Remote Motorized Stapler Head With Flexible Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical staplers have limited flexibility due to rigid elongate members, restricting the manipulation of staple assemblies relative to the tissue during procedures, especially when inserted through a port into a body cavity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler design featuring a remote motorized stapling head with a highly flexible elongate member and an articulating section, including a universal joint, flexible gooseneck structure, or interconnecting links, allowing for greater flexibility and manipulation of the staple assembly relative to the handle and motor, enabling better positioning within the body cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid elongate member is used to accommodate actuation structures, then the structural integrity and actuation reliability are improved, but the flexibility and maneuverability of the staple assembly are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments: a rigid proximal portion containing the actuator and a flexible distal portion containing the motor and staple assembly. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical rod or cable transmission systems with a flexible cable that connects the actuator to a motor in the stapler head. This substitution enables the rigid handle to connect to a flexible elongate member, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulation structure is added between rigid shafts, then the range of flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is extracted from the handle and placed in the stapler head, eliminating the need for complex articulation structures between rigid shafts. The flexible cable directly transmits actuation forces, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible cable (thin film structure) to transmit actuation forces from the handle to the stapler head, replacing rigid mechanical linkages. This flexible element provides the necessary range of motion without adding complex articulation mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the motor is positioned in the stapler head, then the flexibility and positioning precision are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is nested within the stapler head housing, with the flexible cable running through the elongate member to connect the actuator to the motor. This nested arrangement allows precise positioning while managing the complexity of having multiple components in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable acts as an intermediary element that simplifies the connection between the actuator in the handle and the motor in the stapler head. This mediator enables precise motor positioning while maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler having a remote motorized staple head is provided and generally includes a handle having a control button and a highly flexible cable extending distally from the handle. A housing incorporating a staple assembly is affixed to a distal end of the flexible cable. The housing may incorporate articulating structure to position the staple assembly relative to the remainder of the housing.