Thermally Bonded Tissue Cushion Adjunct for Surgical Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers face challenges in securely fastening and sealing varying tissue thicknesses, often requiring multiple staples and components, which can lead to tissue tearing and bleeding, and may not provide adequate structural reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapler incorporates articulation joints for precise tissue engagement, employs buttress assemblies with hemostatic agents, and uses thermally-bondable or mechanically-expandable fasteners to securely fasten and seal tissues without staples, providing structural reinforcement and reducing bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple staples and components are used to secure varying tissue thicknesses, then tissue sealing is achieved, but device complexity increases and tissue tearing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple articulation joints that can independently adjust to different tissue thicknesses. Each joint segment allows selective engagement with tissue layers, enabling the system to handle varying thicknesses without requiring multiple different staple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector incorporates dynamic articulation joints that can be selectively activated during the stapling process to adapt to varying tissue thicknesses. This dynamic adjustment mechanism replaces the need for multiple static components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple staples are used to fasten tissues with varying thicknesses, then tissue fastening is achieved, but tissue tearing and bleeding increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation joints are strategically positioned at specific locations within the end effector to provide localized support and fastening force. This localized approach allows the system to apply appropriate force to specific tissue regions without causing widespread tearing or bleeding, while still achieving reliable overall fastening.
3Reliability
If traditional open surgical devices are used, then tissue engagement is achieved, but post-operative recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed to nest within a trocar cannula, allowing minimally invasive insertion through a small incision. This nested configuration enables the system to achieve effective tissue engagement while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, thereby reducing post-operative recovery time and complications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables secure, efficient sealing and fastening of tissues with varying thicknesses, reducing the need for multiple staples and components, while providing structural reinforcement and minimizing bleeding and tissue tearing.
Implementation Method 1
Each first resiliently compressible element of the plurality of first resiliently compressible elements is configured to align and thermally bond with a corresponding second resiliently compressible element
Implementation Method 2
a heat source configured to apply heat to at least one of the plurality of first resiliently compressible elements or the plurality of second resiliently compressible elements for thermally bonding
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured for use with an end effector of a surgical fastening instrument includes a first adjunct including a plurality of first resiliently compressible elements interconnected with each other. The apparatus also includes a second adjunct opposed from the first adjunct. The second adjunct includes a plurality of second resiliently compressible elements interconnected with each other. Each first resiliently compressible element of the plurality of first resiliently compressible elements is configured to align and thermally bond with a corresponding second resiliently compressible element of the plurality of second resiliently compressible elements to secure the first and second adjuncts to each other.