Staple Cartridge with Variable Clamping Breadths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments lack the ability to apply staples with varying 3-D shapes and different distances from the longitudinal slot, limiting the versatility of stapling patterns on either side of a cut.
Innovation Solution
A staple cartridge assembly with two longitudinal rows of staple cavities, each storing staples with unique cam and leg plane configurations, allowing for different stapling patterns by varying the distance between cam and leg planes, enabling asymmetrical or symmetrical staple deployment relative to the cut line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of staple with fixed geometry is used in the staple cartridge, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility of stapling patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The staple cartridge is segmented into multiple staple cavities, each capable of holding different types of staples. The cartridge body is divided into first and second longitudinal rows of staple cavities, allowing different staple geometries to be stored and deployed in different locations, thereby achieving versatile stapling patterns without requiring completely different cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple cartridge is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of staples with different geometries. The cartridge structure and staple driver mechanism remain the same, but by loading different staples into different cavities, the same device can perform multiple stapling functions with varying patterns, clamping breadths, and distances from the longitudinal slot.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all staples have the same distance from the longitudinal slot, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to create different stapling patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different staple cavities are positioned at different longitudinal distances from the longitudinal slot, creating local variations in staple placement. This allows the cartridge to create different stapling patterns with varying clamping breadths and distances from the cut line, while each individual staple cavity maintains precise manufacturing tolerances for its specific position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If staples with uniform geometry are used, then the device operation is straightforward, but the ability to address different surgical requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The staple driver is designed to dynamically adapt to different staple geometries. As the staple driver moves through the longitudinal slot and engages with staples in different cavities, it automatically adjusts its interaction based on the specific staple configuration (different distances from cam plane to leg plane, different orientations), allowing the device to handle varied surgical requirements while maintaining a consistent operating procedure for the surgeon.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed which comprises first staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a first distance and, in addition, second staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a second distance which is different than the first distance.