Staple Cartridge LED Feedback for Stable Tissue Compression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling and cutting instruments lack effective methods to ensure stable tissue compression and compatibility verification during the stapling process, leading to potential inconsistencies and suboptimal staple formation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of LEDs at the edges of the tissue-contacting surface of the staple cartridge, which emit ultraviolet or infrared light to indicate tissue stability and compatibility, along with a processor to compare tissue parameters against acceptable standards, and staples coated with fluorescing dye for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LEDs are added to indicate tissue stability and compatibility, then the reliability of tissue compression monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LEDs that emit different colors (red, yellow, green) to indicate different tissue stability states. This visual feedback system allows surgeons to quickly assess tissue compression stability without complex instrumentation, resolving the contradiction by providing reliable monitoring through simple color-coded indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with optical indicators (LEDs). Instead of using mechanical sensors and complex signal processing to monitor tissue stability, the system uses LEDs to provide direct visual feedback, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple LEDs are used to indicate different tissue parameters, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different colored LEDs (red, yellow, green) represent different tissue parameter states, providing precise measurement information through simple color codes. This allows multiple parameters to be monitored simultaneously with minimal complexity by encoding information in the color domain rather than requiring multiple separate indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED indicator system serves multiple functions: it monitors tissue stability, indicates compatibility, and provides visual feedback on compression quality. By making the LED system multi-functional, the patent achieves precise measurement of multiple parameters without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluorescing dye is applied to staples, then the visibility and manufacturing precision of staple formation is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescing dye on staples provides visual contrast to assess staple formation quality and positioning. The dye allows surgeons to see staple deployment clearly, improving manufacturing precision of the stapling process. The minimal amount of dye used represents an acceptable trade-off for the significant improvement in staple formation visibility and precision.
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
Ensures stable tissue compression and compatibility verification, improving staple formation consistency and reducing errors during the stapling process.
Implementation Method 1
one or more LEDs positioned at the edges of the tissue-contacting surface; the one or more LEDs emit ultraviolet light or infrared light
Implementation Method 2
the staples are coated in a fluorescing dye
Data Source
AI summary
A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler and surgical stapling systems are disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body having a tissue-contacting surface. One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned at the edges of the tissue-contacting surface. A plurality of staple drivers is located within the cartridge body each supporting a staple.