Circular Stapling Trocar With Spring-Latched Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of an anvil assembly with a trocar member in circular stapling instruments requires significant tissue stretching, posing a risk of tissue damage due to the limited space within the abdominal cavity.
Innovation Solution
A retractable trocar member with a tubular housing and a moveable tip member that can transition between extended and retracted positions, facilitated by a spring-biased latch mechanism, allowing for reduced space requirements during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trocar member is made longer to facilitate positioning, then the positioning capability is improved, but the space required for anvil assembly alignment increases, causing tissue stretching and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar member is designed with a retractable tip that can dynamically change its length. The tip extends during positioning to provide adequate length for tissue penetration, then retracts to minimize the space required for anvil assembly alignment, thereby reducing tissue stretching and potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar member is divided into separable components: a fixed housing portion and a retractable tip portion. This segmentation allows the tip to be independently controlled to extend or retract, providing flexibility in length during different phases of the surgical procedure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the trocar member is made shorter to reduce space requirements, then tissue damage is minimized, but the positioning capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar member employs a dynamic tip mechanism that can extend when positioning is needed and retract when alignment is required. This dynamic adjustment ensures adequate positioning capability when needed while minimizing space requirements during the alignment phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip is pre-positioned in an extended state to facilitate initial tissue penetration and positioning. After positioning is achieved, the tip is retracted before anvil assembly alignment, thereby preparing the system for the next phase with minimal space requirements.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-length trocar member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different procedural stages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trocar member incorporates a mechanical retraction mechanism with a spring and latch system that adds dynamic capability. The spring provides the force to retract the tip, while the latch mechanism allows controlled extension and retraction, enabling adaptation to different procedural stages without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable tip mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring force, requiring minimal external control. The latch mechanism provides simple manual or mechanical actuation, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate during different phases of the procedure.
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
Reduces the required space for anvil assembly alignment, minimizing tissue damage and improving procedural efficiency by shortening the combined length needed for attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The trocar member further includes a spring member for biasing the tip member to the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A trocar member for a circular stapling instrument includes a tubular housing and a tip member moveable relative to the tubular housing between an extended position and a retracted position. The tubular housing includes proximal and distal portions and defines a longitudinal passage. The tubular housing includes a flange configured for operable engagement with an anvil assembly. The tip member is disposed entirely within the tubular housing when in the retracted position.