Optical Waveguide Sensing for Surgical Stapler Firing Stroke
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling the firing stroke of surgical stapling and cutting instruments, leading to inconsistencies in tissue processing and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a stretchable optical waveguide sensing system that measures displacement by tracking light transmission changes as the actuation member moves, allowing for real-time feedback to adjust the firing stroke and ensure precise tissue processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensing methods are used to monitor the firing stroke, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of tissue processing are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing methods with an optical sensing system. The optical waveguide uses light transmission principles to detect the position and movement of the actuation member, substituting mechanical contact-based measurement with non-contact optical measurement, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining acceptable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical waveguide as an intermediary element between the actuation member and the sensor. The waveguide transmits light signals that are modulated by the physical state of the actuation member, allowing indirect measurement of firing stroke parameters without direct mechanical contact, thus improving both precision and reliability
2Reliability
If real-time feedback control is implemented, then the reliability of tissue processing is improved, but the device complexity and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a real-time feedback control system where the optical sensor continuously monitors the actuation member position and feeds this information back to the control circuitry. The system compares the actual firing stroke against the intended stroke and makes real-time adjustments to ensure consistent and reliable tissue processing, directly applying the feedback principle to improve reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-regulating capabilities where the control circuit automatically adjusts the firing mechanism based on sensor feedback without requiring external intervention. The system monitors its own operation and corrects deviations autonomously, improving reliability while managing control complexity through self-service mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If optical waveguide sensing is used, then the measurement precision of actuation member displacement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical displacement measurement mechanisms with an optical waveguide-based sensing system. By using light transmission properties of the waveguide that change with the actuation member position, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical linkages or contact-based sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component and a sensing element. The same waveguide that guides light also serves as the measurement medium, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
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 system provides accurate monitoring and control of the firing stroke, reducing the risk of tissue damage and ensuring consistent performance by comparing sensed displacement with encoder data and making necessary adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of a stretchable optical waveguide sensing system that measures displacement by tracking light transmission changes as the actuation member moves
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising a sensing system is disclosed.