Tissue Stapler Anvil Lockout Mechanism for Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack a reliable mechanism to ensure precise positioning and locking of the anvil relative to the stapling head, which can lead to incomplete stapling or stapling outside the desired operating range, potentially resulting in inadequate tissue closure during anastomotic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The surgical instrument incorporates a handle assembly with a trocar actuator and a rotating knob that allows for precise longitudinal translation of the anvil relative to the stapling head, coupled with a lockout feature and indicator system to ensure the anvil is within the optimal operating range before firing, preventing unintended movement and ensuring proper staple formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgical stapler is inserted through a patient's orifice to perform anastomotic procedures, then the surgical instrument can reach and manipulate tissue within the patient, but the positioning and locking of the anvil relative to the stapling head may be imprecise, leading to incomplete stapling or stapling outside the desired operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout feature is engaged before the stapling operation to pre-establish the correct anvil positioning. The anvil is translated longitudinally to a predetermined position within the operating range, and the lockout feature is engaged to maintain this position, ensuring that the anvil is correctly positioned before stapling occurs. This preliminary positioning and locking action prevents incomplete stapling or stapling outside the desired range.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout feature acts as an intermediary mechanism between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. It provides a mechanical linkage that translates and locks the anvil at the correct position, mediating the relationship between these components to ensure precise positioning and reliable stapling operation.
2Ease of operation
If the anvil is not securely locked in position, then the surgical instrument allows flexibility in anvil positioning, but incomplete stapling or stapling outside the desired operating range may occur, resulting in inadequate tissue closure
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout feature is designed to be engaged by the operator through a simple manual action, and once engaged, it automatically maintains the anvil positioning without requiring continuous attention or adjustment. The feature provides self-locking capability that ensures the anvil remains securely positioned throughout the stapling operation, achieving both ease of operation and stapling precision.
3Reliability
If a lockout feature is added to ensure precise anvil positioning, then stapling reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout feature is integrated into the existing handle assembly structure, combining the positioning and locking functions within the same mechanical framework. The lockout feature works in conjunction with the trocar actuator and anvil translation mechanism, merging multiple functions into a cohesive system that achieves reliable stapling without excessive complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.