Articulatable Electrosurgical End Effector for Tissue Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments, particularly bi-polar RF jaws, provide a low tissue strength weld immediately post-treatment, which may not be sufficient for certain surgical procedures requiring stronger tissue fusion, and often lack the flexibility and access needed for precise manipulation in minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical instrument with a curved and articulatable end effector, featuring movable jaws with a translatable reciprocal member and a flexible electrode assembly, allowing for enhanced tissue gripping and cutting capabilities, along with the ability to apply controlled RF energy for stronger tissue welding and improved access in surgical environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bi-polar RF jaws are used for tissue welding, then tissue sealing is achieved, but the weld strength immediately post-treatment is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the RF energy delivery parameters and jaw configuration to achieve stronger welds. The system uses adjustable RF power levels, pulse duration, and duty cycle to optimize tissue welding strength while maintaining safety parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the jaw construction, combining conductive materials with reinforcing structures to enhance both electrical energy delivery and mechanical strength of the tissue weld.
2Ease of operation
If straight rigid end effectors are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but access and visualization in minimally invasive surgeries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the end effector articulatable with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to change orientation and position dynamically during surgery. This includes robotic articulation joints that enable the end effector to reach into confined spaces and adjust its angle for optimal tissue access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature by designing the end effector with curved segments and articulated joints, allowing it to bend and flex to access difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining control and precision during minimally invasive procedures.
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 achieves stronger tissue welds with enhanced burst strength immediately post-treatment and improves access and visualization during surgeries, enabling more precise and effective tissue manipulation and fusion.
Implementation Method 1
RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 300 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, RF surgical instruments transmit low frequency radio waves through electrodes, which cause ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, increasing the temperature of the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 300 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, RF surgical instruments transmit low frequency radio waves through electrodes
Implementation Method 3
The surgical instrument can also comprise a cutting member that can be moved relative to the tissue and the electrodes in order to transect the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
Various forms of surgical instruments are disclosed. In various embodiments, an end effector having operable and closable jaws is attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft such that portions of the jaws are axially offset from the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are coupled to an actuation arrangement that permits portions of the jaws to be moved out of axial alignment with the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are configured to facilitate tissue dissection. Electrosurgical instruments are also disclosed. One embodiment employs a flexible electrode that is conformable to tissue.