RFID Surgical Clip Cartridge Verification for Device Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack effective systems to ensure compatibility and authenticity of replaceable components, such as staple cartridges and clips, which can lead to improper functioning or safety issues during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of RFID technology with RFID tags and scanners in surgical devices to identify and verify the compatibility and authenticity of replaceable components, allowing the controller to adjust operational parameters based on the received data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags and scanners are incorporated into surgical devices to identify and verify components, then component compatibility and authenticity verification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with RFID technology, using electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and verify surgical components. The RFID scanner emits electromagnetic signals that interact with RFID tags on components, enabling wireless communication and automated compatibility verification without mechanical contact or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags that contain copied information about component identity, compatibility data, and authenticity markers. Instead of verifying physical component properties directly, the system reads stored data copies from RFID tags to determine compatibility and authenticity, simplifying the verification process.
2Loss of information
If RFID technology is used to store and retrieve component data, then information accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID scanner operates periodically by emitting interrogation signals at specific intervals rather than continuously. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain accurate component identification and tracking information while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags are designed to be passively powered by the electromagnetic energy from the scanner's interrogation signals. The tags self-generate the necessary power to transmit their stored information back to the scanner without requiring external batteries or power sources, eliminating the need for additional energy supply systems.
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
Ensures that only compatible and authentic components are used, preventing improper functioning and enhancing surgical device performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID scanner configured to send an interrogation signal to the RFID tag and receive a first signal from the RFID tag in response to the interrogation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device for applying clips is disclosed including a cartridge, an RFID tag, and a controller. The cartridge includes a plurality of clips. A crimping drive is configured to move a first jaw and a second jaw to a closed position during a crimping stroke. One of the plurality of clips is crimped around tissue during the crimping stroke. Stored data on the RFID tag relates to an identifying characteristic of at least one of the plurality of clips within the cartridge. An RFID scanner is configured to receive a first signal from the RFID tag in response to an interrogation signal. The first signal includes the stored data on the RFID tag. A controller in communication with the RFID scanner is configured to compare the stored data to a set of compatibility data and vary an operational parameter of the surgical device based on the stored data.