Electrosurgical tool and method for producing same

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrosurgical tool (40) for an electrosurgical instrument (10), comprising a first jaw part (52), a second jaw part (54), and a flexible conductor component (60) comprising an electrically insulating substrate (64) and a plurality of first electrode surfaces (82) on a first surface region (82) of the flexible conductor component (60), wherein at least one first sub-region (72) of the flexible conductor component (60) is mechanically connected to the first jaw part (52), and the first surface region (82) forms at least one part of a first gripping surface (56) on the first jaw part (52) in the first sub-region (72) of the flexible conductor component (60) comprising the plurality of first electrode surfaces (86).

Description

The present invention is directed to an electrosurgical tool, an electrosurgical instrument having an electrosurgical tool, and a method of manufacturing an electrosurgical tool. In electrosurgery, tissue is heated electrothermally to denature, coagulate, cauterize, vaporize, ablate, or transect it. Electrosurgical instruments and the electrosurgical tools at the distal ends of electrosurgical instruments are becoming increasingly miniaturized and undergoing further improvements. This includes the use of a larger number of electrode surfaces to control current flows more precisely. EP 1 632 192 A1 describes an instrument for occluding vessels, comprising two gripping jaws movable relative to each other. Each gripping jaw comprises a pair of electrically conductive, spaced-apart vessel-occluding surfaces extending along the length of the gripping jaw. Each pair of vessel-occluding surfaces is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The gripping jaws can be mirror-imaged or non-mirror-imaged. US 2007-0156139 A1 (also published as US 7,776,036 B2) describes a bipolar electrosurgical forceps comprising a pair of opposing jaws with tissue-grasping surfaces. A plurality of ring-shaped electrodes are provided on one of the tissue-grasping surfaces, and a plurality of post electrodes are arranged on the other tissue-grasping surface. US 2010-274244 A1 (also published as US 8,277,446 A1) describes an instrument for electrosurgically closing and cutting tissue. The instrument comprises a pair of jaws with opposing tissue-grasping surfaces, on which electrodes arranged in a row and insulated from one another are arranged. The instrument further comprises a controller for supplying electrical energy to a particular electrode while other electrodes are in an inactive state. A sensor array communicating with the controller detects a property of the tissue that complete electrosurgical treatment. The sensor array may include an impedance sensor. US 2016 / 0287316 A1 (also published as US 10,813,684 B2) describes the control of electrosurgical tissue closure and transection. Electrodes on gripping surfaces of jaws are divided into zones. Each zone can include a monitoring device for measuring the impedance in the zone. US 2016 / 0302854 A1 (also published as US 9,717,550 B2) describes an electrosurgical forceps with jaws whose gripping surfaces or closing plates each consist of a plurality of segments that are electrically insulated from one another by insulating components. The segments can be preselected or dynamically selected as components of one or more electrical circuits that deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue arranged between the jaws. For example, a first bipolar circuit can comprise outer segments, a second bipolar circuit can comprise middle segments, and a third bipolar circuit can comprise inner segments, wherein the first, second, and third circuits can be activated independently of one another to deliver electrosurgical energy to the tissue.A generator comprising a controller, a sensor module and a multiplexer measures the impedance of tissue positioned between two selected segments, and based on the measured values, the generator forms one or more bipolar circuits between selected segments (paragraph .

[0049] Each closing plate is connected to the associated jaw housing by a plate mount, which may be formed as part of the closing plate, as part of the jaw housing, or as a standalone component. The plate mount may include an electrical circuit, a printed circuit board, or connections connecting the segments to the electrical power source. EP 2 149 342 A1 describes a multiphase electrosurgical system with an array of electrodes. A multiphase high-frequency generator is configured to generate a plurality of independent high-frequency signals whose phase, amplitude, and / or frequency can be independently varied. The high-voltage signals may have substantially sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal waveforms, and each An independent signal can be applied to a corresponding electrode of the surgical instrument. A sensor module can record biometric parameters such as tissue impedance "corresponding to the application of the electrosurgical waveforms to the tissue." A controller can adjust the phase, amplitude, and / or frequency depending on the biometric parameter, with the formation of vapor bubbles mentioned (ibid.). The figures show needle-shaped electrodes arranged parallel to each other and at the corners of regular polygons or forming the corners of rows of triangles. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrosurgical tool and an improved method for manufacturing an electrosurgical tool. This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. An electrosurgical tool for an electrosurgical instrument comprises a first jaw part, a second jaw part and a flexible conductor component with an electrically insulating substrate and a plurality of first electrode surfaces on a first surface region of the flexible conductor component, wherein at least a first partial region of the flexible conductor component is mechanically connected to the first jaw part, wherein the first surface region of the flexible conductor component with the plurality of first electrode surfaces forms at least part of a first gripping surface on the first jaw part. The flexible conductor component is, in particular, flat, i.e., thin and essentially two-dimensional. This means that its surface is essentially formed by two opposite and essentially parallel surface regions, with the distance between the surface regions being much smaller than the linear dimensions of the surface regions. A surface area of ​​the first jaw part facing the second jaw part forms the first gripping surface of the first jaw part. A surface area of ​​the second jaw part facing the first jaw part forms the second gripping surface of the second jaw part. Both gripping surfaces are particularly designed to correspond, so that both gripping surfaces are flat or in the Can lie essentially flat against one another. One or both gripping surfaces can be structured in order to prevent grasped tissue from slipping away, thus enabling more secure gripping, or to improve the electrosurgical closure of vessels or other tissue. One or both gripping surfaces have a structure or profile, for example similar to a waffle or a waffle iron. The structure or profile has, for example, the shape of a rectangular, oblique-angled or hexagonal grid. The structure or profile can repeat itself periodically, quasi-periodically or non-periodically in one or two directions. Both gripping surfaces can then touch one another in many small, regularly or irregularly arranged, but in particular having an essentially constant density, point-like or more extensive areas or in a grid of non-intersecting or