Surgical Stapling Device Replaceable Reload Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling devices face high costs due to the need for replacing the entire reload assembly after each firing, and the staple cartridge is often flimsy and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling device with an adapter assembly and a reload assembly that includes a pivotable channel member and a cartridge assembly, where the cartridge body is securely mounted within a cavity defined by the channel member, allowing for easy replacement and robust handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire reload assembly is replaced after each firing, then the surgical stapling device can be reused, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reload assembly is divided into two replaceable components: the cartridge assembly (containing staples and anvil) and the channel member (containing the drive assembly). This segmentation allows the expensive drive assembly to be reused while only replacing the cheaper cartridge assembly after each firing, thereby reducing overall costs while maintaining device reuse capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cartridge body is made flimsy to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flimsy cartridge assembly is nested within the robust channel member. The channel member acts as a protective outer structure that provides structural integrity and ease of handling, while allowing the cartridge assembly to remain inexpensive and simple in construction. The cartridge assembly is inserted into and supported by the channel member's cavity.
3Ease of operation
If the cartridge body is made robust to improve handling, then ease of operation increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling function is separated from the cartridge assembly and assigned to the channel member. The cartridge assembly remains simple and inexpensive to manufacture, while the channel member provides the robust structure needed for easy handling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
4Ease of operation
If the channel member is made movable to facilitate cartridge replacement, then ease of operation increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel member is designed with movable characteristics, allowing it to be detached from and reattached to the cartridge assembly. This dynamic design facilitates easy replacement of the cartridge assembly while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The channel member can be separated into discrete components that are easy to assemble and disassemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling device includes an adapter assembly and a reload assembly. The adapter assembly includes an elongate body and a channel member coupled to the elongate body. The reload assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly that includes a cartridge body and a channel extension. A proximal portion of the cartridge body is received within the channel member to secure the reload assembly to the adapter assembly. The channel extension is received about a distal portion of the cartridge body and is engaged with the channel member to support the cartridge body.