Stretchable Buttress Assembly for Surgical Stapler Tissue Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments lack a reliable mechanism to prevent staples from pulling through tissue and reduce the risk of tissue tearing at the site of application, particularly in applications where tissue expansion and contraction occur, such as with a lung during breathing.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable buttress assembly is integrated into the surgical stapler, comprising a buttress body made of elastic materials that can stretch and recover, secured to the staple cartridge and anvil using adhesive layers, to reinforce the mechanical fastening of tissue and accommodate tissue movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid buttress material is used to reinforce staple lines, then the mechanical strength and resistance to staple pull-through is improved, but the ability to accommodate tissue expansion and contraction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible buttress material with elastomeric properties that can stretch and conform to tissue movement while maintaining mechanical reinforcement. The material acts as a flexible shell that provides structural support without restricting tissue expansion and contraction, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining elastomeric polymers with reinforcing fibers or meshes. This creates a composite buttress material that exhibits both flexibility (from the elastomeric matrix) and enhanced mechanical strength (from the reinforcing elements), simultaneously addressing both requirements.
2Strength
If a non-stretchable buttress assembly is used, then the reinforcement of the staple line is maximized, but the risk of tissue tearing during tissue expansion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the buttress material by selecting elastomeric polymers with specific elongation properties. The material is engineered to stretch beyond 100% of its original length, allowing it to accommodate tissue expansion without creating stress concentrations that would lead to tissue tearing, while still providing adequate reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the buttress material dynamically adaptable to tissue movement. The elastomeric material can dynamically stretch and recoil with tissue expansion and contraction, maintaining constant reinforcement without creating fixed constraints that would cause tissue damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an extensible fiber structure is used in the buttress, then the ability to accommodate tissue expansion is improved, but the mechanical strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a composite structure where extensible fibers are embedded in or combined with elastomeric polymer matrices. The extensible fibers provide the necessary stretchability to accommodate tissue expansion, while the elastomeric matrix maintains overall structural integrity and mechanical strength through its viscoelastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the distribution, orientation, and density of extensible fibers within different regions of the buttress material. Areas requiring greater extensibility have higher fiber density or different fiber orientations, while maintaining adequate strength through strategic material placement and reinforcement patterns.
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 stretchable buttress assembly effectively reinforces the staple line, preventing staple pull-through and tissue tearing, while allowing for tissue expansion and contraction, enhancing the durability and effectiveness of the surgical stapling process.
Implementation Method 1
a biocompatible adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is applied to the first side of the planar fabric and is configured to removably adhere the planar fabric layer to an end effector of a surgical stapler
Implementation Method 2
the planar fabric layer comprises: (i) a plurality of extensible fibers arranged in a repeatable pattern, wherein the extensible fibers are oriented along respective paths that are each parallel to the stretch axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A stretchable buttress assembly includes a planar fabric layer and a biocompatible adhesive layer. The planar fabric layer is configured to stretch along a stretch axis. The planar fabric layer includes extensible fibers and non-extensible fibers. The extensible fibers are arranged in a repeatable pattern. The extensible fibers are oriented along respective paths that are each parallel to the stretch axis. The non-extensible fibers are arranged in a repeatable pattern and engaged with the extensible fibers. The adhesive layer is applied to the planar fabric and is configured to removably adhere the planar fabric layer to an end effector of a surgical stapler.