intersecting lines.In these cases too, there is essentially a flat contact between one gripping surface and the other gripping surface. Alternatively, both gripping surfaces are shaped so that, at a predetermined distance, both gripping surfaces are essentially parallel to each other. This does not preclude a profile or structuring of one or both gripping surfaces as described above. In the case of a gripping surface with a profile or structuring, the flexible conductor component and a surface area of ​​an underlying mechanical structural component of the jaw part are in particular conformal, i.e. they have corresponding geometric shapes, so that the flexible conductor component rests over its entire surface or substantially over its entire surface against the surface area of ​​the underlying mechanical structural component of the jaw part. A profile or structuring of a flexible conductor component does not necessarily require a non-zero Gaussian curvature. For example, the flexible conductor component can be folded or pleated, similar to origami. Alternatively, the flexible conductor component can have a non-zero Gaussian curvature locally or over a large area. A flexible conductor component can already be originally manufactured with this Gaussian curvature or even with the specific profile or structuring. Alternatively, the originally flat surface can be produced with vanishing Gaussian curvature. The flexible conductor component manufactured with a curvature can be obtained by (optionally thermally assisted) plastic deformation, for example embossing, the profile or structuring. The electrode surfaces of the plurality of electrode surfaces are exposed at the first gripping surface on the first jaw part. This means that each individual electrode surface of the plurality of electrode surfaces can directly mechanically contact tissue held or squeezed between the gripping surfaces of the jaw parts and form a conductive contact with them. The electrode surfaces of the plurality of electrode surfaces are, in particular, electrically insulated from one another and can be connected or are connected independently of one another to an electrical power source and / or an electrical measuring device for measuring an impedance and / or another electrical property or characteristic. Alternatively, within one or more groups, a plurality of first electrode surfaces can be electrically connected in parallel. Measuring the impedances and / or other electrical properties or parameters between different pairs of electrode surfaces can enable spatially differentiated recording of the electrical properties of tissue between the jaws. Ideally, with a very large number of very small first electrode surfaces, measuring the impedances and / or other electrical properties or parameters between very large numbers of different pairs of electrode surfaces can enable an approximate tomographic recording of the electrical properties of tissue between the jaws. Likewise, the plurality of electrode surfaces on each gripping surface can enable spatially differentiated current application and thus also spatially differentiated electrosurgical effects, in particular heating and cauterization of tissue.For example, depending on the spatially differentiated state of tissue, voltage, current, and / or applied power can be limited locally to prevent tissue overheating. The tissue properties can be recorded first and then energized, or alternatively, energization and energization can occur alternately or intermittently, or partially or completely simultaneously. The flexible conductor component can be permanently mechanically connected to the first jaw part. This means that without using a screwdriver, a wrench or another tool, or even using a screwdriver, wrench, or other tool. A permanent mechanical connection can be achieved, for example, by gluing, soldering, welding, or overmolding. Separating the flexible conductor component from the first jaw part by cutting or sawing, or by destroying an adhesive or welded connection, would not be non-destructive. Alternatively, the flexible conductor component can be mechanically connected to the first jaw part in such a way that it can be separated from the first jaw part without destruction, even without the use of a screwdriver, a wrench, or another tool. For example, the flexible conductor component has a pocket which, during the intended use of the electrosurgical tool, accommodates the first jaw part or a part of the first jaw part. Alternatively or additionally, the flexible conductor component can be detachably mechanically connected to the first jaw part, for example by a snap-in connection, for example by one or more push buttons. Alternatively or additionally, the flexible conductor component can be detachably mechanically connected to the first jaw part, for example by a dovetail guide or in another form-fitting manner.Alternatively or additionally, the flexible conductor component can be held to the first jaw part, for example by magnetic or electrostatic forces. The flexible conductor component is, in particular, a flexible printed circuit board or flex board, as used in many electrical or electronic devices. Such a flexible printed circuit board often comprises one or more films made of polyimide or another plastic. Electrically conductive traces can be arranged on one or both surfaces of the film. In the case of multiple polyimide films, electrically conductive traces can be arranged between them, which can thus be electrically insulated from the environment. Alternatively, the flexible conductor component can be partially or completely manufactured as a MID (Molded Interconnect Device or Mechatronic Integrated Device). Flexible conductor components, especially flexible printed circuit boards or flex boards, are available in a wide variety and at low cost. Both the thickness of the flexible conductor component and the structural sizes of conductor tracks on and within a flexible conductor component, as well as their geometric shape and arrangement, can be freely selected within wide limits and adapted to the requirements of the application. Flexible conductor components, or at least their surfaces, can be made of medically safe materials. Insulating gaps on and within flexible conductor components can be dimensioned for high voltages. The current-carrying capacity of conductor tracks in flexible conductor components can be adjusted within wide limits. The use of a flexible conductor component and the formation of electrode surfaces on its surface can represent a cost-effective and technically and medically convincing solution. This applies both to fully reusable electrosurgical tools that can be reused after cleaning and sterilization, as well as to electrosurgical tools that are partially or entirely designed and constructed for single use only. For example, the flexible conductor component can be designed and constructed for single use, while the jaws and other components of the electrosurgical tool can be designed and constructed for multiple use. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, in particular at least either the first gripping surface on the first jaw part or the second gripping surface on the second jaw part is flat or substantially flat. An electrosurgical tool as described here is in particular a gripping tool with several jaw parts that can be moved towards and away from each other manually or by motor. The electrosurgical tool may have two or more jaws, one or more of which are movable, in particular pivotable. The electrosurgical tool may be designed and constructed for gripping, holding, and squeezing tissue between the jaws. