Reusable Loading Unit Locking Collar for Circular Staplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circular surgical stapling devices are not designed for reuse as the cartridge or shell assembly is fixedly attached, leading to single-use disposal, whereas linear stapling devices can be reused with a disposable loading unit.
Innovation Solution
A loading unit and locking collar assembly that includes a shell assembly with a proximal end portion featuring an annular ring and a locking collar with release surfaces, allowing for a secure and releasable attachment to a surgical instrument, transitioning between locked and unlocked configurations for easy removal and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the cartridge or shell assembly is fixedly attached to the circular stapling device, then the device can be used multiple times, but the device must be disposed of after a single use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separable components: a reusable circular stapling device and a disposable loading unit (cartridge/shell assembly). The locking collar mechanism enables secure attachment during use and easy separation after use, allowing the expensive surgical instrument to be reused while the consumable loading unit is discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading unit is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use, while the main circular stapling device is recovered and reused. This approach eliminates the need to dispose of the entire device after one use, reducing waste and cost.
2Reliability
If the locking collar is designed with a locked configuration for secure attachment, then the loading unit is securely held, but the locking mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and release functions are extracted into a separate, dedicated component (the locking collar) that is distinct from the main stapling device and loading unit. This modular approach secures the loading unit reliably while keeping the overall system design simple and manageable.
3Ease of operation
If the locking collar is made resilient to allow transition between configurations, then the locking and unlocking is easier, but the material requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking collar is made from a resilient material that can elastically deform to transition between the locked configuration (where the lock engages the lock opening) and the unlocked configuration (where the lock disengages). This material property change enables simple manual operation without complex mechanisms.
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
Enables the reuse of circular stapling devices by allowing the loading unit to be securely attached and easily detached, facilitating multiple uses and reducing waste, while maintaining the ability to fire staples through tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The locking collar may be made of a resilient material. The resilient locking collar may be deformed from the locked configuration towards the unlocked configuration
Implementation Method 2
Each of the release surfaces may be compressed radially inward to transition the locking collar towards the unlocked configuration
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A system for securing a loading unit to an adapter includes a loading unit, an adapter, and a retention clip. The loading unit includes a shell having a proximal end portion having a radial surface that defines a radial groove. The adapter has a proximal end that is configured to selectively couple to a handle and a distal end that is received within the proximal end portion of the shell. The retention clip is disposed radially about the radial surface of the proximal end portion within the radial groove. The retention clip has a first and a second and a body therebetween. The first end of the body includes a lock that releasably secures the loading unit to the distal end of the adapter.