Circular Stapler Buttress Pinned to Pusher
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reliable and removable attachment method for buttress material on circular surgical stapling apparatus that does not interfere with the operation of the device, remains in place until after fasteners are fired, and is easy to install and use.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling apparatus includes a shell, a staple cartridge, a pusher, and a buttress with legs that extend from the cartridge, where the legs are coupled to the pusher and configured to separate as the pusher moves, allowing secure attachment and easy detachment of the buttress during the stapling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buttress material is attached to the staple cartridge, then tissue reinforcement and reduced trauma are achieved, but the attachment method must not interfere with the stapling operation
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress material is divided into multiple legs that can be independently positioned and attached. Each leg can be separately secured to the staple cartridge, allowing the attachment mechanism to be distributed rather than concentrated in one location, thereby reducing interference with the stapling operation while maintaining tissue reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
A separate attachment mechanism (distinct from both the buttress material and the staple cartridge) is introduced to mediate between the two. This intermediary attachment system allows the buttress to be securely fixed to the cartridge without creating direct interference between the buttress structure and the stapling components
2Reliability
If buttress material is securely attached to remain in place until fasteners are fired, then reliability is improved, but the attachment mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is integrated with existing components of the stapling apparatus rather than being a completely separate system. By combining the attachment function with the staple cartridge or pusher assembly, the patent achieves secure buttress retention while minimizing the addition of separate complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress material is pre-positioned and pre-attached to the staple cartridge before the stapling operation begins. This preliminary attachment ensures the buttress remains in place during the procedure without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If legs are pinned to the pusher for secure attachment, then ease of installation is improved, but the pins may interfere with the pusher movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pin connection between the legs and pusher is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The pins allow for controlled movement and adjustment during the pusher's operation, enabling easy installation while accommodating the pusher's motion without interference. This dynamic connection may include features such as slotted holes, flexible mounting, or controlled clearance that permit necessary movement
Data Source
AI summary
A stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge, a pusher, and a buttress. The staple cartridge has a tissue contact surface and supports an array of fasteners therein. The pusher is configured to move relative to the staple cartridge to fire the fasteners from the staple cartridge. The buttress is supported on the staple cartridge and secured to the pusher.