Surgical Stapler Tissue Compression Gauge and Force Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapler instruments lack a means to consistently control tissue compression force, leading to inadequate hemostasis and potential tissue damage due to the inability to accurately select the appropriate staple cartridge, especially in tissues with varying thickness or unknown mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a compression gauge cartridge and force transducer that allows for consistent tissue compression to a predetermined thickness and measurement of reactionary load, aiding in the selection of the optimal staple cartridge by comparing the measured load to known optimal values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standardized staple cartridges with fixed gap distances are used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to control tissue compression force consistently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the actual tissue compression force is measured during the stapling operation, and this measurement is used to adjust or select the appropriate staple cartridge. The system provides real-time feedback to the operator about whether the selected cartridge is achieving the desired compression force, enabling dynamic adjustment rather than relying solely on pre-selected standardized cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the gap distance parameter between the anvil and cartridge based on measured tissue properties and compression force requirements. Instead of being fixed to standardized cartridges only, the system allows modification of critical parameters like gap distance to achieve optimal tissue compression force for different tissue types and surgical requirements.
2Ease of operation
If color-coded standardized staple cartridges are used, then the ease of operation is improved through simplified selection, but the measurement precision of tissue compression force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time measurement and feedback of tissue compression force, allowing the operator to verify whether the selected color-coded cartridge is achieving the desired compression. The feedback mechanism provides quantitative measurement data that complements the qualitative color-coding system, enabling precise verification of compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces or supplements the purely mechanical selection system (color-coded cartridges) with an electronic or sensor-based measurement system that can precisely quantify tissue compression force. This substitution enables accurate measurement of compression force regardless of which standardized cartridge is selected.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple standardized staple cartridges with different gap distances are provided, then the adaptability to different tissue thicknesses is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of selection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from tissue compression force measurements to guide the selection process. Instead of requiring the operator to pre-select from multiple cartridge variants based on visual estimation of tissue thickness, the feedback mechanism provides objective data about actual compression force, enabling more accurate selection with fewer cartridge variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and assessment of tissue properties before final cartridge selection. By measuring tissue compression force early in the process and providing feedback, the system enables informed selection of the appropriate cartridge variant, reducing the need for multiple trial-and-error selections.
4Manufacturing precision
If the anvil and cartridge are designed with fixed geometry, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to compensate for tissue variation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously fixed geometry system. The gap distance between anvil and cartridge can be dynamically adjusted based on measured tissue properties and compression force requirements. This dynamic capability allows the fixed-geometry components to adapt to varying tissue conditions while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change of critical geometric parameters (such as gap distance) based on measured tissue characteristics. Instead of being constrained to fixed geometry, the system allows modification of parameters like anvil-to-cartridge distance to optimize tissue compression for different tissue types and thicknesses.
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 precise tissue compression and accurate selection of staple cartridges, reducing the risk of under- or over-compression, thereby improving hemostasis and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
measure a reactionary load therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for assessing a mechanical property of tissue under compression is disclosed herein comprising a handle; an elongated shaft distally disposed to the handle; an end effector distally disposed to the elongated shaft and comprising a first and a second jaw member pivotally engaged with each other to open and close when operated by the handle; a force gauge assembly comprising a compression head and a force transducer; an adjustable spacer assembly disposed on the first jaw member proximally to the force gauge assembly and comprising an adjustable spacer member and a spacer base; a control mechanism supported by the elongated shaft and disposed adjacent to the handle for producing an actuation force for controlling the adjustable spacer assembly; and at least one control link operably coupled with the control mechanism and the spacer base, and configured to transmit the actuation force.