Surgical Instrument End Effector Visual Feedback via Embedded LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical instruments lack effective visual feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for surgeons to monitor the status and performance of the instruments during procedures without diverting attention from the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
Integration of visual indicators, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fiber optic cables, within the surgical instruments to provide real-time feedback on operating parameters, including power status, tissue sealing, and force application, through illuminated rings and light pipes on the handle and end effector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If visual indicators are integrated into the surgical instrument, then surgical efficiency and monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates visual indicators (LEDs, fiber optic cables) within the existing surgical instrument structure, nesting these feedback components inside the instrument housing and shaft. The indicators are positioned to provide visual feedback without requiring external attachments or separate monitoring devices, thus improving surgical efficiency while containing the increase in complexity within the instrument's existing form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fiber optic cables as intermediaries to transmit light signals from the handle to the end effector, and employs LEDs as intermediary components to convert electrical signals into visible light indicators. These intermediary elements enable complex visual feedback functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture by leveraging established optical components.
2Loss of information
If visual feedback mechanisms are added to provide real-time information, then information availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms including LEDs that change color or illuminate to indicate different operational states (firing, retracting, tissue sealing completion) and fiber optic cables that provide real-time visual information about instrument status. This feedback system reduces information loss by keeping all critical data visible to the surgeon at the surgical site, eliminating the need to divert attention to separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-changing LEDs to convey different instrument states and operational parameters. For example, different colors indicate whether the instrument is firing, retracting, or has completed tissue sealing. This color-coding system efficiently communicates multiple pieces of information through a single visual indicator, improving information availability while minimizing the number of separate components needed.
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 surgical efficiency by allowing surgeons to maintain focus on the procedure while receiving visual cues about instrument status and tissue sealing, reducing the need for auditory feedback and improving procedural control.
Implementation Method 1
Integration of visual indicators, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
fiber optic cables, through illuminated rings and light pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a transmission assembly including an end effector. The end effector includes a visual indicator, such as dots disposed on a clamp arm, to emit light from at least one LED disposed between the clamp arm and a clamp pad. The LED is connectable to a power source. An outer sheath of the end effector is extruded to include a first set of electrical conduits. A distal assembly of the end effector includes the clamp arm, clamp pad, LED, and a second set of electrical conduits to mate with the first set of electrical conduits when the distal assembly is snap-fit into the extruded outer sheath. An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes an outer sheath configured to transmit light from an internally housed LED along portions of the outer sheath.