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component comprises in particular a plurality of conductor tracks (76), wherein each of the plurality of conductor tracks is electrically conductively connected to one of the plurality of first electrode surfaces. The conductor tracks are formed from one or more electrically conductive materials and are electrically insulated from each other and, in particular, from the surroundings of the flexible conductor component. For this purpose, the conductor tracks can be arranged in the electrically insulating substrate or covered by an electrically insulating material, such as a varnish. The conductor tracks can merge into the electrode surfaces and, in particular, be manufactured integrally and / or simultaneously with them. For example, an area not covered by electrically insulating material and optionally widened at a distal end of each conductor track forms an electrode surface. The conductor tracks are intended and designed to connect the electrode surfaces independently of one another to an electrical power source and / or to an electrical measuring device. An electrosurgical tool as described herein comprises, in particular, a joint that articulates at least one of the first jaw part and the second jaw part to a distal end of a shaft or to a mechanical coupling device or to a handling device, wherein the flexible conductor component extends from the first jaw part across the joint to a location proximal to the joint. The joint may have one or more degrees of freedom. In particular, the joint allows pivoting about a pivot axis of predetermined spatial orientation relative to one or both jaw parts. The coupling device is provided and designed in particular for the mechanical connection of the electrosurgical tool to a corresponding coupling device at a distal end of a shaft or at a handling device, which can be released non-destructively even without the use of tools. The location proximal to the joint to which the flexible conductor component extends is in particular immediately proximal to the joint or at a proximal end of a shaft or in a handling device to which the electrosurgical tool is mechanically and functionally connected. By extending from the electrode surfaces to a location proximal to the joint, the flexible conductor component with the conductor tracks on or within it can create an electrically conductive connection across the joint. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component extends in particular from the first jaw part through the joint or past the joint to a handling device. The handling device can be directly mechanically connected to the electrosurgical tool. Alternatively, the handling device can be indirectly mechanically connected to the electrosurgical tool, in particular by a long and thin, straight or curved, rigid or flexible shaft. Optionally, the flexible conductor component may extend proximally beyond the handling device, for example similar to a cable or within a cable to an electrical power source and / or an electrical measuring device for measuring an impedance and / or another electrical property or characteristic. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component extends in particular from the first jaw part via the joint to a proximal end of a shaft, the distal end of which is mechanically connected to the electrosurgical tool. Similar to the case of many conventional minimally invasive instruments, a pull or push rod or other mechanical transmission device extends to the handling device, the flexible conductor component can extend to the handling device. This applies regardless of whether the electrosurgical tool is permanently mechanically connected to the shaft or is non-destructively detachable. regardless of whether the shaft is mechanically connected to the handling device permanently or in a non-destructively detachable manner. In particular, an electrosurgical tool as described herein comprises an electrical connector mechanically and electrically connected to a proximal end of the flexible conductor member. The electrical connector is, in particular, an electrical plug-in connector. The electrical connector, in particular, is permanently mechanically connected to the flexible conductor component. The proximal end of the flexible conductor component can form part of the electrical connector. In particular, exposed proximal ends of conductor tracks of the flexible conductor component can form contacts of the electrical connector. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the proximal end of the flexible conductor component is designed in particular as a connector for mechanical and electrical connection to a corresponding connector or is mechanically and electrically connectable to a connector. An electrosurgical tool as described here comprises, in particular, a mechanical transmission device for transmitting a manually or mechanically generated force and / or a manually or mechanically generated torque to the electrosurgical tool for moving at least one of the first jaw part and the second jaw part, wherein the flexible conductor component is integrated with the mechanical transmission device or is mechanically rigidly connected. The mechanical transmission device is provided and designed for the mechanical coupling of the electrosurgical tool to a handling device. This mechanical coupling ensures that a movement generated manually or mechanically on the handling device is accompanied by a corresponding movement on the electrosurgical tool. For example, the mechanical transmission device couples a component of the handling device that is manually pivotable, rotatable, or displaceable relative to the remaining handling device or the proximal end of the shaft to one or more jaw parts of the el ektrochirurgi see tool that each movement of the component relative to the rest of the handling device is accompanied by a movement of the jaw part(s). In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component in the area of ​​the mechanical transmission device is particularly helical. The flexible conductor component can surround the mechanical transmission device in a helical or spiral configuration, or it can be arranged within the mechanical transmission device. Particularly in the case of a flexible mechanical transmission device, a helical or spiral configuration of the flexible conductor component can ensure that the flexible conductor component offers little mechanical resistance to bending of the transmission device. An electrosurgical tool as described here comprises, in particular, a plurality of second electrode surfaces on a second gripping surface on the second jaw part, which are electrically insulated from one another and independently connectable or connected to an electrical power source or an electrical measuring device for measuring an impedance and / or another electrical property or characteristic. An electrosurgical tool as described here comprises in particular a further flexible conductor component with an electrically insulating substrate and a plurality of second electrode surfaces on a second surface region on the further flexible conductor component, wherein at least a partial region of the further flexible conductor component is mechanically connected to the second jaw part, wherein the second surface region of the flexible conductor component with the plurality of second electrode surfaces forms at least part of a second gripping surface on the second jaw part. The further flexible conductor component has, in particular, features, properties, and functions of a flexible conductor component of an electrosurgical tool described here. The further flexible conductor component is also, in particular, flat, i.e., thin, and essentially two-dimensional. The second electrode surfaces of the plurality of second electrode surfaces are exposed at the second gripping surface on the second jaw part. This means that each individual second electrode surface of the plurality of second electrode surfaces is between the Gripping surfaces of the jaw parts can directly mechanically touch tissue held or squeezed and form a conductive contact with it. The second electrode surfaces are in particular electrically insulated from one another and can be connected or are connected independently of one another to an electrical power source or an electrical measuring device for measuring an impedance and / or another electrical property or characteristic. The further flexible conductor component can be permanently mechanically connected to the second jaw part. Alternatively, the further flexible conductor component can be mechanically connected to the second jaw part in such a way that it can be separated from the second jaw part without destruction, even without the use of tools. