Staple Cartridge Insertion Stop for Surgical Stapling Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack efficient control mechanisms for articulating the end effector, leading to difficulties in precise tissue manipulation and staple placement, particularly in varying tissue thickness and complex anatomical structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with advanced articulation controls, including a handle with orientation sensors, magnetic elements, capacitive switches, and articulation actuators, which provide tactile and visual feedback to the user for precise control of the end effector's orientation and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a staple cartridge insertion stop is added to control cartridge positioning, then staple placement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge insertion stop is a pre-configured mechanical feature on the anvil jaw that limits the insertion depth of the staple cartridge before actuation. This preliminary positioning mechanism ensures the cartridge is correctly positioned relative to the tissue clamping surfaces, enabling precise staple placement without requiring complex active control systems during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge insertion stop works passively to self-regulate cartridge positioning. As the cartridge is inserted into the instrument, the stop physically prevents further insertion once the correct position is reached, automatically ensuring proper alignment between the cartridge staples and the anvil forming surfaces without requiring external monitoring or adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the anvil jaw is made wider to accommodate thicker tissue, then adaptability to diverse tissue types is improved, but the instrument's profile and ease of insertion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw structure is segmented into modular components with adjustable positioning. The anvil jaw can be configured in different widths or positions relative to the cartridge jaw, allowing the instrument to adapt to various tissue thicknesses while maintaining a compact overall profile when used with thinner tissue applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the anvil jaw width or position to be modified based on the specific surgical application. This enables the instrument to transition between a compact configuration for narrow access sites and a wider configuration for thicker tissue stapling, optimizing both adaptability and ease of insertion.
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
Enhances the precision and control of staple placement, allowing for effective stapling and cutting across diverse tissue types and anatomical complexities, improving surgical efficiency and reducing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
a handle with orientation sensors, magnetic elements, capacitive switches, and articulation actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling instrument comprising a cartridge jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge, an anvil jaw, and a firing member configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during a firing stroke is disclosed. The anvil jaw comprises a stop extending into the cartridge jaw which prevents the staple cartridge from contacting the firing member when the staple cartridge is inserted into the cartridge jaw.