Proximal Loading Unit for In-Body Surgical Stapler Reloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers require removal from the surgical site for reloading, adding time and complexity to procedures, especially in robotic surgery, due to the need for distal loading of staples.
Innovation Solution
A surgical fastener applier with a removable loading unit that can be inserted or removed through a proximal opening, allowing for reloading without removing the instrument from the patient's body, powered by a motorized power pack for staple firing and articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If distal loading of staples is used, then the stapler can be reloaded multiple times with fresh fasteners, but the entire surgical stapler must be removed from the surgical site for reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler is divided into two independent parts: a reusable proximal handle assembly and a disposable distal loading unit. The loading unit contains the staples and can be removed and replaced through the proximal opening without removing the entire stapler from the patient's body, enabling multiple firings while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading unit is extracted as a separate removable component from the handle assembly. It can be withdrawn through the proximal opening and replaced with a fresh loading unit containing new staples, allowing the stapler to be reloaded multiple times without removing the instrument from the surgical site.
2Ease of manufacture
If the entire surgical stapler is removed for reloading, then fresh fasteners can be loaded, but the instrument must be reinserted and repositioned back to the target surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stapler into a permanent handle assembly and a replaceable loading unit, the system allows reloading without moving the entire instrument. The loading unit is exchanged through the proximal opening, eliminating the complexity of withdrawal and repositioning operations.
3Productivity
If the surgical stapler is removed and reinserted after each reloading, then fresh fasteners can be applied, but procedural time increases and precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The loading unit is designed to be self-contained with an integrated cartridge of staples. The user simply removes the spent loading unit and inserts a fresh one through the proximal opening, without needing to remove the entire stapler or perform complex repositioning operations, thereby maintaining productivity and minimizing time loss.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
A loading unit removably loadable into a surgical instrument positioned within a body of a patient having an elongated member, first and second jaws at a distal portion and a firing mechanism movable within the elongated member to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. The loading unit is insertable into a proximal opening of the instrument and through a lumen in the shaft of the instrument while the instrument is positioned in the body of the patient. The first and second jaws extend distally of the shaft of the instrument and the loading unit is actuable by the instrument. A surgical instrument to receive the loading unit and a method for reloading the instrument are also provided.