Surgical Stapler NIRS Perfusion Sensing During Tissue Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers lack the capability to assess vascularization and ensure adequate blood flow in the staple line region during surgical procedures, which is crucial for tissue recovery.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system into surgical staplers, specifically linear and circular staplers, to provide real-time blood flow measurement and perfusion assessment using near-infrared light, with light sources and detectors interspersed along the staple line to analyze tissue perfusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical staplers are used without additional sensing systems, then the device complexity remains low and the procedure is simple, but the capability to assess vascularization and monitor tissue perfusion is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual inspection methods with optical sensing technology. The NIRS system uses near-infrared light to non-invasively measure tissue perfusion and oxygenation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors or invasive monitoring while providing reliable real-time vascularization data.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical stapler is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating the NIRS sensing system. The same stapler device now performs not only mechanical stapling functions but also optical perfusion assessment, making it a multi-functional instrument that improves reliability without requiring separate dedicated monitoring devices.
2Measurement precision
If real-time NIRS monitoring is implemented during stapling, then tissue perfusion can be assessed accurately, but the device complexity increases due to integration of light sources and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical sensing components (light sources and detectors) directly into the stapler cartridge assembly. By combining these components within the existing stapler structure rather than using external separate devices, the system achieves precise measurement while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The NIRS system acts as an intermediary between the stapler and the tissue. It uses near-infrared light as a mediator to penetrate the tissue and detect perfusion changes, providing precise blood flow measurement without requiring direct mechanical contact or invasive sampling, thus simplifying the interaction between the device and tissue.
3Productivity
If stapling proceeds without real-time perfusion feedback, then the surgical procedure remains fast and simple, but the risk of complications increases due to undetected inadequate blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring tissue perfusion during the stapling process. The NIRS system provides immediate information about blood flow status, allowing the surgeon to adjust stapling parameters or intervene if inadequate perfusion is detected, thereby reducing complication risk while maintaining surgical efficiency through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of tissue perfusion before completing the stapling procedure. By evaluating blood flow status in advance and during early stages of stapling, the system can identify potential complications before they manifest, allowing for preventive adjustments that reduce overall complication risk without significantly delaying the procedure.
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
Enables real-time monitoring and feedback on tissue perfusion, ensuring adequate blood flow and reducing the risk of complications by adjusting stapling parameters based on perfusion data, thereby enhancing surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The NIRS system, which may also include diffused correlation spectroscopy, is an optical method to assess blood flow in tissues using near-infrared light (NIR) (e.g., NIR light having a wavelength from about 700 nm to about 900 nm).
Implementation Method 2
The NIRS system, which may also include diffused correlation spectroscopy, is an optical method to assess blood flow in tissues using near-infrared light
Implementation Method 3
Depending on the source-detector distance, light travels through different depths of tissues, and analysis of the collected backscattered light indicates blood flow levels within the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapler system for real-time tissue perfusion assessment during clamping includes a powered surgical stapler with a handle assembly, adapter assembly, and an end effector comprising a reload assembly with staples and an anvil assembly. Integrated into the system is a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system featuring light sources and photodetectors. The method involves clamping tissue between the reload and anvil assemblies, transmitting near-infrared light through the clamped tissue, and detecting backscattered light to determine tissue perfusion levels. The perfusion data is processed and displayed in real-time, allowing adjustments to the clamping force to ensure adequate perfusion before stapling. The system enhances surgical outcomes by providing real-time feedback on tissue viability during critical phases of the stapling procedure.