Asymmetric Electrode End Effector for Surgical Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack full control and customization over ultrasonic and electrosurgical functions, leading to inefficiencies in tissue cutting and coagulation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument featuring an end effector with an ultrasonic blade and an asymmetric electrode, where the electrodes have different widths and gaps, allowing for precise control and adaptation based on tissue type and characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surgical instruments are used, then basic cutting and coagulation functions are provided, but full control and customization over ultrasonic and electrosurgical functions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into separate functional components: an ultrasonic blade assembly for cutting and an electrosurgical electrode assembly for coagulation. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each energy delivery mechanism, enabling customized application based on tissue type while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument integrates both ultrasonic and electrosurgical capabilities within a single end effector assembly, allowing the device to perform multiple functions (cutting, coagulation, sealing) that were previously required separate instruments. This multi-functionality provides full control and customization over energy application without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If asymmetric electrodes with different widths and gaps are used, then precision and control in energy application is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical electrode is designed with non-uniform geometry, featuring different widths and gaps at different locations along the electrode length. This local variation in geometry creates corresponding variations in electrical field distribution and tissue contact characteristics, enabling precise control over energy application density and depth at different positions along the electrode-tissue interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly employs asymmetric design where the electrode width and gap spacing vary along its length, creating an asymmetric electrical field distribution pattern. This asymmetry allows targeted energy delivery to specific tissue regions with different therapeutic requirements, enhancing precision while the integrated design keeps overall device complexity manageable.
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
Enhances precision and control in surgical procedures by enabling tailored energy application for effective cutting and coagulation, minimizing tissue trauma and improving hemostasis.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic energy cuts and coagulates by vibrating a blade in contact with tissue. Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum.
Implementation Method 2
Electrical energy applied by an electrosurgical instrument can be transmitted to the instrument by a generator in communication with the hand piece. The electrical energy may be in the form of radio frequency ('RF') energy. RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 200 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, an electrosurgical instrument can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue.
Implementation Method 3
RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 200 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, an electrosurgical instrument can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a jaw member including an asymmetric electrode comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode defines a first width and the second electrode defines a second width. The first width is not equal to the second width. A first gap is defined between the first electrode and the ultrasonic blade and a second gap is defined between the second electrode and the ultrasonic blade. The first gap is not equal to the second gap.