Surgical End Effector with Asymmetric Deformable Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in maneuverability and visualization during procedures, particularly when dealing with large vessels, as they often require multiple cuts and staples along a continuous path, and existing designs may not provide adequate visibility or atraumatic tissue handling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an end effector with an angled anvil and cartridge, featuring a tapered shape for enhanced visibility and maneuverability, along with a deformable placement tip that can deflect to accommodate tissue, allowing for smoother insertion and reduced trauma during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid end effector design is used, then structural stability is maintained, but tissue trauma increases and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates a deformable tip section that can dynamically change its shape and flexibility. The tip includes a first portion and a second portion that can deflect relative to each other, allowing the end effector to adapt its rigidity based on operational needs - rigid for structural stability during stapling, and flexible for atraumatic tissue handling and insertion.
2Device complexity
If a straight end effector design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but visualization and maneuverability in complex anatomical paths deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector transitions from a straight configuration to a bent configuration through the deflectable tip portions. This dimensional change allows the end effector to navigate complex anatomical paths and improve visualization of the surgical site without requiring a completely complex articulated structure, maintaining relative simplicity while gaining maneuverability.
3Reliability
If multiple separate cuts and staples are performed, then complete vessel transection is achieved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tip design enables continuous engagement with tissue during the stapling and cutting process. The tip can deflect and conform to tissue contours, maintaining continuous contact and force application throughout the procedure, which allows for more efficient sequential stapling and cutting actions without requiring repeated repositioning or breaking of engagement.
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
This configuration improves visualization and tissue handling, enabling easier insertion and manipulation of the end effector, particularly in procedures involving large vessels, while maintaining the ability to perform sequential cuts and staples with reduced tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable placement tip that can deflect to accommodate tissue, allowing for smoother insertion and reduced trauma during procedures
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft extends from the body and defines a shaft axis extending longitudinally along the shaft. The end effector is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector includes first and second opposing jaws, a staple cartridge, and a placement tip. At least one of the jaws is movable relative to the other jaw between an open position and a closed position. The staple cartridge is coupled with the second jaw. The placement tip extends from a distal end of one of the jaws and includes proximal and distal portions. The distal portion includes an asymmetric profile along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal portion includes a tip axis defined by a tip of the distal portion. The shaft axis and the tip axis define an angle that is selectively adjustable.