Powered Surgical Stapler Closure Sensing to Prevent Unsafe Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems lack the ability to effectively control surgical instruments based on sensed closure parameters, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising a control circuit and a surgical instrument with an end effector assembly that includes a sensor to detect closure parameters. The control circuit analyzes these parameters based on system-defined constraints and prevents certain functions of the surgical instrument if the analysis indicates a risk or inefficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical systems operate without real-time parameter monitoring and control, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety of surgical procedures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors closure parameters detected by sensors in the end effector assembly and uses this feedback to dynamically control the actuator. The system compares real-time closure force measurements against predetermined thresholds and automatically adjusts or prevents actuation based on the feedback, ensuring safe operation while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument performs self-monitoring and self-regulation through integrated sensors and control circuits that automatically detect closure parameters and control actuator operation without requiring external intervention. The system independently determines when to prevent actuation based on detected parameters, reducing the need for complex external monitoring systems.
2Ease of operation
If the surgical instrument allows all functions to operate without constraints, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of errors and harmful effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is programmed with predetermined closure force thresholds that prevent actuation before harmful effects can occur. The system proactively monitors closure parameters and blocks actuator operation when thresholds are exceeded, preventing potential surgical errors before they happen while maintaining ease of operation for safe procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from sensors monitoring closure parameters enables the control circuit to dynamically adjust instrument operation. The system provides continuous monitoring and automatically prevents functions that would create harmful effects, maintaining ease of operation for safe procedures while blocking only those actions that pose risks.
3Measurement precision
If the system implements comprehensive sensor monitoring and control analysis, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and monitors only the critical closure parameter (closure force) using a dedicated sensor in the end effector assembly. By focusing on extracting and monitoring only the essential parameter needed for safe operation rather than comprehensively monitoring all possible parameters, the system achieves adequate measurement precision while keeping the control system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it monitors closure parameters, compares measurements to thresholds, controls the actuator, and prevents inappropriate actuation. By designing a universal control system that performs multiple functions within a single integrated circuit, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise measurement and control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system comprises a control circuit, a surgical instrument and a user interface is disclosed. The end effector assembly may comprise a sensor configured to detect a parameter associated with a function of the end effector, and transmit the detected parameter to the control circuit. Further, the control circuit may be configured to analyze the detected parameter based on a system-defined constraint and prevent at least one function of the surgical instrument based on a result of the analysis. The user interface may be configured to provide a current status regarding at least one prevented function of the surgical instrument.