Staple Cartridge Deck Projections and Electrical Trace Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staple cartridges lack effective means to detect tissue properties and ensure proper staple alignment and firing during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The surgical staple cartridge incorporates a cartridge body with a deck and projections that compress against patient tissue, along with an electrical trace on the deck that extends between projections, forming part of a sensor system to detect tissue properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor system is added to detect tissue properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical trace is integrated directly into the deck structure of the staple cartridge, merging the sensing function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate sensor housings and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides staple formation, and now also serves as the substrate for the electrical trace that detects tissue properties. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the device.
2Reliability
If projections are added to hold tissue in place, then reliability of staple alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is divided into multiple discrete projections rather than using a single complex clamping structure. Each projection independently engages with the tissue to hold it in place, providing reliable staple alignment while keeping the overall structure simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
Projections are strategically positioned at specific locations on the deck where tissue engagement is most critical for staple alignment. This localized approach ensures reliability without adding unnecessary structural complexity across the entire device.
Data Source
AI summary
A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body including a deck and projections extending from the deck is disclosed. When used with a surgical stapling instrument, the deck of the staple cartridge can be compressed against patient tissue before the staples contained in the staple cartridge are ejected. The projections are engaged with the patient tissue and hold the patient tissue in place. The staple cartridge further comprises an electrical trace defined on the deck that extends between at least two of the projections. The electrical trace is part of a sensor system that detects properties of the patient tissue positioned against the projections.