Surgical Stapler RFID Tag and Conductive Circuit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling and cutting instruments lack reliable mechanisms for detecting staple formation, cartridge status, and tissue characteristics, often relying on complex sensors which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an RFID tag and control circuit that interrogates the tag to determine staple cartridge information and tissue characteristics, and adjusts operational parameters based on these determinations, using electrically conductive circuit elements within the staple-forming pockets to assess staple formation and tissue contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complicated sensors or induction systems are used to detect staple formation and tissue status, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complicated electronic sensors and induction systems with simple electrical circuit elements (conductive traces or wires) that passively detect staple formation. The circuit elements complete or break electrical circuits based on physical contact during stapling, providing detection capability through basic electrical conductivity rather than complex sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive electrical circuit elements (such as conductive traces on the anvil or disposable cartridge components) that can be easily manufactured and replaced. These basic circuit elements provide reliable detection without the cost and complexity of sophisticated sensors, aligning with the principle of using simple, disposable components for critical detection functions.
2Device complexity
If simple sensing mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of staple formation detection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex electronic sensing mechanisms with fundamental electrical circuit elements that provide inherently reliable detection. The simple conductive circuit elements directly complete or break circuits when staples are properly formed, providing accurate measurement of staple formation status without requiring complex signal processing or interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit elements are integrated into the stapling mechanism itself (on the anvil or cartridge), allowing the stapling device to automatically detect its own operational status. The circuit elements passively indicate whether staples are properly formed through their electrical conductivity, providing self-diagnostic capability without external sensing equipment.
3Device complexity
If multiple detection functions are integrated into one system, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of individual detection functions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into separate, independent electrical circuit elements for different detection purposes (staple formation detection, tissue contact detection, cartridge status detection). Each circuit element is positioned at specific locations to detect specific events, allowing individual circuits to be optimized for their specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 reliability of staple formation detection and tissue assessment, providing real-time feedback for improved surgical precision and preventing potential issues with staple formation and tissue handling.
Implementation Method 1
transmit an electrical signal to tissue contacting the contact assembly, determine a characteristic of the tissue contacting the contact assembly based on the electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The RFID tag is configured to store information about the staple cartridge. The control circuit is operably coupled to the contact assembly. The control circuit is configured to interrogate the RFID tag to determine the information about the staple cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, an RFID tag, and a control circuit is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a contact assembly configured to contact tissue. The staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein. The anvil and the staple cartridge are configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The RFID tag is configured to store information about the staple cartridge. The control circuit is operably coupled to the contact assembly. The control circuit is configured to interrogate the RFID tag to determine the information about the staple cartridge, transmit an electrical signal to tissue contacting the contact assembly, determine a characteristic of the tissue contacting the contact assembly based on the electrical signal, and change an operational parameter of the surgical stapling instrument based on the characteristic of the tissue.