Articulating Electrosurgical Joint for Precise Tissue Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical instruments face challenges in simultaneously cutting and sealing tissue efficiently, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, due to limitations in articulation and energy delivery mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrosurgical instrument with an articulating shaft and end effector that allows for simultaneous tissue cutting and sealing through bipolar RF energy application, featuring a pivoting trigger, articulation control, and a firing beam mechanism that facilitates precise tissue manipulation and energy delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid shaft structure is used to maintain structural stability, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the articulation capability and positioning precision of the end effector deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidarticulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is divided into multiple segments including a proximal shaft portion, an articulation section with multiple articulation joints, and a distal shaft portion. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specialized function: the proximal section maintains structural stability, while the articulation section provides multi-degree-of-freedom movement capability, and the distal section transmits energy to the end effector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation section incorporates multiple articulation joints with articulation members that can dynamically adjust the orientation and position of the end effector relative to the shaft axis. This dynamic capability allows the end effector to articulate in multiple directions while the overall shaft structure remains stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex articulation mechanisms are added to improve positioning capability, then the articulation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The articulation members are nested within the articulation section, with each articulation member containing or supporting the next. This nested arrangement allows multiple articulation joints to be compactly integrated into the shaft structure without significantly increasing the overall device complexity or size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The articulation section serves multiple functions: it provides positioning capability, supports the firing beam mechanism, accommodates articulation cables, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If bipolar RF energy is applied for simultaneous cutting and sealing, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of thermal spread and tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting and sealing efficiencyVSAvoidthermal spread

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bipolar RF energy is delivered through the end effector which is positioned locally at the tissue site. The energy application is localized to the specific tissue area between the electrodes, allowing cutting and sealing to occur precisely where needed while minimizing thermal spread to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector acts as an intermediary between the energy source and the tissue. It delivers bipolar RF energy in a controlled manner, enabling simultaneous cutting and sealing while the articulation section serves as an intermediary mechanical structure that positions the end effector precisely without transmitting excessive thermal energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables efficient and precise cutting and sealing of tissue in minimally invasive surgeries, ensuring hemostatic sealing of tissue layers and reducing the risk of thermal spread and tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

bipolar RF energy application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12478423B2Articulation joint features for articulating surgical device

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector includes a pair of jaws that are operable to deliver RF energy to tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The shaft extends between the body and the end effector. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Some versions include a rotation section that is distal to the articulation section. The rotation section is operable to rotate the end effector relative to the articulation section.