Circular Stapler Anvil Alignment via Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices for circular anastomosis and hemorrhoid treatment face challenges in aligning the staple holding component and anvil head effectively, which can affect the precision and efficiency of tissue stapling and removal.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a movable anvil assembly and shell assembly, featuring projections on the anvil assembly that engage with openings in the shell assembly for enhanced alignment, along with a center rod and anvil retainer mechanism to facilitate precise tissue handling and stapling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the anvil assembly and shell assembly are designed with engagement features (projections and openings), then the alignment precision between staple holding component and anvil head is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil assembly and shell assembly automatically align and engage with each other through the projection-opening mechanism during the approximation process, without requiring external alignment tools or manual intervention. The projections on the anvil assembly insert into corresponding openings in the shell assembly, causing the components to self-align and secure in the correct positional relationship, thereby improving alignment precision while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The anvil assembly is positioned within the shell assembly, with the anvil head received in the anvil retainer that is part of the shell assembly structure. The projections extend from the anvil assembly into the shell assembly, creating a nested configuration where the alignment features are integrated within the overall assembly structure, improving alignment without adding external complexity
2Ease of operation
If the anvil assembly is made movable relative to the shell assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the stapling function may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil assembly is designed to be movable relative to the shell assembly, allowing the surgeon to open and close the stapler by manipulating the handle. The approximation mechanism enables the anvil assembly to move toward the staple holding component to clamp tissue, and the firing mechanism drives staples through the tissue. After use, the anvil assembly can be moved away for easy removal and replacement, improving ease of operation while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The projection-opening engagement features serve as an intermediary mechanism that maintains reliable connection between the movable anvil assembly and the stationary shell assembly. During approximation, the projections engage with the openings to ensure proper alignment and secure connection, preventing accidental disengagement while allowing controlled movement during operation, thus maintaining reliability despite the movable design
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The anvil assembly has an anvil head and a plurality of projections extending proximally of the anvil head, the projections engageable with a portion of the shell assembly.