Surgical End Effector Signal Relay for Precise Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical staplers face challenges in accurately positioning the end effector within a body cavity due to the need for manual repositioning after initial placement, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased bleeding during tissue transection.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a sensor in the end effector that generates a signal indicative of its condition, transmitted at a first power level, and received by a relay station which converts and wirelessly transmits the signal at a higher power level, allowing for improved feedback and control of the end effector's position and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is placed in the end effector to provide feedback on position and operation, then measurement precision and control are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and signal transmission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A relay station is introduced as an intermediary component located in the handle assembly to receive, amplify, and retransmit signals from the sensor in the end effector. This mediator solves the problem of weak sensor signals by boosting them before transmission to the control system, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring the sensor itself to be overly complex or powerful
2Ease of operation
If the end effector is inserted through a trocar for minimally invasive surgery, then ease of operation and patient benefit are improved, but the ability to accurately position and control the end effector deteriorates due to limited feedback and control authority
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor in the end effector provides real-time feedback on position, jaw closure status, and operational state. This feedback is transmitted through the relay station to the control system, enabling the surgeon to accurately position and control the end effector even when inserted through a trocar for minimally invasive surgery
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual repositioning is required after initial end effector placement, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased procedure time and potential for increased bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time feedback from the sensor allows the surgeon to monitor end effector position and make precise adjustments without requiring extensive manual repositioning. The relay station ensures this feedback is transmitted reliably, enabling quick corrections and improving surgical efficiency while maintaining the ability to reposition when necessary
4Reliability
If signal power from the end effector sensor is increased to improve transmission reliability, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases which may limit battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The relay station acts as a signal amplifier positioned in the handle assembly. It receives weak signals from the low-power sensor in the end effector, amplifies them to the required power level, and transmits them to the control system. This approach ensures reliable signal transmission while keeping the sensor's energy consumption minimal, thereby preserving battery life
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
Enhances the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures by enabling better control and feedback on the end effector's position and operation, reducing bleeding and improving tissue handling during transection.
Implementation Method 1
A transmitter in the end effector transmits the first signal wirelessly at a first power level
Implementation Method 2
the relay station is configured to convert the first signal to a second signal indicative of the condition at the end effector. The relay station wirelessly transmits the second signal at a second power level that is greater than the first power level
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument (4010) configured to relay a low-power signal from an end effector (4002) to a remote device is disclosed. The surgical instrument may comprise a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft. A sensor (4004) may be disposed in the end effector. The sensor may generate a signal (4006) indicative of a condition at the end effector. A transmitter may be located in the end effector. The transmitter may transmit the signal from the sensor at a first power level. The signal may be received by a relay station (4008) located proximally to the shaft. The relay station is configured to retransmit the signal at a second power level, wherein the second power level is higher than the first power level.