Circular Stapler with Trocar Light Source for Anastomosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical stapling devices for circular anastomosis and hemorrhoid treatment often require simultaneous actuation of staple formation and tissue cutting, which can be challenging due to the need for precise alignment and increased force requirements, potentially leading to suboptimal staple formation and tissue handling.

Innovation Solution

A surgical stapling device with a handle assembly, elongate body, cartridge assembly, trocar, and integrated light source, where the light source, such as a laser, is used to project a focused beam to assist in tissue puncture alignment, and the stapling mechanism is designed for two independent strokes to separate staple formation and tissue cutting, reducing the force needed for cutting and allowing for better control over staple placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If simultaneous actuation of staple formation and tissue cutting is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to challenging alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidstaple formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical device separates the simultaneous actuation mechanism into independent components: a first actuator for staple formation and a second actuator for tissue cutting. This segmentation allows each function to be controlled independently, eliminating alignment challenges while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If simultaneous actuation of staple formation and tissue cutting is used, then productivity is improved, but force requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidactuation force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the actuation system into separate first and second actuators, each optimized for its specific function. This segmentation reduces the force requirements for each individual actuator compared to a single simultaneous actuation system, while maintaining the productivity benefit of coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If independent two-stroke actuation is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestaple formation precisionVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the first actuator and second actuator into a single integrated surgical device with shared structural components. This merging approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the precision benefits of independent actuation for staple formation and tissue cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device enables precise staple placement and reduced force requirements for tissue cutting, improving the consistency and quality of anastomosis and hemorrhoid treatment by allowing independent control of staple formation and cutting functions, enhancing hemostasis and anastomotic joint strength.

Implementation Method 1

The light source is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the trocar, and is configured to project a light beam distally of the trocar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2997908B1Device for performing a surgical anastomosis
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP2997908B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2997908B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2997908B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A circular stapler is disclosed. The circular stapler includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, a cartridge assembly, a trocar, and a light source. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body and includes a pusher assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The trocar is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the cartridge assembly and is longitudinally advanceable to puncture tissue. The light source is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the trocar, and is configured to project a light beam distally of the trocar.