Surgical Stapler Firing Stroke Adjustment via Articulation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical stapling instruments face challenges in ensuring consistent staple deployment and tissue cutting across varying articulation angles of the end effector, as the firing stroke length needs to be adjusted to accommodate the degree of articulation to prevent collisions and ensure complete staple firing and cutting.
Innovation Solution
A flexible firing bar with lateral portions that shift relative to each other at the articulation joint, coupled with a detection system such as a Hall effect sensor or capacitive encoder, adjusts the firing stroke length based on the articulation angle to maintain the distal-most position of the staple-deploying sled and cutting edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the firing stroke length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but staple deployment and tissue cutting are inconsistent across varying articulation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The firing bar is designed as a flexible component with lateral portions that can shift relative to each other at the articulation joint. This dynamic structure allows the firing bar to adapt its configuration based on the articulation angle, enabling consistent staple deployment and tissue cutting across varying angles without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a mechanical adjustment system with a detection system (Hall effect sensor or capacitive encoder) that electronically senses the articulation angle and controls the firing stroke length. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with electronic control and sensing reduces mechanical complexity while improving precision.
2Reliability
If the firing stroke is extended to accommodate full articulation, then complete staple firing is achieved, but collisions between components may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system continuously monitors the articulation angle and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the firing stroke length is dynamically adjusted to the precise amount needed for complete staple firing at each articulation angle, preventing both incomplete firing and component collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The firing stroke length parameter is changed dynamically based on the articulation angle. The system adjusts this parameter in real-time to match the geometric requirements of staple deployment at different angles, ensuring reliable firing while avoiding component interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the firing stroke is shortened to prevent collisions, then component safety is improved, but staple firing may be incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system provides real-time feedback on the articulation angle, enabling the control system to calculate and apply the exact firing stroke length needed. This feedback mechanism ensures that the firing stroke is long enough for complete staple firing while short enough to prevent component collisions at each specific articulation angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The firing stroke length is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously adapts the firing stroke parameter to match the current articulation angle, allowing optimal performance across the full range of motion without compromising safety or reliability.
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
Ensures consistent staple deployment and tissue cutting across different articulation angles by dynamically adjusting the firing stroke length, preventing collisions and ensuring complete staple firing and cutting, even when the end effector is fully articulated.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible firing bar with lateral portions that shift relative to each other at the articulation joint, coupled with a detection system such as a Hall effect sensor or capacitive encoder, adjusts the firing stroke length based on the articulation angle
Implementation Method 2
A flexible firing bar with lateral portions that shift relative to each other at the articulation joint, coupled with a detection system such as a Hall effect sensor or capacitive encoder, adjusts the firing stroke length based on the articulation angle
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include an end effector, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can also include an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and at least one articulated position. The surgical instrument can include means for adjusting the length of a firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can include a sensor configured to defect shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar that extends through the articulation joint. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument can include a relief feature configured to accommodate shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar.