Surgical End-Effector Mode Switching for Smart Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical imaging systems often fail to recognize and convey concealed structures, physical contours, and dimensions within a three-dimensional surgical space, and may lack the capability to communicate certain information to clinicians during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with tiered-access features that includes a powered surgical end-effector with a controllable jaw, updatable memory, and processor capable of operating in different modes based on received data, and a surgical hub that determines the mode of operation for the end-effector to enhance visualization processing and communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If imaging systems are used to view the surgical site, then visualization capability is improved, but the system cannot recognize and convey concealed structures, physical contours, and dimensions within three-dimensional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces augmented reality overlays that project three-dimensional virtual models onto the two-dimensional surgical field view. This allows concealed anatomical structures, physical contours, and dimensions to be visualized by adding a virtual dimension to the real surgical view, enabling clinicians to see both the actual surgical site and hidden structures simultaneously through spatial registration and depth mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual reality models and augmented reality interfaces as intermediaries between the imaging system and the clinician's perception. These virtual models act as mediators that translate and convey information about concealed structures, transforming invisible anatomical features into visible virtual representations that can be overlaid on the surgical view
2Adaptability or versatility
If tiered-access features with multiple operation modes are implemented, then system adaptability and capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic mode switching that allows transition between different operational states (first mode with default algorithm, second mode with alternative algorithm) based on received data and system conditions. The processor can dynamically adjust the actuation algorithm being used, enabling the system to adapt its behavior without requiring permanent structural changes or complex hardware configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by switching between different actuation algorithms stored in updatable memory. The system modifies its control parameters and processing logic based on the selected mode, allowing versatile operation across different surgical scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple hardware architecture that can be reconfigured through software parameter changes
Data Source
AI summary
Examples herein describe a surgical instrument that deliver a first energy and a second energy configured to seal the tissue. The first energy may be operated by a first energy algorithm and second energy may be operated by a second energy algorithm. The surgical instrument may include an updatable memory that may store a default control algorithm that may control both the first energy algorithm and the second energy algorithm simultaneously. The surgical instrument may include a processor that may be configured to operate in a first mode at a first time, wherein in the first mode the processor may be configured to operate according to the default control algorithm. The processor may receive data at a second time that may cause the processor to operate in a second mode, wherein in the second mode the processor may be configured to operate according to an alternative control algorithm.