Video-Guided Endoluminal Stapler with Movable Endoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circular staplers lack guiding and examination capabilities, particularly in rectal and rectosigmoid surgeries, where the target location is hidden from view, requiring manual guidance and separate endoscopic examination post-stapling, which can lead to missed lesions and increased procedural burden.
Innovation Solution
A video-guided endoluminal stapling system that retrofits existing circular staplers with an endoscope and connectors, allowing the endoscope to move longitudinally along the stapler shaft and transition between external and internal surfaces, enabling video-assisted guidance and examination during anastomotic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional circular stapler is used without video guidance, then the stapling procedure can be performed, but the target location cannot be visualized and manual guidance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circular stapler with an endoscope into a single integrated system. The endoscope is positioned through an opening in the anvil and secured with connectors, allowing simultaneous stapling and visualization functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate endoscopic equipment and procedures, directly resolving the contradiction between gaining visualization capability and increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: the circular stapler performs anastomosis while the attached endoscope provides real-time visualization, gas insufflation, and potential manipulation capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate instruments, addressing the contradiction by making the added complexity worthwhile through enhanced capabilities.
2Reliability
If separate endoscopic examination is performed after stapling, then the stapling can be completed, but the procedural burden increases and lesions may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope remains attached to the stapler throughout the entire procedure, allowing continuous visualization during stapling and immediate post-stapling examination without removing or repositioning equipment. This continuity eliminates the need for separate examination procedures, reducing procedural time while maintaining reliable examination accuracy through uninterrupted visual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope is positioned and ready for visualization before the stapling begins, allowing real-time monitoring of the stapling process and immediate detection of any issues. This preliminary preparation ensures that examination is already in progress when stapling is completed, eliminating delays and ensuring no lesions are missed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the endoscope is fixed rigidly to the stapler shaft, then the positioning is stable, but the endoscope cannot move longitudinally along the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system allows the endoscope to move longitudinally along the stapler shaft while remaining securely attached. This dynamic capability enables the endoscope to be positioned at different locations on the shaft as needed during the procedure, providing both stability when positioned and mobility when repositioning is required, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed positioning and longitudinal movement.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for video-guided endoluminal stapling. An exemplary device includes a circular stapler that includes an anvil and a shaft, an endoscope, and one or more connectors or fasteners that hold the endoscope against the shaft of the circular stapler, wherein the anvil includes a first opening in the anvil, wherein the endoscope is positioned through the first opening, wherein the one or more connectors or fasteners allow the endoscope to move longitudinally along the shaft of the circular stapler, and wherein a section of the shaft includes a second opening that allows the endoscope to transition from an external surface of the shaft to an internal cavity of the stapler.