Surgical Instrument Wireless Control via Inductive Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments face challenges in preventing inadvertent firing, especially when a staple cartridge is empty or spent, and in limiting the number of firing operations, while avoiding the complexity of hardwired end effector electronics and managing power delivery through complex mechanical joints.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument design featuring a control unit with inductive coupling to sensor transponders, allowing wireless communication and power transfer, which includes a programmable control unit that can be programmed post-sterilization and a mechanism to prevent excessive firing operations by altering components when a predetermined number is reached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If wireless communication with inductive coupling is used between control unit and sensor transponders, then device complexity is reduced by eliminating hardwired electronics in the end effector, but power delivery through complex mechanical joints becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of hardwired end effector electronicsVSAvoidpower delivery through mechanical joints

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical hardwired connections with electromagnetic inductive coupling. The control unit in the handle communicates wirelessly with sensor transponders in the end effector through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for hardwired electronics in the end effector and reducing mechanical complexity of joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field for power and data transfer. Inductive coupling serves as the intermediary mechanism between the control unit and sensor transponders, enabling communication without direct physical electrical connections through the mechanical joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sensor transponders are placed in the end effector for detecting cartridge status, then reliability of preventing inadvertent firing is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of inadvertent firingVSAvoidelectronic components in end effector

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardwired electronic systems with simplified wireless inductive coupling. Sensor transponders in the end effector communicate cartridge status and operational data back to the control unit without requiring physical electrical connections, reducing the complexity of electronic components while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor transponders in the end effector are passively powered by the inductive coupling field from the control unit. They autonomously detect cartridge status and transmit information back wirelessly, eliminating the need for separate power wires or complex electronic infrastructure in the end effector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the instrument is designed to limit the number of firing operations by altering components, then productivity and safety are improved by preventing cartridge reuse, but device complexity increases due to programming and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cartridge reuseVSAvoidprogrammable control unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback from sensor transponders about cartridge status and firing operation count. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines whether to enable or disable further firing operations, implementing a programmable limit on the number of times the instrument can be fired with a given cartridge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit alters operational parameters by changing the state of the firing mechanism based on the number of firing operations performed. When the predetermined number of firings is reached, the control unit modifies the instrument's state to prevent further firing, ensuring cartridge reuse prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 secure and controlled operation by preventing firing without a valid staple cartridge and limiting the number of operations, reducing complexity and improving user safety and instrument efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The control unit is in communication with the sensor transponder via at least one inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12082806B2Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and sensor transponders

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a control unit and a staple cartridge including a transponder. The control unit is configured to transmit a first wireless signal to the transponder and to receive a second wireless signal from the transponder to determine one of a first electronic state and a second electronic state of the transponder based on the second wireless signal.