Flex Circuit Sensing for Articulated Surgical Instrument Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in accurately sensing and controlling the actuation of components, particularly in flexible and articulated configurations, which can lead to inconsistencies in tissue stapling and cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a flex circuit with integrated sensing systems, including stretchable optical waveguides and Hall effect sensors, to precisely monitor and control the actuation of the firing member and end effector, ensuring consistent performance across various articulation angles and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid circuit boards are used in surgical instruments, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and articulation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible printed circuits (FPC) instead of rigid circuit boards to enable the surgical instrument to articulate and bend while maintaining electrical connectivity. The FPC allows the instrument to achieve complex articulation angles and conform to curved anatomical structures, directly resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural stability.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are added to monitor actuation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing functions into a unified sensor system where Hall effect sensors detect both position and actuation status, and force sensors measure both tissue reaction forces and actuator loads. This merging approach improves measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity by using multi-functional sensors rather than separate dedicated sensors for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides real-time feedback on actuator position, tissue forces, and component status to the control system, enabling closed-loop control that enhances actuation precision. The feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust actuation parameters based on sensed conditions, improving measurement and control accuracy without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If real-time sensing is implemented, then operational reliability improves, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically processes sensor data and adjusts actuation parameters without requiring external intervention or complex decision-making algorithms. The system self-regulates by comparing sensed parameters against predetermined thresholds and automatically correcting deviations, thereby improving operational reliability while keeping the control logic relatively simple and manageable.
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 accuracy and reliability of surgical stapling and cutting operations by providing real-time feedback and control, improving the consistency and safety of tissue handling.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor of the sensing system comprises a Hall effect sensor configured to detect a position of the actuation member
Implementation Method 2
a stretchable optical waveguide attached to the shaft and a firing member
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A surgical instrument including a flex circuit comprising a sensor system.