End-Effector Sensor Circuit for Tissue Clamping Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accurate feedback on the presence and position of clamped tissue within the end effector of surgical instruments to ensure optimal cutting and stapling, as incomplete clamping can lead to sub-optimal surgical outcomes and increased procedural costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor circuit with minimal electrical contacts on the end effector to detect tissue presence and placement, using impedance, capacitance, or inductance measurements, and a controller to provide real-time feedback to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a sensor circuit with minimal electrical contacts is implemented to detect tissue presence, then the complexity of the device is reduced, but the measurement precision of tissue detection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into multiple sensing zones with separate electrical contacts (first electrical contact in proximal portion, second electrical contact in distal portion), allowing independent detection of tissue presence in different regions. This segmentation enables precise measurement of tissue clamping status at multiple locations simultaneously while using minimal contacts overall.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrical contacts are positioned at specific locations (proximal and distal portions) with different functions - the first contact detects tissue in the proximal region while the second contact detects tissue in the distal region. This local differentiation of sensing capabilities allows comprehensive tissue detection across the entire end effector width using only two contacts, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing device complexity.
2Reliability
If real-time feedback on tissue clamping status is provided, then the reliability of surgical outcomes is improved, but the loss of time for additional detection and feedback processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor circuit continuously monitors tissue presence between the first and second electrical contacts before the cutting or stapling action is performed. The controller receives signals from both contacts and determines tissue clamping status in advance, providing feedback to the operator to ensure proper tissue positioning before the irreversible surgical action occurs, thereby improving reliability without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides real-time feedback to the operator based on signals from the first and second electrical contacts, indicating whether tissue is properly clamped in both proximal and distal regions. This feedback mechanism allows immediate correction of improper clamping before the surgical action is executed, enhancing reliability while maintaining efficient workflow through instantaneous information delivery.
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
Ensures that tissue is properly clamped within the target region, reducing the need for additional cartridges and minimizing the risk of incomplete cutting or stapling, thereby improving surgical efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
detect tissue presence and placement, using impedance, capacitance, or inductance measurements
Implementation Method 2
detect tissue presence and placement, using impedance, capacitance, or inductance measurements
Implementation Method 3
detect tissue presence and placement, using impedance, capacitance, or inductance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector of a surgical instrument may be equipped with a limited (e.g., minimal) number of electrical pads that provides useful tissue presence and positioning information using a limited number of signals communicated between the electrical pads and a controller located remotely from the end effector.