Motorized Surgical Instrument With Peak-Force Firing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized surgical stapling and cutting instruments lack variable control program responses to adjust closing motions based on the rate of change in load, current, pressure, or velocity as they approach predefined thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A motorized surgical instrument with a control circuit that adjusts closing motions by providing variable responses such as pausing, slowing down, speeding up, backing up, or stopping, based on the rate of change in load, current, pressure, or velocity as it approaches predefined thresholds, using sensors and a controller to manage these adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a motorized surgical instrument uses a simple closing motion control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision and adaptability of tissue compression are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors closing force through sensors and automatically adjusts motor commands based on real-time feedback. When the closing force approaches a threshold, the system modulates the closing motion (pausing, slowing, speeding up, backing up, or stopping) to maintain force within a target range, enabling precise tissue compression without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (motor speed, closing force, motion rate) based on real-time sensor data. By monitoring the rate of change in load, current, pressure, or velocity and comparing it against predefined thresholds, the control circuit adjusts these parameters to achieve variable program responses that optimize tissue compression and cutting performance.
2Force
If the closing force is increased to improve tissue compression, then the cutting efficiency improves, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses real-time feedback from force sensors to maintain closing force within a safe and effective range. When the closing force approaches a threshold that could cause tissue damage, the system automatically modulates the motion (pausing, slowing, or backing up) to prevent harmful effects while maintaining sufficient compression for cutting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed closing force control to dynamic, adaptive control. The closing motion is continuously adjusted based on real-time force measurements, allowing the instrument to respond to varying tissue properties and maintain optimal force levels that balance compression effectiveness with tissue safety.
3Productivity
If the closing motion speed is increased to improve productivity, then the surgical procedure time is reduced, but the control precision over closing force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic speed adjustment rather than fixed-speed operation. The closing motion speed varies continuously based on real-time force feedback, allowing fast closing when force is within target range and slower modulation when approaching thresholds. This enables high productivity while maintaining precise force control throughout the closing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of closing motion based on force threshold crossings. When force remains within acceptable ranges, the system maintains higher speeds for productivity; when thresholds are approached, the system introduces periodic pauses or speed reductions to maintain precision, creating a rhythm of fast and slow phases that balances both objectives.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated channel configured to support a staple cartridge, an anvil pivotably connected to the elongated channel, a knife mechanically coupled to the staple cartridge, an electric motor and a control circuit electrically connected to the electric motor. The control circuit is configured to change a firing motion a first way based on a first value of a projected peak firing force and a second way based on a second value of the projected peak firing force value.