Surgical Stapler with Inflatable Pusher Bags for Adjustable Line Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gas-powered stapling devices are limited by the length of the staple cartridge, restricting the adjustable length of the staple line, which can be shortened beyond the cartridge's length.
Innovation Solution
A gas-powered surgical stapling device with a handle assembly, elongate body, and end effector that includes pusher bags transformable between deflated and expanded conditions, allowing for sequential ejection of staples with a continuous feed mechanism, enabling adjustable staple line length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional staple cartridge is used with a sled traversing its length, then staples can be ejected sequentially, but the staple line length is limited to the cartridge length and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ejection function into multiple independent pusher bags (first, second, and third pusher bags) positioned at different locations within the jaw member. Each pusher bag can be independently inflated to eject staples from different positions, enabling segmented control of staple ejection sequences and adjustable staple line lengths without requiring a complete redesign of the staple cartridge system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static staple cartridge system into a dynamic one by using inflatable pusher bags that can be selectively activated. The system transitions from a fixed sled-traverse mechanism to a flexible gas-powered ejection system where the number and sequence of staple ejections can be dynamically controlled based on surgical needs
Solution Approach 3:
The invention replaces the mechanical sled-driven ejection mechanism with a pneumatic system using pressurized gas stored in the pusher bags. This allows for controlled, sequential ejection of staples by inflating specific pusher bags with gas, enabling adjustable staple line lengths while reducing the mechanical complexity associated with long-travel sled mechanisms
2Productivity
If pressurized gas is used to advance a drive member and sled, then staples can be ejected, but the sled must traverse the entire cartridge length before tissue release, limiting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher bags are pre-positioned within the jaw member and can be selectively inflated to eject staples at predetermined locations. This eliminates the need for the sled to traverse the entire cartridge length, as staples can be ejected in sequence from different positions without requiring complete mechanical traversal of the cartridge assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic pusher bag system enables rapid, localized staple ejection without the time-consuming mechanical traversal required by traditional sled mechanisms. Each pusher bag can be inflated independently and quickly to eject staples at the desired location, significantly reducing the time required for complete staple line formation
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 the formation of staple lines of increased length by sequentially ejecting staples with controlled pressurized gas, allowing clinicians to adjust the number of staples fired and thus the staple line length.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one pusher bag is transformable between a deflated condition and an expanded condition. Transformation of the at least one pusher bag from the deflated condition to the expanded condition ejects the at least one staple from the first jaw member.
Implementation Method 2
The handle assembly may include a gas supply assembly for supplying pressurized gas to the at least one pusher bag.
Data Source
AI summary
A stapling device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, and an end effector. The elongate body includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is operably disposed on the distal portion of the elongate body. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member pivotally secured relative to the first jaw member. The second jaw member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw member includes at least one pusher bag. The at least one pusher bag is transformable between a deflated condition and an expanded condition. The stapling device further includes at least one staple member releasably supported within the first jaw member. Transformation of the at least one pusher bag from the deflated condition to the expanded condition ejects the at least one staple from the first jaw member.