Surgical Instrument Adapter Control for Stable Articulation During Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently articulating and firing staples within the body, particularly due to debris and fluid accumulation that can lead to malfunctions and reduced usability, and there is a need for improved control systems to maintain the desired articulated position during tissue manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electromechanical surgical system with a modular adapter and end effector design that incorporates seals to prevent fluid ingress, a strain gauge for closed-loop feedback to maintain articulation, and a control system to manage motor operations for precise staple deployment and cutting, ensuring effective tissue handling and instrument longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motors are used to articulate and fire staples in surgical instruments, then automated control and precision are improved, but debris and fluid accumulation leads to malfunctions and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular components including a handle assembly with motors, an adapter, and a disposable end effector. This segmentation isolates the motors from the surgical site, preventing debris and fluid accumulation while maintaining automated control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed adapter acts as an intermediary component between the motorized handle assembly and the disposable end effector. The adapter includes seals that prevent fluid ingress to motors while transmitting mechanical motion, thereby maintaining reliability during surgical procedures.
2Reliability
If seals are added to prevent fluid ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the modular adapter component rather than adding seals to existing structures. This segmentation allows seals to be incorporated during adapter assembly without complicating the motor housing or end effector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it connects the handle assembly to the end effector, transmits mechanical motion, provides electrical connections, and incorporates seals to prevent fluid ingress. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sealing components.
3Measurement precision
If a control system with strain gauge feedback is implemented, then articulation precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A strain gauge mounted on the articulation driver provides real-time feedback on the articulation position by measuring strain during articulation. This feedback enables the control system to maintain the desired articulated position during tissue manipulation, improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge acts as an intermediary sensing element that converts mechanical strain into electrical signals for the control system. This indirect measurement approach simplifies the control system architecture compared to direct position sensing.
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
The system ensures reliable staple deployment and cutting while preventing fluid-related malfunctions, maintaining instrument performance and allowing for precise articulation and firing, thus enhancing surgical efficiency and instrument durability.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge mounted on the articulation driver to measure strain on the articulation driver
Data Source
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AI summary
An adapter for use with an electromechanical surgical instrument. The adapter includes a shaft assembly and a surgical end effector that is selectively articulatable and rotatable relative to the shaft assembly through a range of articulated and rotated positions. The adapter includes a firing member that is axially displaceable through the end effector. The adapter also includes a control system that operably interfaces with an articulation actuator assembly of the adapter and a source of articulation motions in the electromechanical surgical instrument to cause the source of articulation motions to apply additional rotary articulation motions to the articulation actuator assembly that are required to maintain the surgical end effector in an articulated position during an application of axial firing motions to the firing member.