Circular Stapling Device Buttress Retention Mechanism
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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 devices that does not interfere with the device's operation, remains in place until after the fasteners are fired, and is easy to install and use.
Innovation Solution
A circular stapling device design featuring a cartridge assembly with a containment groove, a retaining ring member, and a knife assembly, where the retaining ring member, typically an o-ring, secures the buttress member to the fastener cartridge body and is cut by the secondary knife blade to release tension and allow for easy removal after firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining mechanism is used to secure the buttress member to the cartridge assembly, then the buttress material remains in place during firing, but the attachment method becomes more complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining mechanism is divided into separate components: a retaining ring member that circumferentially engages the cartridge assembly and a separate buttress member. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where the buttress member can be independently attached to the cartridge body, and the retaining ring provides a simple circumferential engagement without requiring complex integration of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring member acts as an intermediary element between the cartridge assembly and the buttress member. It provides a simple mechanical interface that secures the buttress material during firing while maintaining ease of installation, as the ring can be independently positioned and engaged without requiring complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If the retaining mechanism remains engaged during the entire procedure, then the buttress material is securely held, but it interferes with post-firing operations and requires additional steps for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with preliminary action built in: the secondary knife blade is pre-positioned within the cartridge assembly to automatically sever the retaining ring member after firing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the retaining mechanism automatically releases its function at the appropriate time without requiring additional manual intervention or complex removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism is designed to be self-activating and self-releasing. The secondary knife blade, which is part of the existing cartridge assembly, automatically severs the retaining ring member after firing without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies post-firing operations by eliminating the need for additional removal steps or tools.
3Reliability
If the retaining ring member exerts tension on the buttress member to maintain security, then the attachment is reliable, but the tension may interfere with the operation of the stapling device
Solution Approach 1:
The function of the retaining ring member is extracted and separated from the main cartridge assembly operations. The ring member provides the necessary retention tension independently, while the secondary knife blade is specifically dedicated to severing the ring after firing. This extraction allows the retaining mechanism to operate independently without interfering with the primary stapling and cutting functions of the device.
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 secure attachment and convenient release of the buttress material during surgical procedures, ensuring the buttress remains in place until the fasteners are fired and then separates from the device, maintaining the integrity of the tissue seal.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary knife blade is movable with the pusher member to cut the retaining ring member and relieve a tension that the retaining ring member exerts on the extension portion of the circular cartridge buttress member.
Implementation Method 2
The retaining ring member is an o-ring. The o-ring is formed of an elastomeric material.
Data Source
AI summary
The cartridge assembly includes a housing, a pusher member, a fastener cartridge body, a circular cartridge buttress member, and a retaining ring member. The pusher member is supported within the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The fastener cartridge body is supported on the housing and has a tissue engaging surface that extends to an annular edge. One or both of the housing and the fastener cartridge body define an annular containment groove. The circular cartridge buttress member has a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion is supported on the tissue engaging surface of the fastener cartridge body. The extension portion extends from the body portion and over the annular edge of the tissue engaging surface. The retaining ring member is secured within the containment groove to releasably secure the extension portion of the circular cartridge buttress member to the cartridge assembly.