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component in particular further comprises a plurality of second electrode surfaces on a second surface region on a second partial region of the flexible conductor component, wherein the first partial region of the flexible conductor component comprising the first surface region and the second partial region of the flexible conductor component comprising the second surface region are mechanically connected to the first jaw part The first partial region and the second partial region of the flexible conductor component are arranged, in particular, parallel to each other and on either side of a bead and / or a groove on the gripping surface of the first jaw part. The bead can be provided and configured to compress grasped tissue. The groove can be provided and configured to guide a mechanical cutting tool between the jaw parts. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component in particular further comprises a plurality of second electrode surfaces on a second surface region on a second partial region of the flexible conductor component, wherein the second partial region of the flexible conductor component comprising the second surface region is mechanically connected to the second jaw part, wherein the second surface region of the flexible conductor component with the plurality of second electrode surfaces forms at least part of a second gripping surface on the second jaw part. The flexible conductor component can therefore have a first partial area with a plurality of first electrode surfaces, which forms the first gripping surface on the first jaw part, and a second A portion with a plurality of second electrode surfaces, which forms the second gripping surface on the second jaw part. The flexibility of the conductor component enables the movement of the two jaw parts relative to each other. The second electrode surfaces of the plurality of second electrode surfaces are in particular electrically insulated from one another and can be connected or connected independently of one another to an electrical power source or an electrical measuring device for measuring an impedance and / or another electrical property or characteristic. In particular, all first electrode surfaces of the plurality of first electrode surfaces and all second electrode surfaces of the plurality of second electrode surfaces are electrically insulated from one another and can be connected or connected independently of one another to an electrical power source or an electrical measuring device for measuring an impedance and / or another electrical property or characteristic. Alternatively, within one or more groups, a plurality of first electrode surfaces and / or second electrode surfaces can be connected in parallel with one another. The second portion of the flexible conductor component can be permanently mechanically connected to the second jaw part. This means that it cannot be non-destructively detached from the second jaw part without using a screwdriver, a wrench, or another tool, or even non-destructively detached from the second jaw part when using a screwdriver, a wrench, or another tool. Alternatively, the second portion of the flexible conductor component can be mechanically connected to the second jaw part in such a way that it can be non-destructively separated from the second jaw part even without using a screwdriver, a wrench, or another tool. The mechanical connection between the flexible conductor component and the first jaw part and the mechanical connection between the second portion of the flexible conductor component and the second jaw part can be the same or different. Forming the first gripping surface of the first jaw part and the second gripping surface of the second jaw part by the same flexible conductor component can simplify the manufacture of the electrosurgical tool and, above all, the contacting of the electrode surfaces. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component has, in particular, a fork-shaped configuration. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, the flexible conductor component has in particular a fork-shaped configuration with the first partial region on the first jaw part and the second partial region on the second jaw part. The first portion of the flexible conductor component with the first electrode surfaces on the first jaw part thus resembles a first prong, while the second portion of the flexible conductor component with the second electrode surfaces on the second jaw part resembles a second prong of a fork. An elongated section of the flexible conductor component, which may contain conductor tracks for contacting the first and second electrode surfaces and may extend to a handling device, resembles the handle of a fork. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, in particular at least either the first electrode surfaces or the second electrode surfaces are arranged in strip form and parallel to one another. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, in particular the first electrode surfaces are arranged in strip form and parallel to one another and the second electrode surfaces are arranged in strip form and parallel to one another and orthogonal to the first electrode surfaces. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, in particular at least either the first electrode surfaces or the second electrode surfaces are arranged in a pattern that repeats periodically in one direction or in several directions. For example, the first electrode surfaces and / or the second electrode surfaces are each arranged in a straight strip shape with constant and equal widths and parallel to each other and at equal distances. Alternatively, the first electrode surfaces and / or the second electrode surfaces each have, for example, the shape of circles, ellipses, rectangles, hexagons or other polygons and are in the shape of a directions of a periodic rectangular or oblique-angled (especially hexagonal) lattice or array. In an electrosurgical tool as described here, in particular the first electrode surfaces are arranged in a first plane or substantially in a first plane and / or the second electrode surfaces are arranged in a second plane or substantially in a second plane. An electrosurgical instrument includes an electrosurgical tool as described herein. An electrosurgical instrument comprises an electrosurgical tool as described herein and a handling device that is mechanically and functionally connectable or connected to the tool for manual or mechanical control of functions of the electrosurgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument comprises a shaft having a proximal end that is mechanically and functionally couplable or coupled to a handling device for manual or mechanical control of functions of the electrosurgical instrument, and a distal end and an electrosurgical tool as described herein that is mechanically and functionally couplable or coupled to the distal end of the shaft. Optionally, the electrosurgical instrument further comprises a handling device that is or can be mechanically and functionally coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. A method for producing an electrosurgical tool for an electrosurgical instrument comprises a step of providing a first jaw part, a step of providing a second jaw part, a step of providing a flexible conductor component with an electrically insulating substrate and a plurality of first electrode surfaces on a first surface region on a first partial region of the flexible conductor component and a step of mechanically connecting at least the first partial region of the flexible conductor component to the first jaw part, so that the first surface region with the plurality of first electrode surfaces on the first partial region of the flexible conductor component forms at least part of a first gripping surface on the first jaw part. The method is used in particular for producing an electrosurgical tool as described here, i.e. with features, properties and functions of the electrosurgical tool described here. An electrosurgical tool produced by the method has, in particular, features, properties, and functions of an electrosurgical tool described here. In particular, a flat, flexible conductor component, i.e., a thin and essentially two-dimensional flexible conductor component, is provided. The electrode surfaces of the plurality of first electrode surfaces are exposed at the first gripping surface on the first jaw part. This means that each individual electrode surface of the plurality of first electrode surfaces can directly mechanically contact tissue held or squeezed between the gripping surfaces of the jaw parts and form a conductive contact therewith.The electrode surfaces are in particular electrically insulated from one another and can be connected or connected independently of one another to an electrical power source or an electrical measuring device for measuring an impedance and / or another electrical property or characteristic. The flexible conductor component can be permanently mechanically connected to the first jaw part. Alternatively, the flexible conductor component can be mechanically connected to the first jaw part in such a way that it can be separated from the first jaw part without the use of tools. A method as described here further comprises, in particular, a step of providing a further flexible conductor component having an electrically insulating substrate and a plurality of second electrode surfaces on a second surface region on the further flexible conductor component and a step of mechanically connecting at least a partial region of the further flexible conductor component to the second jaw part, such that the second surface region on the further flexible conductor component forms the second gripping surface on the second jaw part. The further flexible conductor component also has, in particular, features, properties and functions of a further flexible conductor component of an electrosurgical tool described here. A method as described here further comprises, in particular, a step of mechanically connecting a further partial region of the flexible conductor component to the second jaw part, such that a second surface region with a plurality of second electrode surfaces on the second partial region of the flexible conductor component forms a second gripping surface on the second jaw part. In particular, the flexible conductor component is permanently connected to the second jaw part. This means that the flexible conductor component cannot be separated from the second jaw part without causing damage, at least without using a screwdriver, a wrench, or another tool. Alternatively, the flexible conductor component is connected to the second jaw part in a non-destructive manner, for example, in a detachable manner. The second electrode surfaces on the second partial region of the flexible conductor component are, in particular, electrically insulated from one another and can be connected independently of one another to an electrical power source or an electrical measuring device. Short description of the characters The following embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. They show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an electrosurgical instrument; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an electrosurgical tool of the electrosurgical instrument of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a section through the electrosurgical tool of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a flexible circuit board of the electrosurgical tool of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing an electrosurgical tool. Description of the embodiments Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an electrosurgical instrument 10. A handling device 12 forms a proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument 10. The handling device 12 has a fixed handle part 14 and a handle part 16 that is movable relative to the fixed handle part 14, for example, pivotable about a pivot axis orthogonal to the plane of the drawing in Figure 1. The electrosurgical instrument 10 further comprises a shaft 20. A proximal end 22 of the shaft 20 is mechanically connected to the handling device 12. The mechanical connection between the proximal end 22 of the shaft 20 and the handling device 12 can be permanently or non-destructively detachable. In the example shown, the distal end 24 of the shaft 20 is formed by a coupling device 26. The electrosurgical instrument 10 further comprises a transmission device 30 arranged in the shaft 20. The transmission device 30 has a proximal end 32 and a distal end 34. The transmission device 30 is provided and configured to transmit a translational movement and a corresponding force and / or a rotational movement and a corresponding torque between its proximal end 32 and its distal end 34. The electrosurgical instrument 10 further comprises an electrosurgical tool 40. A proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical tool 40 is mechanically connected to the distal end 24 of the shaft 20, either permanently or non-destructively detachably. Furthermore, the electrosurgical tool 40 comprises a joint 44. In the example shown, a coupling device 46 corresponding to the coupling device 26 at the distal end 24 of the shaft 20 forms the proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical tool 40. The coupling device 26 at the distal end 24 of the shaft 20 and the corresponding coupling device 46 at the proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical tool 40 form a particularly rigid but detachable mechanical connection of the electrosurgical tool 40 to the shaft 20. The electrosurgical tool 40 comprises a first jaw part 52 and a second jaw part 54. In the illustrated example, both jaw parts 52, 54 are mechanically connected to the proximal end 42, namely the coupling device 46, by the joint 44. The joint 44 defines a pivot axis orthogonal to the plane of the drawing in Figure 1, about which both jaw parts 52, 54 can pivot. Alternatively, and in contrast to the illustration in Figure 1, one jaw part 52 can be rigidly connected to the proximal end 42 and the coupling device 46, while only