Powered Surgical Instrument Motorized Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic and endoluminal surgical instruments face challenges in effectively sealing larger blood vessels due to the need for precise control of pressure and gap distance between electrodes, and they often require manual dexterity to articulate the end effector in multiple planes, which can interfere with other surgical tools and limit one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A powered surgical instrument with a motorized articulation and rotation system, featuring a flexible shaft, an end effector with movable jaw members, and a control system that includes motors, gears, and a processor to synchronize movements, allowing for one-handed operation and precise control of electrosurgical energy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual articulation of the end effector is used, then the device can be operated with simple mechanics, but the surgeon's hand dexterity is required which can interfere with other surgical tools and limit one-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical articulation control with an electric motor system. The motorized articulation mechanism uses electrical signals to control the articulation of the end effector in multiple planes, eliminating the need for complex manual cable systems and enabling one-handed operation while maintaining precise control capability.
2Reliability
If standard electrosurgical instruments are used for larger vessels, then the procedure remains minimally invasive, but the instruments cannot provide sufficient pressure and gap control for effective vessel sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that automatically regulates the pressure applied by the end effector and the gap distance between electrodes during vessel sealing. The system uses sensors and feedback mechanisms to maintain optimal pressure and gap settings without requiring manual adjustment, ensuring reliable sealing of larger vessels while minimizing the need for complex manual control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the end effector is articulated to access deep tortuous anatomy, then the surgical target becomes accessible, but the articulation mechanism may interfere with other surgical tools in the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the articulation control into multiple independent planes using separate motor systems. The end effector can be articulated in first and second planes simultaneously or independently, allowing precise positioning in deep tortuous anatomy while maintaining a compact profile that minimizes interference with other surgical tools in the limited workspace.
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 efficient sealing of larger vessels with precise control of pressure and gap distance, and allows for one-handed manipulation of the end effector in multiple planes without interfering with other surgical tools, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing trauma.
Implementation Method 1
A first electric motor drives a first gear
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of posts are supported by the internal frame and connected on their distal ends to at least one drive wire, and connected on their proximal ends to a threaded shaft
Implementation Method 3
A first electric motor drives a first gear, the first gear interfaces with the threaded shafts
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument for treating tissue, the instrument including a housing and a shaft with an articulating portion and an end effector. The surgical instrument including a first casing connected to and rotatable with the proximal end of said shaft with an internal frame housed within the first casing and a plurality of posts supported by the internal frame and connected on their distal ends to at least one drive wire, and connected on their proximal ends to a threaded shaft; and a second casing connected to the first casing and rotatable therewith, said second casing housing the threaded shafts. The surgical instrument includes a first electric motor driving a first gear interfacing with the threaded shafts such that a first pair of the plurality of threaded shafts rotate in the same direction and cause the articulating portion to articulate in a first plane.