Strain Gauge Sensors
For Surgical Staplers

Advancements in medical technology continue to drive innovation in surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes and reducing risks. Among the latest innovations is the integration of strain gauges into surgical staplers by HITEC.

Through state-of-the-art strain gauge sensors, we revolutionize surgical staplers, enhance precision, and elevate safety standards in operating rooms.

Surgical staplers play a vital role in a wide range of surgical procedures, from gastrointestinal surgeries to thoracic and gynecological interventions. Their primary function is to secure tissue, ligate vessels, and create anastomoses. In these critical procedures, precision and accuracy are paramount to avoid complications such as leaks, bleeding, and tissue damage.

Traditional staplers rely on mechanical mechanisms and visual feedback to gauge the required force and compression during stapling. However, these methods often lack real-time feedback and may be subject to human error, leading to suboptimal staple formation. To address these limitations, strain gauges installed by HITEC offer a game-changing innovation.

The strain gauges HITEC install are miniature sensors integrated into surgical staplers. They enable precise measurement and monitoring of the forces exerted during tissue compression and stapling. These sensors are typically composed of micro-thin foil patterns or semiconductor components that are bonded to the stapler jaws or anvils.

The strain gauges work based on the principle that any object under mechanical stress experiences a change in shape or deformation. By monitoring the deformation of the stapler jaws or anvils, the strain gauges provide real-time feedback on the forces being applied during stapling. This data is then transmitted to a digital display or computer interface, allowing surgeons to make accurate and informed decisions during the procedure.

Enhanced Precision: Strain gauges provide surgeons with precise and reliable measurements of tissue compression forces. This data helps ensure that the appropriate amount of force is applied, minimizing the risk of tissue damage, and optimizing staple formation. Surgeons can make real-time adjustments, resulting in consistent and accurate staple formation across various tissue types.

Safety Augmentation: Strain gauges act as a safety net by alerting surgeons to potential issues during stapling. If the applied force exceeds predefined limits, the analog output of the strain gauges can trigger an alarm or halt the stapling process, preventing complications such as tissue tearing or staple misfires. This safety feature helps reduce the likelihood of post-operative complications and ensures patient safety.

Objective Documentation: The integration of strain gauges with digital interfaces allows for the objective documentation of the stapling procedure. Surgeons can review and analyze the recorded data, providing valuable insights for quality improvement initiatives, training purposes, and research studies. This objective documentation also serves as a reference point for assessing surgical outcomes and optimizing future procedures.

Continuous Innovation Potential: Strain gauges offer a platform for continuous innovation in surgical stapling technology. As these sensors become more advanced and sophisticated, they may incorporate additional features such as temperature monitoring, feedback on tissue perfusion, or compatibility with robotic surgical systems. This ongoing evolution promises further refinements in surgical techniques and improved patient care.

The integration of HITEC's strain gauge-based sensors into surgical staplers represents a significant advancement in surgical technology. By providing real-time feedback and precise measurements of tissue compression forces, our strain gauges enhance precision, augment safety, and facilitate objective documentation of the stapling procedure. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect further improvements in surgical outcomes, reduced complications, and expanded possibilities for innovation in the field of surgical stapling.

With over 50 years’ experience in force measurement and sensor design, as well as our world leading team of engineers, HITEC offers;

• Skilled team of application engineers and technician staff with an average 15 years of strain gauge technology experience
• State-of-the-art techniques for applications on a wide variety of surfaces
• Finest gauge wire and environmental coating, suitable for strain measurements from cryogenic to 1800°F
• Relationships with the industry’s top strain gauge, wire, coating, connector, telemetry and data acquisition manufacturers
• Quality and quick-turn installations to meet the most aggressive strain testing schedules
• On-site machine shop and calibration capabilities

Our process of creating custom sensors starts with an in-depth analysis of your application/project with our team of application engineers. Using advanced modelling software our team create a design that meets the exact performance requirements of the customer. After the initial ideas have been reviewed and approved, it is then time to create the prototype for qualification testing and once a customer is satisfied with the product, the design is then transferred to OEM production. It’s that easy!

Working closely with our customers allows us to create the most suitable solutions as precisely as possible, whether your application is a one-off project or a large-scale repeatable order, we are here to help!