Surgical Stapler Cartridge Status Detection via Pusher Travel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face issues with improper stapler cartridge mounting, such as using unsuitable staple lengths or failing to detect if a cartridge is empty or has already been fired, leading to potential tissue stapling errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to assess the operational status of a surgical instrument by monitoring the movement of a pusher member within the actuation mechanism to determine if a stapler cartridge is mounted, its type, and if it has been fired, using a control unit to manage the actuation mechanism and detect parameters indicative of the cartridge's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a replaceable stapler cartridge is used in surgical instruments, then the instrument can be reused with different staple lengths and configurations, but the risk of improper cartridge mounting and undetected cartridge status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect the presence, type, and firing status of the stapler cartridge, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic verification of cartridge mounting status and prevents operation when the cartridge is improperly installed or already fired, thus resolving the reliability issue while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and verification of the cartridge status before the surgical operation begins. The control system checks whether the cartridge is properly mounted, identifies its type, and confirms it has not been fired previously, ensuring all conditions are met before allowing the instrument to operate
2Device complexity
If manual checking of stapler cartridge status is performed, then the system remains simple, but surgical errors due to improper cartridge selection or undetected firing status increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting and confirming the cartridge status without requiring manual intervention. The sensors and control system work together to autonomously verify proper cartridge mounting, identify cartridge type, and detect firing status, eliminating the need for manual checking while maintaining system simplicity
3Device complexity
If no detection system is implemented, then the device complexity is minimized, but the occurrence of improper tissue stapling due to cartridge errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical verification with automated sensor-based detection. Optical or electromagnetic sensors detect the presence and status of the cartridge, substituting human visual inspection and manual checking with automated electronic detection, thereby preventing tissue stapling errors without significantly increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for stapler reload detection and identification. A manipulator is configured to have an instrument mounted thereto. The instrument includes an end effector configured to receive a replaceable stapler cartridge. An actuator is drivingly coupled with the pusher member. A control unit is configured to control operation of the actuator to move the pusher member from a first position toward a second position; determine a distance that the pusher member moves from the first position toward the second position before a force limit for the actuator is exceeded; and determine, based on the distance that the pusher member moves, an operational status of the instrument relating to the replaceable stapler cartridge.