Variable Speed Closure Mechanism for Surgical Stapler Tissue Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers are hand-powered and lack an active compression indicator to optimize tissue compression, leading to potential tissue degradation due to over-compression during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electric surgical stapling device with an offset-axis configuration for the anvil and staple firing sub-assemblies, featuring a power source, electric motor, and a closure assembly that advances the anvil towards the staple cartridge at varying speeds to ensure optimal tissue compression within a defined pressure range, preventing over-compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hand-powered closure mechanism is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but tissue compression control precision deteriorates leading to over-compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hand-powered mechanical closure mechanism with an electrically-driven closure mechanism. The motorized actuator provides precise control over the closure speed and compression force, eliminating the imprecision inherent in hand-powered systems while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated motor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable speed closure through motor control, allowing the closure mechanism to adjust its operating speed dynamically. The system can operate at different closure speeds (e.g., first closure speed for initial compression, second closure speed for final compression) to optimize tissue compression control and prevent over-compression.
2Device complexity
If single-speed closure mechanism is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but tissue compression optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed closure through motor control, allowing the closure mechanism to adjust its operating speed dynamically. The system can operate at different closure speeds (e.g., first closure speed for initial compression, second closure speed for final compression) to optimize tissue compression control and prevent over-compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the closure mechanism by varying the motor speed during different phases of the stapling process. The controller adjusts the closure speed based on the specific stapling requirements, enabling optimized tissue compression for different tissue types and surgical applications.
3Device complexity
If no compression indicator is provided, then device simplicity is maintained, but tissue compression monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a compression indicator that provides visual feedback to the user about the tissue compression status. This feedback mechanism allows the user to monitor whether the tissue is being compressed within the optimal range, enabling real-time adjustment of the stapling parameters to prevent over-compression.
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
The device ensures proper tissue compression and stapling by maintaining the tissue within an optimal compression range, reducing the risk of tissue degradation and improving the success rate of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The handle comprises a power source, an electric motor supplied with power from the power source
Implementation Method 2
the drive part has a threaded exterior surface and the closure assembly further comprises a hollow body shaped to matingly receive at least a portion of the drive part and having an internal surface with at least one protrusion onto which the threaded exterior surface of the drive part is threaded
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprised of an end effector having two opposing tissue-compression surfaces, wherein at least one of the tissue-compressing surfaces is movable with respect to the other of the tissue-compressing surfaces, and a handle connected to the end effector. The handle comprises a power source, an electric motor supplied with power from the power source, and a closure assembly comprising a drive part that is selectively moved by the motor along a drive-part axis and is operatively connected to the end effector such that, when the motor is supplied with power, the drive part advances the movable tissue-compressing surface towards the opposing tissue-compressing surface at a differential rate of speed dependent upon a position of the drive part along the drive-part axis.