Surgical Suturing Control for Variable Needle Cartridge Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack versatility and efficiency in performing multiple functions such as grasping, dissecting, clipping, and suturing due to limited articulation and power control, leading to cumbersome operation and reduced precision.
Innovation Solution
A modular surgical system with a handle and shaft assemblies featuring a rotary drive mechanism, articulation joint, and interchangeable end effectors, allowing for selective attachment of various modules for different functions, including a motor-driven end effector with clutches and sensors for precise control and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical instrument is designed with limited articulation and power control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the versatility and precision of performing multiple surgical functions (grasping, dissecting, clipping, suturing) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument employs a universal end effector design that can perform multiple surgical functions (grasping, dissecting, clipping, suturing) through a single device. The end effector is configured with interchangeable cartridges that enable different surgical operations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized instruments and thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates dynamic control systems including variable power delivery capabilities and adjustable articulation. The system can dynamically switch between different operational modes and functions through programmable control, allowing a single device to adapt to multiple surgical requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through software-based control rather than multiple mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical instrument uses interchangeable cartridges with different functions, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into modular components including interchangeable cartridges that can be attached and detached as needed. Each cartridge contains specific surgical functions (grasping, dissecting, clipping, suturing), allowing the operator to select only the required function for each procedure. This segmentation enables versatility while keeping the base instrument relatively simple and reducing overall system complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable cartridges are designed to nest within or attach to the end effector housing, with compact storage mechanisms that allow multiple cartridges to be held in ready position. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space required for multiple functions and allows seamless transitions between different surgical operations without requiring separate instruments, thereby improving versatility while controlling device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If motor-driven control with clutches and sensors is implemented, then the precision and power control are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on cartridge installation, end effector position, and operational status. This feedback is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts motor power delivery and articulation, eliminating the need for manual calibration or complex mechanical linkages. The automated feedback control achieves high precision while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive, sensor-guided interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a control circuit board as an intermediary between the operator's inputs and the motor-driven components. This intermediary processes commands, manages power delivery to motors, coordinates clutch engagement, and integrates sensor data, thereby simplifying the operator's interface while achieving precise control through automated mediation rather than direct mechanical manipulation of multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical suturing system is disclosed. The surgical suturing system comprises a shaft, a firing drive comprising a motor, and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a needle driver configured to be actuated by the motor, wherein the needle driver is configured to drive a needle installed within the end effector. The end effector further comprises a needle track configured to guide the needle installed within the end effector through a needle firing stroke, wherein the end effector is configured to accommodate suturing needles having different sizes. The surgical suturing system further comprises a control circuit configured to sense the size of the suturing needle installed within the end effector and adjust the actuation stroke of the motor to accommodate the size of the needle installed within the end effector.