Two-Part Surgical Fasteners for Non-Occluding Vessel Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical clip appliers struggle to deploy partially-formed clips that can crimp vessels without occluding them, or to securely retain catheters in vessels during procedures like cholangiograms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical clip applier with an end effector that supports a two-part fastener, featuring a collar and a distal housing, allows for the deployment of a two-part fastener with a base and clip that can be securely fixed to a vessel without occluding it, using a mechanism that includes a C-shaped portion and apertures for leg extension and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional surgical clip is used to crimp a vessel, then the vessel is occluded, but this prevents fluid flow which is not desired in procedures like cholangiograms
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate parts: a base portion and a clip portion. These parts are deployed separately and then engaged together to form the complete fastener. The clip portion has legs that can be inserted through apertures in the base, creating a secure but non-occluding fixation that allows fluid flow while maintaining vessel crimping effectiveness.
2Strength
If a surgical clip is designed to securely retain a catheter in a vessel, then fixation strength is improved, but this may require occluding the vessel which interferes with procedural needs
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into a base with apertures and a clip with legs. The legs pass through the apertures to secure the catheter, providing strong fixation without requiring complete vessel occlusion. This segmented design allows selective engagement that maintains both strength and fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip portion features localized engagement points through its legs that insert through specific apertures in the base. This localized quality allows the fastener to secure the catheter at specific points while leaving other areas open for fluid flow, achieving strong fixation without global occlusion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a two-part fastener system is implemented to allow non-occluding vessel fixation, then device complexity increases, but this enables new surgical capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is segmented into two deployable parts with complementary geometries. The base portion includes apertures configured to receive legs from the clip portion. This segmentation enables flexible deployment strategies and adaptability to different surgical scenarios while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part fastener design serves multiple functions: it can crimp vessels without occluding them, retain catheters in vessels during procedures like cholangiograms, and provide secure fixation. The universal design accommodates various surgical needs through its configurable engagement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical clip applier includes an elongated portion, a drive shaft, and an end effector. The drive shaft extends at least partially through the elongated portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion, and includes a collar and a distal housing. The collar is coupled to the drive shaft and is movable relative to the distal housing. The collar is configured to support a base of a two-part fastener. The distal housing includes a leg and a C-shaped portion extending from a distal end of the leg. The C-shaped portion is configured to support a clip of the two-part fastener.