Circular Stapler Anvil Locking System for Axial Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circular staplers face challenges in maintaining anvil position stability during stapling, especially when dealing with varying tissue thicknesses, as compliant anvil systems may deflect or move undesirably during firing, affecting staple formation and tissue compression.
Innovation Solution
An anvil locking system that includes a gear rack and locking gears, allowing for selective locking and unlocking of the anvil's axial position relative to the staple cartridge, ensuring stability during stapling and staple formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compliant anvil system is used to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but anvil position stability deteriorates causing deflection during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil system incorporates dynamic characteristics through compliant elements that allow controlled movement and adaptation during the stapling process, enabling the anvil to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compliance parameter of the anvil to allow controlled deflection and movement, transforming a rigid structure into a dynamically adaptable one that can respond to varying tissue conditions during stapling
2Ease of operation
If the anvil is allowed to move freely to accommodate tissue variations, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates affecting staple formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies the mechanical parameters of the anvil by introducing compliant elements that control the degree of movement, allowing the anvil to be both easy to operate with varying tissues and maintain precise staple formation through controlled compliance
3Stability of the object's composition
If the anvil position is fixed rigidly to ensure stability, then position stability is improved, but adaptability to varying tissue thicknesses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic compliant one, allowing controlled movement and adaptation to varying tissue thicknesses while maintaining sufficient stability for accurate staple formation through the dampening effects of the compliant elements
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
The anvil locking system effectively maintains the anvil in a precise position during stapling, preventing deflection and ensuring consistent staple formation and tissue compression, even under high forces, thereby improving surgical efficiency and tissue healing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
An anvil locking system is operably coupled to the anvil adjustment assembly and includes a gear rack and locking gears
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Circular stapling instruments for cutting and applying one or more surgical staples to tissue are disclosed. The instruments include various forms of anvil locking systems designed to selectively prevent the anvil from moving axially relative to the stapling head of the stapling instrument. One embodiment employs an elongated gear rack that is selectively engagable with locking gears to prevent axial motion of the elongated gear rack and an adjustment shaft used to axially position the anvil. Other embodiments employ a gear assembly that cooperates with the elongated gear rack. A locking member is movably supported by a handle assembly that houses the gear assembly and elongated gear rack. The locking member is configured for selective meshing engagement with the gear assembly to ultimately prevent axial movement of the gear rack and adjustment shaft.