Circular Stapler Tissue Gap Indicator Leverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circular stapling devices have limited visualization of tissue gap size between the staple cartridge and anvil assembly, making it difficult for clinicians to determine when the assemblies are adequately approximated for proper staple formation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with a tissue gap indicator assembly that includes a longitudinally movable drive screw, a slide with visible indicia, and a lever mechanism that amplifies movement to provide a clearer indication of the tissue gap through a window in the handle, allowing better visualization of the approximation within the fire-ready zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional indicator assembly is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the visualization of tissue gap size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical advantage by using a lever arm mechanism that converts small longitudinal movement of the drive screw into larger transverse movement of the indicator. This dimensional transformation allows the indicator to traverse a greater distance across the fire-ready zone, improving visualization without requiring a complex multi-component indicator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive screw and the indicator. It amplifies the movement from the drive screw's longitudinal axis to the indicator's transverse position, enabling better visualization of the tissue gap size through a simple mechanical linkage rather than a complex direct coupling.
2Length of moving object
If the indicator assembly uses a direct coupling mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the range of movement within the fire-ready zone is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm mechanism transforms the longitudinal movement dimension of the drive screw into transverse movement dimension of the indicator. This allows the indicator to sweep across a larger portion of the fire-ready zone, providing better visualization range without requiring a complex mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm provides a dynamic amplification mechanism that converts the relatively small, linear movement of the drive screw into a larger, more visible movement of the indicator across the fire-ready zone. This dynamic transformation enables the indicator to cover a greater range within the limited space available.
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
Enhances the clinician's ability to visualize the approximation of the anvil and cartridge assemblies, ensuring proper staple formation by providing a clear and amplified indication of the tissue gap size, thereby improving the accuracy of the stapling process.
Implementation Method 1
The lever is engaged with the abutment and the slide and is configured to translate movement of the abutment over a distance of X1 into movement of the slide over a distance of X2, wherein X2 is greater than X1
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly, a central body extending distally from the handle assembly, an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle defining a window and a tissue gap indicator assembly that includes a slide that supports indicia that is visible through the window. The indicator assembly includes a lever which couples the slide to a drive screw of the surgical stapler to translate movement of the drive screw into movement of the slide. The lever is configured and adapted to translate movement of the drive screw over a distance of X1 into movement of the slide over a distance of X2, wherein X2 is greater than X1.