Surgical Stapler Clamp Force Sensor for Tissue Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack a mechanism to accurately measure and control the clamping force applied to tissue, which is crucial for effective stapling and cutting during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a clamp force sensor in the surgical stapler to detect the clamping force between the anvil and cartridge housing, providing a notification based on the detected force to ensure proper tissue engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a clamp force sensor is added to the surgical stapler, then measurement precision of clamping force is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force measurement mechanisms with electronic sensing technology. The clamp force sensor uses electronic components to detect and measure clamping force, substituting traditional mechanical gauges or load cells with modern electronic sensing elements that provide more precise measurements while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp force sensor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical clamping system and the control system. It converts mechanical clamping force into electrical signals that can be processed by the control system, enabling precise measurement and feedback control without directly modifying the core mechanical stapling mechanism.
2Reliability
If clamp force detection is implemented, then reliability of stapling procedure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the clamp force sensor continuously monitors the clamping force and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal clamping force levels, ensuring reliable tissue engagement and stapling while automatically adjusting for variations in tissue properties or positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically processes the sensor data and adjusts the clamping mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the clamping force based on sensor input, performing the measurement and control functions autonomously to improve reliability while minimizing the need for complex user interfaces or manual calibration procedures.
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
Enhances the precision and reliability of tissue stapling and cutting by ensuring consistent and adequate clamping force, improving the surgical outcome.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp force sensor in the surgical stapler to detect the clamping force between the anvil and cartridge housing
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, an end effector and a clamp force sensor. The handle assembly includes a closure trigger that is pivotable between a released position and an actuated position. The end effector is coupled with the shaft assembly and includes a cartridge that includes an anvil and a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing is slidable with respect to the anvil between an unclamped position and a clamped position to facilitate selective clamping of patient tissue therebetween. The clamp force sensor is associated with the end effector and is configured to detect a clamping force between the anvil and the cartridge housing and facilitate generation of a notification as a function of the detected clamping force.