Surgical Stapler Buttress Retainer Friction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical stapling devices lack effective systems for temporarily attaching and releasing buttress materials to the anvil and staple cartridge, particularly for endoscopic procedures, and do not efficiently localize buttress materials on the instrument to prevent tearing or wrinkling during insertion and use.

Innovation Solution

The development of a surgical instrument with a buttress retainer system that frictionally engages the staple cartridge and anvil, using a combination of notches, flexible legs, and circumferential perforation lines to securely attach and release buttress materials, allowing them to remain on the instrument during procedures while being easily detached post-use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If buttress material is attached to the surgical instrument, then the material is secured during the procedure, but the attachment system increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of buttress materialVSAvoidattachment system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a retainer assembly with clamping members for securing the buttress material, and a distinct release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable and not overly complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer assembly acts as an intermediary component between the surgical instrument and the buttress material. It provides a dedicated interface that secures the material during the procedure while allowing for controlled release, thereby achieving reliable attachment without requiring complex integration into the main instrument structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If buttress material is localized on the jaws of the surgical instrument, then tissue damage is prevented, but the release of the material becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue damage preventionVSAvoidrelease of buttress material

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer assembly is designed to provide localized attachment only in the specific areas where the buttress material contacts the instrument during the procedure. The clamping members are positioned to secure the material precisely where needed on the jaws, allowing for localized reinforcement without creating permanent or difficult-to-remove attachments elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a static attachment state during the procedure to a dynamic release state after use. The release mechanism enables easy detachment of the buttress material from the localized attachment points on the instrument, allowing the material to be removed without difficulty while maintaining secure attachment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a friction fit is used to attach the buttress material, then the material remains secure during stapling, but the attachment strength may be insufficient for certain applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment during staplingVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer assembly is pre-configured on the surgical instrument with clamping members positioned to engage the buttress material before the stapling procedure begins. This preliminary attachment ensures that the material is securely held in place during the entire stapling process, providing both ease of operation and sufficient strength without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system ensures secure attachment and easy release of buttress materials, preventing tissue damage during insertion and stapling, and allows for efficient use of buttress materials to reinforce and seal staple lines without interfering with the surgical instrument's operation.

Implementation Method 1

The buttress retainer frictionally engages the raised edges of the staple containing cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the depending leg sits in the side notch and frictionally engages the outer channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8256654B2Staple buttress retention system

Publication Date: 2012.09.04 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.