Surgical instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers lack user feedback mechanisms for the cutting/stapling operation, making it difficult for clinicians to verify the deployment and loading force of the cutting instrument, which can lead to incomplete firing or binding issues during endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven endocutter with user-feedback mechanisms, including a motor-powered cutting instrument and sensors that provide proportional feedback on the deployment and loading force, allowing the clinician to control the cutting/stapling operation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven endocutter is used without user feedback mechanisms, then automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to verify deployment and loading force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect deployment position and loading force during the cutting operation, providing real-time feedback to the clinician through a display interface. This feedback mechanism allows verification of motor-driven operation parameters while maintaining automation, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation extent and reliability.
2Reliability
If proportional feedback mechanisms are added to motor-driven endocutter, then reliability is improved through verification capability, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical feedback mechanisms with electronic sensors and digital display systems. This substitution achieves reliable verification of deployment and loading force through electronic measurement and display, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or enhancing reliability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and feedback systems are integrated into the surgical instrument, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors, processing electronics, and display components into a unified feedback system that is incorporated within the surgical instrument housing. This merging of components achieves precise measurement of deployment and loading force while minimizing overall device complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling instrument comprising a stapling assembly, a shaft, a firing member, a closure member, a manually-actuatable closure trigger, and a motor is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movably coupled to the second jaw. The shaft is configured to support the stapling assembly. The firing member is configured to transmit a firing motion to the stapling assembly. The firing member comprises a cutting member, a first camming member configured to engage the first jaw, and a second camming member configured to engage the second jaw. The closure member is configured to transmit a push-to-close motion to the stapling assembly. The manually-actuatable closure trigger is operable to impart the push-to-close motion to the closure member. The motor is operably coupled to the firing member to impart the firing motion to the firing member.