Separate Jaw Buttress Application for Staple-Line Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack effective means to reinforce staple fastening and prevent staple pull-through and tissue tearing, particularly in endoscopic procedures where smaller incisions are preferred.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of buttress assemblies, composed of a strong yet flexible material with adhesive layers, secured to the anvil and staple cartridge, which are applied using various applicator devices to ensure secure attachment to tissue layers during stapling and severing, thereby reinforcing staple lines and preventing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgical devices are used, then effective tissue reinforcement and staple fastening are achieved, but larger incisions are required and post-operative recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress material is divided into separate segments that can be independently applied to each jaw of the end effector. This segmentation allows the reinforcement function to be delivered through a minimally invasive endoscopic approach rather than requiring open surgical access, thus reducing incision size while maintaining tissue reinforcement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress material is pre-formed into specific configurations with attachment features that enable direct application to the jaw surfaces before tissue stapling occurs. This preliminary preparation of reinforcement elements allows them to be efficiently delivered through the end effector and positioned on the tissue prior to stapling, achieving effective reinforcement through small incisions
2Reliability
If buttress material is applied to reinforce staple lines, then staple pull-through and tissue tearing are prevented, but the complexity of the stapling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate applicator device as an intermediary tool that delivers the pre-formed buttress material to the end effector jaws. This intermediary device simplifies the overall system by providing a dedicated mechanism for buttress application, rather than attempting to integrate all functions into a single complex stapling device
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress material is designed as a disposable component that is applied once and remains on the tissue during stapling. This disposable nature of the buttress material simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex mechanisms to retrieve or reuse the reinforcement elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
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 buttress assemblies provide structural support to staple lines, reducing the risk of staple pull-through and tissue tearing, ensuring secure and effective tissue closure in endoscopic procedures with minimal damage to the buttress material.
Implementation Method 1
buttress assemblies, composed of a strong yet flexible material with adhesive layers, secured to the anvil and staple cartridge
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is configured to apply an adjunct material to a stapling surface of a jaw of a surgical stapler. The jaw includes an outer surface disposed opposite the stapling surface. The apparatus includes a housing and an arm. The housing includes a first contact feature that is configured to contact one of the adjunct material or the outer surface of the jaw. The arm is operatively coupled with the housing. The arm includes a second contact feature that is configured to move relative to the first contact feature to contact the other of the adjunct material or the outer surface of the jaw. The first and second contact features are configured to cooperate to apply a compression force in a direction toward the first contact feature to pinch the adjunct material against the stapling surface to mount the adjunct material to the stapling surface.