Surgical Stapling Device with PFC Oxygen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling devices often fail to ensure adequate oxygenation of tissue at the anastomosis site, leading to potential tissue necrosis and post-operative complications like leakage and sepsis.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a perfluorocarbon (PFC) solution reservoir within the staple cartridge, which is injected into the tissue during stapling using nanoneedles to improve oxygenation, specifically designed to be delivered through the device's actuation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional surgical stapling devices are used to join tissue quickly and efficiently, then productivity is improved, but tissue oxygenation is insufficient leading to necrosis and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stapling function with the oxygen delivery function into a single integrated device. The stapling device includes both staple ejection mechanisms and PFC solution delivery systems with nanoneedles, allowing simultaneous stapling and oxygenation of tissue at the anastomosis site, thereby resolving the contradiction between rapid stapling and adequate tissue oxygenation
Solution Approach 2:
The device delivers oxygen to the tissue before and during the stapling process through PFC solution injection via nanoneedles. This preliminary oxygenation prevents tissue necrosis that would otherwise occur during the stapling procedure, ensuring tissue viability while maintaining stapling efficiency
2Strength
If staples are ejected through tissue to join vessel sections, then the joining function is achieved, but tissue necrosis occurs due to inadequate oxygenation
Solution Approach 1:
The PFC solution acts as an intermediary substance that carries oxygen to the stapled tissue. The nanoneedles deliver the PFC solution directly to the tissue at the anastomosis site, providing a mediator that enables oxygen transport through the stapled area and prevents necrosis while maintaining the joining function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and composition of oxygen delivery by using perfluorocarbon solution that can carry oxygen in liquid form. The PFC solution is injected through nanoneedles directly into the stapled tissue, changing the method of oxygen delivery from atmospheric diffusion to direct liquid-phase oxygen transport, thereby preventing necrosis
3Device complexity
If the surgical device includes only stapling components, then device complexity is low, but it cannot improve tissue oxygenation
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device is designed with multi-functionality, combining stapling, cutting, and oxygen delivery capabilities in a single instrument. The device includes both traditional stapling components and integrated PFC solution reservoirs with nanoneedles, allowing it to perform multiple functions (stapling, cutting, and oxygenation) without requiring separate devices, thus balancing complexity with enhanced reliability
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
Enhances tissue oxygenation, reducing the risk of necrosis and complications by delivering oxygen to ischemic regions during surgical procedures, particularly beneficial in procedures with limited tissue.
Implementation Method 1
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are a class of synthetic compounds that have the unique ability to carry and release oxygen. PFCs have been used in various medical applications, including oxygen delivery to tissues, due to their high oxygen-carrying capacity and biocompatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that has a staple cartridge that includes a perfluorocarbon (hereinafter “PFC”) solution that is injected into tissue when the surgical stapling device is fired to improve oxygenation of tissue being treated. In aspects of the disclosure, the tool assembly of the surgical stapling device includes a staple cartridge that has staples that are supported on pushers and an actuation sled that is movable through the staple cartridge into engagement with the pushers to eject staples from the staple cartridge. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the PFC solution is contained within the pushers of a staple cartridge of the tool assembly and the actuation sled includes protrusions that engage the pushers to eject the PFC solution from the pushers when the stapling device is fired.