Self-Propelled Surgical Stapler With Synchronized End Effector Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling instruments lack a continuous use self-propelled mechanism that enables efficient and precise stapling and cutting of tissue without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling instrument with a self-propelled mechanism, powered by batteries, that includes a drive system with synchronized end effector drives, allowing for continuous use and precise control of stapling and cutting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a self-propelled mechanism with batteries and synchronized end effector drives is implemented, then productivity and procedural speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system. Batteries power motors that drive the end effector through synchronized mechanical drives, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation and enabling autonomous stapling and cutting operations at controlled speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control through synchronized end effector drives that can adjust speed and positioning in real-time. The battery-powered motors provide variable speed control and the synchronized drives coordinate multiple moving parts dynamically to achieve precise stapling and cutting operations.
2Ease of operation
If a self-propelled mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved by reducing manual effort, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed to propel itself through tissue using an integrated battery-powered drive system. The end effector automatically advances, staples, and cuts without requiring the surgeon to manually push or manipulate the instrument, making the system self-sufficient during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The battery-powered motors and synchronized drives automatically control the end effector's movement, stapling action, and cutting sequence, eliminating the need for manual effort while increasing internal system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If synchronized end effector drives are used, then manufacturing precision and procedural consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronized end effector drives provide dynamic coordination between multiple moving components. The system maintains precise relative positioning and timing between stapling and cutting actions through real-time synchronization control, ensuring consistent procedural outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized drive system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the position and speed of end effector components. This ensures precise coordination between multiple drives and maintains procedural consistency by correcting deviations in real-time.
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
The instrument achieves efficient and precise stapling and cutting of tissue with continuous use, reducing manual effort and improving procedural consistency and speed.
Implementation Method 1
powered by batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for treating the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a housing including a handle, a housing frame comprising a housing connector, and a drive system comprising at least one electric motor. The surgical instrument further comprises a shaft assembly releasably assembled to the housing including a shaft frame comprising a proximal connector and a distal connector, wherein the proximal connector is releasably coupled to the housing connector and a shaft drive system comprising at least one rotatable shaft operably coupled to the electric motor. The surgical instrument further comprises an end effector releasably assembled to the shaft assembly including an end effector frame comprising an end effector connector releasably coupled to the distal connector of the shaft assembly, a plurality of staple cartridges removably stored in the end effector, and a plurality of end effector drivers operably coupled to the rotatable shaft.