Surgical Stapler Jaw Opening Mechanism for Precise Tissue Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical staplers lack efficient mechanisms for articulation and jaw opening features that facilitate precise positioning and sealing of tissue layers during endoscopic and open surgical procedures, particularly in thoracic surgeries.

Innovation Solution

The surgical stapler incorporates an articulation section and a jaw opening mechanism that allows for lateral deflection and longitudinal translation of the end effector, enabling precise positioning and sealing of tissue layers, with motorized control for enhanced precision and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional open surgical devices are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but post-operative recovery time is extended and complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical outcomeVSAvoidrecovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional open surgical mechanical access with endoscopic mechanical systems, using a stapler device that can be inserted through a trocar cannula to perform stapling and cutting functions minimally invasively, thereby reducing recovery time while maintaining surgical effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the stapler jaw remains closed after firing, then tissue sealing is maintained, but jaw opening for cartridge replacement becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sealingVSAvoidjaw opening mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a lockout mechanism that prevents the jaw from opening unless specific conditions are met (such as proper cartridge installation), thereby automating the jaw opening process and reducing the complexity of manual manipulation required for cartridge replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If articulation features are added to the stapler, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidarticulation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stapler device into modular components including an articulation section with discrete articulation joints that can be independently controlled, allowing precise positioning of the end effector while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12605155B2Jaw opening feature for surgical stapler

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a lower jaw, an anvil, and a resilient member. The anvil is pivotable relative to the lower jaw between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. The resilient member is configured to bias the anvil to remain in the fully opened position when the anvil is in the fully opened position. The end effector may include a closure ring coupled with the anvil that is translatable relative to the lower jaw and configured to engage the anvil at an interface as the closure ring translates proximally relative to the lower jaw to thereby pivot the anvil relative to the lower jaw toward the fully opened position. In various embodiments, the resilient member may comprise elastomeric material positioned between the closure ring and the anvil or a pair of springs or resilient arms that engage the anvil.