Surgical Stapling Tissue Cut Detection via Electrical Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining when tissue is fully cut during anastomosis procedures, leading to potential errors and increased risks due to mechanical limitations and material compression.
Innovation Solution
The surgical stapling apparatus incorporates an electronic circuit with a device communication bus system and a controller that measures current flow to determine the tissue cut condition, using a knife to change the electrical circuit's condition and provide real-time feedback on tissue cutting status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical methods are used to determine tissue cut completion, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to material compression and mechanical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with an electrical detection system. Conductive elements are positioned to contact the anvil assembly, forming an electrical circuit that detects tissue cut completion through changes in electrical current or resistance, eliminating the limitations of mechanical compression and contact-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical circuit as an intermediary detection mechanism. The circuit includes conductive elements that establish electrical contact through the tissue, using changes in electrical properties (current flow, resistance) as an intermediate signal to indicate tissue cut status, providing more precise measurement than direct mechanical contact.
2Reliability
If electrical circuit detection is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements in the electrical circuit serve multiple functions: they are part of the normal operational circuitry of the surgical stapling device and simultaneously serve as sensors for detecting tissue cut completion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection components, minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical circuit utilizes the existing structural components of the device (anvil assembly, conductive elements) to perform the detection function. The system detects tissue cut status through changes in its own operational electrical parameters without requiring external or additional specialized sensing hardware.
3Loss of information
If traditional mechanical detection is used, then the device operation is simple, but the loss of information occurs due to inability to accurately detect tissue cut status
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical circuit provides real-time feedback on tissue cut status by monitoring changes in electrical current or resistance. This feedback mechanism continuously informs the operator of the cutting progress and completion status, eliminating information loss associated with mechanical detection limitations while maintaining straightforward operation through electrical signal monitoring.
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
This solution ensures precise determination of tissue cut completion, reducing errors and enhancing safety by providing accurate feedback on the cutting status through the measurement of current flow changes, thus improving the reliability of surgical stapling procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic circuit with a device communication bus system and a controller that measures current flow to determine the tissue cut condition
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling apparatus includes an end effector and an electronics assembly, the end effector having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil and cartridge assemblies are positionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively grasp tissue therebetween. The electronics assembly is supported in the end effector and configured to determine a condition of the grasped tissue based on an amount of current in an electrical circuit defined by the anvil and cartridge assemblies.