Surgical Stapler Sled Assembly for Articulating Triple-Driver Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue with precise control and flexibility, particularly in articulating configurations, and there is a need for improved staple cartridge designs that enhance functionality and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical stapler sled assembly with a triple driver configuration and a flexible firing drive system, along with a staple cartridge featuring enhanced alignment and leveraging features, allows for improved tissue stapling and cutting capabilities, including articulation and ease of cartridge installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional single-driver configuration is used in surgical staplers, then the device structure is simpler, but the precision and control in stapling and cutting operations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single driver is divided into three separate drivers (first, second, and third drivers) arranged in a triple driver configuration. Each driver can be independently controlled to perform specific functions such as stapling and cutting, thereby improving precision while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The drivers are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the sled assembly, allowing for enhanced control and precision in multiple directions. This spatial arrangement enables independent actuation of each driver for sophisticated stapling and cutting operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid firing drive system is used, then the mechanical strength is sufficient, but the adaptability in articulating configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The firing drive system incorporates flexible elements that allow dynamic adaptation to articulating configurations. The system can flex and bend to accommodate different angular positions while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength through the resilient nature of the flexible components
Solution Approach 2:
The firing drive system utilizes flexible components such as flexible circuits, flexible membranes, or elastic elements that provide both the necessary strength and the adaptability required for articulating configurations, allowing the system to bend and flex without compromising structural integrity
3Ease of operation
If the staple cartridge design lacks alignment features, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the ease of cartridge installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as alignment pins, grooves, or keyed interfaces are pre-formed during the cartridge manufacturing process. These features are built into the cartridge housing and anvil assembly beforehand, ensuring proper alignment during installation without requiring additional complex manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features act as intermediary elements between the cartridge housing and anvil assembly, facilitating proper positioning and engagement. These features serve as mechanical mediators that guide the cartridge into correct alignment during installation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
4Manufacturing precision
If a complex sled assembly is used to achieve precise tissue stapling and cutting, then the functional performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drivers (first, second, and third drivers) are integrated into a single sled assembly that moves as one unit. The sled combines the functions of multiple drivers and the knife mechanism, allowing precise stapling and cutting operations while reducing overall system complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The sled assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it carries and actuates multiple drivers for stapling, positions the knife for cutting, and provides structural support for the entire mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device having at least one rotary input screw in the end effector is provided. A rotary input screw can extend through a central longitudinal portion of the end effector. The end effector can include an improved closure system, firing systems, leveraging and alignment features between the staple cartridge and the surgical device, staple cartridges having multi-staple drivers, single-firing knifes and lockout/safety features for the same, and/or modified staple patterns, for example. Certain components can be 3D-printed components.