Surgical Instrument Test End Effector Tissue Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical practitioners face difficulties in selecting suitable end effectors for specific procedures due to the complexity of determining tissue properties and matching them with appropriate surgical devices, particularly in ensuring the correct fastener length for tissue securing.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a test end effector and handle assembly that includes sensors to measure tissue properties, such as pressure, and a user interface to indicate suitable treatment end effectors based on these measurements, utilizing sensors like force transducers and capacitive pressure sensors, and user interface devices like LEDs or audio outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple end effectors with different fastener lengths are available, then the ability to treat various tissue types is improved, but the difficulty of selecting the suitable end effector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to measure tissue properties and provides feedback through a user interface that indicates which end effector is suitable for the measured tissue, creating a closed-loop selection process that guides the practitioner to the correct tool
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically measuring tissue properties and determining the appropriate end effector selection, reducing the burden on the practitioner to manually assess and select the correct tool
2Measurement precision
If sensors and measurement systems are added to determine tissue properties, then the accuracy of end effector selection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accept different end effectors and perform multiple functions including measurement, processing, and indication, reducing the need for separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
A controller serves as an intermediary between the sensors and the user interface, processing sensor data and translating it into actionable recommendations, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
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 practitioners to accurately determine suitable end effectors for tissue treatment by measuring tissue properties and providing clear indications, ensuring appropriate clamping and securing of tissue, thereby simplifying the selection process and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor is configured to measure pressure exerted on the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of force transducers
Implementation Method 3
The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 4
The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of piezoresistive elements
Implementation Method 5
The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of capacitive pressure sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument (100) is provided. The surgical instrument includes: a test end effector (400,500) including a test jaw assembly having a pair of jaws configured to clamp about tissue and at least one sensor (520) configured to measure at least one tissue property; and a handle assembly configured to couple to the treatment end effector (300). The handle assembly includes: a drive assembly; a motor operatively coupled to the drive assembly; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the controller configured to control operation of the motor to actuate the test end effector (400,500) to measure the at least one tissue property and to determine, based on the at least one tissue property, at least one suitable treatment end effector (300).