Trans-oral Anvil Introduction System with Dilation Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments face challenges in efficiently and safely introducing and positioning the anvil during anastomotic procedures, particularly in trans-oral procedures, where the anvil may irritate tissues and is difficult to smoothly insert through bodily lumens.
Innovation Solution
A trans-oral circular anvil introduction system with dilation features, such as inflatable bladders or expandable meshes, is used to cover the anvil during insertion, preventing tissue irritation and facilitating smooth passage through the esophagus, along with grasping features to orient the anvil correctly for stapling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the anvil is inserted directly through the esophagus, then the procedure is simple, but the anvil edges irritate and damage the esophageal tissue
Solution Approach 1:
A dilation feature is introduced as an intermediary component between the anvil and the esophageal tissue. This dilation feature expands during insertion to create a protective barrier that prevents the sharp anvil edges from directly contacting and damaging the esophageal mucosa, thereby eliminating tissue irritation while maintaining insertion simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The dilation feature is constructed as a flexible, expandable structure that can conform to the esophageal lumen geometry. This flexible shell-like structure provides a protective interface between the rigid anvil and the soft tissue, preventing direct contact and associated harm while allowing smooth passage through the esophagus
2Ease of operation
If the anvil is inserted without coverage, then the insertion path is clear, but the anvil edges drag on the esophageal walls causing irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The dilation feature is deployed in advance during the insertion process to preemptively establish a protective barrier. By expanding the dilation feature before the anvil contacts the esophageal walls, the system prevents tissue dragging and irritation from occurring in the first place, enabling smooth insertion without harmful contact
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anvil is inserted trans-orally, then the procedure can be performed, but the anvil is difficult to position accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates visual feedback mechanisms through the dilation feature and associated indicators that allow the surgeon to monitor the anvil's position and orientation in real-time during trans-oral insertion. This feedback enables precise positioning adjustments to ensure accurate alignment with the esophageal lumen before stapling, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining trans-oral procedure capability
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 system ensures safe and efficient insertion of the anvil, reducing tissue irritation and improving the accuracy of anastomotic procedures by preventing the anvil's edges from dragging on the esophageal walls and ensuring proper orientation for stapling.
Implementation Method 1
A trans-oral circular anvil introduction system with dilation features, such as inflatable bladders or expandable meshes
Implementation Method 2
dilation features, such as inflatable bladders or expandable meshes
Data Source
AI summary
An anvil introduction system is operable to provide smooth insertion of an anvil of a surgical stapling device through a bodily lumen such as the esophagus. The anvil introduction system is coupled to the anvil and includes a dilation feature. The dilation feature has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The dilation feature may cover staple pockets and an outer edge of the anvil with the dilation feature is in the expanded position. The anvil may be inserted through the bodily lumen with the dilation feature in the expanded position. The dilation feature may then be collapsed in order to complete an end-to-end anastomosis of the bodily lumen.