Optical Tissue Attribute Detection in Endoscopic Jaw Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
During endoscopic surgical procedures, surgeons face challenges in accurately determining tissue attributes such as thickness and vascular properties in real-time, which can affect the effectiveness and precision of the surgery, particularly in selecting appropriate staples and identifying diseased or cancerous tissue.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic surgical instrument equipped with a jaw assembly that includes light sources and detectors, coupled with a processor, to provide intraoperative feedback on tissue properties by emitting and sensing light, allowing for the determination of tissue attributes like thickness and vascular properties, and offering auditory, haptic, or visual feedback to the surgeon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopic surgical instruments are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the surgeon cannot accurately determine tissue attributes such as thickness and vascular properties in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visual inspection methods with optical detection technology. Light sources emit light through the tissue and detectors measure the transmitted or reflected light properties, enabling non-contact, real-time measurement of tissue attributes such as thickness, density, and vascularization without mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about tissue properties. The light interacts with the tissue and carries information back to the detectors, which then convert it into measurable signals. This intermediary approach allows indirect but accurate measurement of tissue attributes that cannot be directly observed.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time tissue assessment is implemented, then surgical precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single endoscopic instrument. The same jaw assembly that clamps the tissue also houses the light sources and detectors, allowing the instrument to simultaneously perform mechanical surgical functions and optical measurement functions, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the optical detection system with the mechanical jaw assembly. The light sources and detectors are embedded within the jaw structure, merging the measurement system with the surgical tool. This integration allows tissue clamping and optical measurement to occur simultaneously through the same component structure.
3Measurement precision
If optical detection components are integrated into the jaw assembly, then tissue attribute measurement is enabled, but the ease of operation is reduced due to additional controls and feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about tissue properties to the surgeon. The detectors measure light transmission or reflection and convert it into signals that indicate tissue thickness, density, or vascularization, giving the surgeon immediate feedback on tissue characteristics without requiring separate measurement steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs self-measurement by automatically detecting tissue properties as the jaw clamps the tissue. The optical detection system operates autonomously once the tissue is positioned, eliminating the need for separate manual measurement procedures and allowing the surgeon to obtain tissue information simply by performing the normal clamping action.
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
Enables real-time, accurate assessment of tissue attributes, enhancing surgical precision by providing immediate feedback on tissue thickness and vascular properties, thereby improving surgical outcomes and preventing inappropriate staple usage.
Implementation Method 1
The light detector is configured to sense properties of light reflected off tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members
Implementation Method 2
The second light detector is configured to sense properties of light transmitted through tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members from the light source of the first jaw member
Data Source
AI summary
A jaw assembly including first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a surface opposing a surface of the second jaw member, a light source, and a light detector. The light source is configured to emit light from an opening defined in the surface of the first jaw member. The light detector is disposed within the opening and is configured to sense properties of light reflected off tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to generate signals indicative of the sensed properties of light. A processor is operatively associated with the light detector and is configured to receive the signals from the light detector. The processor is also configured to analyze the signals to determine an attribute of tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to provide feedback to a user of the attribute of the tissue.