Structural Design and Verification of a Novel Electric Stapler for Minimally Invasive Surgery / 医用生物力学

ABSTRACT

Objective To develop a novel electric stapler, so as to improve the automation, convenience and precision of minimally invasive surgery. Methods The clamping, firing and turning mechanism of the new electric stapler was innovatively designed to realize the electric drive of minimally invasive surgical anastomosis on the basis of traditional mechanical stapler. The motion process of electric clamping, firing and double-screw turning mechanism was analyzed in detail, and the equations for motion function of three mechanisms were solved, providing a theoretical basis for the intelligent control algorithm of electric stapler. Results The electric clamping and firing process was simulated using ADAMS software to verify the equation of motion. The prototype of the new electric stapler was made, and the anastomosis experiment and blasting pressure experiment of the in vitro small intestine tissues were carried out. The range of anastomotic blasting pressure was between 3.7 kPa and 11.67 kPa, meeting the basic requirements in clinic. Conclusions The structure of the new electric stapler can meet the requirements of electric pressing and firing in minimally invasive surgery, contributing to achieve tissue anastomosis more conveniently, quickly and effectively.