Surgical Instrument Interface Control for End Effector Resetting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently articulating and resetting end effectors to a default position, particularly during minimally invasive procedures, which can complicate the removal of the instrument from a patient's cavity and potentially damage access ports.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a microcontroller and motor mechanism that allows precise articulation and automatic resetting of the end effector to a home state position, using dome switches and a motor controller to facilitate alignment with the shaft, and providing feedback mechanisms to ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual articulation and resetting of the end effector is performed, then the instrument can be operated, but the operator input required increases and the risk of damage to access ports increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically detects when the end effector is misaligned and initiates resetting operations without operator intervention. The motor mechanism self-corrects the articulation to align with the shaft, enabling the system to service itself and reduce reliance on manual operator actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and alignment of the end effector relative to the shaft. This feedback enables the control system to detect misalignment conditions and trigger automatic resetting, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces manual intervention.
2Productivity
If the end effector is articulated during removal, then the instrument can be manipulated, but the time required for removal increases and procedural efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary alignment of the end effector with the shaft during the surgical procedure, preparing the instrument for efficient removal. By pre-positioning the end effector in the correct alignment before removal is needed, the system eliminates time-consuming manual adjustment during the removal process.
3Ease of operation
If automatic resetting is implemented, then operator input is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including monitoring end effector position, detecting misalignment, initiating resetting operations, and verifying alignment. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate shaft, an end effector, and control system having a processor and a memory. The handle assembly is movable between a plurality of positions and includes an interface. The control system can cause the processor to toggle between a plurality of interface configurations each associated with one of the positions of the handle assembly. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system can toggle the interface between a primary interface configuration with operational controls and a secondary interface configuration with navigation controls. Additionally, or alternatively, the interface can include a touchscreen configured to provide a firing input signal to the processor. Additionally, or alternatively, a surgical assembly can include the surgical instrument and a remote operating unit with a secondary interface configured to control the end effector.