Universal Tip Reload Stapler for Angled Surgical Site Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling devices lack versatility in accessing various surgical sites due to fixed dissector tip configurations, necessitating a device that can adapt to different surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapler with an elongate body and a tool assembly featuring a dissector tip that is adjustable between configurations, allowing it to align parallel or form an acute angle with the longitudinal axis, facilitated by a deformable tip beam and retaining structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the dissector tip is fixed in a single configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot access various surgical sites effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The dissector tip is designed with a deformable distal beam portion that can be bent between a first configuration (substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis) and a second configuration (defining an acute angle with the longitudinal axis). This dynamic adjustability allows the tip to adapt to different surgical site geometries while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the dissector tip by allowing the distal beam portion to be bent to different angles. This parameter change enables the same physical component to serve multiple surgical purposes, improving versatility without requiring multiple different tip designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dissector tip is made deformable to adjust configurations, then accessibility to surgical sites improves, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dissector tip is segmented into a proximal portion and a distal beam portion. The proximal portion maintains structural rigidity for stability, while the distal beam portion is designed to be deformable for configuration adjustment. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the dissector tip have different mechanical properties: the proximal portion is rigid for stability, while the distal beam portion is deformable for adaptability. This local differentiation of material or structural properties allows the tip to be both stable during operation and adjustable between configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed dissector tip configurations are provided, then versatility for different procedures is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single dissector tip component is designed to perform multiple functions by being bendable between different configurations. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate tip components, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility for different surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing multiple static tip configurations, the patent uses a single dynamic tip that can be bent to the required configuration during the procedure. This dynamic approach reduces the number of components while achieving the same versatility.
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
Enhances accessibility to surgical sites by enabling the dissector tip to be positioned optimally for different procedures, improving navigation and tissue separation.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable distal beam portion is bendable between the first and second configurations
Implementation Method 2
the proximal portion includes a hinge portion that is pivotably coupled to the distal portion of the anvil assembly
Implementation Method 3
the hinge portion is coupled to the clevis by a clevis pin
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler includes a tool assembly that has a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a dissector tip. The dissector tip is moveable to define at least two angled configurations of the dissector tip, relative to a longitudinal axis through the tool assembly, for use during a surgical procedure.