Electrically Self-Powered Surgical Stapler with Tissue Compression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers are hand-powered and lack electrical self-powering capabilities, requiring significant manual force for staple firing and lacking active compression indicators to prevent tissue over-compression during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fully electrically self-powered surgical stapler with a manual release, featuring an offset-axis configuration for comfortable handling, on-board power for automatic staple firing, and a tissue compression indicator to ensure optimal tissue compression within a defined pressure range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-powered mechanical actuation is used for staple firing, then the device structure remains simple, but significant manual force (250 pounds) is required and tissue over-compression cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hand-powered mechanical actuation system with an electrically powered system. Motors drive the staple cartridge and anvil closure mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual force application. The electrical system includes power sources, control circuits, and electric actuators that automatically perform the closing and firing operations that previously required manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically powered system enables the device to perform operations autonomously without requiring the user to apply manual force. The system self-regulates the closing speed and compression force through electronic control, and the staple firing is triggered automatically when the closure force reaches the predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and adjustment.
2Reliability
If mechanical bar indicator is used for staple firing distance, then the device structure remains simple, but active compression feedback and tissue over-compression prevention are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates force sensors that continuously measure the closure force between the anvil and staple cartridge. This force information is fed back to the control system, which compares the measured force against predetermined safe thresholds. When the force exceeds the threshold, the system automatically stops the closing operation or prevents staple firing, providing real-time feedback control to prevent tissue over-compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple mechanical bar indicator is replaced with an electronic force sensing and control system. Load cells or force sensors provide quantitative measurement of compression force, and electronic control circuits process this information to regulate the closing operation, replacing the passive mechanical indication with active electronic monitoring and control.
3Reliability
If cryptographic identification is implemented for interchangeable parts, then part compatibility and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic identification system is integrated into the existing interchangeable parts infrastructure. The same electrical connections used for power and control signals also carry the cryptographic authentication data. The verification process occurs automatically as part of the normal part installation sequence, combining security verification with the existing electrical interface without requiring separate dedicated authentication hardware.
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector having a receiving portion for removably receiving therein an interchangeable part. The receiving portion has a communication connection. A handle connected to the end effector actuates the end effector. The handle has a controller electrically connected to the communication connection for authenticating the interchangeable part when placed at the end effector. An interchangeable part is removably connected to the receiving portion and has an encryption device electrically removably connected to the communication connection when placed at the receiving portion. The encryption device authenticates the interchangeable part when queried by the electric controller.