Staple Cartridge Tissue Thickness Sensor Power Key Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinicians face challenges in determining if the tissue thickness in a surgical stapler's end effector is within the optimal range for a given staple cartridge, relying on intuition or video feeds, which can be unreliable and requires years of practice to develop a proper feel.
Innovation Solution
A staple cartridge with a tissue thickness sensing module that includes a controller and sensor, which detects a power key to maintain a low-power state and transitions to an active state when the power key is removed, allowing for accurate detection of tissue thickness and optimal cartridge usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tissue thickness sensing module is added to the staple cartridge, then measurement precision of tissue thickness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue thickness sensing module is nested within the staple cartridge structure. The sensor is positioned in the distal end of the staple body, and the controller is integrated into the cartridge assembly. This nesting approach allows the sensing functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall device complexity, as the sensor and controller are housed within the existing cartridge geometry rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The staple cartridge is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores and deploys staples, cuts tissue, and now also measures tissue thickness. The sensing module shares the same physical space and power sources as the other cartridge functions. The controller integrates data from the sensor with the stapling and cutting operations, creating a multi-functional device that reduces overall system complexity by consolidating functions into a single cartridge assembly.
2Measurement precision
If the tissue thickness sensing module is kept in active state continuously, then measurement precision is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing module operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the sensor only when needed - specifically when the power key is removed from the cartridge and during the stapling operation when tissue thickness measurement is required. Between these periodic activation events, the sensor remains in a low-power state, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of tissue thickness before the actual stapling operation. The sensor activates in advance to measure tissue thickness, and this preliminary measurement data is used to determine whether the tissue is suitable for stapling. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare measurement data before the high-power stapling firing sequence, optimizing energy usage by completing sensing tasks before transitioning to high-power actuation.
3Loss of energy
If the sensing module transitions between power states, then energy efficiency is improved, but reliability of tissue thickness detection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the power key position and tissue thickness sensor status to determine when to transition between power states. Feedback signals from the sensor are processed by the controller, which adjusts the power state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the sensing module transitions to active state reliably when needed (power key removed) and returns to low-power state when the power key is inserted, maintaining detection reliability through controlled state transitions based on real-time operational conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A staple cartridge for use in a surgical stapler is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a staple body comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A tissue thickness sensing module is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the staple body. The tissue thickness sensing module comprises a controller and a sensor. A power key is located removably adjacent to the staple body. The controller is configured to detect the power key and to maintain the tissue thickness sensing module in a low-power state while the power key is present. When the power key is removed, the controller transitions the tissue thickness sensing module to an active state.