RFID-Tagged Staple Cartridge Retainers for Surgical Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling systems lack efficient methods to identify and ensure the correct installation of staple cartridge assemblies, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential errors due to the use of incorrect or spent cartridges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of RFID tags embedded in staple retainers within the cartridge assemblies, allowing for wireless identification and authentication of the cartridge type, enabling the surgical system to alert users or lock out incorrect installations, and ensuring compatibility with different instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical identification methods are used for staple cartridges, then the device structure remains simple, but identification reliability and error prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical identification methods with RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. The RFID tag embedded in the staple cartridge and the reader in the surgical instrument enable wireless, automatic identification without mechanical contact, thereby improving identification reliability while maintaining relatively simple device structure through contactless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary element between the staple cartridge and the surgical instrument. This tag carries identification information that can be read wirelessly, serving as a mediator that enables reliable cartridge identification without requiring complex mechanical interfaces or direct electrical connections.
2Reliability
If electrical leads are used to connect staple cartridges to instruments, then real-time monitoring is possible, but the device structure becomes more complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical leads and wired connections with RFID wireless communication technology. The RFID system enables real-time monitoring of cartridge status (such as whether the cartridge is properly installed, its type, and usage state) through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical electrical contacts, thereby reducing structural complexity and potential failure points while maintaining monitoring capability.
3Productivity
If manual verification of cartridge correctness is performed, then the system remains simple to operate, but productivity and surgical efficiency are reduced due to time-consuming checks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary identification and verification actions through the RFID system. When a staple cartridge is installed in the surgical instrument, the reader automatically reads the RFID tag to verify cartridge correctness, type, and status before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary verification eliminates the need for time-consuming manual checks during surgery, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automatic processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RFID reader provides immediate information about the installed cartridge to the surgical system. This feedback enables real-time verification of cartridge correctness and status, allowing the system to prompt users or automatically adjust settings based on the detected cartridge type, thereby improving surgical efficiency without complicating the user interface.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If no cartridge authentication system is implemented, then the device structure remains simple, but harmful errors from incorrect cartridge use cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by using the RFID authentication system to prevent harmful errors before they occur. The system reads and verifies cartridge identification information through RFID communication before allowing the surgical instrument to operate, thereby blocking potential errors from incorrect cartridge usage. This preventive approach protects against harmful factors while maintaining relatively simple device structure through wireless authentication.
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
This solution enhances operational safety and efficiency by ensuring the correct staple cartridge is used, reducing the need for electrical leads and enabling real-time monitoring of cartridge status, thus preventing errors and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a RFID reader is configured to detect an RFID tag embedded within a staple retainer
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical stapling system comprising an instrument interface comprising a control circuit and an RFID reader is disclosed. The surgical stapling system further comprises a shaft assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, an anvil, and a cartridge channel. The surgical stapling system further comprises a replaceable staple cartridge assembly removably positioned within the cartridge channel. The replaceable staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body, a longitudinal slot, a plurality of staple cavities, a plurality of staples, and a staple cartridge retainer. The staple cartridge retainer comprises a rib, a body portion, and an RFID tag embedded within the body portion, wherein the RFID tag comprises a memory, wherein the memory comprises identifier information stored in the memory specific to the staple cartridge, and wherein the identifier information is accessible by the RFID reader.