Surgical Stapler Motion Control for Variable Tissue and Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling systems face challenges in precisely controlling tissue treatment motions, particularly in articulation angles, which affect the force required for stapling and cutting, leading to inconsistent surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a control algorithm that adjusts parameters such as firing speed, closure speed, and delay times based on real-time feedback from sensors, including articulation angle, tissue thickness, and staple cartridge configuration, to ensure optimal tissue treatment by modulating the motor's force and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the surgical instrument uses fixed motion parameters for tissue treatment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and surgical outcomes become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of motion parameters by modifying the control algorithm to respond to real-time situational parameters. The system transitions from fixed, predetermined motion parameters to dynamically adjustable parameters that adapt during tissue treatment based on detected conditions such as tissue thickness, articulation angle, and force requirements, thereby improving surgical outcomes consistency without requiring complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the tissue treatment motion based on detected situational parameters. The control algorithm adjusts motion parameters such as speed, force, and timing in response to real-time conditions including tissue thickness measurements, articulation angle data, and force sensor feedback, enabling precise adaptation of treatment parameters to match actual surgical conditions
2Measurement precision
If the system dynamically adjusts motion parameters based on situational parameters, then the surgical precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by incorporating sensors that detect situational parameters such as articulation angle, tissue thickness, and force applied during tissue treatment. The control algorithm receives this feedback data and uses it to dynamically adjust motion parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors and responds to actual surgical conditions, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through software-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a software-based control algorithm. Instead of using multiple mechanical components, switches, and physical adjustment mechanisms to control motion parameters, the system uses a programmable control algorithm that processes sensor data and adjusts parameters electronically, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving precise articulation angle control and motion parameter adjustment
3Reliability
If the control algorithm modifies motor force and speed based on real-time feedback, then the reliability of tissue treatment is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing and adjustment cycles where the control algorithm continuously monitors situational parameters and modifies motor force and speed in rhythmic intervals during tissue treatment. This periodic feedback and adjustment mechanism ensures consistent tissue treatment by regularly updating motion parameters based on current conditions, while managing energy consumption by operating in discrete measurement and adjustment cycles rather than continuous high-power operation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a surgical instrument for treating tissue in a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector, comprising an anvil, and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument further comprises a drive train operably coupled to the end effector, a motor configured to motivate the drive train based on a default control algorithm to affect a tissue treatment motion of the end effector, and a sensor configured to monitor an independent parameter of the surgical procedure. The independent parameter is independent of the motion of the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises a control circuit coupled to the motor and the sensor. The control circuit is configured to receive an input from the sensor indicative of the independent parameter, and adjust the default control algorithm based on the independent parameter.