Surgical Buttress Hook Assembly for Simplified Stapler Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling apparatus require complex and costly manual attachment of surgical buttresses in the operating room, which complicates the procedure and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling apparatus with a hook assembly that releasably secures anvil and cartridge buttresses to the staple cartridge assembly, allowing for a simple, cost-effective attachment process through a single fixture, enabling direct application of surgical buttresses without dedicated tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual attachment of surgical buttresses is performed in the operating room, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but the procedure becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is pre-installed on the staple cartridge assembly during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex manual attachment procedures in the operating room. The buttress material is designed with features that interface with this pre-installed hook assembly, allowing for simple attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly automatically engages with the buttress material when the loading unit is assembled, requiring no additional tools or complex procedures. The design allows the components to attach themselves through simple insertion and engagement movements.
2Ease of operation
If automated attachment process is used, then buttress attachment is simplified, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly and buttress material are designed to attach automatically through simple mechanical engagement without requiring expensive automated attachment equipment. The loading unit design allows for manual assembly using basic tools or even hand manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook assembly is integrated into the disposable staple cartridge assembly, eliminating the need for expensive reusable automated attachment devices. Each loading unit is designed to be replaced rather than maintained, reducing equipment costs.
3Reliability
If complex manual attachment procedure is used, then surgical buttresses can be attached, but assembly steps increase and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is pre-positioned on the staple cartridge assembly during manufacturing, so that during surgery the buttress material can be quickly attached without requiring complex alignment or multiple assembly steps. The pre-positioned hook eliminates time-consuming adjustment procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If dedicated tools are used for attachment, then precise attachment is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly and buttress material are designed with complementary geometries that achieve precise attachment through simple mechanical engagement. The self-aligning features of the hook and buttress interface eliminate the need for dedicated alignment tools or complex positioning equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a loading unit and a surgical buttress assembly. The loading unit includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge having a tissue facing surface including staple pockets and a central longitudinal slot defined therethrough and a hook assembly extending outwardly from the tissue facing surface. The surgical buttress assembly includes an anvil buttress and a cartridge buttress. Each of the anvil and cartridge buttresses includes a body, a proximal tab, and a distal tab. The anvil and cartridge buttresses are interconnected at a junction of the proximal tabs and the surgical buttress assembly is folded at the junction such that the proximal tabs substantially overlie one another. The proximal tabs are engaged with the hook assembly to releasably secure the proximal tabs of the anvil and cartridge buttresses to the staple cartridge assembly.