Surgical Stapling End Effector Articulation Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling systems face challenges in efficiently articulating the end effector to access deep tissue areas, such as the pelvic region, during procedures like lower anterior resection, due to limited articulation angles and structural constraints.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling system incorporates an articulation joint and lock mechanism that allows the end effector to rotate relative to the shaft, enabling a 110° articulation angle, and an asymmetric proximal closure member with notched areas to enhance maneuverability and clearance within the pelvic region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is made articulating to access deep tissue areas, then tissue accessibility is improved, but the structural complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular components: a shaft assembly, an articulation joint with lock mechanism, and an end effector. This segmentation allows the articulation joint to be added as a separate module that enables tissue accessibility without redesigning the entire system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation joint introduces dynamic capability to the previously rigid shaft-end effector connection. The joint allows controlled rotation between 0° and 110° to adapt to deep tissue angles, while the lock mechanism provides static stability when positioned. This dynamic-static combination improves accessibility without permanent structural complexity.
2Productivity
If the articulation angle is increased to 110° for deeper tissue access, then procedural effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member features asymmetric notched areas positioned at specific locations to work with the articulation joint's 110° rotation capability. This asymmetric design optimizes the mechanical interaction between the closure member and articulation joint, enabling greater articulation angles without adding complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is pre-configured to engage at specific articulation positions, particularly at the maximum 110° angle. This preliminary locking arrangement ensures that once the articulation joint reaches the desired angle, it is automatically secured without requiring additional active control, thereby achieving high procedural effectiveness without proportional increases in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the closure member is designed with notched areas for enhanced maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire closure member complex, the notched areas are localized to specific regions where they interact with the articulation joint. This localized modification provides the necessary maneuverability enhancement while keeping the majority of the closure member structure simple and easy to manufacture using standard molding or machining processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed. The system can comprise a replaceable staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, a proximal laterally-protruding lug, and a distal laterally-protruding lug. The system can further comprise a channel configured to receive the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the channel comprises a sidewall comprising a proximal receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive the proximal laterally-protruding lug and a distal receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive the distal laterally-protruding lug.