the other jaw part 54 can be pivotally connected. Furthermore, in contrast to the illustration in Figure 1, the electrosurgical tool 40 can have more than two jaw parts 52, 54. The proximal end 32 of the transmission device 30 is mechanically coupled to the movable handle part 16 of the handling device 12. The distal end 34 of the transmission device 30 is mechanically coupled to the jaw parts 52, 54 of the electrosurgical tool 40 in a manner not shown in Figure 1. Therefore, every movement of the movable handle part 16 of the handling device 12 is accompanied by a movement of the jaw parts 52, 54. A force generated manually or by a machine on the movable handle part 16 is transmitted to the jaw parts 52, 54. Figure 2 shows a schematic and enlarged representation of the electrosurgical tool 40 of the electrosurgical instrument 10 from Figure 1. The drawing plane of Figure 2 corresponds to the drawing plane of Figure 1. The first jaw part 52 has a first gripping surface 56, which faces the second jaw part 54. The second jaw part 54 has a second gripping surface 58, which faces the first jaw part 52. Both gripping surfaces 56, 58 are flat, orthogonal to the plane of the drawing in Figure 2, and designed such that they can lie flatly or substantially flatly against one another. Alternatively, and deviating from the illustration in Figure 2, the gripping surfaces 56, 58 can be bent (Gaussian curvature k= 0) or curved (Gaussian curvature k 0). The electrosurgical tool 40 comprises a flexible circuit board 60 with an electrically insulating substrate 64, which may consist of a stack of laminated thin plastic films. The flexible circuit board 60 is thin and flat, and in particular, is initially manufactured in a planar shape and then permanently or detachably mechanically connected to the electrosurgical tool. The flexible circuit board 60 has a fork-shaped topology with a narrow, strip-shaped proximal portion 70, a first distal portion 72, and a second distal portion 74. The two distal portions 72, 74 are arranged relative to the proximal portion 70 like the tines of a fork relative to its handle. First conductor tracks 76 and second conductor tracks 78 are arranged in the electrically insulating substrate 64 of the flexible printed circuit board 60, in particular between the films in the case of a substrate 64 formed from several laminated films. The first conductor tracks 76 extend from the first distal portion 72 to a proximal end of the proximal portion 70. The second conductor tracks 78 extend from the second distal portion 74 to a proximal end of the proximal portion 70. The first distal portion 72 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is arranged on the first jaw part 52. At least a portion of the first distal portion 72 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is permanently or detachably mechanically connected to the first jaw part 52, for example, by an adhesive or a hook-and-loop connection, or by a form-fitting connection. A first surface region 82 on the first distal portion 72 forms the first gripping surface 56 on the first jaw part 52 or—deviating from the illustration in Figure 2—at least a portion of the first gripping surface 56 on the first jaw part 52. The second distal portion 74 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is arranged on the second jaw part 54. At least a portion of the second distal portion 74 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is permanently or releasably mechanically connected to the second jaw part 52, for example, by an adhesive or a hook-and-loop connection, or by a positive fit. A second surface area 84 on the second distal portion 74 forms the second gripping surface 58. on the second jaw part 54 or - deviating from the illustration in Figure 2 - at least part of the second gripping surface 58 on the second jaw part 54. The first surface region 82 on the first distal portion 72 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 has a plurality of exposed, i.e., open, first electrode surfaces 86. The first electrode surfaces 86 thus form parts of the first gripping surface 56 on the first jaw part 52. The first electrode surfaces 86 can be formed by conductive structures—in particular, exposed regions of first conductor tracks 76—on the surface of the electrically insulating substrate 64. As indicated in Figure 2, the first electrode surfaces 86 can be raised relative to the regions of the first gripping surface 56 formed by the surface of the electrically conductive substrate 64. Alternatively, and in contrast to the illustration in Figure 2, the electrically conductive structures forming the first electrode surfaces 86 can be partially or completely embedded in the electrically conductive substrate 64. In this case, the first electrode surfaces 86 protrude less toward the second jaw part 54 relative to the regions of the first gripping surface 56 formed by the surface of the electrically conductive substrate 64, or they are flush with these regions. Each first electrode surface 86 is electrically conductively connected to a distal end of a first conductor track 76. In particular, each first electrode surface 86 is formed on a first conductor track 76 or on an electrically conductive structure formed integrally or monolithically with a first conductor track 76 and / or merging therein. Each first conductor track 76 can be electrically conductively connected to a first electrode surface 86 or to a plurality of first electrode surfaces 86 (thus electrically connected in parallel). The second surface region 84 on the second distal portion 74 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 has a plurality of exposed, i.e., open, second electrode surfaces 88. The second electrode surfaces 88 thus form parts of the second gripping surface 58 on the second jaw part 54. The second electrode surfaces 88 can be formed by conductive structures—in particular, exposed regions of second conductor tracks 78—on the surface of the electrically insulating substrate 64. As indicated in Figure 2, the second electrode surfaces 88 can be raised relative to the regions of the second gripping surface 58 formed by the surface of the electrically conductive substrate 64. Alternatively, and in contrast to the illustration in Figure 2, the electrically conductive structures forming the second electrode surfaces 88 can be partially or completely embedded in the electrically conductive substrate 64. In this case, the second electrode surfaces 88 protrude less toward the first jaw part 52 relative to the regions of the second gripping surface 58 formed by the surface of the electrically conductive substrate 64, or they are flush with these regions. Each second electrode surface 88 is electrically conductively connected to a distal end of a second conductor track 78. In particular, each second electrode surface 88 is formed on a second conductor track 78 or on an electrically conductive structure formed integrally or monolithically with a second conductor track 78 and / or merging therein. Each second conductor track 78 can be electrically conductively connected to a second electrode surface 88 or to a plurality of second electrode surfaces 88 (thus electrically connected in parallel). In the area of ​​the joint 44 of the electrosurgical jaw 40 and proximal thereto, the distal portions 72, 74 and the proximal portion 70 of the flexible circuit board 60 are concealed within the joint 44 and the shaft 20 and are therefore not visible from the outside. Therefore, the distal portions 72, 74 and the proximal portion 70 of the flexible circuit board 60 within the joint 44 and the shaft 20 are represented by dashed lines. In the illustrated example, the distal portions 72, 74 of the flexible circuit board 60 are bent in the region of the joint 44 of the electrosurgical jaw part 40 to create increased elasticity. This increased elasticity facilitates the pivoting of the jaw parts 52, 54 about the pivot axis defined by the joint 44 and the necessary bending of the distal portions 72, 74 of the flexible circuit board 60. Furthermore, this increased elasticity enables the changes in the distances bridged by the distal portions 72, 74 caused by the pivoting. The proximal portion 70 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is arranged in the shaft 20. In the illustrated example, the proximal portion 70 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is mechanically rigidly connected to the transmission device 30 and partially surrounds it in the circumferential direction. