Surgical Cartridge Presence Detection by Reverse Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical instruments require manual verification of unfired surgical cartridges, which is time-consuming and uncertain, especially in robotic systems, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically verifying the presence of an unfired surgical cartridge using controlled actuation inputs, such as limited torque or force, to detect stalling, ensuring the cartridge is present and unfired without removing the instrument from the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification of unfired surgical cartridges is performed, then the verification can be completed, but it is time-consuming and introduces uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification with an automated sensing system that uses sensors to detect the presence and status of surgical cartridges. The system automatically determines whether a cartridge is fired or unfired through electronic detection rather than manual inspection, eliminating time loss while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument system performs self-verification of cartridge status through integrated sensors and control circuits. The system automatically monitors its own state without requiring external manual inspection, continuously providing accurate information about cartridge presence and firing status.
2Productivity
If automated verification using actuation inputs is implemented, then verification speed and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs existing multi-functional components within the surgical instrument, such as the actuation mechanism and sensor system, to perform both their primary surgical functions and the additional function of cartridge verification. This approach enables automated verification without adding entirely new separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification function is merged with the existing control and actuation systems of the surgical instrument. The same actuation inputs used for surgical operations are also used to test cartridge status, and the same sensors used for operational feedback are utilized for verification, combining multiple functions into existing components.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring of surgical instruments is performed, then surgical efficiency is enhanced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic verification of cartridge status at predetermined intervals during the surgical procedure, rather than continuous monitoring. This approach maintains surgical efficiency by providing regular updates on cartridge status while reducing energy consumption by keeping the verification system inactive between periodic checks.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical systems and related methods for detecting whether a surgical instrument lacks a surgical cartridge in an unfired condition. A method of detecting that a surgical instrument lacks a surgical cartridge in an unfired condition mounted to the surgical instrument includes commanding a movement of the actuation output in a direction opposite to a firing direction for the surgical cartridge, detecting that an actuation amount of the actuation output as a result of the commanded movement is at or above a threshold actuation amount, and in response to detecting that the actuation amount of the actuation output is at or above the threshold actuation amount, determining that the surgical instrument lacks a surgical cartridge in the unfired condition mounted to the surgical instrument.