Powered Surgical Stapler Motor Control via Clamping Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers require significant manual force for clamping and deploying fasteners, leading to surgeon fatigue, and lack advanced user control and feedback mechanisms, limiting the precision and efficiency of the stapling process.
Innovation Solution
A powered surgical instrument with a motor-driven end effector and advanced feedback control system, featuring sensors and a control circuit that adjust parameters based on real-time feedback signals to optimize clamping and stapling operations, reducing manual effort and enhancing user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manual force is used to clamp tissue and deploy fasteners, then the surgical stapler can perform basic stapling function, but surgeon's hand becomes fatigued over repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor provides the force needed to clamp tissue and deploy fasteners, eliminating the need for surgeon's manual hand force. The motorized drive shaft transmits power to the firing mechanism, automating the stapling process while reducing physical strain on the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical stapler becomes self-powered through the electric motor, which automatically generates the necessary force for clamping and fastener deployment without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by internally generating the mechanical power needed for operation.
2Ease of operation
If a single switch is used to actuate the motor, then the device can be operated simply, but user control of the stapling process is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from a static single-switch operation to a dynamic multi-parameter control system. The motor controller adjusts speed, torque, and operational phases based on real-time feedback, allowing the surgeon to precisely control the stapling process. The system adapts its behavior during different phases of operation (clamping, firing, retracting) for optimized performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors monitor motor parameters and operational status, and this information is fed back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust motor speed and torque in real-time, providing enhanced user control over the stapling process while maintaining smooth and precise operation.
3Productivity
If motor speed is increased to improve productivity, then stapling operations are faster, but control precision and tissue damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates in periodic phases corresponding to different stages of the stapling process: clamping phase, firing phase, and retraction phase. During each phase, the motor speed and torque are optimized appropriately - faster during transitions, controlled during tissue manipulation. This periodic operation allows high productivity while maintaining precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes motor parameters (speed and torque) based on the operational phase and tissue feedback. The controller adjusts these parameters in real-time to achieve optimal balance between speed and precision. For example, lower speeds are used during critical clamping and firing operations, while higher speeds are used during less critical transitions.
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 solution significantly reduces the manual force required for stapling, enhances user control through adjustable speed and torque, and improves the precision and efficiency of the stapling process by providing real-time feedback and adaptive operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor and control circuit electrically connected to the electric motor
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly, an end effector, a firing rod disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, a drive motor coupled to the firing rod, a sensor, and a controller. The end effector includes a first and second jaw member moveable relative to one another. The first jaw member includes a surgical fastener and the second jaw member includes an anvil. The drive motor is configured to advance the firing rod to cause the first and second jaw members to clamp tissue and to eject a surgical fastener. The surgical stapler includes a sensor that is configured measure a clamping force exerted on tissue by the first and second jaw members. The controller control a speed of the drive motor based on the measured clamping force.