Surgical Stapler Elongated Channel for Instrument Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling devices require additional openings in patients for illumination or visualization during procedures, limiting their functionality and increasing the complexity of surgeries like anastomosis and hemorrhoid treatment.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with an elongated channel that allows the insertion of additional instruments, such as endoscopes or illumination devices, through its channel without removing the stapling device, enabling visualization and fluid introduction without additional clamping or equipment, facilitating procedures like circular anastomosis and hemorrhoid treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical stapling device is used for anastomosis or hemorrhoid treatment, then the stapling function is achieved, but additional openings are required for illumination or visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical stapling device is designed with an integrated elongated channel that allows it to perform multiple functions: stapling tissue and simultaneously accommodating illumination devices or endoscopes for visualization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate incisions solely for visualization purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated channel of the stapling device is designed to nest or accommodate additional instruments such as endoscopes or illumination devices within its structure. This nesting arrangement allows visualization tools to be passed through the stapling device itself rather than requiring separate access points.
2Ease of operation
If additional instruments are introduced through separate openings, then visualization is achieved, but the number of incisions and equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stapling device incorporates an elongated channel that serves as a common pathway for introducing both the stapling components and visualization instruments, reducing the total number of separate instruments and incisions needed for the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of introducing stapling instruments and visualization instruments is merged into a single pathway—the elongated channel of the stapling device. This consolidation simplifies the overall procedural setup by reducing the number of separate introduction points required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stapling device is removed to introduce additional instruments, then visualization equipment can be inserted, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated channel is pre-integrated into the stapling device structure before the procedure begins, allowing visualization instruments to be introduced simultaneously with or during the stapling process without requiring removal of the stapling device, thereby saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The stapling device's elongated channel is designed to accommodate multiple instrument types throughout the procedure, allowing continuous access for visualization without interrupting the stapling workflow or requiring device removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a head portion and an elongated channel. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The elongated channel includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The proximal opening is disposed distally of a proximalmost end of the handle assembly and proximally of the shell assembly. The distal opening is disposed on the shell assembly.