Surgical Stapler End Effector with Oblique Staple Crossings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack the ability to efficiently and effectively articulate and position themselves for precise tissue manipulation and stapling, especially in complex anatomical regions like the liver, requiring multiple instruments and increasing procedural time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling instrument with an articulating end effector that includes a pivotable anvil and staple cartridge, allowing for precise tissue manipulation and stapling, featuring a curved design for improved access and a wedge sled mechanism for driving staples, enabling efficient tissue severing and ligation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional surgical staplers are used, then multiple instruments are required for crushing and stapling tasks, but this increases procedural complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surgical functions (crushing, stapling, and cutting) into a single integrated end effector assembly. The anvil is configured to perform both crushing and stapling operations, eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple surgical tasks including tissue crushing, stapling, and cutting through the integrated anvil structure. This multi-functional design allows a single instrument to replace multiple traditional surgical tools, streamlining the procedure
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional surgical staplers are used, then multiple instruments are required for crushing and stapling tasks, but this increases the number of instruments needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple surgical instruments into a single end effector assembly. The integrated anvil structure enables both crushing and stapling operations to be performed by one instrument, reducing the total quantity of instruments required from multiple separate tools to a single multi-functional device
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a universal surgical tool that consolidates multiple functions (crushing, stapling, cutting) into one instrument. This reduces the number of instruments needed in the procedure while maintaining the ability to perform diverse surgical tasks
3Ease of operation
If surgical staplers lack articulation capability, then access to complex anatomical regions is limited, but adding articulation increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is designed with pivotable and articulating capabilities that allow it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation during the surgical procedure. This dynamic configuration enables access to complex anatomical regions while the articulation is integrated into the existing end effector structure, minimizing additional complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes an anvil that is configured to form a plurality of staples pressed against the anvil. The first and second jaws are configured to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The staple cartridge is received within the second jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck and a plurality of staples. The deck has a plurality of staple openings. The staples are positioned within respective staple openings. At least one of the staple openings obliquely crosses a centerline of the end effector.