Surgical Stapling Device Loading Unit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgical stapling devices face challenges due to limited rigidity, making it difficult to stabilize the tool assembly on the elongate shaft, which affects proper alignment and functionality during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a loading unit that includes a body portion with varying lengths and a seal member, designed to be releasably coupled to the elongate member, providing enhanced rigidity and stability through a frictional and sealing engagement, allowing for secure attachment and removal while maintaining a fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tool assembly is made smaller to fit endoscopic requirements, then the device can be used for less invasive surgery, but the rigidity and stability of the tool assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion is divided into multiple segments (first portion, second portion, third portion) with different functions. The second portion provides frictional engagement for stability, the first portion provides releasable attachment, and the third portion ensures proper alignment. This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension along the elongate member with varying diameters at different positions. The body portion has a first diameter at the first portion, second diameter at the second portion, and third diameter at the third portion. This dimensional variation along the length provides multiple engagement zones that enhance stability without increasing the overall cross-sectional size.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tool assembly is made smaller for endoscopic use, then patient trauma is reduced, but the alignment precision between staple pockets and deforming pockets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The body portion is pre-configured with specific diameter variations and engagement features before attachment. The frictional engagement zone and sealing surfaces are predetermined to automatically guide and maintain proper alignment when the tool assembly is attached to the elongate member, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion acts as an intermediary element between the tool assembly and the elongate member. Its varying diameter profile and frictional engagement surfaces mediate the connection, ensuring that the tool assembly is held at the correct position and orientation relative to the elongate member, thereby maintaining alignment precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a secure connection is made between the tool assembly and elongate member, then stability is improved, but the ease of attachment and removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The first portion provides releasable attachment that can be easily engaged and disengaged, while the second portion provides frictional engagement that can be adjusted. This allows the connection to transition between easily attachable and securely fixed states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the body portion have different engagement characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first portion has releasable attachment features for easy connection, the second portion has frictional engagement surfaces for stable holding, and the third portion has sealing surfaces for fluid-tight connection. This localized differentiation of engagement qualities optimizes both ease of attachment and connection stability.
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 enhances the stability and rigidity of the tool assembly, improving control and alignment during surgical procedures, reducing patient trauma and recovery time by ensuring proper staple formation and tissue handling.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion is dimensioned to provide a frictional contact with the elongate member
Implementation Method 2
The seal member may be formed of elastic or compressible material to form a fluid-tight seal against an inner surface of the elongate member
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes an elongate member and a loading unit. The loading unit includes a tool portion and a body portion including a first portion having a first length, a second portion having a second length, and a third portion having a third length. The first portion is configured to be releasably secured with the elongate member. The second portion is distal of the first portion and dimensioned to be received in the elongate member. The third portion is distal of the second portion. At least the second or third portion is configured to engage the elongate member in a sealing relation. The second length is greater than the first and third lengths. The third portion of the body portion is dimensioned to be flush with the elongate member when the first and second portions are received in the elongate member.