Retractable Trocar Tip Mechanism for Low-Space Anvil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of an anvil assembly with a trocar member in circular stapling instruments requires significant tissue stretching, posing a risk of damage due to the limited space within the abdominal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A retractable trocar member with a tubular housing and a moveable tip member that can transition between extended and retracted positions, facilitated by a spring-biased latch mechanism, allowing for reduced tissue engagement during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trocar member is extended to facilitate tissue piercing and organ positioning, then the piercing tip can effectively perform its function, but the overall length increases requiring more space for anvil assembly alignment and potentially causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar member is designed with a movable tip that can transition between extended and retracted positions. The tip is biased to the retracted position by a spring member but can be extended when needed for piercing and organ positioning, then retracted to minimize space requirements during anvil assembly alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar member is divided into a stationary housing portion and a movable tip portion. This segmentation allows the tip to be independently extended for piercing functions and then retracted, separating the piercing function from the alignment function and enabling the system to adapt its length dynamically.
2Ease of operation
If the trocar member is made longer to ensure proper piercing and positioning function, then the tip can reach the target organ, but the space required for anvil assembly alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective length of the trocar member by moving the tip between extended and retracted positions. During organ positioning, the tip is extended; during anvil assembly alignment, the tip is retracted to minimize the space required in the abdominal cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip is pre-positioned in the retracted state to minimize space requirements before anvil assembly alignment. When alignment is complete and organ positioning is needed, the tip is extended in advance, ensuring the organ can be properly positioned without requiring excessive space.
3Ease of operation
If the tip member is extended for piercing and positioning, then effective tissue interaction is achieved, but tissue stretching and potential damage occur during alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The tip member dynamically changes its position to minimize harmful effects. It is extended only when needed for piercing and organ positioning, then retracted to eliminate the stretching and potential damage that would occur during anvil assembly alignment. This dynamic adjustment reduces tissue damage risk while maintaining piercing functionality.
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
Reduces the required space for anvil assembly alignment, minimizing tissue damage and enhancing procedural efficiency by shortening the overall length needed for attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The trocar member further includes a spring member for biasing the tip member to the retracted position
Data Source
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AI summary
A trocar member (110) for a circular stapling instrument (10) includes a tubular housing (120) and a tip member (130) moveable relative to the tubular housing (120) between an extended position and a retracted position. The tubular housing (120) includes proximal and distal portions (120a,120b) and defines a longitudinal passage (121). The tubular housing (120) includes a flange (124) configured for operable engagement with an anvil assembly (50). The tip member (130) is disposed entirely within the tubular housing (120) when in the retracted position.