Surgical End Effector Articulation for Faster Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers face challenges in efficiently repositioning the end effector during procedures, requiring manual activation of release mechanisms and reorientation, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient for surgeons.
Innovation Solution
The development of a powered surgical instrument with a motor-driven articulation system and a retraction assembly that allows for precise control of the end effector's position and orientation, facilitated by a motor-powered articulation mechanism and a retraction system that automatically returns the drive beam to its initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual release mechanism is used to reposition end effector, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical release mechanism with an automated motor-driven articulation system. The motor assembly receives electronic signals to automatically pivot the anvil and reposition the end effector, eliminating the need for manual activation and significantly improving repositioning speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven system performs preliminary positioning actions automatically before the surgeon needs to intervene. The system can pre-position the end effector or automatically return it to initial position, reducing procedural time and allowing the surgeon to focus on critical surgical tasks.
2Ease of operation
If motor-driven articulation system is implemented, then ease of operation improves and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven articulation system operates autonomously based on electronic signals, performing repositioning tasks without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically controlling the anvil movement and end effector positioning, improving ease of operation while the complexity is managed through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven articulation system provides multiple functions: it can pivot the anvil, reposition the end effector, and automatically return components to initial positions. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation across various surgical tasks while the integrated design manages the inherent complexity through unified control.
3Loss of time
If automated retraction assembly is added, then loss of time is reduced and productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven retraction assembly automatically returns the drive beam to its initial position before subsequent surgical actions are required. This preliminary repositioning action eliminates time loss between surgical steps and ensures the instrument is ready for the next operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual retraction mechanism is replaced with an automated motor-driven retraction assembly. The motor receives electronic signals to automatically retract and reposition the drive beam, significantly reducing the time required for repositioning operations while the integrated control system manages the added complexity.
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
Enables quicker and more precise repositioning of the end effector, reducing procedural time and enhancing surgical efficiency by automating the reorientation process.
Implementation Method 1
a motor assembly that, in response to receiving an electronic signal, pivots the anvil about the articulation axis
Implementation Method 2
a retraction assembly that moves the drive beam back to its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument, a first end effector, and a second end effector, wherein the end effectors are attachable to the surgical instrument. The first end effector can comprise a first set of stored data pertaining to the first end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the first set of data and enter a first operating state. The second end effector can comprise a second set of stored data pertaining to the second end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the second set of data and enter a second operating state. The surgical instrument is further configured to enter a default operating state if said surgical instrument is unable to ascertain a set of stored data from an end effector.