Surgical Stapler Threaded Rod Gap Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling systems face challenges in maintaining consistent staple firing due to uneven gaps between the anvil and staple cartridge, leading to inconsistent tissue compression and staple deployment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a surgical stapling system with a threaded rod and nut mechanism that compensates for uneven gaps by adjusting the distance between the staple cartridge and anvil, ensuring consistent tissue compression and staple firing through a firing member with cams and a knife for tissue incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed distance mechanism is used between staple cartridge and anvil, then the device structure is simple, but the tissue compression consistency deteriorates due to uneven gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the distance between the staple cartridge and anvil can be adjusted based on the actual gap. The system includes adjustment members that allow the staple cartridge to be positioned at different distances from the anvil, transforming a static fixed-distance structure into a dynamic adjustable one to compensate for uneven gaps and ensure consistent tissue compression.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual gap adjustment is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and precision deteriorate due to inconsistent staple firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a self-adjusting mechanism where the system automatically compensates for uneven gaps between the anvil and staple cartridge. The adjustment mechanism is designed to self-regulate the distance based on the actual gap conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent staple deployment without requiring operator skill or time-consuming adjustments.
3Reliability
If no gap compensation is used, then the device complexity is minimal, but the reliability deteriorates due to inconsistent tissue compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism that acts as a mediator between the staple cartridge and anvil. This mechanism includes adjustment members and positioning structures that facilitate controlled distance adjustment, serving as an intermediary element that enables reliable staple firing by ensuring consistent tissue compression while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through modular design.
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
This solution ensures consistent staple deployment and tissue compression, improving the reliability and precision of the stapling process by maintaining uniform tissue gap settings during staple firing.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod and nut mechanism that compensates for uneven gaps by adjusting the distance between the staple cartridge and anvil
Implementation Method 2
ensuring consistent tissue compression and staple firing through a firing member with cams and a knife for tissue incision
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft comprising a distal end including a concave surface, an end effector assembly comprising a proximal end including a convex surface, wherein the convex surface is received by the concave surface of the elongate shaft, and wherein the convex surface comprises a first slot and a second slot defined therein, and an articulation assembly. The articulation assembly comprises a first articulation driver comprising a distal end including a first ball, wherein the first ball is received by the first slot and a second articulation driver comprising a distal end including a second ball, wherein the second ball is received by the second slot, and wherein the end effector assembly is rotated in a plane with respect to the elongate shaft when at least one of the first articulation driver and the second articulation driver are driven longitudinally.