Circular Stapler Buttress Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a reliable and easy-to-install method to attach buttress materials to circular surgical stapling devices without interfering with the device's operation, ensuring the buttress remains in place until fasteners are fired and is convenient to use.
Innovation Solution
The circular stapling device incorporates a cartridge assembly with a spring-loaded mechanism that secures and releases a buttress member between the elongate body and the cartridge assembly, allowing the buttress to be trapped and then released during the firing process, ensuring it remains attached until fasteners are formed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If buttress material is attached to the cartridge assembly, then tissue reinforcement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress member is divided into a body portion and an extension portion, allowing the extension portion to be secured between the elongate body and cartridge assembly while the body portion remains accessible for tissue reinforcement. This segmentation enables the buttress to be attached without requiring complex integration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion of the buttress member acts as an intermediary element that is secured between the elongate body and cartridge assembly. This intermediary structure provides a simple mechanical interface for attachment without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining tissue reinforcement capabilities.
2Reliability
If spring assembly is used to secure buttress member, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly automatically secures the extension portion of the buttress member between the elongate body and cartridge assembly through its inherent elastic properties. The spring's natural tendency to return to its original position provides continuous securing force without requiring additional control mechanisms, operators, or complex actuation systems, thereby achieving reliable attachment with minimal added complexity.
3Ease of operation
If extension portion extends over annular edge, then ease of installation is improved, but risk of interference with stapling operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion of the buttress member is extracted or removed from the main body portion and positioned separately between the elongate body and cartridge assembly. This separation allows the extension portion to be easily installed without interfering with the stapling operation, as it is positioned in a location that does not obstruct the path of the stapling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress member has different configurations in different regions: the body portion is designed for tissue reinforcement while the extension portion is designed for secure attachment. This local differentiation allows the extension portion to extend over the annular edge for easy installation without compromising the stapling operation, as each portion serves its specific function in the appropriate location.
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
This solution allows for reliable attachment and easy installation of buttress materials, preventing interference with the stapling device's operation and ensuring the buttress remains in place until the fasteners are fired, enhancing tissue reinforcement and reducing trauma, leakage, and bleeding during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly is secured between the cartridge assembly and the distal end of the elongate member. The spring assembly is adapted to pull the cartridge assembly toward the distal end of the elongate member... The one or more springs provide a spring force sufficient to trap the extension portion of the cartridge buttress member between the elongate member and the cartridge assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A circular stapling device (10) includes a handle assembly (20), an elongated body (30), an end effector (40), and one or more buttress members (140,250). The elongated body extends from the handle assembly. The end effector is mounted on a distal end of the elongate body and supports the one or more buttress members. A buttress release mechanism operatively coupled to the end effector selectively secures the one or more buttress members to the end effector.