Rotatable Barrel Multi-Cartridge Surgical Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling devices require removal from the surgical site for replacement of staple cartridges or loading units after each firing, increasing procedure time and patient trauma due to extended anesthesia periods.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a rotatable barrel formed by multiple cartridges, where each cartridge is sequentially aligned with an anvil for multiple firing strokes, utilizing a drive shaft and indexer mechanism to facilitate continuous operation without removing the device from the site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single staple cartridge is used, then the device structure is simple, but the cartridge must be replaced after each firing, increasing procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is segmented into multiple cartridges (first cartridge, second cartridge, third cartridge) arranged in sequence. Each cartridge can be independently fired, allowing the device to perform multiple stapling operations before requiring replacement. This segmentation directly increases productivity by enabling multiple firings per device insertion while maintaining manageable complexity through modular cartridge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel is made rotatable within the housing, allowing dynamic repositioning of different cartridges into alignment with the anvil. The indexer mechanism enables controlled rotation to sequentially present different cartridges for firing. This dynamic capability allows a single device to perform multiple firings without removal, resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.
2Loss of time
If the device is removed for cartridge replacement, then the cartridge can be replaced, but the procedure time increases and patient trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains continuous operational capability by keeping multiple cartridges loaded in the barrel. After one cartridge is fired, the indexer automatically rotates the barrel to present the next cartridge without requiring device removal. This continuity eliminates the time loss and repeated insertion/removal operations, directly addressing the contradiction between procedure time and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cartridges are pre-loaded into the barrel before the device is inserted into the patient. This preliminary preparation ensures that subsequent firings can occur without interruption or device removal. By performing the loading action beforehand, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming cartridge replacements during the procedure, reducing both procedure time and patient trauma.
3Productivity
If multiple cartridges are loaded in the barrel, then multiple firings are enabled, but the barrel complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is divided into discrete, modular cartridge sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each cartridge is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, making the multi-cartridge system manageable despite the increased number of components. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high productivity while controlling complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexer mechanism automatically performs the function of rotating and positioning the next cartridge without requiring manual intervention. The system is self-servicing in that it automatically manages the sequence of cartridge presentation, reducing the operational complexity despite having multiple cartridges. This automation maintains productivity while simplifying the user interface.
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 multiple staple firings without cartridge replacement, reducing procedure time and minimizing patient trauma by allowing continuous operation within the surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
A drive shaft extends through the housing and through the barrel. A pusher is operatively connected to the drive shaft and is configured to translate through the barrel to eject the plurality of staples from the plurality of cartridges in response to actuation of the drive shaft.
Implementation Method 2
The barrel is positioned within the housing to align a first one of the plurality of cartridges with the anvil to eject the staples from the first cartridge upon movement of the pusher through a first firing stroke and subsequently rotatable within the housing to align a second one of the plurality of cartridges with the anvil to eject the plurality staples from the second cartridge upon movement of the pusher through a second firing stroke.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device comprises a housing and a plurality of cartridges that are coupled together to form a barrel that is rotatably supported within the housing. Each of the cartridges defines a plurality of staple pockets that support a plurality of staples. An anvil is pivotally coupled to the housing and is movable in relation to the barrel between an open position and a clamped position. A drive shaft extends through the housing and through the barrel and a pusher operatively connected to the drive shaft. The pusher is configured to translate through the barrel to eject the staples from the plurality of cartridges in response to actuation of the drive shaft. The barrel is positioned within the housing to align a first one of the plurality of cartridges with the anvil to eject the staples from the first cartridge upon movement of the pusher within the barrel through a first firing stroke and subsequently rotatable within the housing to align a second one of the plurality of cartridges with the anvil to eject the staples from the second cartridge upon movement of the pusher within the barrel through a second firing stroke.