Surgical Stapler Reload Shaft With Lockout and Articulating Jaw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges with complex mechanisms that increase manufacturing burdens and potential device failure, and user confusion due to multiple triggers and handles.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with an elongate shaft, jaw assembly, and handle assembly, featuring an articulation joint, flexible drive member, and bayonet connection for simplified operation, including a lockout mechanism to prevent firing without a reload, and a reload assembly with a shaft coupler for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms with multiple triggers and handles are used to ensure proper tissue positioning and stapling, then stapling reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a handle assembly, an elongate shaft, and a jaw assembly that can be separately manufactured and assembled. The jaw assembly includes a reload mechanism that can be independently replaced, separating the complex stapling function from the simple handle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex jaw assembly with multiple triggers and handles is extracted and replaced by a simplified handle assembly that interfaces with a pre-configured jaw assembly. The jaw assembly is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated triggers and handles, removing complexity from the main device architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple triggers and handles are incorporated to provide proper stapling functionality, then stapling precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed as a universal interface that works with different jaw assembly configurations. The single handle performs multiple functions: positioning, clamping, and triggering the reload mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate controls and reducing user confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is designed as a self-contained unit with integrated triggers and handles that automatically position and fire staples when the reload is inserted. The system serves itself by using the jaw assembly's own structure to perform positioning and stapling functions without requiring separate control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reload mechanism is added to enable staple replacement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reload mechanism is segmented as a separate, replaceable component that interfaces with the jaw assembly. The reload can be independently manufactured, stored, and replaced without affecting the handle assembly or other device components, enabling easy adaptation to different stapling needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reload mechanism is nested within the jaw assembly structure, with the reload fitting into a dedicated receptacle. The jaw assembly contains the reload in a compact configuration, allowing the reload to be easily inserted and removed while maintaining a streamlined overall device structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies the stapling process, reduces manufacturing complexity, and minimizes device failure, enhancing user clarity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The drive member has a flexible segment extending through the articulation joint
Implementation Method 2
The shaft coupler can be configured to engage a coupler on a handle assembly in a bayonet connection
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling system can include a reload shaft. The shaft can include an elongate tubular member with have a jaw assembly at the distal end thereof and a coupling collar at the proximal end thereof. The shaft assembly also includes an articulation joint coupling the jaw assembly to the distal end. A drive member and an articulation member extend within the tubular body of the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end. A firing member is connected to the distal end of the drive member such that advancement of the drive beam advances the firing member to close the jaw assemblies and fire staples from a reload positioned in the jaw assembly. The shaft assembly can also include a lockout mechanism to prevent a firing operation on a previously-fired reload or no reload.