stapling functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical triggers and handles with a single motorized control interface. The electronic control system manages the complex stapling sequence through automated actuation, presenting the user with a simplified control mechanism while maintaining comprehensive stapling functionality through programmed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized drive system automatically executes the stapling sequence without requiring manual coordination of multiple triggers. The system self-regulates the timing and sequence of jaw closure, staple deployment, and cutter activation, eliminating user confusion about operational sequences while maintaining versatile stapling capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms are used to provide proper stapling, then stapling precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased manufacturing burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a motorized drive system that uses electronic control for precise tissue positioning. The motorized actuator provides accurate and repeatable positioning through controlled motor movement, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining or improving positioning precision compared to complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
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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.