Surgical Stapler Jaw Assembly Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimally-invasive surgical procedures, the small size of access ports makes it difficult to perform effective manual suturing due to restricted access, as traditional suturing requires significant skill and is impractical in these settings, potentially reducing the benefits of minimally-invasive surgery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with a handle assembly, shaft assembly, and end-effector that includes a jaw assembly for clamping, stapling, and cutting, featuring a deployment assembly activated by a trigger and a mode switch member to facilitate stapling and cutting of tissues through a slim shaft, allowing for efficient operation within small access ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suturing tools are used in minimally-invasive procedures, then access port size must be increased to allow effective maneuvering, but this reduces the benefits of minimally-invasive surgery such as reduced trauma and quicker recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual suturing mechanics with an automated mechanical stapling system. The surgical stapler uses a drive assembly with a deployable needle and staple mechanism that automatically performs the suturing function through a small access port, eliminating the need for manual needle handling and complex suturing techniques while maintaining effective tissue closure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the needle, staple, and other surgical components are contained within the stapler body and delivered through a small access port. The deployable needle is stored within the stapler mechanism, and the staple cartridge is integrated into the jaw assembly, allowing the entire suturing system to pass through minimal incisions while performing complex surgical functions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If access ports are made smaller to maintain minimally-invasive benefits, then manual suturing becomes significantly difficult or nearly impossible, but this limits surgical options
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical stapler is designed to be self-contained with all necessary suturing components (needle, staple, driving mechanism) integrated into a single device that operates autonomously once positioned. The drive assembly automatically deploys the needle and fires the staple without requiring manual manipulation of separate components, allowing the device to perform the suturing function independently through the small access port
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deployable needle as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the small access port and the deep surgical site. The needle is delivered through the access port, positioned at the target tissue location, and used to deliver the staple without requiring the surgeon to manually manipulate large suturing tools through the restricted access
3Manufacturing precision
If complex suturing procedures are performed manually, then surgical precision can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires significant skill
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical stapler incorporates pre-loaded staples in a cartridge and a pre-positioned needle within the drive assembly. All components are prepared and arranged in their final positions before the surgical procedure begins, allowing the surgeon to simply activate the stapling function without performing complex manual manipulations during the critical surgical phase, thereby maintaining precision while reducing procedure time
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device is configured for use in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The device includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and an end-effector coupled to the shaft assembly. The end-effector comprises of a jaw assembly configured to clamp, staple, and/or cut a target tissue. The handle assembly comprises of a trigger element that can activate a drive assembly to advance a deployment assembly to staple and/or cut the aforementioned target tissue. The deployment assembly comprises of a deployment slide member to either advance the deployment assembly in a first direction or retreat the deployment assembly in a second direction.