Surgical Stapler Anvil Collar and Detent Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laparoscopic surgical stapling devices are limited by the need for multiple instruments to accommodate different staple sizes, increasing procedure time, complexity, and costs, and often face issues with disposable loading units detaching from the elongated body, leading to malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A surgical stapling apparatus with a disposable loading unit that is securely attachable to the elongated body in a transverse direction, featuring a collar for threadable engagement and a detent assembly to prevent unintentional displacement, along with an anvil that can be rotated to clamp tissue before stapling and incised, and an anvil that can be moved between open, closed, and collapsed positions for easier insertion through a trocar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different stapling instruments are used to accommodate different staple sizes, then various sized staples can be applied, but the time, complexity and overall costs associated with laparoscopic surgical procedures increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to apply different sized staplesVSAvoidnumber of different instruments required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a universal stapling instrument that can accommodate multiple disposable loading units with different staple sizes (30mm, 45mm, 60mm, and other lengths). The instrument includes a receiver portion that can accept various loading units, allowing a single instrument to perform multiple stapling functions that previously required separate dedicated instruments for each staple size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different stapling instruments are used to accommodate different staple sizes, then various sized staples can be applied, but the procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to apply different sized staplesVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a dynamic system where the instrument can quickly exchange disposable loading units during the surgical procedure. The receiver portion is designed to accept and release different loading units efficiently, allowing the surgeon to switch between staple sizes without requiring instrument changes, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the disposable loading unit is securely attached to the elongated body, then instrument malfunction due to detachment is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex with collars and detent assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional detachmentVSAvoidstructure of attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a segmented attachment system where the connection between the disposable loading unit and the elongated body is divided into separate functional components: a collar portion that provides structural connection and a detent assembly that provides positive locking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the anvil can be moved between open, closed, and collapsed positions, then easier insertion through trocar is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion through small surgical access pointsVSAvoidanvil movement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent describes a dynamic anvil assembly that can transition between multiple positions (open, closed, and collapsed). The anvil is connected to the disposable loading unit through a mechanism that allows it to be collapsed for insertion through the trocar, then opened to the closed position for stapling operation. This dynamic capability enables the anvil to adapt its configuration to different stages of the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2090235B1End effectors for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC
  • EP2090235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2090235B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2090235B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In various embodiments, an anvil of a disposable loading unit including a first member having staple pockets for deforming staples, a first cover plate secured to the first member, and a second cover plate secured to at least one of the first member and the first cover plate, wherein the first and second cover plates can be configured to support the first member. In at least one embodiment, an anvil can include a first member inserted into a second member, where at least one of the first and second members can be deformed to retain one to the other. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit comprising a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be configured to be slid relative to the staple cartridge and the anvil to hold the anvil in a closed position.