Surgical End Effector Frame for Adjunct Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers often cause leaks and inflammation due to staple holes and lack of tissue-like characteristics, leading to complications in tissue closure and healing.
Innovation Solution
A frame with retaining features is designed to securely attach an adjunct material to the jaw of a surgical instrument's end effector, allowing for efficient coupling and release of the material during stapling, which helps in minimizing leaks and inflammation while maintaining tissue integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical staplers are used to close tissue openings, then tissue closure is achieved, but leaks occur through staple holes and inflammation results from tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
A frame with retaining features is introduced as an intermediary component between the staple cartridge and the tissue. The frame provides a structural platform that holds adjunct materials (such as sealants or tissue reinforcement materials) in position during stapling, allowing these materials to fill staple holes and reduce leaks while the staples provide primary closure
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines multiple materials with different functions: staples for mechanical closure, adjunct materials (which may be biologic, synthetic, or hybrid) for sealing and reinforcement, and a frame structure for positioning. This composite approach addresses both the closure function and the harmful effects of staple holes simultaneously
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adjunct material is attached to the end effector, then tissue trauma and leaks are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is segmented into distinct functional components: the staple cartridge, the frame with retaining features, and the adjunct material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy attachment and removal of the adjunct material for reuse
Solution Approach 2:
The frame with retaining features serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the adjunct material, and interfaces with both the staple cartridge and the tissue. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Productivity
If adjunct material is securely attached to the jaw, then material placement efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining features are designed to provide dynamic attachment - securely holding the adjunct material in place during the stapling operation, yet allowing for relatively easy removal afterward. This dynamic characteristic enables both efficient material placement and convenient operation
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments of a frame (200) for attaching an adjunct (220) to an end effector of a surgical device are provided. In one embodiment, the end effector can include upper (202) and lower jaws, and the frame can include features (210) for releasably engaging one of the jaws. The frame can also include retaining features (222) for coupling an adjunct to a tissue-facing surface of the frame, thereby releasably coupling the adjunct material to the jaw of the end effector. In some implementations, the frame can include a plurality of retaining features (222) that are configured to engage the adjunct material (220) to create a tension in the adjunct material, which can further assist with securing the frame to the jaw. In other embodiments, a removable applicator member (360) is provided for retaining at least one adjunct material and for aligning and coupling the adjunct material to a frame.