Powered Surgical Instrument With Tissue-Adaptive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue with precise control and adaptive responses to tissue type and condition, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with interchangeable shaft assemblies, smart sensors, and adaptive control systems that adjust operations based on tissue type, compression, and condition, utilizing segmented power circuits and feedback mechanisms for precise tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing surgical instruments are used for stapling and cutting tissue, then basic surgical functions can be performed, but precise control and adaptive responses to tissue type and condition are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular components including a handle assembly, shaft assembly, and end effector assembly that can be independently configured. The circuit board is segmented into multiple sections with different operational modes (first operational mode for stapling, second operational mode for cutting) that can be selectively activated based on tissue type detection, allowing precise control without requiring complete system redesign for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates sensors that detect tissue type and condition, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust operational parameters such as stapling force, cutting speed, and energy delivery based on the detected tissue characteristics, achieving adaptive responses while maintaining manageable device complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgical instruments perform multiple functions (stapling and cutting), then versatility is improved, but control precision and adaptive response deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument employs dynamic operational modes where the circuit board can switch between first operational mode (stapling) and second operational mode (cutting) based on real-time tissue detection. The system dynamically adjusts power delivery, actuation forces, and operational parameters according to the detected tissue type, ensuring reliable and precise control for each specific surgical function while maintaining overall versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed as a universal platform capable of performing both stapling and cutting functions through a single integrated system. The handle assembly and circuit board are configured to support multiple end effectors and operational modes, allowing the same base instrument to reliably perform different surgical tasks by selecting appropriate operational modes based on tissue type detection.
3Productivity
If surgical instruments apply high force for stapling and cutting, then surgical effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument changes operational parameters such as power delivery, actuation force, and energy levels based on detected tissue type. For example, the system adjusts stapling force and cutting energy parameters according to whether the tissue is soft, firm, or elastic, delivering optimal force for surgical effectiveness while minimizing excessive force that could cause tissue damage, thereby improving productivity without increasing harm.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an electronic system comprising an electric motor coupled to the end effector; a motor controller coupled to the motor; a parameter threshold detection module configured to monitor multiple parameter thresholds; a sensing module configured to sense tissue compression; a processor coupled to the parameter threshold detection module and the motor controller; and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor multiple levels of action thresholds and monitor speed of the motor and increment a drive unit of the motor, sense tissue compression, and provide rate and control feedback to the user of the surgical instrument.