Single Pusher Mechanism for Surgical Stapling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices require multiple actuators for approximation and firing, making them complex to manufacture and operate, and often necessitate the use of two hands, with alignment pin advancement either requiring pre-approximation or additional manual effort.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a single pusher mechanism that moves the alignment pin, clamping plate, and stapling plate in a coordinated manner, allowing for single-handed operation and automatic or manual advancement of the alignment pin, using a combination of pivoting members and slots to facilitate longitudinal and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for approximation and firing, then the instrument can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators (approximation actuator, firing actuator, and alignment pin actuator) into a single integrated actuator that performs all three functions. This single actuator moves the pusher assembly, which in turn coordinates the approximation of anvil and cartridge, advancement of alignment pin, and ejection of staples through a unified mechanical linkage system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it approximates the anvil and cartridge assemblies, advances the alignment pin into the anvil, and ejects the staples from the cartridge. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each operation, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used for approximation and firing, then the instrument can perform multiple functions, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate actuators into a single integrated actuator that the surgeon can operate with one hand. This single actuator controls all critical functions (approximation, alignment pin advancement, and staple ejection) through a coordinated mechanical system, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining full functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The universal single actuator performs all necessary functions that previously required multiple separate actuators, allowing the surgeon to operate the entire instrument with one hand. The actuator's design incorporates all control mechanisms in a unified structure that can be manipulated with a single hand, resolving the contradiction between functional capability and ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the alignment pin assembly is manually operated, then the alignment pin can be advanced independently, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring additional manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the alignment pin actuation function into the single unified actuator system. The mechanical linkage automatically coordinates alignment pin advancement with the approximation and firing sequences, eliminating the need for separate manual operation of the alignment pin assembly while preserving the capability for independent alignment pin advancement when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically advances the alignment pin through the coordinated action of the single actuator and mechanical linkage system. The alignment pin assembly serves itself by being automatically positioned and advanced as part of the overall operation sequence, reducing the manual effort required while maintaining the flexibility for independent advancement
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device (10) includes a frame (36), a pusher (105), a clamping plate assembly (110), a holder (180), and a stapling plate (220). The pusher (105) is movable in relation to the frame (36) between a retracted position and an advanced position. The pusher (105) is operatively associated with the holder (180), the clamping plate assembly (110), and the stapling plate (220) such that movement of the pusher (105) between the retracted and the advanced positions effects movement of the (105), the clamping plate assembly (110), and the stapling plate (220) to one of their respective retracted or advanced positions.