Motorized Surgical Stapling System with Tissue Sensing Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical staplers and cutting instruments lack efficient control over power and torque, leading to potential damage to components and inadequate tissue handling during endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of cordless motor-powered surgical cutting and fastening instruments with a power pack comprising DC power sources, torque-limiting devices, and RF electrodes, allowing for controlled power delivery and tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If motor-powered surgical cutting and fastening instruments are used, then productivity and cutting speed are improved, but the risk of component damage increases due to uncontrolled torque and power
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect tissue properties, compression forces, and motor load conditions in real-time, feeding this information back to a control circuit that dynamically adjusts motor power and torque output. This closed-loop feedback prevents excessive torque that could damage components while maintaining high cutting speed through optimized power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor control system transitions from static, fixed-speed operation to dynamic, adjustable-speed operation. The control circuit continuously modifies motor parameters based on real-time surgical conditions, allowing the system to adapt torque and speed to match tissue characteristics and surgical requirements, thereby preventing component damage while maintaining productivity.
2Power
If high power is delivered to the motor, then cutting capability is improved, but tissue handling precision deteriorates due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial power rather than full power during tissue handling phases. The control circuit modulates motor output to deliver only the necessary force for precise tissue manipulation, reserving maximum power for cutting operations when needed. This partial action approach maintains tissue handling precision while preserving cutting capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates in periodic cycles of varying power output rather than continuous high power. During tissue compression and handling, the system uses lower power intervals, then delivers higher power bursts during cutting strokes. This periodic power delivery pattern enables precise tissue handling during compression phases while maintaining cutting capability during active cutting phases.
3Productivity
If torque is increased for better cutting performance, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the risk of damaging the anvil and staples increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors monitor the force applied during staple formation and anvil engagement in real-time, providing feedback to the control circuit. When the sensor detects forces approaching thresholds that could damage the anvil or staples, the control circuit automatically reduces torque output. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high cutting efficiency through optimized torque while preventing damage to the anvil and staples.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is programmed with predetermined torque thresholds and safety margins that prevent excessive forces from reaching the anvil and staples. Before damage can occur, the system proactively limits torque output to safe levels, cushioning against potential damage while maintaining sufficient cutting efficiency through optimized power delivery within safe parameters.
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
Enables precise control over cutting and stapling operations, reducing the risk of component damage and improving tissue handling through adjustable power and torque management.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing array is configured to sense compression of the tissue, properties of the tissue, and a presence of metallic elements within the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The housing comprises an RF transceiver configured to transmit RF signals
Implementation Method 3
The motor is configured to drive the firing member toward the fired position
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical stapling system for treating tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical stapling system comprises an end effector, a firing member, a motor, a RF transceiver configured to transmit RF signals, and a sensing array. The end effector comprises an elongate channel, an anvil rotatable relative to the elongate channel from an open position toward a closed position, and a staple cartridge removably positioned in the elongate channel. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples removably stored therein. The firing member is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. The staples are deployed from the staple cartridge based on the firing member being moved toward the fired position. The motor is configured to drive the firing member toward the fired position. The sensing array is configured to sense compression of the tissue, properties of the tissue, and a presence of metallic elements within the tissue.