Articulating Stapler Adapter Assembly for Fast Loading Unit Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices with powered handles face challenges in efficiently replacing disposable or multiple-use loading units during procedures, as the process is often complicated and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an adapter assembly with a proximal and distal body portion that is selectively articulable, featuring a drive gear system and a flexible band tensioning mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of loading units, along with a drive transfer assembly that facilitates rotational motion conversion into linear motion for stapling and cutting tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a powered surgical stapling device with a fixed loading unit design is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the replacement of loading units becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into a proximal body portion and a distal body portion that can articulate relative to each other. The loading unit is designed as a separate, replaceable component that interfaces with the distal body portion. This segmentation allows the loading unit to be easily detached and replaced without affecting the powered handle assembly, directly improving ease of operation for loading unit replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed to be compatible with multiple types of loading units while maintaining a standardized interface with the powered handle. The articulation mechanism and drive gear system are configured to work with various loading unit configurations, allowing a single adapter assembly to serve multiple functions and support different surgical applications.
2Productivity
If the distal body portion is made longer to accommodate additional drive mechanisms, then the stapling functionality is improved, but the articulation capability and ease of replacement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distal body portion is designed with articulation capability relative to the proximal body portion, allowing it to pivot and adjust its position. This dynamic configuration enables the drive mechanisms to remain compact while still providing sufficient length for effective stapling and cutting operations. The articulation joint allows the distal body portion to extend functionally without permanently increasing its physical length, maintaining ease of loading unit replacement.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex drive transfer assembly with multiple gears is used, then the articulation precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive functions are combined into a single integrated adapter assembly structure. The proximal and distal body portions are connected through an articulation joint that incorporates the drive transfer mechanism, eliminating the need for separate articulation and drive components. This merging reduces the number of individual parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying production while maintaining articulation precision through the integrated gear system.
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
This solution enables quick and efficient replacement of loading units, reducing procedural time and complexity, while maintaining precise articulation and stapling functionality, thereby enhancing the usability of surgical stapling devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first drive gear disposed within the distal body portion... The drive gear may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis... The loading unit may include a second drive gear configured to engage the first drive gear
Implementation Method 2
The loading unit may include a drive screw and the second drive gear may be disposed on a proximal end of the drive screw. Rotation of the drive screw may cause advancement of the drive beam
Implementation Method 3
an articulation assembly for articulating the distal body portion relative to the proximal body portion. The articulation assembly includes a flexible band received about the pivot member
Implementation Method 4
The drive transfer assembly may include first and second horizontal bevel gears disposed about the articulation joint
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion, a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint, and a first drive gear disposed within the distal body portion. The distal body portion has a diameter and a length. The length of the distal body portion is substantially the same as the diameter of the distal body portion.