Surgical Stapler Layout for Linear Staples and Purse String Suture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical instruments face challenges in applying purse string sutures consistently and efficiently, particularly in bowel resection procedures, due to difficulties in manual placement and limited tissue cuff between staple lines, leading to complications with circular staplers.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling instrument with an end effector featuring first and second jaws that apply both linear staples and a purse string suture simultaneously, allowing for increased tissue cuff and minimizing complications by angling the purse string staples and incorporating a suture holding member to manage tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual placement of purse string suture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and consistency of application deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines linear staple application and purse string suture application into a single surgical instrument. The end effector integrates both linear staples and purse string sutures, allowing simultaneous application in one operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual steps and instruments, directly addressing the contradiction by maintaining relative simplicity while dramatically improving productivity and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a linear stapler and a purse string applicator. The end effector can apply different types of fastening elements (linear staples or purse string sutures) depending on the surgical requirement, making a single device perform multiple functions that previously required separate tools.
2Device complexity
If limited tissue cuff is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to complications with circular staplers
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument applies the purse string suture and linear staples in a predetermined sequence and configuration before the circular stapler is applied. By pre-positioning the purse string at the appropriate distance from the transection line, the system ensures adequate tissue cuff is created in advance, preventing complications during subsequent circular stapling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of staple placement by angling the purse string staples at specific orientations relative to the longitudinal axis. This angular parameter change ensures proper positioning of the purse string suture to create adequate tissue cuff, improving reliability without adding complex device structures.
3Reliability
If angling purse string staples is used, then reliability is improved by increasing tissue cuff, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies angular parameters for staple orientation (e.g., angled relative to the longitudinal axis) to create adequate tissue cuff. By defining clear angular relationships and positions for the purse string staples, the system achieves improved reliability through controlled geometry while maintaining manufacturability through standardized angular specifications rather than requiring complex free-form precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A surgical stapling instrument is configured to dissect tissue, apply a linear staple line along one side of the tissue dissection and apply a suture, such as a purse string suture, to the other side of the tissue dissection. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft, first and second jaws configured to open and close and a cutting element. The instrument includes a first row of staples in each of the first and second jaws having a suture extending therethrough and a second row of staples in the second jaw. A drive member is configured to translate distally through the end effector to dissect tissue with the cutting element, drive the second row of staples into the tissue on one side of the dissection and to apply the first row of staples and suture in combination to form a purse string suture on the other side of the tissue dissection.