Shape Memory Alloy Staple Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional staplers for medical suturing face challenges such as difficulty in accessing small diameters, inability to form tight loops, and limitations in creating end-to-end and end-to-side joints with multiple staples, especially in vascular procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical stapler with shape-memory staples that transition from a straightened configuration within the device to a deployed looped configuration, facilitated by a rotating sleeve mechanism, allowing for precise deployment and anchoring of staples, and optionally a cap for holding grafts or stents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a curved shaping section is used to deform staples into a looped configuration, then the staples can be deployed through tissue, but the stapler tip diameter becomes large making vascular procedures impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The staples are pre-formed with shape memory characteristics in a straightened configuration that fits within a small diameter stapler tip. The looped configuration is prepared in advance as the memory state, but only activated after deployment through the tissue, allowing small tip diameter while maintaining loop formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The staple's physical state is changed from a constrained straightened configuration during delivery to a deployed looped configuration after tissue penetration. This parameter change is achieved through shape memory effect triggered by release from the stapler, enabling small tip diameter while achieving looped staple deployment
2Ease of operation
If a curved shaping section is used to form looped staples, then staples can be deployed, but the discharged staples are not formed in tight loops compared to hand-made sutures
Solution Approach 1:
The staple performs its own shaping function through shape memory effect after deployment. The staple automatically transforms from straightened to looped configuration without requiring external forming mechanisms, achieving tight loops through self-actuation triggered by release from the stapler and exposure to body temperature
3Productivity
If conventional staplers are used, then staples can be deployed, but they cannot form end-to-end and end-to-side joints of tubular bodies with multiple joining staples
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory staple design provides universal applicability for multiple surgical configurations including end-to-end and end-to-side anastomoses. The same staple and stapler system can adapt to different surgical needs through the staple's ability to form various loop configurations and the system's capability to handle multiple joining scenarios
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 efficient suturing with tight loop formation and versatility in joining various tissues and tubular bodies, including small diameters and complex joints, with staples that secure and tighten at body temperature.
Implementation Method 1
each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler
Implementation Method 2
The shape memory may be at least partially thermally activated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
An apparatus including a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler.