Surgical Stapler End Effector With Magnetic Staple Formation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack advanced intelligence for evaluating staple formation conditions, limiting the ability to improve patient outcomes through intelligent stapling algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A surgical end effector with sensors to detect the presence of a center rod, a magnetic sensor to measure magnetic field changes, and a controller to control motors based on sensor signals, enabling intelligent stapling algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional circular staplers are used without sensors, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to evaluate staple formation conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical evaluation methods with magnetic sensing technology. Magnetic sensors detect the position of ferromagnetic components (center rod, anvil assembly) to determine staple formation conditions, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with simpler magnetic field-based detection that provides more precise evaluation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the mechanical components and the control system. Ferromagnetic components (center rod, anvil assembly) serve as intermediaries that can be detected by magnetic sensors, enabling the controller to evaluate staple formation conditions without direct mechanical contact or complex sensing mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If multiple sensors are added to detect center rod position, then intelligent stapling algorithms can be implemented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic sensors to replace complex mechanical position detection systems. By detecting the magnetic field changes caused by ferromagnetic components (center rod, anvil assembly), the system achieves intelligent automation with simpler sensor infrastructure compared to traditional mechanical encoders or optical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic components (center rod, anvil assembly) serve dual purposes: they are both functional elements of the stapling mechanism and sensing targets for position detection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensing components, reducing overall device complexity while enabling intelligent algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors and ferromagnetic components are used, then precise position detection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the center rod and anvil assembly to ferromagnetic materials. This parameter change enables magnetic field detection without requiring additional manufacturing steps for separate sensing components. The ferromagnetic properties are inherent to the functional components themselves, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving precise position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functional components (center rod, anvil assembly) with the sensing targets by using ferromagnetic materials. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate sensing elements, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise position detection capabilities through magnetic field sensing.
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
Enhances the capability of surgical staplers to evaluate staple formation conditions, improving the precision and effectiveness of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to sense a presence of the center rod within the central lumen... a magnetic sensor to measure magnetic field changes
Implementation Method 2
The center rod includes a ferromagnetic material configured to modify a magnetic field of the magnet
Data Source
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AI summary
Adapter assemblies are used with and electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical reloads, and surgical systems include handheld electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical reloads to the handheld electromechanical surgical devices.