Surgical Staple with Deformable Members for Tissue Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers face challenges in effectively reducing bleeding and providing uniform compressive force during tissue closure, particularly in gastric bypass procedures, due to limitations in staple design and material usage.
Innovation Solution
The development of surgical staples with deformable members and dissolvable or bioabsorbable crowns that apply compressive force, combined with a staple cartridge and anvil configuration that includes releasable pocket elements and a 'breakaway' washer, to enhance tissue compression and reduce bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If surgical staplers use traditional staple design without deformable members, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to apply uniform compressive force and reduce bleeding is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The staple incorporates deformable members that dynamically change shape during deployment. The deformable members transition from a compressed state in the cartridge to an expanded state upon deployment, automatically adapting to tissue thickness and providing uniform compressive force without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple combines dissolvable crown material with non-dissolvable deformable member material, creating a composite structure that provides both temporary compression during healing and long-term structural support if needed. This composite approach enables sophisticated functionality while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical staplers use dissolvable crown material, then tissue damage is reduced and healing is improved, but the initial structural strength and compression capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The staple is segmented into two functional components: a dissolvable crown portion that contacts tissue and causes minimal damage, and indestructible deformable members that provide the mechanical compression force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable members are pre-compressed within the staple cartridge during manufacturing. When the staple is deployed, this pre-stored compression energy is immediately released, providing strong initial compressive force on the tissue before the dissolvable crown begins to break down. This preliminary action ensures adequate compression is established from the start of the healing process.
3Reliability
If surgical staplers include releasable pocket elements and breakaway washer, then tissue closure quality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket elements and breakaway washer are designed as separate, removable components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the anvil. This extraction approach allows each component to be optimized and manufactured using specialized processes, then combined through relatively simple assembly operations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of parts.
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 solution improves tissue closure by reducing bleeding and providing consistent compressive force, allowing for efficient gastric bypass procedures with reduced tissue damage and improved healing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the crown can be at least partially comprised of a dissolvable or bioabsorbable material
Implementation Method 2
the crown can be at least partially comprised of a dissolvable or bioabsorbable material
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.