Circular Stapler Lockable Flexible Shaft Anvil Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack an efficient mechanism for accurately positioning the anvil relative to the stapling head, making it difficult to ensure proper tissue alignment and staple formation during anastomotic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A circular surgical stapling instrument with a trocar and anvil system, where the anvil is selectively coupleable to a trocar with a rotating knob to adjust the gap distance, and a moveable indicator bar to visually confirm the anvil's position, ensuring precise alignment and staple formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the anvil is selectively coupleable to the trocar with a rotating knob to adjust the gap distance, then the alignment precision of tissue layers is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is made selectively coupleable to the trocar through a rotating knob mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the gap distance between the anvil and stapling head. This enables the device to adapt to different tissue thicknesses and alignment requirements, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
A moveable indicator bar is incorporated to visually confirm the anvil's position relative to the stapling head. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to observe the gap distance and make precise adjustments, ensuring proper tissue alignment without increasing mechanical complexity
2Measurement precision
If a moveable indicator bar is added to visually confirm the anvil's position, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable indicator bar provides visual feedback on the anvil's position relative to the stapling head. This simple optical feedback mechanism enables precise measurement of the gap distance without requiring complex electronic sensors or measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator bar system is self-contained and provides automatic visual confirmation of positioning. The surgeon can directly observe the indicator to determine when proper alignment is achieved, eliminating the need for additional measurement tools or complex calibration procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A circular stapler apparatus and method for stapling tissue include a shaft assembly and an anvil. The anvil is configured to proximally retract toward the shaft assembly, which at least severs or staples tissue based on a single rotary input. The shaft assembly includes a plurality of joint segments, and each joint segment includes a resilient member. The plurality of joint segments are configured to pivot relative to one another in a first, uncompressed position and are configured to lock against one another to prevent pivoting in a second, compressed position. A first plurality of joint segments defines a proximal portion that is attached to a first cable or shaft. A second plurality of joint segments defines a distal portion that is selectively lockable independent of the proximal portion and that is attached to a second cable or shaft.