Self-Propelled Surgical Stapler With Real-Time Firing Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments lack advanced control systems and display technologies for precise staple firing path management, leading to inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies during procedures like stomach sleeve creation.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled surgical stapling instrument with a drive system that includes a battery-powered handle, articulatable end effector, and a display system for real-time control of staple firing path, allowing for precise tissue manipulation and staple placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical stapling instruments are used without advanced control systems, then the device structure remains simple, but staple placement accuracy and surgical precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system with sensors that detect tissue characteristics, staple cartridge position, and firing progress, providing real-time feedback to adjust staple placement parameters. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the stapling process while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems, including motors for advancing the staple cartridge and electronic sensors for detecting tissue properties. This substitution improves measurement precision while the modular electronic architecture keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
2Productivity
If manual stapling procedures are used without real-time visualization, then the instrument structure remains simple, but surgical efficiency and procedure time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a display system as an intermediary between the stapling instrument and the surgeon, providing real-time visualization of staple placement, tissue characteristics, and instrument position. This intermediary enables faster surgical decision-making and improved efficiency while the display integrates seamlessly with the existing instrument architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls staple cartridge advancement, monitors tissue properties, tracks firing progress, and provides visual feedback. This multi-functionality improves surgical productivity without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If continuous staple firing is performed without self-propelled advancement, then the driving mechanism remains simple, but surgical efficiency and procedure time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-propelled drive system where the staple cartridge automatically advances through the tissue after each staple is fired, without requiring manual repositioning. The system uses motors and sensors to autonomously control the advancement cycle, enabling continuous high-speed staple firing while the automated control logic manages the complexity of the drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous staple firing by eliminating idle periods between staples. The self-propelled advance mechanism ensures the staple cartridge is continuously moving through the tissue, with each staple formation and cutting action flowing seamlessly into the next. This continuous operation dramatically improves productivity while the automated sequencing keeps drive system complexity manageable.
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.