Surgical Stapler Clamp Force Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers face challenges in effectively clamping and stapling thick tissues, leading to potential malformation or open staples due to uneven clamping forces.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a clamp lever strain measuring assembly within the surgical stapler, which measures the strain on the clamp lever jaws to determine the closure forces applied during tissue clamping, allowing for real-time feedback on the risk of staple malformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the clamp lever applies high closure forces to clamp thick tissue, then the tissue clamping capability is improved, but the staples may become malformed or open due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a strain measuring assembly that provides real-time feedback on the closure forces applied during tissue clamping. The measured strain data is processed and communicated to alert the surgeon if the forces exceed predetermined safe limits, enabling adjustment before staple formation to prevent malformation or open staples.
2Force
If the clamp lever applies high closure forces to clamp thick tissue, then the tissue clamping capability is improved, but uneven clamping forces are generated across the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The strain measuring assembly monitors closure forces at multiple locations to detect uneven force distribution across the clamped tissue. When non-uniformity is detected, the system alerts the surgeon to adjust the clamping technique, ensuring uniform staple formation conditions.
3Loss of information
If a strain measuring assembly is integrated into the clamp lever, then real-time feedback on closure forces is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force measurement mechanisms with modern sensing technology. The strain measuring assembly uses strain gauges or similar sensors that convert mechanical strain into electrical signals, which are then processed by electronic circuitry to provide force information, simplifying the overall system while enabling precise measurement.
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
This solution enables the surgical stapler to accurately assess the clamping forces and provide immediate feedback to the surgeon, reducing the risk of malformed or open staples and ensuring consistent staple formation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring assembly configured to measure a strain on at least one jaw of the clamp lever adjacent to the anvil latch pin as the clamp lever is pivoted from the open position into the closed position to thereby clamp the anvil against the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first and second elongate member that can releasably couple together to in order to cooperate to clamp and staple tissue, a latch member that can latch the first and second elongate member to clamp tissue, a firing assembly that can sever and staple clamped tissue, and a clamp force measuring assembly. The clamp force measuring assembly can measure a parameter associated with a clamping force imparted on the first and second stapling surfaces while clamping tissue, and process and communicate the measured parameter to be compared with a predetermined limit associated with successful staple formation.