Surgical Stapler Buttress Applicator for Tissue Tear Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack an effective mechanism for applying a buttress to enhance tissue sealing and support during stapling, which can lead to inadequate closure and increased complications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for applying a buttress assembly to the end effector of a surgical stapler using an adjunct applicator device, which includes various mechanisms such as folding, expanding, and securing the buttress to the jaws of the end effector to enhance tissue sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical stapler is used to fasten tissue layers, then the stapler can drive staples through tissue to seal severed layers, but the staples may pull through the tissue and cause tissue tearing at the application site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a buttress assembly made of composite materials to the staple cartridge and anvil. The buttress includes a reinforcement layer (e.g., mesh or woven structure) combined with an adhesive layer, creating a composite structure that provides both mechanical strength to prevent staple pull-through and flexibility to conform to tissue surfaces. This composite material approach directly addresses the reliability issue by preventing tissue tearing while maintaining stapling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress assembly is applied to the staple cartridge and anvil before the stapling procedure. The adhesive layer is positioned in advance to bond with tissue surfaces, and the reinforcement layer is pre-configured to provide structural support. This preliminary application ensures that the buttress is already in place to prevent staple pull-through during the stapling process, eliminating the need for post-operative reinforcement.
2Reliability
If a buttress assembly is applied to the staple cartridge and anvil, then tissue fastening reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress assembly is segmented into distinct functional layers: a reinforcement layer for structural support and an adhesive layer for tissue bonding. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and facilitates easy application and removal. The modular structure reduces overall device complexity by organizing the reinforcement function into a separate, manageable component rather than integrating it throughout the entire stapler.
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the reinforcement layer prevents staple pull-through, the adhesive layer bonds to tissue surfaces, and the combined structure provides structural support during stapling. This multi-functionality consolidates several requirements into a single component, reducing the number of separate parts needed and simplifying the overall device structure despite the added reinforcement capability.
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 application of the buttress assembly improves tissue sealing and support, reducing the risk of leaks and enhancing the effectiveness of the stapling process.
Implementation Method 1
a first side of the first and second adjunct elements includes a first attachment feature configured to attach to a first contact surface of the wedge-shaped applicator member, respectively, with the first attachment feature including an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for applying an adjunct element to a surgical stapler end effector having first and second stapling surfaces using an applicator. The method includes providing the end effector in an open state in which the first and second stapling surfaces are spaced apart. With the end effector in the open state, at least a portion of the applicator is positioned between the first and second stapling surfaces. Without engaging a closure system input feature of the surgical stapler, a portion of the end effector is compressively engaged by the applicator to thereby secure the adjunct element to one of the first or second stapling surfaces. The applicator and the end effector are withdrawn relatively away from one another so that the adjunct element remains attached to the one of the first or second stapling surfaces of the end effector.