Powered Circular Stapler Clamping Control for Thick Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical staplers face challenges in achieving precise control of motor operation during clamping, cutting, and stapling, particularly when dealing with thick or dense tissues, leading to potential tissue trauma and an inability to form leak-proof anastomoses.
Innovation Solution
A powered circular stapler with a controlled tissue compression (CTC) algorithm that adjusts clamping pressure proportionally to achieve a desired tissue gap, using a motor controller to increment force based on distance ratios and time limits to ensure safe and effective tissue compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the powered circular stapler applies high clamping pressure to achieve full compression of thick or dense tissue, then the desired tissue gap is achieved, but tissue trauma and over compression occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clamping pressure based on real-time feedback from force sensors and position sensors. The controller continuously monitors tissue compression status and modifies motor output to maintain optimal pressure, transitioning from static high pressure to dynamic adaptive pressure control that responds to actual tissue conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control using force sensors to monitor clamping pressure and position sensors to track anvil assembly movement. The controller receives this feedback and adjusts motor operation accordingly, enabling precise control that prevents over-compression while ensuring adequate tissue gap achievement
2Ease of operation
If the powered circular stapler clamps tissue at constant speed and force, then the procedure is simple to operate, but thick or dense tissue cannot be compressed to the desired tissue gap
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from constant speed/force clamping to dynamic adjustment of clamping parameters. The controller modifies motor speed and force output in real-time based on tissue characteristics and compression progress, enabling adaptation to varying tissue densities while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (clamping force, compression speed, duration) based on detected tissue conditions and compression status. The controller adjusts these parameters dynamically during the clamping process to optimize tissue gap achievement for different tissue types without requiring manual intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional staplers require removal and re-insertion with larger reload/anvil to achieve desired tissue gap, then tissue gap can be achieved, but surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality by combining adjustable clamping force, variable compression distance, and controlled compression timing in a single device configuration. This universal approach allows the same stapler to achieve desired tissue gaps in both thin and thick tissue without requiring device changes or re-insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts compression parameters including force magnitude, compression distance, and timing to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for physical device changes, allowing continuous operation and reducing surgical time
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 CTC algorithm allows for controlled tissue compression, reducing trauma and ensuring fluid egress, thereby enhancing anastomotic health and surgical efficiency by adapting to varying tissue types and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is further configured to control the motor to move the anvil assembly from a starting position to a compressed position thereby compressing tissue at a target clamping force between the anvil assembly and the reload
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a power source; a motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device also includes an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple to the handle assembly; a reload configured to selectively couple to a distal portion of the adapter assembly, the reload including a plurality of fasteners; and an anvil assembly selectively couplable to the distal portion of the adapter assembly, the anvil assembly being movable relative to the reload. The controller is further configured to control the motor to move the anvil assembly from a starting position to a compressed position thereby compressing tissue at a target clamping force between the anvil assembly and the reload.