Electronic upgrades to a purely mechanical surgical stapler, for better outcomes in a vital surgical maneuver

Abstract

Abstract This paper attempts to demonstrate the need of implementing an electronic system to collect data, command and control a surgical mechanical stapler, being broadly used in most of the intestinal resections for different pathologies. By implementing this electronic system, we will be able to eliminate some of the most important risk factors in the instrument steps to use, that can bring critical damage to the patient outcomes. The object of the writing is to present a working electronic system that can improve the use of such a device and to bring solid conclusions after testing on animal tissue. The setup contains an Arduino-based system that is capable to sense the pressure exercised on a tissue and automatically control the tension applied to it, before reaching a critical point to irreversibly damage the tissue. The system’s role is to eliminate the risks of human errors when using the surgical stapler and automatize the entire process, easing the overloaded and stressful workflow of the surgeons.