Tissue Acquisition Members for Surgical Stapling Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circular staplers require additional purse string sutures, increasing procedure time and often result in tissue 'bunching' during the stapling and cutting process, as existing tissue retention methods are inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument with a tissue acquisition shaft and pivotally attached members that selectively deploy to impale and retain tissue, allowing for improved positioning and retention during the stapling process, reducing the need for additional sutures and minimizing tissue bunching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional circular staplers use traditional tissue retention methods, then the stapling function is achieved, but procedure time increases and tissue bunching occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure timeVSAvoidtissue retention effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue acquisition members are deployed before stapling to secure the tissue in position, preventing tissue bunching during the subsequent stapling and cutting operations. This preliminary tissue securing action eliminates the need for additional purse string sutures and ensures proper tissue positioning throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue acquisition members act as an intermediary mechanism between the stapler head and the tissue, providing secure retention without requiring traditional purse string sutures. These members bridge the gap between the stapler head and tissue, ensuring stable positioning during the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If additional purse string sutures are used for tissue retention, then tissue positioning is improved, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue positioningVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue acquisition function is merged with the stapler head assembly, combining multiple functions (tissue acquisition, retention, and stapling) into a single integrated device. This eliminates the need for separate purse string suture steps, reducing procedure time while maintaining effective tissue positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue acquisition members are self-deploying and self-retaining, requiring no additional manual suturing steps. The members automatically secure the tissue when deployed, providing ease of operation without increasing procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional tissue retention methods are used, then the stapling function is completed, but tissue bunching occurs during stapling and cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapling function completionVSAvoidtissue uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue acquisition members secure the tissue in a uniform, bunched-free configuration before the stapling and cutting operations begin. This preliminary positioning ensures that the tissue remains evenly distributed and properly aligned throughout the subsequent surgical steps, preventing tissue bunching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If conventional stapler designs are used, then basic stapling is achieved, but additional sutures are required for proper tissue retention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapler designVSAvoidtissue retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stapler head is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating tissue acquisition members that provide both tissue retention and stapling capabilities in a single device. This universal design eliminates the need for separate suturing steps while maintaining ease of operation for tissue retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue retention function is merged into the stapler head assembly through the inclusion of deployable acquisition members. This integration combines what were previously separate functions (stapling and tissue retention) into a single unified device, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11478247B2Tissue acquisition arrangements and methods for surgical stapling devices

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument that includes an elongated shaft that defines defining a central axis. The elongated shaft may have a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be axially movable within the elongated shaft such that a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft may be distally advanced beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that at least one tissue acquisition member is selectively pivotable about a corresponding acquisition axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. Various embodiments include an annular cutting member that is supported by the distal end of the elongated shaft for selective axial travel relative thereto.