Surgical End Effector Light Source Tissue Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in accurately positioning tissue within the end effector due to the complexity of locating the tissue and the position of the end effector within the body cavity, which can lead to complications during simultaneous cutting and stapling procedures.
Innovation Solution
The end effector incorporates an elongate channel with a staple cartridge and a movably supported anvil, equipped with light sources that provide a visual indication of the tissue's position by projecting light through the anvil, allowing clinicians to accurately clamp and staple tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual indication system is added to show tissue position, then tissue positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light sources that emit visible light to indicate tissue position through color or illumination patterns. The light sources are positioned within the end effector to illuminate or reflect off the tissue, providing visual feedback to the operator about tissue placement accuracy during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light sources as an intermediary element between the tissue and the operator's visual system. These light sources serve as a mediator that translates internal tissue position information into visible signals, allowing the operator to indirectly observe tissue positioning without direct line of sight or complex imaging systems.
2Loss of information
If light sources are integrated into the end effector, then tissue position visibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are integrated into the existing end effector structure, allowing the same component to serve both its primary surgical function and the additional function of providing visual indication. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for separate manufacturing processes and minimizes the impact on manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are positioned within or integrated into the existing end effector components, nesting the illumination function within the structural framework. This nesting approach allows the light sources to be incorporated during the same manufacturing process as the end effector body, rather than requiring separate assembly steps.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of tissue positioning, simplifying the stapling and cutting process by providing a clear visual indication of the tissue's location, thereby reducing complications and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
At least one light source is provided on at least one of the staple cartridge and the elongate channel. The light sources are arranged to interface with the anvil to provide a visual indication of the tissue's position between the anvil and the staple cartridge.
Data Source
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AI summary
An end effector for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument. In various embodiments, the end effector may include an elongate channel that is configured to support a staple cartridge therein and which is also operably coupled to a surgical cutting and stapling instrument. An anvil may be movably supported relative to the elongate channel for selective movement between an open position and a closed position wherein tissue is clamped between the anvil and a staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel in response to a closing motion applied thereto from the surgical cutting and stapling instrument. At least one light source may be provided on at least one of the staple cartridge and the elongate channel. The light sources may interface with the anvil to provide a visual indication viewable through a portion of the anvil to indicate a position of tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge.