Surgical Stapler Anvil Adjustment with Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical staplers lack a precise mechanism for adjusting staple height during anastomosis procedures, which can lead to inadequate tissue sealing and healing, and may result in complications such as leakage and bleeding.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with a tactile feedback mechanism that includes an anvil adjustment shaft with discrete staple forming heights, allowing for precise adjustment of the anvil position relative to the stapling head through a screw surface with ramp and dwell portions, providing tactile feedback and visual indicia for correct staple formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional surgical staplers are used without discrete staple height adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of staple formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment shaft is segmented into multiple dwell positions (first, second, and third dwell positions) along its longitudinal axis, each corresponding to a discrete staple height. This segmentation allows the anvil to be positioned at specific, predetermined distances from the staple cartridge, providing precise staple height control without requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment shaft is designed to be rotatable, transforming a static anvil position into a dynamic one that can be adjusted to multiple discrete positions. The rotation of the adjustment shaft enables the operator to select different staple heights by aligning the shaft with different dwell positions, combining simplicity with adjustability.
2Measurement precision
If visual indication mechanisms are added to indicate correct staple height, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicia (such as markings or indicators) are provided on the adjustment shaft or associated components to indicate when the shaft is positioned at the correct dwell position. These visual cues allow the operator to quickly identify the proper alignment for desired staple heights without requiring complex measurement or indication mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If tactile feedback mechanism is added to provide feedback on anvil position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Tactile feedback is provided through the rotatable adjustment shaft itself, which has distinct dwell positions that create tactile sensations (such as clicks or resistance changes) when rotated. This feedback mechanism is integrated into the adjustment shaft structure, allowing the operator to feel when the shaft reaches a predetermined dwell position without adding separate feedback components.
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
Enables precise control over staple formation, improving tissue sealing and healing by ensuring proper staple height, reducing the risk of leakage and bleeding, and simplifying the surgical procedure by providing intuitive feedback to the user.
Implementation Method 1
an anvil adjustment shaft (70) supported by the body (10) to selectively adjust a position of the anvil (50) relative to the stapling head (30)
Implementation Method 2
The screw surface (74) includes at least one dwell portion (74b) that extends in a longitudinal direction of the anvil adjustment shaft (70) and provides tactile feedback to a user rotating the anvil adjustment shaft (70)
Data Source
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AI summary
In various embodiments, a surgical stapler (1) is provided that may comprise a body (10), a stapling head (30) operably coupled to the body, an anvil (50) movably supported relative to the stapling head for selective travel toward and away from the stapling head, and an anvil adjustment shaft (70) supported by the body for selectively adjusting a position of the anvil relative to the stapling head. The adjustment shaft and/or the body may be configured to establish at least one predetermined staple forming height between the anvil and the stapling head irrespective of adjustment shaft rotation. Additionally, the adjustment shaft and/or the body may be configured to provide tactile feedback to a user rotating the anvil adjustment shaft, thereby providing the user of an indication of when an appropriate staple forming height has been reached. Various integrations of components described herein may also reduce the part count required for a surgical stapler, thereby reducing assembly time and manufacturing cost.