Angled Jaw Surgical Instrument with Integrated Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light energy surgical systems lack versatility and effectiveness in tissue treatment due to limitations in component design and energy distribution, particularly in achieving precise tissue cutting and sealing without the complexity of electrical wiring and insulation.
Innovation Solution
A light energy surgical instrument with an angled jaw member and tissue contacting window, coupled with a light guide and lens system that focuses light energy into specific beam shapes for efficient tissue treatment, including the use of light-reflective and light-absorbent materials to enhance energy absorption and prevent damage to the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If light energy is used for tissue treatment instead of electrical energy, then device complexity is reduced by eliminating wiring and insulation, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for optical component alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide, lenses, and jaw assembly into a single integrated optical assembly. The light guide is positioned within the jaw structure, and lenses are embedded in the jaw members, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise optical alignment through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members serve multiple functions: they mechanically grasp tissue, provide structural support for optical components, and contain embedded lenses for light focusing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining manufacturing precision through unified component design
2Measurement precision
If light energy is concentrated into a focused beam for precise tissue treatment, then surgical precision is improved, but energy loss increases due to reflection and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts reflected light, which would normally be a loss, into a beneficial effect by using reflective surfaces within the jaw assembly to redirect light back through the tissue. This ensures complete energy deposition for cutting or sealing while maintaining precise beam focus, transforming energy loss into enhanced treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components (lenses and light guide positioning) are pre-configured during manufacturing to optimize light delivery before the surgical procedure begins. The light guide is pre-positioned within the jaw structure, and lenses are pre-aligned to focus light at the desired treatment point, eliminating the need for intraoperative adjustment and ensuring consistent energy delivery
3Productivity
If the jaw assembly is designed to exert high pressure on tissue for effective treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional pressure control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed to generate and control pressure through its own mechanical structure without requiring external pressure control systems. The actuation mechanism that closes the jaws inherently provides the necessary pressure for effective light energy treatment, and the optical components are positioned to maintain optimal pressure during the procedure, eliminating the need for separate pressure regulation mechanisms
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 instrument provides precise control over light energy distribution, enabling effective tissue cutting and sealing with reduced complexity, improved pressure application, and enhanced safety by blocking reflected light, thus improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide disposed inside the mounting tube and configured to convey light energy
Implementation Method 2
at least one lens positioned distal to the light guide and configured to focus the light energy into a light beam
Implementation Method 3
the second jaw member includes a tissue contacting surface that includes a light-reflective material
Implementation Method 4
the second jaw member includes a tissue contacting surface that includes a light-absorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a light guide configured to convey light energy, a lens configured to focus the light energy into a light beam, a mounting tube, a jaw assembly coupled to the mounting tube, and a handle assembly. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw member non-movably secured to the mounting tube, a second jaw member movably secured to the mounting tube, and a window secured to the first jaw member and forming a tissue contacting surface. The window is oriented in a plane oblique to a longitudinal axis of the mounting tube and forms a liquid-tight seal between tissue and the lens. The handle assembly is coupled to the jaw assembly to move the second jaw member between an open position in which the second jaw member is spaced part from the window and a closed position.