Surgical Stapler Control Circuit Impedance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical cutting and fastening instruments face challenges in providing precise control over power and torque, and in efficiently using RF energy for tissue coagulation, particularly in endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, where minimizing tissue damage and ensuring effective stapling and cutting are critical.
Innovation Solution
The development of cordless motor-powered surgical instruments with a power pack comprising DC power sources, torque-limiting devices, and advanced RF electrode configurations, including smaller active electrodes and larger return electrodes, allows for controlled power delivery and efficient tissue coagulation, along with a control circuit to monitor tissue impedance and adjust motor operation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motor-powered surgical instruments are used to enable automated cutting and fastening, then productivity is improved, but control precision over power and torque delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors tissue impedance during the stapling process and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust motor power delivery. The system measures impedance changes as the stapler penetrates tissue and modifies motor torque accordingly, enabling precise control of power delivery while maintaining high productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If RF electrodes are used for tissue coagulation to reduce tissue damage, then harmful factors are reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs different electrode configurations with varying surface areas positioned at specific locations along the stapler jaw. Smaller active electrodes are placed where precise coagulation is needed, while larger return electrodes are positioned to optimize current distribution. This localized electrode design reduces tissue damage while maintaining RF energy efficiency by directing energy precisely where needed.
3Measurement precision
If tissue impedance monitoring is implemented to adjust motor control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified approach: it monitors tissue impedance, adjusts motor power delivery, and controls RF electrode activation. By integrating these functions into a single control system that leverages the same impedance measurements for multiple purposes, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement 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
This solution enables precise control over cutting and fastening processes, reduces tissue damage, and enhances the efficiency of RF energy application, improving the overall performance of surgical instruments in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit is configured to selectively monitor tissue impedance through the array of tissue-contacting elements
Implementation Method 2
a motor, an actuator, a firing member driveable by the motor through a staple firing stroke
Implementation Method 3
The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, an array of tissue-contacting elements positioned along a longitudinal length of the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises a handle and an end effector connected to the handle. The end effector comprises upper and lower opposing jaw members, wherein the upper jaw member comprises a plurality of co-linear, separately actuatable, RF electrodes.