Linear Surgical Stapler Latch for Hang-Open and Firing Interlock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear surgical staplers lack efficient mechanisms for securely clamping, cutting, and stapling tissue layers during gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures, with issues in maintaining the stapler in a hang-open state and preventing unintended firing.

Innovation Solution

The linear surgical stapler features a cartridge half and an anvil half that securely clamp tissue, a firing assembly for simultaneous cutting and stapling, and a retaining assembly with a hang-open feature and clamp lever latch to maintain the stapler in an open state, ensuring safe and effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stapler halves are designed to be securely clamped together for simultaneous cutting and stapling, then the reliability of tissue sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment and coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sealing reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stapler is divided into two separate halves (cartridge half and anvil half) that can be independently handled and then coupled together. This segmentation allows each half to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability through precise coupling features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism uses nested geometric features where protrusions on one half fit into corresponding recesses on the other half. This nesting approach ensures precise alignment and secure connection without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the clamp lever is designed to be easily manipulated with one hand, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining the hang-open state may worsen due to reduced clamping force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp lever manipulationVSAvoidhang-open state maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp lever is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot between open and closed positions. The lever incorporates a latch mechanism that dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states, allowing easy one-handed operation while reliably maintaining the hang-open state when latched.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A latch member acts as an intermediary between the clamp lever and the stapler halves. This latch provides the additional securing function needed to maintain the hang-open state without requiring the surgeon to exert continuous manual force, thus preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the firing assembly is designed for simultaneous cutting and stapling, then the productivity of the surgical procedure is improved, but the risk of unintended firing increases, worsening the safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting and stapling efficiencyVSAvoidunintended firing risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting and stapling functions are merged into a single simultaneous action through the firing assembly. The knife and staple drivers are coupled such that both actions occur together when the trigger is pulled, improving surgical efficiency by eliminating sequential steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the firing assembly from actuating unless the clamp lever is properly closed and latched. This safety interlock ensures that cutting and stapling cannot occur unintentionally, counteracting the potential harm before it can happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Manufacturing precision

If the stapler halves are designed with precise alignment features for reliable stapling, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture worsens due to tighter tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapler halves alignmentVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling features between stapler halves use asymmetric geometric shapes with unique protrusion and recess configurations. This asymmetry provides self-aligning properties that guide the halves into correct orientation during assembly, maintaining high precision while simplifying the manufacturing process through natural alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20260026818A1Linear surgical stapler

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

An apparatus includes first and second elongate members having first and second stapling surfaces and being configured to releasably couple together. A clamp member is movable from a first position to a second position to approximate the stapling surfaces for clamping tissue. A latch member is transitionable from an unlatched state to a latched state to releasably retain the clamp member in the second position. A firing assembly is actuatable from a home position to fire staples into the clamped tissue. The latch member is transitionable from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is in the home position. The latch member is inhibited from transitioning from the unlatched state to the latched state when the clamp member is in the second position while the firing assembly is displaced from the home position.