Motorized Surgical Stapler Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack a reliable mechanism for ensuring complete and secure anastomosis during end-to-end anastomotic procedures, particularly in situations where manual operation may result in incomplete stapling or stapling errors due to operator variability or inadequate hand strength.
Innovation Solution
A motorized circular surgical stapling instrument with a control system that integrates a motor, switches, a battery, a power sink, a shuttle, a firing trigger, and a safety trigger to ensure a full firing stroke and prevent multiple actuations, thereby ensuring staples are fully formed and tissue is securely cut and stapled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used to actuate the stapling instrument, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of complete stapling is compromised due to operator variability and inadequate hand strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical actuation system with an automated motorized system. The motor (210) drives the stapling instrument through a controlled firing mechanism, eliminating dependence on operator hand strength and variability. The control system includes switches (220), a battery (230), and a motor that automatically complete the firing stroke, ensuring reliable stapling regardless of operator capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system performs the stapling action autonomously once initiated. The control system automatically manages the firing sequence, motor activation, and completion of the drive stroke without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates to ensure complete stapling and cutting in a single automated cycle.
2Reliability
If a motorized system is implemented to ensure complete stapling, then the reliability of stapling is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized assembly serves multiple functions within a single integrated unit. The motor (210) not only drives the stapling action but also integrates with the control system (switches, battery) to manage the entire firing sequence. The control system itself performs multiple roles: enabling motor activation, controlling the firing trigger, and preventing accidental re-activation through the safety trigger mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the motor, control switches, battery, and safety mechanisms into an integrated motorized assembly. This merging of components reduces the need for separate manual actuation systems and auxiliary control devices, consolidating multiple functions into a unified system that ensures reliable stapling while managing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If control features are added to prevent multiple actuations, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety trigger assembly (270) is configured to preliminarily block the firing trigger assembly (800) before actuation can occur. This preliminary blocking mechanism prevents accidental or premature activation of the motorized system. The button shroud (702) and arm (706) create a mechanical interlock that must be deliberately disengaged, ensuring that only intentional actuation proceeds to the firing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety trigger assembly acts as an intermediary between the user's intent and the motorized firing system. It provides a controlled gateway that mediates the activation process, requiring deliberate engagement to proceed. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the complex motorized system is only activated when properly authorized, adding a layer of safety without requiring continuous monitoring or complex electronic controls.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a motorized end effector, and a control system. The end effector extends distally from the body and comprises a stapling assembly operable to drive staples into tissue. The control system is in communication with the end effector. The control system comprises a motor, a firing trigger, a switch assembly, and a movable member in communication with the firing trigger. A resilient member is engaged with the movable member. The firing trigger and the resilient member are configured to cooperate to move the movable member into engagement with the switch to thereby activate the motor. The switch assembly is configured to couple a power source with the motor to thereby activate the motor in response to actuation of the firing trigger.