Surgical Stapler Independent Jaw Control Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical cutting and stapling instruments lack independent jaw control, making it difficult to precisely manipulate and articulate the end effector relative to the elongated shaft assembly, which can lead to inconsistent staple formation and tissue cutting during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a unique articulation system where the end effector, including a surgical stapling device with openable and closable jaws, is articulated relative to the elongated shaft assembly about a common pivot axis, allowing separate control of the elongated channel and anvil assembly, enabling precise movement and staple formation regardless of tissue thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the end effector is articulated relative to the elongated shaft assembly about a common pivot axis with separate control, then precision and flexibility in manipulating the end effector is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent components: a first control member for actuating the elongated channel and a second control member for actuating the anvil assembly. This segmentation allows each control member to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anvil assembly is made dynamically adjustable relative to the elongated channel through independent control. The anvil can be selectively moved between different positions along the longitudinal axis, allowing the system to adapt to varying tissue thicknesses while maintaining stable staple formation.
2Reliability
If independent control of jaws is implemented, then consistency in staple formation across varying tissue thicknesses is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw control is segmented into independent first and second control members that can be operated separately. This allows the surgeon to independently adjust the elongated channel and anvil positions to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses, ensuring consistent staple formation without requiring complex coordinated manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-adjustment capability where the anvil assembly can be independently positioned relative to the elongated channel based on tissue thickness requirements. This self-service feature maintains reliability across different surgical conditions while keeping the operation straightforward through intuitive independent control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control of elongated channel and anvil assembly is provided, then adaptability to different tissue thicknesses is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptability is achieved through segmented control where the first control member independently adjusts the elongated channel position and the second control member independently adjusts the anvil assembly position. This segmentation provides versatile adaptation to different tissue thicknesses while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustability where the anvil assembly can be selectively repositioned along the longitudinal axis relative to the elongated channel. This dynamic capability allows real-time adaptation to varying tissue thicknesses during surgical procedures without requiring a completely redesigned complex system.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector that comprises a lower jaw and an upper jaw that are supported for movable travel toward and away from each other. The instrument may further include a firing member that is operably supported for selective operable travel within the surgical end effector. The instrument may also include a first jaw closure system that operably interfaces with the lower jaw and is configured to selectively move the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A second jaw closure system operably interfaces with the upper jaw and is configured to selectively move the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member and is configured to apply firing motions to the firing member to move the firing member within the end effector.