Surgical Stapler Distal Tip Detent for Multi-Fire Tissue Marching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers have limited capabilities for adjusting the position of the distal tip during surgical procedures, particularly when multiple firings are necessary along a continuous path, known as 'marching', which complicates tissue manipulation and stapling.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapler is designed with an articulation joint that allows the end effector to be deflected from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and an anvil jaw with a resiliently biased, angled or bent distal tip that can deform to facilitate smooth tissue navigation and enhance visibility and tissue gathering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distal tip position is fixed in conventional surgical staplers, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability for different surgical procedures and tissue manipulation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip is made dynamically adjustable between straight and angled configurations through an articulation mechanism that allows the distal tip to pivot relative to the jaw body, enabling the device to adapt its shape based on surgical needs rather than being fixed in a single configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism is divided into discrete components including a pivot axis, detent features, and spring elements that work together to enable controlled positioning, allowing the complex function to be achieved through simpler modular elements
2Productivity
If multiple sequential firings are performed along a continuous path, then complete tissue stapling is achieved, but the time required for the procedure increases due to repeated removal and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The ability to dynamically adjust the distal tip angle allows the surgeon to optimize positioning for each firing without removing the device, enabling continuous adjustment during the marching process to maintain optimal tissue engagement across multiple firings
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism allows preliminary positioning adjustments to be made before each firing, enabling the distal tip to be pre-configured for the next step in the marching sequence, reducing the time needed for repositioning
3Ease of operation
If the distal tip is articulated to improve tissue engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the tip position during firing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism automatically engages to lock the distal tip in place once positioned, providing self-stabilization without requiring additional active control, ensuring the tip maintains its configured position during the firing process
Solution Approach 2:
The detent features act as an intermediary locking mechanism between the articulation joint and the jaw body, providing a stable connection that maintains the articulated position during firing while still allowing repositioning when needed
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 precise and quick adjustments of the distal tip position, improving maneuverability and visibility during surgical procedures, reducing tissue trauma, and enhancing the ability to perform multiple stapling and cutting operations efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a spring plate operably coupled to the anvil jaw body and configured to exert an elastic force on the distal tip
Implementation Method 2
a resilient detent feature integrally formed with the anvil jaw body and configured to engage the spring plate
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first jaw (16) and a second jaw (618, 718, 900) that cooperate to clamp and staple tissue (90). The second jaw includes a jaw body (620, 720, 902) and a distal tip (619, 719, 906) pivotable relative to the jaw body between a first discrete and a second discrete position. First and second openings (663, 784, 785, 932, 934) are both defined by one of the distal tip or a structure (621, 920) located proximal to the distal tip. A projection (637, 781, 918) is defined by the other of the distal tip or the structure. The projection is positionable within the first opening (663, 785, 932) to releasably retain the distal tip in the first discrete position, and within the second opening (663, 784, 934) to releasably retain the distal tip in the second discrete position.