Force Sensing Assembly for Surgical Stapler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments lack effective means to monitor and control the pre-fire tissue compression force and the force required to fire, which can affect staple formation and tissue handling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a force sensing assembly with compression and tension force sensors in the surgical stapling instrument, allowing for real-time measurement and feedback of the forces experienced during tissue compression and firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no force sensing assembly is included in the surgical stapling instrument, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of tissue compression force and firing force is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force measurement systems with strain gauge sensors that convert mechanical strain into electrical signals. This substitution enables precise measurement of tissue compression force and firing force while reducing mechanical complexity through electronic sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a force sensing assembly as an intermediary component between the mechanical structures (anvil, deck member) and the control system. This assembly includes strain gauges that act as mediators, translating physical forces into measurable electrical signals for monitoring and control purposes.
2Reliability
If force sensing assembly with multiple sensors is incorporated, then the reliability of force measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies force sensors at specific critical locations where forces need to be measured - between the anvil and tissue, and between the deck member and tissue. This localized sensing approach ensures reliable measurement of key forces without unnecessarily instrumenting the entire device, thereby balancing reliability with complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensing assembly serves multiple functions: measuring tissue compression force, measuring firing force, and providing feedback for control systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive force measurement capabilities from a single integrated assembly rather than separate systems.
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
The force sensing assembly enables precise control of tissue compression and firing forces, improving staple formation consistency and reducing the risk of tissue damage, while also providing valuable data for procedural optimization and instrument performance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one of the compression force communicated longitudinally through housing assembly (518) between the first and second housings
Implementation Method 2
measuring at least one of the tension force communicated longitudinally through movable member (520)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing assembly, a movable member, an anvil, and a force sensing assembly. The housing assembly includes a first housing, a second housing, and a deck surface that includes at least one annular array of staple openings. The force sensing assembly includes at least one of a compression force sensor disposed between the first and second housings or a tension force sensor coupled with the movable member or the anvil. The compression force sensor is configured to sense a compression force communicated longitudinally through the first and second housings during at least one of compressing tissue between the anvil and the deck surface or firing the surgical instrument. The tension force sensor is configured to sense a tension force communicated longitudinally through the movable member during at least one of compressing tissue between the anvil and the deck surface or firing the surgical instrument.