Robot-Controlled Surgical Fastener Applicator With Interchangeable Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for securing prosthetic devices to tissue during hernia repair face challenges in ergonomics, maneuverability, and flexibility, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, with a need for improved applicator instruments that offer ipsilateral mesh tensioning, diverse fastener options, and reduced procedural costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of an applicator instrument with a reconfigurable handle and interchangeable cartridges that allow for the dispensing of different types of surgical fasteners, featuring a snap-fit connection, energy-storing mechanism, and a flexible linkage for articulation control, enabling efficient and ergonomic fastener deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional surgical instruments are used for hernia repair, then the basic fastening function is achieved, but ergonomics and maneuverability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates an articulating distal end that can dynamically change its orientation relative to the shaft, allowing the surgeon to adjust the angle for optimal ergonomics and access to difficult-to-reach areas during hernia repair procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into modular segments including a shaft, articulating distal end, and interchangeable cartridges, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality and reducing complexity through standardized interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single surgical instrument is used for the entire procedure, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument features interchangeable cartridges that can hold different types of surgical fasteners (tacks, staples, clips), allowing a single instrument platform to perform multiple fastening functions and accommodate various surgical requirements without changing the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating distal end can be dynamically repositioned during the procedure to access different angles and orientations, providing adaptability for various surgical approaches and patient anatomies while maintaining the same instrument body
3Reliability
If the instrument is removed from the patient to change fastener types, then sterility is maintained, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener cartridge is extracted as a separate, replaceable component that can be quickly swapped during the procedure. The sterile distal end remains in place while only the non-sterile cartridge is removed and replaced, minimizing breach of sterility and reducing procedural time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cartridges with different fastener types can be prepared in advance and kept ready for immediate exchange. The instrument is designed with quick-change mechanisms that allow pre-prepared cartridges to be rapidly installed without complex procedures or compromising sterility
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 solution enhances ergonomics and maneuverability, allowing for versatile fastener options and reduced procedural costs by enabling the use of different fasteners during a single surgical procedure without compromising sterility or requiring instrument removal.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storing assembly disposed within the housing and adapted to store energy when the trigger is squeezed and release the stored energy for actuating the firing system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dispensing surgical fasteners includes providing an applicator instrument having a housing with a cartridge opening, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a firing system disposed within the housing for dispensing surgical fasteners, and an actuator for activating the firing system. The method includes forming a surgical opening in tissue, inserting a distal end of the elongated shaft into the surgical opening, inserting a cartridge containing a plurality of first surgical fasteners into the cartridge opening, and engaging the actuator for dispensing one of the first surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft. While maintaining the distal end of the elongated shaft inside the surgical opening, the cartridge is removed from the cartridge opening, a second cartridge containing a plurality of second surgical fasteners is inserted into the cartridge opening, and the actuator is engaged for dispensing one of the second surgical fasteners from the distal end of the elongated shaft.