Two-Piece Staple Cartridge for Compact Surgical Staplers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges in reducing size while maintaining functionality and improving manufacturability and reliability, with a need for innovative mechanisms to support staples effectively.
Innovation Solution
A 2-piece cartridge assembly for surgical staplers, comprising a first and second cartridge portion with a housing that allows for a pivoting anvil, guided i-beam deployment, and movable channel members to adjust the knife channel, enhancing stability and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a unitary cartridge design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but device size reduction and functional integration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into a first cartridge portion and a second cartridge portion that are coupled together. The first cartridge portion houses the drive mechanism while the second cartridge portion contains the staple storage and delivery system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables compact integration of multiple functions within a reduced overall device volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the anvil is fixed, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust for different tissue thicknesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is configured to be movable relative to the cartridge assembly, transitioning between a retracted position and an extended position. This dynamic configuration allows the anvil to adjust its position to accommodate different tissue thicknesses while maintaining structural stability during the stapling operation. The movable anvil enables the device to adapt to varying surgical requirements without compromising its structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If a single cartridge portion is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of staple deployment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is segmented into distinct first and second cartridge portions with specialized functions. The first cartridge portion is designed specifically for reliable staple deployment with precision-engineered staple pockets and drive interfaces, while the second cartridge portion handles tissue engagement and anvil positioning. This functional segmentation enhances staple deployment reliability by dedicating specific components to specific tasks, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures.
4Ease of manufacture
If the knife channel is fixed, then manufacturing is easier, but friction during tissue cutting is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The knife channel includes movable channel members that can shift position during the cutting operation. These movable members reduce friction between the knife and tissue by dynamically adjusting the channel geometry to match the cutting path, thereby decreasing resistance and improving cutting efficiency while remaining manufacturable through standard molding techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge assembly for a surgical stapler has a first cartridge portion, a second cartridge portion, and a housing. The housing is shaped and configured to provide a fulcrum about which an anvil may pivot. Each of the first and second cartridge portions has an upper surface for engaging tissue, and a slot configured to house a staple. A proximal portion of each of the first and second cartridge portions has a guide portion having at least one of a channel or a protrusion for guiding at least a portion of an i-beam. The second cartridge portion is removably coupled to the first cartridge portion to form a channel between the first and second cartridge portion. Each of the first and second cartridge portions has a recess proximal of the fulcrum, the recess shaped and configured to receive a proximal portion of the anvil.