Surgical Stapler Jaw Guard Layout for Standard Trocar Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face issues with increased tool diameter due to tissue guards covering the outer side of the jaw, leading to restrictions on using standard trocars and larger incisions, which can complicate laparoscopic surgery.
Innovation Solution
The end tool design incorporates guard parts positioned within the cartridge accommodation part, allowing for a reduced overall diameter that fits standard trocars, while preventing tissue insertion beyond the stapling region by positioning guard parts between the cartridge and side walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tissue guards are positioned to cover the outer side of the jaw, then tissue insertion beyond the stapling region is prevented, but the tool diameter increases requiring larger incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The guard parts are repositioned from the outer side of the jaw to the interior space of the cartridge accommodation part. This spatial relocation moves the tissue blocking function from a lateral dimension to a longitudinal dimension within the cartridge housing, allowing the guard to prevent tissue over-insertion without increasing the tool's external diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard parts are nested within the cartridge accommodation part, utilizing the existing internal space of the cartridge housing. This nesting approach allows the guard structure to be contained within the tool's existing footprint, preventing tissue over-insertion while maintaining a compact tool diameter that fits standard trocars.
2Length of stationary object
If guard parts are positioned within the cartridge accommodation part, then tool diameter is reduced to fit standard trocars, but tissue blocking function must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The guard parts extend in the longitudinal direction within the cartridge accommodation part, creating a tissue barrier that projects toward the jaw opening. This longitudinal extension allows the guard to effectively block tissue over-insertion while maintaining a compact lateral profile that fits standard trocars.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard parts act as an intermediary structure positioned between the cartridge and the jaw opening. This intermediate placement allows the guard to perform the tissue blocking function without requiring direct contact with the jaw's outer surface, enabling effective tissue control while maintaining a reduced tool diameter.
3Length of moving object
If standard trocars are used, then incision size is reduced, but tool diameter must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The guard parts are nested within the existing cartridge accommodation part structure, utilizing internal space rather than adding external bulk. This nesting allows the tool to maintain a compact diameter compatible with standard trocars while incorporating the additional tissue blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge accommodation part serves multiple functions: it houses the cartridge and now also contains the guard parts. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to provide both cartridge support and tissue blocking, reducing the need for additional components that would increase tool diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an end tool and a surgical instrument. The end tool includes a first jaw configured to be rotatable around a pitch rotation shaft and including a cartridge accommodation part configured to accommodate a cartridge therein, a second jaw facing the first jaw and configured to perform a relative rotational motion with respect to the first jaw, and the cartridge accommodated in the cartridge accommodation part and including a plurality of staples, wherein the second jaw includes guard parts extending toward the first jaw, such that at least one region of each of the guard parts is positioned in the cartridge accommodation part during the relative rotational motion of the second jaw with respect to the first jaw.