Stapler Apparatus with Doppler Sensor for Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis often results in post-operative bleeding due to complications from staple lines on vessels and intestinal fluid leaks, highlighting the need for improved stapling and hemostasis techniques during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A stapler apparatus with movable jaws, a Doppler radar sensor for blood flow detection, and a thermal element for hemostasis, allowing for precise tissue stapling, blood flow monitoring, and controlled tissue severing to minimize bleeding and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional staplers with multiple rows of equally distributed staples are used, then the stapling coverage is comprehensive, but post-operative bleeding occurs due to blood escaping through lumen between tines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing and configuration of staples in different rows rather than using uniform distribution. Specifically, the stapler delivers first, second, and third rows of staples where the spacing between rows and within rows is optimized to eliminate lumens between tines, preventing blood escape while maintaining comprehensive tissue coverage and hemostasis effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of staple distribution by using non-uniform spacing between rows and varying the number of staples per row. This parameter optimization ensures that staples are positioned to close off blood vessels effectively without creating gaps, thereby reducing post-operative bleeding while maintaining reliable stapling across different tissue types
2Reliability
If sequential stapling of appendix and vessel is performed using separate identification steps, then the surgical procedure is thorough, but the complexity of the procedure increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional stapler apparatus that can simultaneously or sequentially staple both the appendix and its associated blood vessels in a single integrated operation. The device incorporates multiple staple rows configured to address different anatomical structures, eliminating the need for separate identification and stapling steps, thereby reducing surgical complexity while maintaining thoroughness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the stapler with multiple rows of staples in specific patterns before the surgical procedure begins. This pre-planning of staple placement allows the surgeon to perform comprehensive stapling of both appendix and vessels in a single pass, avoiding the need for sequential identification and separate stapling operations during surgery
3Adaptability or versatility
If B-shaped clips are used to create lumen between tines, then the clips can accommodate tissue, but blood or fluid can escape through the lumen causing bleeding complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the spacing and configuration of staples in different rows to eliminate lumens between tines while maintaining the ability to accommodate various tissue types. The non-uniform staple distribution creates a dense pattern that prevents fluid leakage pathways, yet retains adaptability to different tissue thicknesses and compositions through the multi-row design
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 apparatus effectively reduces post-operative bleeding and leaks by ensuring secure stapling and controlled tissue severing, enhancing the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a Doppler radar or other sensor on one of the first and second contact surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a thermal element or other hemostasis element may also be provided on one of the first and second jaws
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, cutting element, thermal element, and/or grasper may be provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.