Self-Guiding Surgical Stapler for Precise Firing Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in precision and efficiency, particularly in navigating complex tissue structures and varying anatomical features during procedures like stomach sleeve creation, due to limitations in articulation and staple firing path control.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical stapling instrument with an articulatable end effector and advanced drive systems, including a tissue drive system and staple firing mechanism, that allows for precise control over staple firing paths and tissue manipulation, enabled by a combination of electric motors and sensors for real-time feedback and adaptive movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional surgical stapling instruments are used, then the device structure is simple, but the precision of staple firing path control and tissue manipulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical control systems with an automated system incorporating electric motors (e.g., motor 142, motor 144), sensors (e.g., sensor 150), and control circuits. This substitution enables precise control of the articulation joint and staple firing mechanism, allowing accurate navigation along complex staple firing paths while reducing reliance on manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates self-guiding capabilities through integrated sensors and control systems that automatically adjust the end effector's position and orientation. The system can autonomously navigate complex anatomical structures and maintain precise staple firing paths without requiring constant manual intervention, thereby improving precision while managing complexity through automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument has fixed articulation, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to complex tissue structures and varying anatomical features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic articulation joint (120) that can change its degree of freedom and movement characteristics based on surgical needs. The articulation joint can transition between different configurations (e.g., locked in fixed positions or unlocked for continuous movement) and is controlled by motors and sensors that adapt the end effector's orientation and position in real-time to match complex tissue structures and anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into modular components including the shaft (102), articulation joint (120), end effector (104), and control systems. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and enables flexible reconfiguration during surgery. The modular design facilitates adaptability to different surgical scenarios while managing overall system complexity through standardized interfaces and controlled modularity.
3Productivity
If manual control is used, then the operation is simple to implement, but the efficiency and precision in navigating complex tissue structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (e.g., sensor 150, force sensors) that provide real-time feedback on the end effector's position, tissue forces, and staple firing status. This feedback is processed by control circuits that automatically adjust motor commands to maintain precise control, improving surgical efficiency and precision. The feedback loop enables the system to adapt to tissue variations and maintain optimal performance without increasing operational complexity for the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system can pre-program or pre-plan staple firing paths based on surgical goals and anatomical landmarks. The articulation joint and end effector can be positioned in advance at optimal locations, and the system can automatically execute predetermined sequences of movements and staple firings, thereby improving procedural efficiency and consistency while reducing the cognitive load on the surgeon during critical phases of the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler for stapling the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical stapler comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector extending from the shaft, wherein the end effector comprises a plurality of staples and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The surgical stapler further comprises a firing mechanism configured to deploy the staples, a sensor configured to detect a target, a controller configured to calculate the firing path based on the target, and a motorized drive system configured to move the end effector toward the target along the firing path.