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a section through the electrosurgical tool 40 from Figures 1 and 2. The section plane is orthogonal to the drawing planes of Figures 1 and 2 and lies between the joint 44 and the proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical tool 40 formed by the coupling device 46. The position of the section plane III-III of Figure 3 is indicated in Figure 2. A section through the shaft 20 would look similar. In the illustrated example, the transmission device 30 is rod-shaped with a circular cross-section. The proximal portion 70 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 largely surrounds the transmission device 30 in the circumferential direction, thus having a C-shaped cross-section. The proximal portion 70 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 is connected to the outer surface of the transmission device 30, in particular, in a planar manner, for example, by adhesive bonding. The flexible printed circuit board 60 can be arranged parallel to the transmission device 30 or surround it helically in order to offer only minimal resistance to bending of the transmission device 30. The first conductor tracks 76 and the second conductor tracks 78 are arranged in the electrically conductive substrate 64. The conductor tracks 76, 78 are electrically insulated from each other and from the environment, in particular from the shaft 20 and the transmission device 30, by the electrically insulating substrate 64. Alternatively, and deviating from the illustration in Figures 2 and 3, the proximal portion 70 of the flexible circuit board 60 may not be mechanically connected to the transmission device 30, but rather to the inner surface of the tube forming the shaft 20. Furthermore, the proximal portion 70 of the flexible circuit board 60 may not be mechanically connected to the transmission device 30 or to the tube forming the shaft 20. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a top view of the flexible circuit board 60 of the electrosurgical tool 40 from Figures 1 to 3. Figure 4 shows the flexible circuit board 60 in a flat shape, as it exists, in particular, immediately after the manufacture of the flexible circuit board 60. The drawing plane of Figure 4 is parallel to the two large and, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, flat surface areas of the flexible circuit board 60. The electrically insulating substrate 64 of the flexible circuit board 60 can be optically transparent or opaque, or largely or completely impermeable to light. Therefore, the contours of the first and second conductor tracks 76, 78 inside the electrically insulating substrate 64 are indicated by dashed lines. The flexible circuit board 60 has a fork-shaped topology in which the narrow strip-shaped proximal portion 70 resembles the handle and the distal portions 72, 74 resemble the tines of a fork. At the proximal end 62 of the proximal portion 70 of the flexible circuit board 60, a multi-pin connector 90 is provided for detachably mechanically and electrically connecting the flexible circuit board 60 and its conductor tracks 76, 78 to a corresponding connector in or on the handling device 12 (see Figure 1) or to a cable. Impedances and / or other electrical properties or parameters between pairs of electrode surfaces 86, 88 or other electrical measurement values ​​can be recorded via the connector 90, or electrical voltages can be applied to pairs of electrode surfaces 86, 88. Alternatively, and deviating from the illustration in Figures 1 to 4, the flexible circuit board 60 can have only a (particularly strip-shaped) distal portion, which merely forms the first gripping surface 56 of the first jaw part 52. This first jaw part 52 can be connected to the proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical tool 40 rigidly or movably via a joint 44. The second gripping surface 58 of the second jaw part 54 can have second electrode surfaces 88, which, however, are not formed by the flexible circuit board 60. The second electrode surfaces 88 can, for example, be formed on a distal portion of another flexible circuit board, which forms the second gripping surface 58 on the second jaw part 54. The transmission device 30 is articulated but permanently mechanically connected, in particular, to the electrosurgical tool 40, namely to its jaws 52, 54. After releasing the mechanical connection between the coupling device 26 at the distal end 24 of the shaft 20 and the corresponding coupling device 46 at the proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical tool 40, the transmission device 30 can be pulled distally out of the tube forming the shaft 20. The same applies to the proximal portion 70 of the flexible printed circuit board. Alternatively, and deviating from the illustration in Figures 1 to 4, the electrosurgical tool 40 may be permanently mechanically connected to the distal end 24 of the shaft 20. Figure 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for manufacturing an electrosurgical tool. The method is particularly suitable for manufacturing the electrosurgical tool 40 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. However, the method is also suitable for manufacturing an electrosurgical tool with features, properties, and functions that differ from those illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. Nevertheless, reference numerals from Figures 1 to 3 are used as examples. In a first step 101, a first jaw part 52 is provided. In a second step 102, a second jaw part 54 is provided. In a third step 103, a flexible conductor component, in particular a flexible printed circuit board 60, is provided with a proximal partial region 70, one or more (in particular distal) partial regions 72, 74, first electrode surfaces 86 on a first surface region 82 on the first partial region 72, and optionally second electrode surfaces 88 on a second surface region 84 on a second distal partial region 74. In a fourth step 104, the first partial region 72 of the flexible conductor component 60 is permanently or releasably mechanically connected to the first jaw part 52, so that the first surface region 82 on the first partial region 72 of the flexible conductor component 60 forms the first gripping surface 56 on the first jaw part 52. In an optional fifth step 105, the second partial area 74 of the flexible conductor component 60 is permanently or detachably mechanically connected to the second jaw part 54, so that the second surface area 84 on the second partial area 74 of the flexible Ladder component 60 forms the second gripping surface 58 on the second jaw part 54. Reference symbol 10 electrosurgical instrument 12 Handling device of the electrosurgical instrument 10 14 fixed handle part of the handling device 12 16 movable handle part of the handling device 12 