Powered Surgical Stapler Handle With Manual Return Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers have complex mechanisms that increase manufacturing burdens and user confusion, and there is a need for reliable stapling without these complexities.
Innovation Solution
A powered handle for surgical stapling systems featuring a drive system powered by a power supply, a manual articulation mechanism, and a control system that responds to user input, allowing for controlled actuation of the stapling process with a ball screw mechanism for continuous articulation of the jaw assembly and a redundant manual return mechanism for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple triggers and handles with complex mechanisms are used to ensure proper tissue positioning and stapling, then stapling reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical trigger and handle mechanisms with a powered drive system that uses an electric motor to actuate the stapling process. The motor-controlled system eliminates the need for multiple mechanical triggers and handles, reducing device complexity while maintaining stapling reliability through electronic control and feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered handle integrates multiple functions (tissue clamping, stapling, and cutting) into a single integrated system controlled by the drive mechanism. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate mechanical triggers and handles into one unified powered system, reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms with multiple triggers and handles are used to provide proper stapling, then stapling control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control interfaces with a simplified powered control system. The electric motor-driven mechanism provides precise stapling control through electronic actuation sequences, eliminating the need for users to coordinate multiple mechanical triggers and handles, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered drive system automatically sequences the stapling operations (clamping, stapling, cutting) without requiring manual intervention at each step. The system self-regulates the actuation process through motor control, reducing the cognitive load and operational complexity for the user while maintaining precise control over the stapling process.
3Measurement precision
If manual articulation mechanism with ball screw is used for jaw assembly articulation, then articulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual articulation mechanisms with a powered articulation system using an electric motor and lead screw (ball screw). This substitution provides precise articulation control through motor-driven rotation of the lead screw, which converts rotational motion into precise linear motion of the jaw assembly, achieving high articulation precision while simplifying the overall mechanism through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates motor rotation into precise jaw articulation. This intermediary component enables fine control of jaw position and angle through the mechanical advantage and precision of the screw thread, achieving high articulation precision while keeping the control system simplified through a single motor-driven interface.
4Productivity
If powered drive system with motor is used for stapling actuation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with an electric motor-driven system that automatically sequences and executes the stapling process. The motor provides rapid and consistent actuation of the stapling mechanism, significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual manipulation time while the integrated control system manages the complexity of the drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered drive system pre-positions and pre-tensions the stapling mechanism before actual stapling occurs. The motor-driven system can rapidly prepare the jaw assembly and staple cartridge in advance, reducing the overall cycle time and improving productivity. This preliminary action is automatically controlled by the drive system, managing complexity through automated sequencing.
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 powered handle simplifies the stapling process, reduces manufacturing complexity, and enhances user safety with reliable and controlled stapling operations, including automatic torque control and manual override in case of failures.
Implementation Method 1
The ball screw mechanism can allow continuous articulation of a jaw assembly of the stapling system within a predetermined articulation range.
Implementation Method 2
The powered handle can comprise a drive system powered by a power supply to selectively actuate an actuation adapter.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.