Surgical Stapler Buttress Application to Prevent Staple Pull-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack a reliable mechanism to reinforce the mechanical fastening of tissue by staples, leading to potential staple pull-through and tissue tearing at the application site.
Innovation Solution
A buttress material is applied to the surgical stapler's end effector, secured with an adhesive layer, to enhance the mechanical fastening of staples and prevent tissue tearing, comprising a buttress body made of strong yet flexible materials like polyglactin 910, which is adhered to the anvil or staple cartridge using adhesive layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If surgical staplers use traditional staple-only fastening, then the device structure remains simple, but the mechanical fastening strength is insufficient leading to staple pull-through and tissue tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a buttress material (such as collagen, polyglycolic acid, or other biocompatible materials) to the tissue surface adjacent to the staple line. This composite approach combines the mechanical fastening of staples with the reinforcement of buttress material, creating a hybrid structure that prevents staple pull-through and tissue tearing while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buttress material acts as an intermediary element between the staples and the tissue. It distributes the mechanical loads away from the staple-tissue interface, reducing stress concentration and preventing tissue failure. The buttress material mediates the interaction between the rigid staples and the soft tissue, improving overall fastening strength.
2Reliability
If buttress material is applied to reinforce staple line, then tissue tearing is prevented, but the application process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The buttress material is pre-applied to the tissue surface before stapling. This preliminary action ensures that the reinforcement is already in place when the staples are driven, eliminating the need for complex post-stapling application mechanisms and simplifying the overall device design while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed so that the application of buttress material and the stapling process work together in a coordinated manner. The stapler device itself can be used to apply or secure the buttress material, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for separate application tools or complex manual procedures.
3Strength
If buttress material is used to reinforce fastening, then staple pull-through is prevented, but the material selection and application time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical stapler device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can apply the buttress material, position it correctly, and then staple the tissue all in one integrated operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate steps required and minimizes application time while ensuring reliable fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explores various buttress material parameters such as viscosity, setting time, and mechanical properties to optimize the balance between reinforcement effectiveness and application speed. By carefully selecting materials with appropriate parameters, the system achieves strong fastening without requiring excessive application time.
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 buttress material effectively reinforces the staple line, preventing staple pull-through and tissue tearing, while providing structural support and potential therapeutic benefits such as hemostasis.
Implementation Method 1
secured with an adhesive layer, to enhance the mechanical fastening of staples
Data Source
AI summary
A buttress is applied to an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress is loaded on a platform of a buttress applier cartridge. The end effector is closed upon the platform. An adhesive layer of the buttress secures the buttress to the end effector. The buttress is thus adhered to the end effector when the end effector is opened. The end effector is then actuated on tissue of a patient, thereby stapling the buttress to the tissue.