Surgical Stapler Firing Control Using Tissue Response Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical stapling systems lack the ability to adaptively adjust operational parameters based on tissue responses during sequential firings of staple cartridges, which can lead to inconsistent tissue treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves monitoring tissue responses during the first firing of a staple cartridge, assessing these responses using parameters indicative of tissue resistance, and adjusting operational parameters for the second firing to optimize tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operational parameters are kept fixed for sequential staple cartridge firings, then device complexity is reduced, but tissue treatment consistency deteriorates due to varying tissue responses
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors tissue response parameters (force, power, current, voltage, or speed) during the first firing and uses this feedback to automatically adjust operational parameters for the second firing. The control circuit compares the monitored parameter against thresholds and modifies motor power delivery, firing force, or timing parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining treatment consistency across varying tissue conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (motor power, firing force, timing) based on real-time tissue response monitoring. When the monitored parameter indicates abnormal tissue resistance or response, the control circuit adjusts subsequent firing parameters to compensate, ensuring consistent tissue treatment outcomes despite variations in tissue properties between sequential firings.
2Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring and adjustment of operational parameters is implemented, then tissue treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors tissue response parameters during firing and automatically adjusts operational parameters based on the monitored data. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise measurement and response to tissue conditions without requiring complex manual control mechanisms, as the system self-regulates based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring force, power, current, voltage, or speed parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed operational parameters are used for all firings, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to tissue responses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of operational parameters based on automated monitoring of tissue responses. The control circuit independently evaluates monitored parameters and modifies subsequent firing parameters without requiring surgeon intervention, enabling the device to adapt to varying tissue conditions while maintaining ease of operation. The system serves itself by automatically compensating for tissue variations through real-time parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sequential firings of staple cartridges is disclosed. The sequential firings including a first firing that deploys first staples into a first tissue portion from a first staple cartridge and a second firing that deploys second staples into a second tissue portion from a second staple cartridge. The method comprises monitoring a parameter indicative of a tissue response associated with the first firing, assessing the tissue response based on the parameter, and adjusting an operational parameter associated with the second firing based on the tissue response during the first firing.