Surgical Stapler Synchronized Drives for Precise Firing Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling instruments face challenges in precision and efficiency, particularly in navigating complex tissue structures during procedures like stomach sleeve creation, due to limitations in articulation and staple firing path control.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical stapling instrument with advanced articulation mechanisms and a display system that allows for real-time control of the staple firing path, enabling precise tissue manipulation and staple placement through a combination of motorized drives and a user interface that projects the firing path onto the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive system is used for both articulation and staple firing, then device complexity is reduced, but precision and control of staple placement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent synchronized drive systems: a first drive system controlling articulation movement and a second drive system controlling staple firing. This segmentation allows each drive system to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system coordination through synchronization mechanisms, thereby achieving precise staple placement without excessive complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If advanced articulation mechanisms are added to control staple firing path, then precision of tissue manipulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control system receives information about the articulation angle and staple firing position, and automatically adjusts the drive parameters to maintain precise staple placement along the desired path. This feedback loop enables accurate tissue manipulation without requiring overly complex mechanical articulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical articulation mechanisms with a combination of motorized drive systems and software control. The synchronized drive systems use electronic control and programming to achieve precise articulation and staple firing path control, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic and software-based solutions.
3Productivity
If real-time control of staple firing path is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both articulation control and staple firing path control through a unified interface. The display system and control algorithms are configured to provide real-time guidance for both articulation movement and staple placement, allowing a single control system to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for treating the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises a motorized drive system, a first drive system configured to perform a first end effector drive motion, wherein the first drive system is operably coupled to the motorized drive system, and a second drive system configured to perform a second end effector drive motion, wherein the second drive system is operably coupled to the motorized drive system. The surgical instrument further comprises synchronizing means for repetitively sequencing the first end effector drive motion and the second end effector drive motion.