Surgical Instrument Sensor Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack effective mechanical and electrical feedback mechanisms, which can lead to inefficient tissue handling and increased recovery times due to the lack of precise control over energy delivery and tissue manipulation during endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a motor-driven electrosurgical device equipped with sensors and motors that provide mechanical and electrical feedback, allowing for precise control of ultrasonic and RF energy delivery, tissue manipulation, and adaptive trigger mechanisms to ensure optimal tissue engagement and minimization of thermal spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical instruments are used without feedback mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the surgical precision and control over energy delivery are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect tissue engagement characteristics and operational parameters, transmitting this data to a control system that adjusts energy delivery in real-time. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control over ultrasonic and RF energy application, directly improving surgical precision while managing device complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with motor-driven actuation and electronic control systems. Motors provide precise positional control of surgical components, while electronic control systems process sensor data and regulate energy delivery, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated electromechanical systems that enhance precision.
2Productivity
If high energy delivery is used for efficient tissue cutting and coagulation, then the productivity increases, but the thermal spread increases causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors tissue engagement characteristics through sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust energy delivery parameters. By detecting real-time conditions at the tissue interface, the system optimizes energy application to achieve efficient cutting and coagulation while preventing excessive thermal spread, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes energy delivery parameters including power level, pulse duration, and frequency based on real-time sensor feedback. This parameter optimization allows the system to deliver sufficient energy for efficient tissue processing while controlling the spatial and temporal distribution of thermal energy to minimize harmful thermal spread to surrounding tissues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual control mechanisms are used for tissue manipulation, then the ease of operation is high, but the adaptability to different tissue types and surgical conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect tissue engagement characteristics such as force, position, and energy absorption, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adaptation to different tissue types and surgical conditions, with the system adjusting its behavior based on detected parameters while maintaining intuitive operation through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control systems that continuously adapt operational parameters based on real-time sensor data. The system transitions from static, pre-programmed operations to dynamic, responsive control that automatically adjusts to varying tissue properties and surgical conditions, enhancing adaptability while preserving ease of use through automated adaptation.
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 enables precise and efficient tissue cutting and coagulation with reduced thermal spread, improving surgical precision and reducing recovery times by providing real-time feedback and adaptive control during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor operable to detect tissue engagement characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a motor operable to actuate at least a portion of the surgical instrument
Implementation Method 3
precise control of ultrasonic and RF energy delivery
Implementation Method 4
precise control of ultrasonic and RF energy delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a temperature sensor and a control unit that is operable to deactivate an end effector of the surgical instrument. In some versions the temperature sensor detects the temperature of a transducer, while in others the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the end effector. The surgical instrument may also include a trigger and a trigger position sensor. A force sensor or a position sensor may be included to determine the force and/or position of the transmission assembly. The end effector may also include a force sensor or a micro coil. A surgical instrument having a sensor may be included in a surgical system that includes a control unit and a remote controller. In some instances the remote controller may have one or more force-feedback components. In addition, a device interface and a surgeon interface may be included to remotely adjust the settings of the control unit.