Surgical Stapler with Hook-and-Loop Buttress for Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack an efficient mechanism for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue while effectively sealing the cut ends to prevent bleeding and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an articulating end effector featuring a pivotable anvil and E-beam firing bar that drives staples through tissue while cutting, using a buttress pad with a hook-and-loop attachment to distribute and secure a tissue repair composition, such as a hemostatic agent, to promote tissue sealing and reduce bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical stapler is used to clamp and cut tissue, then stapling and severing are achieved, but effective sealing of cut ends to prevent bleeding is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing the hemostatic agent on the buttress pad before the stapling procedure. The buttress pad with pre-applied hemostatic agent is positioned on the tissue layers to be stapled, so that hemostatic protection is already in place before cutting occurs, preventing bleeding at the cut ends effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the buttress pad as an intermediary carrier between the stapler and the tissue. The buttress pad delivers the hemostatic agent directly to the tissue surface at the stapling site, serving as a mediator that ensures precise localization and effective application of the hemostatic substance where it is most needed
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a distal end effector is placed through a trocar for endoscopic surgery, then smaller incisions are made reducing recovery time, but positioning and articulation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an articulation joint in the shaft that allows the distal end effector to be deflected relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This dynamic articulation mechanism enables the end effector to reach and position at various angles and depths within the patient's body through the trocar, facilitating precise positioning while maintaining a small external incision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shaft into multiple segments with an articulation joint between them. The shaft consists of a proximal segment and a distal segment that can articulate relative to each other, allowing independent movement and positioning of the distal end effector while keeping the proximal handle portion stable and manageable by the clinician
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 instrument achieves precise stapling and severing with simultaneous application of a tissue repair composition, enhancing hemostasis and reducing post-surgical bleeding by distributing the buttress material evenly across the stapled area.
Implementation Method 1
E-beam firing bar that drives staples through tissue while cutting
Implementation Method 2
buttress pad with a hook-and-loop attachment to distribute and secure a tissue repair composition
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, a deck disposed over the plurality of staples, and a fastener insert tip including a plurality of hooks. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The instrument includes a fastener insert including hooks, and the fastener insert is removably received in the anvil. A buttress is attached to one or both of the anvil and the cartridge via the hooks.