Surgical Stapler Reload Simulation with Tissue Thickness Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical simulation technologies do not effectively assist in identifying the appropriate staple cartridges and their locations for specific surgical procedures, limiting the precision and effectiveness of surgical planning.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that simulate surgical activities by presenting graphical representations of anatomy, allowing users to draw paths and select surgical tools based on tissue thickness ranges, generating a surgical plan and control signals for appropriate tool usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical simulation technologies are used to train surgeons and plan procedures, then surgical training and preparation are enhanced, but the ability to accurately identify appropriate staple cartridges and their locations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary surgical planning and staple cartridge selection before the actual surgery. It pre-identifies all staple cartridge selection points along the surgical path, pre-selects appropriate cartridges based on tissue thickness measurements, and prepares a complete surgical plan including cartridge types, locations, and sequences. This preliminary action ensures accurate cartridge selection information is available before the surgeon begins the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer between the surgeon and the staple cartridge selection process. This intermediary automatically measures tissue thickness at various points, references cartridge specifications, determines appropriate cartridge types, and presents recommendations to the surgeon. This intermediary resolves the information gap by processing complex selection criteria and presenting simplified, accurate recommendations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple surgical tools and staple cartridge types are considered for different tissue thicknesses, then surgical tool selection precision is improved, but the complexity of selecting the appropriate tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the continuous tissue thickness range into discrete intervals, each associated with specific staple cartridge types. It divides the surgical path into multiple measurement points and segments the tool selection process into automated steps: measure tissue thickness, identify appropriate cartridge type based on pre-defined ranges, and recommend specific cartridges. This segmentation transforms a complex continuous selection problem into manageable discrete decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically measuring tissue thickness, comparing measurements against cartridge specifications, and determining appropriate cartridge selections without requiring the surgeon to manually evaluate multiple cartridge options. The computational system serves itself by using pre-programmed criteria and databases to make selection decisions, reducing the cognitive burden on the surgeon while maintaining high precision.
3Productivity
If a comprehensive surgical plan including all staple cartridge selections is generated, then surgical procedure effectiveness is improved, but the time required for surgical planning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive staple cartridge selection and surgical planning in advance, generating a complete surgical plan that includes all cartridge types, locations, and sequences before the surgery begins. By completing this complex analysis preliminarily using pre-collected anatomical data and pre-programmed criteria, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming intraoperative decision-making, thereby improving surgical effectiveness without significantly increasing total planning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual surgical planning mechanics with automated computational processes. Instead of the surgeon manually measuring, comparing, and selecting cartridges throughout the planning process, the system uses automated image analysis, computational algorithms, and database queries to rapidly generate comprehensive surgical plans. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated computing dramatically reduces planning time while maintaining or improving plan quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for simulating a surgical activity may present a first graphical representation of a portion of anatomy. The device may simulate a path for the surgical activity. The device may determine surgical tool selection points associated with selecting surgical tools on the path for the surgical activity. The device may present a surgical range to select from at surgical tool selection points. In response to receiving an indication of the selected surgical range, the device may simulate a surgical outcome associated with selecting a surgical tool at the surgical tool selection point. In response to receiving an indication of the selected surgical tool, the device may generate the selected surgical tool at the surgical tool selection point.