Powered Surgical Stapler Torque Disengagement for Controlled Firing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical staplers face challenges in efficiently repositioning the end effector during procedures, requiring manual release and repositioning of the anvil, which can be time-consuming and may lead to suboptimal tissue stapling and cutting.

Innovation Solution

A powered surgical instrument with a retraction assembly and articulation system that allows for precise control of the end effector's position through a motor-driven mechanism, enabling automatic retraction and repositioning of the anvil, and a torque-voltage curve management system for optimal firing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a surgeon manually activates a release mechanism to reposition the end effector, then the anvil can be pivoted into an open position, but this process is time-consuming and reduces procedural efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector repositioningVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical release mechanism with a motor-driven articulation system. The motorized articulation joint automatically pivots the anvil between open and closed positions based on surgeon input, eliminating the need for manual activation of release mechanisms and significantly reducing repositioning time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation system is designed to automatically perform the repositioning action once triggered. The motor-driven mechanism self-actuates the anvil movement without requiring the surgeon to manually manipulate release mechanisms, making the system serve itself in the repositioning task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anvil is manually repositioned multiple times during the procedure, then the surgeon can adjust the end effector position, but this leads to operator fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector positioningVSAvoidoperator fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motor-driven articulation system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated motor control. The surgeon simply provides directional input, and the motor system handles the repetitive articulation movements, eliminating physical fatigue from manual repositioning while maintaining full adaptability of end effector positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation system provides dynamic, motorized adjustment capability that responds to surgeon input with smooth, controlled movement. This dynamic system allows rapid repositioning without the physical effort required by static manual mechanisms, reducing operator fatigue while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a motor-driven articulation system is implemented for automatic repositioning, then procedural efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural efficiencyVSAvoidarticulation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a motor-driven articulation joint that replaces complex manual mechanical linkages with a more compact motorized system. While this adds electronic control elements, it simplifies the overall mechanical structure by eliminating multiple manual release mechanisms and linkages, achieving net complexity reduction while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the surgical stapler includes motorized articulation and torque management systems, then firing performance is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a torque-voltage curve management system that dynamically adjusts motor parameters (voltage, current) based on real-time torque requirements. This parameter control approach allows optimized firing performance across different tissue conditions without requiring complex mechanical modifications, making the system more manageable during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The torque-voltage curve management system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor motor torque and adjust voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures reliable firing performance while using software-based control rather than complex mechanical mechanisms, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to purely mechanical torque management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240164773A1Surgical instrument with motor disengagement in response to excess torque

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A powered stapling device has a motor which can be operated at differing speeds based on a parameter indicative of the assembly's capabilities. The powered stapling device has a control system for controlling the motor. The control system has the ability to pause or stop the advancement of the firing system. The control system can stop advancement of the motor when a force or torque exceeds a predetermined force of torque on the firing rod. The control system can recouple the motor so that the motor is able to continue advancement when the force falls below the predetermine force limit, or a different predetermined force limit.