Powered Surgical Tack Applier For Articulation And Ejection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tack appliers face challenges with premature ejection and timing issues during the application of tacks, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries for hernia repair, necessitating improved articulation and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tack applier with an actuation assembly and articulation lever assembly, featuring a motor, actuation rod, and optical encoder for precise tack ejection and articulation, along with a processor for control, ensuring proper insertion and articulation of surgical tacks into tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a powered surgical tack applier with articulation is used, then the ability to articulate and control tack ejection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a handle assembly containing the motor and control electronics, an articulation mechanism with levers and pivots, and a loading unit for holding tacks. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide articulated movement and controlled tack ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading unit is designed to be movable relative to the handle assembly through articulation, allowing dynamic adjustment of the angle between the handle and the loading unit. This dynamic configuration enables the device to adapt to different surgical approaches and access difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining control over tack ejection.
2Reliability
If precise control of tack ejection is implemented, then premature ejection is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the position of the loading unit and the status of the ejection mechanism. This feedback information is fed to a control system that adjusts the motor operation accordingly, ensuring that tacks are ejected only when properly positioned and avoiding premature ejection. The control system can also compensate for variations in tissue properties and surgical conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual control mechanism is replaced with a motorized ejection system controlled by electronic signals. The motor provides precise, programmable control over the ejection timing and force, eliminating the variability and timing issues associated with manual operation. The motor can be controlled to eject tacks at specific intervals and with controlled force to prevent premature discharge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulation mechanism is added, then usability in minimally invasive surgery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the loading unit to move between different angular positions for various surgical approaches, allows the device to navigate around anatomical obstacles, and provides flexibility in accessing different tissue layers. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile capability for various minimally invasive surgical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism uses movable joints and pivots to create a dynamic structure that can change its configuration during surgery. The loading unit can be positioned at different angles relative to the handle assembly, and this position can be adjusted during the procedure to adapt to changing surgical needs. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through a relatively compact mechanism that balances complexity with functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly for use with a surgical tack applier includes an actuation assembly and an articulation lever assembly configured to articulate an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier. The actuation assembly includes a motor, an actuation rod, and an actuation switch configured to actuate the motor. The actuation rod has a first end operatively coupled to an output shaft of the motor for concomitant rotation therewith, and a second end operatively coupled to a loading unit of the surgical tack applier such that rotation of the actuation rod ejects a surgical tack from the loading unit. The articulation lever assembly includes an articulation rod operatively coupled with an articulation portion of the surgical tack applier such that axial displacement of the articulation rod causes articulation of the articulation portion, and an articulation lever operatively coupled with the articulation rod.