Linear Surgical Stapler Coupling for Single-Handed Tissue Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear surgical staplers require two-handed operation to initially couple the stapler halves and clamp lever, limiting single-handed tissue mounting and necessitating assistance for tissue placement.
Innovation Solution
A linear surgical stapler design that allows the stapler halves to remain coupled in a fully open clamp lever position, enabling single-handed operation and tissue manipulation without assistance, through the use of a resilient member and a clamp lever latch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamp lever is designed to require two-handed operation for coupling, then the mechanical coupling is more secure and reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates as single-handed tissue mounting becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: a resilient member that maintains continuous coupling pressure, and a clamp lever latch that secures the clamp lever in position. This segmentation allows the coupling to remain reliable while enabling single-handed operation, as the resilient member continuously maintains coupling without requiring constant two-handed pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member provides self-service by automatically maintaining coupling pressure between the stapler halves without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once the clamp lever is engaged, the resilient member sustains the coupling force independently, freeing the operator's hands for tissue manipulation while ensuring reliable mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If the stapler halves are designed to remain coupled in fully open clamp lever position, then single-handed tissue manipulation is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to additional resilient member and latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member serves multiple functions: it maintains coupling pressure between stapler halves, enables the clamp lever to remain secured in the open position, and works in conjunction with the latch mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving single-handed operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp lever latch acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the operator's single-handed operation and the mechanical coupling requirement. It provides a simple engagement/disengagement interface that secures the clamp lever position without requiring complex control systems, enabling tissue manipulation while maintaining coupling integrity.
3Reliability
If a resilient member is used to maintain coupling pressure, then continuous reliable coupling is achieved, but the force required to initially engage the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is pre-loaded during assembly to store elastic potential energy, creating continuous coupling pressure before the clamp lever is engaged. This preliminary action ensures that when the clamp lever is closed, the coupling pressure is already established and maintained, reducing the additional force required during engagement while ensuring reliable continuous pressure.
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
Facilitates single-handed operation and tissue mounting, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for assistance during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member and a clamp lever latch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a clamp member operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. A distal portion of the first elongate member supports an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets. A distal portion of the second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. A firing assembly of the surgical stapler is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongate member is clamped against the second elongate member. A retaining assembly of the surgical stapler includes a first retaining member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongate member with a proximal end of the second elongate member, and a second retaining member configured to releasably retain the firing assembly in the first longitudinal position.