Enhanced Surgical Stapling Device with Improved Shipping Cap and Reload Assembly
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An enhanced surgical stapling device with a shipping cap and reload assembly that provides improved installation, visualization, and tactile feedback, addressing limitations of existing devices.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) disclosed a surgical stapling device with a shipping cap, but it had limitations in terms of installation, visualization, and tactile feedback. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a reload assembly with a visual indicator, mechanical interlock, and tactile indicator, ensuring proper installation and reducing the risk of staple jamming.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced surgical stapling device comprises a reload assembly with a cartridge assembly and a shipping cap. The shipping cap includes a visual indicator that signals when the reload assembly is properly installed on the surgical stapling device. The reload assembly is secured to the surgical stapling device through a mechanical interlock, preventing incorrect installation. Additionally, the device features an end effector with a staple cartridge having staple cavities arranged in a spiral or staggered pattern to reduce staple jamming. A deployment member with a tactile indicator provides feedback to the clinician when the alignment pin reaches the advanced position, ensuring proper engagement with the anvil assembly.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a reload assembly with a visual indicator, mechanical interlock, and tactile indicator, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a novel and non-obvious solution to the limitations of existing surgical stapling devices.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the design of the visual indicator, mechanical interlock, or tactile indicator. Additionally, the staple cartridge could be designed with different patterns or arrangements of staple cavities to further reduce staple jamming.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced surgical stapling device has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The improved installation, visualization, and tactile feedback features could lead to increased adoption and market share.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/072 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07271 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/038 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically surgical stapling devices with complex mechanical reload and deployment mechanisms, requiring advanced mechanical engineering and medical device design expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with 3-5 years experience in surgical instrument design, familiar with mechanical interlocking systems, staple deployment mechanisms, and medical device safety protocols
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent incremental improvements using standard design techniques in surgical stapling technology. The proposed modifications address known limitations in existing devices through predictable combinations of mechanical elements and user interaction features. These variations demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches within surgical device engineering, utilizing known techniques to enhance usability and performance.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,185 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical stapling device with shipping cap |
| Assignee(s) | Covidien LP |