Motorized Surgical Stapler Feedback and Safety Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor-driven endocutters lack user feedback regarding the position, force, and deployment of the end effector, making it difficult for surgeons to control the cutting/stapling operation and increasing the risk of accidental actuation, while also failing to provide proportionate force distribution, which is a barrier to widespread acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument with a power assist system and feedback mechanisms, including a gear drive train, sensors, and separate triggers for closure and firing, provides tactile feedback and control over the end effector, allowing surgeons to verify tissue capture and adjust the cutting motion, while preventing accidental actuation through secondary unlock switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motor-driven system is used to reduce firing force, then the force required to fire is reduced, but user feedback and control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including force sensors that measure the force applied by the surgeon on the trigger, and position sensors that track the location of the end effector. This feedback is provided to the surgeon through tactile cues and visual displays, allowing the surgeon to maintain control and awareness while using motor assistance to reduce the physical force required to fire the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that includes a microprocessor and control algorithms. This intermediary processes sensor data and modulates the motor assistance accordingly, acting as a mediator between the surgeon's input and the motor-driven actuation, thereby preserving surgical control while enabling reduced firing force.
2Force
If motor-driven actuation is implemented, then firing force is reduced, but the risk of accidental actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions including a pre-firing safety check sequence where the system verifies proper jaw closure, tissue capture, and alignment before enabling motor-driven firing. The system also requires deliberate surgeon activation through a multi-stage trigger mechanism, ensuring that motor actuation only occurs when all safety conditions are met, thereby preventing accidental firing.
3Ease of operation
If force sensors and feedback mechanisms are added, then user control is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional components where sensors serve multiple purposes: force sensors detect both the surgeon's applied force and the reaction force from tissue engagement; position sensors track both end effector location and jaw alignment; and the control system integrates both motor control and safety monitoring functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of discrete components needed, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while maintaining enhanced user control capabilities.
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 reduces the firing force required, enhances user control and feedback, and minimizes accidental actuations, improving the surgeon's ability to manage the cutting/stapling process with proportional force distribution and intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor may power, via a gear drive train, a rotational main drive shaft assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A surgical fastener apparatus having a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector including a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. A cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners, the actuator including a power source and a motor. Means for electrically adjusting the amount of spacing between the jaws when the end effector is in the closed position.