Single-Trigger Surgical Stapler Clamping and Firing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers require multiple triggers for clamping and staple deployment, increasing complexity, part count, and size, which complicates their use in minimally invasive surgery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler design featuring a single trigger that both clamps and deploys staples, utilizing a mode button and rocker mechanism to prevent staple deployment until clamping is achieved, allowing for a single-handed operation that minimizes the number of incisions and simplifies the instrument's configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple triggers are used for clamping and staple deployment, then the surgical stapler can perform distinct functions reliably, but the device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate triggers (clamping trigger and staple deployment trigger) into a single integrated trigger mechanism. The single trigger performs both clamping and staple deployment functions through different stages of a single actuation sequence, thereby reducing device complexity and part count while maintaining functional reliability through staged operation with interlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The single trigger is designed to perform multiple functions: initial actuation engages the clamping function, and continued actuation engages the staple deployment function. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate triggers while ensuring proper sequencing through built-in interlock mechanisms that prevent staple deployment before clamping is achieved.
2Reliability
If multiple triggers are used for clamping and staple deployment, then each function can be controlled independently, but the size of the surgical stapler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate trigger mechanisms into one compact single-trigger assembly, reducing the overall volume of the handle portion of the surgical stapler. The integrated design maintains independent control of clamping and staple deployment functions through staged actuation and interlock mechanisms within the compact trigger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism employs a nested arrangement where the staple deployment function is activated by continued actuation of the same trigger that performs clamping. The interlock mechanism and mode button are integrated within the trigger assembly, allowing multiple functions to be controlled from a single location without increasing overall instrument size.
3Device complexity
If a single trigger is used for both clamping and staple deployment, then the device complexity and size are reduced, but the risk of premature staple deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a staged actuation sequence where the clamping function is activated first upon initial trigger engagement. Only after clamping is achieved does continued actuation of the same trigger activate the staple deployment function. This preliminary action sequence ensures proper sequencing and prevents premature staple deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mode button as an intermediary control element that must be activated to enable staple deployment function. This intermediary mechanism acts as a safety interlock, ensuring that the surgeon intentionally activates the deployment function after clamping is achieved, thereby preventing accidental or premature staple deployment while using a single trigger.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include an end effector including a staple holder, an anvil movable relative to the staple holder, and staples held within the staple holder; a shaft extending from the end effector; a handle attached to the shaft, the handle including a single trigger; wherein actuation of the single trigger in a clamping mode clamps the end effector; and wherein actuation of the single trigger in a stapling mode deploys the staples.