Surgical Compression Gauge for Tissue Thickness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapler instruments lack a means to consistently control tissue compression, leading to inadequate hemostasis and potential tissue damage due to the inability to accurately select the appropriate staple cartridge, especially in tissues with varying thickness or unknown mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a compression gauge cartridge and force transducer assembly that allows for consistent tissue compression to a predetermined thickness and measurement of reactionary load, aiding in the selection of the optimal staple cartridge by comparing the measured load to known optimal values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standardized set of staple cartridges with fixed gap distances is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of tissue compression is insufficient leading to non-uniform compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable gap distance parameters between the staple cartridge and anvil, allowing the compression thickness to be varied according to tissue requirements. This enables precise control over compression parameters while maintaining ease of operation through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static, fixed gap distance design into a dynamic system where the gap distance can be adjusted during operation. This allows the compression parameters to adapt to different tissue types and thicknesses, improving manufacturing precision without significantly increasing operational complexity.
2Device complexity
If the gap distance between staple cartridge and anvil is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of achieving adequate hemostasis is compromised due to inability to control compression force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable compression parameters including gap distance and compression force, allowing optimization of hemostasis reliability for different tissue conditions. The system maintains reasonable device complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms and pre-set parameter options.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to assess compression adequacy and adjust parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable hemostasis achievement by enabling real-time optimization of compression force based on actual tissue response.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized staple cartridges with discrete staple heights are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision of tissue compression is insufficient for tissues with varying thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable compression parameters that can be fine-tuned to match specific tissue thickness requirements. This maintains ease of manufacture through standardized component design while achieving precise measurement and control of tissue compression for varying tissue thicknesses.
4Strength
If the jaw members are designed to be structurally rigid, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision of uniform tissue compression deteriorates due to deflection under reactionary load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable gap distance parameters that compensate for jaw member deflection under load. By allowing adjustment of the initial gap distance, the system maintains uniform tissue compression across the stapling surface while preserving the structural strength and rigidity of the jaw members.
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 precise tissue compression and accurate selection of staple cartridges, reducing the risk of under- or over-compression, thereby improving hemostasis and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
A surgical device with a compression gauge cartridge and force transducer assembly that allows for consistent tissue compression to a predetermined thickness and measurement of reactionary load
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical compression gauge instrument comprising a compression gauge jaw member and an anvil jaw member for measuring a reactionary force from tissue captured and compressed to a predetermined gap distance between the two jaw members is disclosed herein. The compression gauge jaw member comprises a force gauge assembly for measuring the tissue reactionary force, and a spacer assembly for holding the two jaw members at a predetermined gap distance, which comprises an adjustable spacer member and a stopper for providing a positive stop to the adjustable spacer member. The spacer assembly is configured to selectively adjust the gap distance between the two jaw members.