Surgical Stapler Motor Control System for Tissue Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrically-powered surgical staplers lack control and tactile feedback, leading to reduced situational awareness for surgeons, potential device and patient damage due to inadequate motor power, and inability to accommodate changing loads during tissue stapling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical stapling system with a control system that modifies the force and stroke length of the firing assembly based on the articulation angle of the end effector, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustment of motor power to ensure proper stapling and cutting of tissue, and includes a bailout mechanism to prevent motor overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If motor power is increased to ensure adequate cutting and stapling force, then the ability to perform function is improved, but the risk of motor overload and device damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors motor current and compares it against predetermined thresholds. When the current exceeds the threshold, the control system automatically adjusts motor power to prevent overload, thereby maintaining both adequate cutting force and device safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes motor operating parameters (power level) based on real-time conditions. The control system adjusts the motor power parameter in response to tissue resistance and articulation angle, optimizing the balance between cutting capability and safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the firing assembly is designed to accommodate high articulation angles, then the adaptability to different surgical configurations is improved, but the force required to drive the firing assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor power based on the articulation angle. As the articulation angle increases, the control system automatically increases the motor power to compensate for the increased force requirement, allowing the device to maintain effective stapling and cutting across varying surgical configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the motor power parameter in real-time based on the detected articulation angle. This parameter adjustment ensures that sufficient force is available to drive the firing assembly regardless of the articulation configuration.
3Reliability
If the control system continuously monitors and adjusts motor power, then the safety and control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements continuous feedback monitoring of motor current with automatic power adjustment. This feedback mechanism provides comprehensive safety and control while using a straightforward control architecture that manages complexity through systematic monitoring and response protocols.
4Productivity
If the motor operates at high power to cut through tough tissue, then the productivity of the surgical procedure is improved, but the risk of stalling and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors motor current in real-time and automatically reduces power when stall conditions are detected (current exceeds threshold). This feedback control enables the motor to operate at high power for efficient tissue cutting while automatically preventing damage from stalling or excessive force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the motor power parameter based on tissue resistance feedback. The control system allows high power operation for productive cutting but automatically adjusts the parameter downward when resistance indicates potential stalling, balancing productivity with safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical stapling systems and methods for stapling tissue during a surgical procedure are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a control system is provided for controlling at least one motor coupled to a drive system on a surgical stapling device for driving one or more drive assemblies. The control system can be configured to communicate with the drive system of the stapling tool and to control and modify movement of one or more drive assemblies based on certain feedback.