Surgical Stapler Jaw Closure and Firing for Precise Staple Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments lack efficient mechanisms for controlling separate rotary closure and firing systems, particularly in open and closable jaws, which can lead to improper staple alignment and inconsistent clamping forces during tissue stapling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling instrument with independent jaw closing and staple firing systems, featuring a quick-closure system for initial approximation and a high-force closure system for precise staple alignment, combined with an articulation joint for flexible tissue engagement, ensuring consistent clamping and staple deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integrated system is used for jaw closure and staple firing, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability of staple alignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into two independent systems: a jaw closure system with first and second closure members that pivot the jaw, and a separate staple firing system with a firing member that translates along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized independently for its specific function, ensuring precise staple alignment while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Reliability
If high clamping force is applied to ensure proper tissue compression, then stapling reliability improves, but the risk of tissue damage from excessive force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw closure system uses dynamic control with independently movable first and second closure members that can be actuated separately. This allows the system to apply and maintain optimal clamping force dynamically during the stapling process, ensuring reliable tissue compression without excessive force that could cause damage. The independent actuation enables precise control of the clamping sequence and force distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector movable between an open configuration and a clamped configuration, a closure drive configured to place said end effector in the clamped configuration, and a staple firing drive is disclosed. The stapling instrument further comprises a control system which utilizes the closure drive during a staple firing stroke of the staple firing drive to configure the end effector. The control system can also be operated to utilize the staple firing drive to close the end effector in lieu of the closure drive.