Surgical Instrument Jaw Sensors for Perfusion Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating tissue to be resected during anastomotic procedures are inadequate in preventing anastomotic leaks, as they fail to accurately assess the amount of diseased tissue, leading to potential failures in preserving healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument equipped with a handle, shaft, jaw members, an inflatable member, and sensors that measure local perfusion pressure in tissue, allowing for precise assessment of tissue viability before stapling, thereby reducing the risk of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual estimation methods are used to determine tissue resection amount, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick, but the accuracy of tissue viability assessment is insufficient leading to anastomotic leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument integrates multiple functional components within a unified structure: the inflatable member is positioned within the jaw members, the sensor is embedded in the jaw member or inflatable member, and the handle portion controls the entire assembly. This nested configuration allows the complex functionality (inflation, sensing, stapling) to be contained within a manageable surgical instrument structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument performs multiple functions through a single integrated device: the jaw members can clamp tissue, the inflatable member can apply controlled pressure for perfusion assessment, the sensor can measure perfusion pressure, and the stapling mechanism can close the tissue. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments for each step of the tissue assessment and closure process.
2Reliability
If no perfusion pressure measurement is performed, then the surgical procedure is faster and simpler, but the risk of anastomotic leaks increases due to inaccurate tissue resection estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument performs perfusion pressure measurement as a preliminary step before stapling. The inflatable member is inflated to apply controlled pressure to the tissue, and the sensor measures the perfusion pressure before the final closure is made. This preliminary assessment ensures tissue viability is confirmed before committing to the stapling procedure, preventing anastomotic leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback on tissue perfusion pressure during the stapling process. The measured perfusion pressure information is used to assess tissue viability and determine whether the tissue is suitable for stapling. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to make informed decisions about tissue resection and closure, improving anastomotic outcomes.
3Measurement precision
If an inflatable member is added to apply pressure for perfusion measurement, then tissue viability assessment is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable member is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can be easily manufactured using standard materials and techniques. The flexible nature of the inflatable member allows it to conform to the tissue surface while applying uniform pressure, and its simple construction (essentially a sealed chamber that can be inflated) makes it relatively easy to manufacture and integrate into the surgical instrument.
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
The instrument effectively determines tissue viability by measuring perfusion pressure, enabling clinicians to accurately resect diseased tissue and reduce the likelihood of anastomotic leaks, ensuring more successful surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor is associated one of the jaw members and is configured to measure local perfusion pressure in the tissue disposed between the jaw members
Implementation Method 2
The second sensor is configured to measure a pressure within the inflatable member
Implementation Method 3
The inflatable member is associated with one of the jaw members and is configured to apply pressure to tissue disposed between the pair of jaw members
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft coupled to the handle portion, a pair of jaw members operably coupled to the shaft, an inflatable member, and a sensor. The inflatable member is associated with one of the jaw members and is configured to apply pressure to tissue disposed between the pair of jaw members. The sensor is associated with one of the jaw members and is configured to measure local perfusion pressure in the tissue disposed between the pair of jaw members.