Powered Surgical Stapling Device Cam Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for stapling body tissue lack an efficient mechanism for articulating and actuating the tool tip, making the stapling process manual and cumbersome, especially during complex surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A powered surgical instrument featuring a firing rod with a cam member that rotates to pivotally move the anvil or jaw members, allowing for automated articulation and actuation of the end effector, enabling precise stapling and tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual articulation and actuation mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical articulation and actuation mechanisms with a powered system. A motor-driven firing rod rotates about its longitudinal axis, and this rotation is transmitted through a transmission mechanism (gears, belts, or cables) to articulation and actuation mechanisms at the end effector, enabling automated control of jaw movement and stapling without manual manipulation of multiple mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The firing rod serves multiple functions: it rotates about its longitudinal axis to drive both articulation (jaw opening/closing) and actuation (staple deployment) through the transmission mechanism. This single powered component replaces what would traditionally require separate manual mechanisms for each function, improving ease of operation while managing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If automated powered mechanisms are used, then productivity is improved and ease of operation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated powered mechanisms where a motor-driven firing rod rotates about its longitudinal axis, and this rotation automatically drives the transmission mechanism to control articulation and actuation. This automation eliminates manual manipulation steps, significantly improving productivity by enabling faster, more consistent articulation and stapling operations without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamically controllable firing rod that can rotate about its longitudinal axis with variable speed and position control. The powered mechanism allows for precise, programmable articulation and actuation sequences, enhancing productivity through automated control while the modular transmission mechanism helps manage the complexity of the powered system
3Measurement precision
If manual manipulation is used, then device complexity is lower, but precision and control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The powered firing rod system provides precise rotational control about its longitudinal axis, which is transmitted through the transmission mechanism to achieve controlled articulation and actuation. This powered control system enables precise positioning and movement of the end effector with consistent repeatability, superior to manual manipulation, while the modular design helps manage the increased complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The powered mechanism incorporates control systems that monitor the rotation of the firing rod and the resulting articulation and actuation movements. This feedback enables precise control and positioning of the end effector, ensuring accurate stapling and tissue manipulation while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated adjustment and error correction
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 solution enables automated and precise stapling, reducing manual effort and improving procedural efficiency by allowing the end effector to move between articulated positions, facilitating both rotation and actuation of the tool tip, thus enhancing the surgical process.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft has a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument which includes a housing and an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the cartridge assembly to be movable from a first actuation position to at least one other second actuation position. The surgical instrument further includes a firing rod having a shaft defining a second longitudinal axis, the shaft having a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis.