Surgical Stapler Anvil Stabilization via Cam Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments face challenges in ensuring a secure and leak-proof end-to-end anastomosis between anatomical lumens, particularly in maintaining the appropriate gap distance between the anvil and stapling head to prevent leakage or tissue damage during the stapling process.
Innovation Solution
The circular stapling instrument features a handle assembly with a rotatable knob and trigger mechanism that adjusts the gap distance between the anvil and stapling head, utilizing a cam follower and rotary cam system to actuate the stapling head assembly, ensuring precise tissue clamping, cutting, and stapling, while preventing premature actuation until the gap is within a clinically acceptable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gap distance between anvil and stapling head is not precisely controlled, then the device structure is simpler, but tissue leakage or damage occurs during stapling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the cam follower continuously monitors the gap distance between the anvil and stapling head, and the rotary cam automatically adjusts the gap to maintain it within the clinically acceptable range (0.5-2mm), ensuring reliable leak-proof anastomosis without requiring complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The self-adjusting mechanism allows the stapling device to automatically regulate its own gap distance through the cam-cam follower interaction, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the surgeon and ensuring consistent gap maintenance throughout the stapling process
2Ease of operation
If manual gap adjustment is used, then the device structure is simpler, but premature actuation or improper stapling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cam follower acts as an intermediary element that translates the physical gap distance into rotational motion of the rotary cam, which then automatically adjusts the gap. This mechanical intermediary ensures precise control while maintaining ease of operation through the trigger mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automatic adjustment where the cam-follower-cam system continuously adapts the gap distance in real-time based on the actual positioning of the anvil and stapling head, ensuring optimal conditions throughout the procedure
3Manufacturing precision
If the anvil is stabilized relative to the shaft assembly, then stapling precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anvil stabilization function with the existing shaft assembly structure, integrating the stabilization features directly into the shaft components rather than adding separate stabilization mechanisms, thereby achieving precise stapling without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 design ensures a secure and leak-proof anastomosis by maintaining the appropriate gap distance, preventing tissue damage and leakage, and facilitating precise stapling, thereby enhancing the structural integrity of the anastomosed tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a cam follower and rotary cam system to actuate the stapling head assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for stapling tissue includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an anvil. The shaft assembly includes a stapling head assembly and an actuator. The anvil is configured to be selectively coupled to the actuator. The anvil is configured to cooperate with the stapling head assembly to staple tissue. The anvil comprises a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank includes a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen, and an engagement feature. The engagement feature is in communication with the lumen such that the engagement feature is configured to move relative to the axis in response to the rod being directed into the lumen. The engagement feature is configured to selectively couple the shank to the actuator. The proximal end of the engagement feature is radially fixed relative to the axis.