Ramp Engagement End Effector for Surgical Stapler Tissue Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers used in endoscopic procedures face limitations in efficiently articulating and positioning the end effector to effectively clamp, cut, and staple tissue, particularly in thick or dense tissues, due to insufficient mechanical load capability and precise tissue alignment.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling instrument incorporates an articulation joint and end effector with ramp engagement features, including a central ramp and side ramps on the anvil, and a closure ring with extensions, to enhance mechanical load capability and precise tissue alignment, allowing for increased compression and efficient stapling and cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional surgical staplers are used for endoscopic procedures, then the instrument can be inserted through a small incision, but the mechanical load capability is insufficient for effectively clamping and compressing thick or dense tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates an articulation joint that allows dynamic movement between open and closed positions, enabling the jaws to adapt to different tissue thicknesses and densities. The joint mechanism provides controlled motion to achieve optimal clamping force while maintaining structural integrity during the stapling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is divided into distinct components including upper and lower jaws, an articulation joint, and ramp engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while working together to deliver enhanced mechanical load capability for thick and dense tissue manipulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the end effector is articulated to improve positioning, then tissue alignment is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint utilizes a spherical or curved surface geometry to enable smooth rotational movement between the upper and lower jaws. This curved mechanism provides precise angular control for positioning the end effector at optimal angles relative to the tissue, achieving accurate alignment while maintaining a relatively simple joint structure.
3Force
If ramp engagement features are added to enhance mechanical load capability, then tissue compression is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp engagement features act as intermediary elements between the closure ring and the anvil. These ramps translate the closing motion into enhanced compressive force by providing a mechanical advantage through their inclined surfaces, allowing effective tissue compression without requiring excessive closing force from the actuator.
4Strength
If the end effector is designed for high mechanical load capability, then thick tissue stapling is effective, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joint and ramp engagement features are designed to self-align and self-adjust during the closing motion. The mechanical geometry of the components automatically guides the upper jaw into proper engagement with the lower jaw, reducing the need for manual positioning adjustments and simplifying the operation for the user.
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 enhanced mechanical load capability and precise alignment features enable effective stapling and cutting of thick or dense tissues, reducing the risk of inadvertent movement and improving tissue compression, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the surgical procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal end of the anvil may include a two-stage cam surface. Such a cam surface includes two ramps that extend upward in the distal direction. As an overtube of the end effector is advanced distally, a distal end of the overtube encounters the first ramp, which is located proximal to the second ramp.
Data Source
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AI summary
An end effector (212) for use with a surgical instrument includes a first jaw (216), a second jaw (218), and a closure ring (233). The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw. The second jaw has a proximal end with a first ramped surface (224) and a second ramped surface (226) distal of the first ramped surface. The closure ring is coupled with the second jaw to engage the first and second ramped surfaces of the second jaw. The closure ring translates from a proximal position to a distal position to engage the first ramped surface of the second jaw and then the second ramped surface of the second jaw. The camming engagement of the closure ring with the first and second ramped surfaces of the second jaw pivots the second jaw toward the first jaw. The closure ring may also provide camming engagement to pivot the second jaw away from the first jaw.