20 Shaft of the electrosurgical instrument 10 22 proximal end of the shaft 20 24 distal end of the shaft 20 26 Coupling device at the distal end 24 of the shaft 20, for detachable mechanical connection with the electrosurgical tool 40 30 transmission device in the shaft 16 32 proximal end of the transmission device 30 34 distal end of the transmission device 30 40 electrosurgical tool of the electrosurgical instrument 10 42 proximal end of the electrosurgical tool 40 44 Joint of the electrosurgical tool 40 46 Coupling device at the proximal end 42 of the electrosurgical tool 40 52 first jaw part of the electrosurgical tool 40 54 second jaw part of the electrosurgical tool 40 56 first gripping surface on the first jaw part 52 58 second gripping surface on the second jaw part 54 60 flexible circuit board of the electrosurgical tool 40 62 proximal end of the flexible circuit board 60 64 electrically insulating substrate of the flexible printed circuit board 60 66 electrical connector at the proximal end 62 of the flexible circuit board 60 70 proximal part of the flexible circuit board 60 72 first distal portion of the flexible circuit board 60 74 second distal portion of the flexible circuit board 60 76 first conductor tracks in the flexible circuit board 60 78 second conductor tracks in the flexible circuit board 60 82 first surface area on the first distal portion 72 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 84 second surface area on the second distal portion 74 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 86 first electrode surface on the first surface area 76 of the flexible circuit board 60 88 second electrode surface on the second surface area 78 of the flexible printed circuit board 60 90 multi-pin connector 101 first step (preparing a first jaw part) 102 second step (preparing a second jaw) 103 third step (providing a flexible conductor component) 104 fourth step (mechanical connection of a first portion of the flexible conductor component with the first jaw part) 105 fifth step (mechanical connection of a second section of the flexible conductor component with the second jaw part)

Claims

Claims Electrosurgical tool (40) for an electrosurgical instrument (10), comprising: a first jaw part (52); a second jaw part (54); a flexible conductor component (60) with an electrically insulating substrate (64) and a plurality of first electrode surfaces (82) on a first surface region (82) of the flexible conductor component (60), wherein at least a first partial region (72) of the flexible conductor component (60) is mechanically connected to the first jaw part (52), wherein the first surface region (82) of the flexible conductor component (60) with the plurality of first electrode surfaces (86) forms at least part of a first gripping surface (56) on the first jaw part (52). Electrosurgical tool (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flexible conductor component (60) comprises a plurality of conductor tracks (76), each of the plurality of conductor tracks (76) being electrically conductively connected to one of the plurality of first electrode surfaces (86).An electrosurgical tool (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a joint (44) connecting at least one of the first jaw member (52) and the second jaw member. Jaw part (54) is pivotally connected to a distal end (24) of a shaft (20) or to a mechanical coupling device (46) or to a handling device (12), wherein the flexible conductor component (60) extends from the first jaw part (52) across the joint (44) to a location proximal to the joint (44). Electrosurgical tool (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flexible conductor component (60) extends from the first jaw part (52) through the joint (44) or past the joint (44) to a handling device (12). Electrosurgical tool (40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible conductor component (60) extends from the first jaw part (52) via the joint (44) to a proximal end (22) of a shaft (20), the distal end (26) of which is mechanically connected to the electrosurgical tool (20).The electrosurgical tool (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an electrical connector (66) mechanically and electrically connected to a proximal end (62) of the flexible conductor member (60). The electrosurgical tool (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a mechanical transmission device (30) for transmitting at least one of a manually or mechanically generated force and a manually or mechanically generated torque to the electrosurgical tool (40) for movement. at least one of the first jaw part (52) or the second jaw part (54), wherein the flexible conductor component (60) is integrated with the transmission device (30) or is mechanically rigidly connected.

8. Electrosurgical tool (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flexible conductor component (60) is helical in the region of the mechanical transmission device (30).

9. Electrosurgical tool (40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible conductor component (60) further comprises a plurality of second electrode surfaces (88) on a second surface region (84) on a second partial region (74) of the flexible conductor component (60), the second partial region (74) of the flexible conductor component (60) comprising the second surface region (84) is mechanically connected to the second jaw part (54), the second surface region (84) of the flexible conductor component (60) with the plurality of second electrode surfaces (88) forms at least part of a second gripping surface (58) on the second jaw part (54).

10. Electrosurgical tool (40) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible conductor component (60) has a fork-shaped shape [topology] with the first partial region (72) on the first jaw part (52) and the second partial region (74) on the second jaw part (54). An electrosurgical instrument (10), comprising: a shaft (20) with a proximal end (22) that is mechanically and functionally coupled or can be coupled to a handling device (12) for manual or mechanical control of functions of the electrosurgical instrument (10), and a distal end (24); an electrosurgical tool (40) according to one of the preceding claims that is mechanically and functionally coupled or can be coupled to the distal end (24) of the shaft (20). A method for producing an electrosurgical tool (40) for an electrosurgical instrument (10), comprising the following steps: Providing (101) a first jaw part (52); Providing (102) a second jaw part (54); Providing (103) a flexible conductor component (60) with an electrically insulating substrate (64) and a plurality of first electrode surfaces (86) on a first surface region (82) on a first partial region (72) of the flexible conductor component (60); mechanically (104) connecting at least the first partial region (72) of the flexible conductor component (60) to the first jaw part (52) to form at least a portion of the first gripping surface (56), such that the first surface region (82) of the flexible conductor component (60) with the plurality of first electrode surfaces (86) forms at least a portion of a first gripping surface (56) on the first jaw part (52). The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the following step: mechanically connecting (105) a second portion (74) of the flexible Conductor component (60) with the second jaw part (54), so that a second surface region (84) with a plurality of second electrode surfaces (88) on the second partial region (74) of the flexible conductor component (60) forms a second gripping surface (58) on the second jaw part (54).

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