Thermally Asymmetric Electrodes for Consistent Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel sealers in minimally invasive surgical instruments face challenges in efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in achieving consistent tissue sealing and transection.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a combination tissue grasper and vessel sealer with thermally and mechanically symmetric electrodes, a diamond-shape knife slot, and a pivotably mounted knife housing, allowing for precise articulation and efficient tissue handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vessel sealers are used, then basic tissue sealing function is provided, but sealing consistency and effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring electrodes with different properties on opposing jaws - one jaw has a first electrode with first thermal mass and the opposing jaw has a second electrode with second thermal mass, where the thermal masses are deliberately made asymmetric to compensate for heat loss differences. This asymmetric design resolves the contradiction by improving sealing consistency through thermal balance while maintaining a relatively simple two-electrode configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal mass parameter of electrodes to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the thermal mass of electrodes on opposing jaws, the system achieves balanced heat distribution and consistent tissue sealing. This parameter modification allows reliable sealing without requiring complex multi-electrode or active control systems.
2Reliability
If thermally asymmetric electrodes are used, then basic sealing function is achieved, but heat loss asymmetry causes inconsistent tissue sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in electrode thermal mass to compensate for asymmetric heat loss. By making the thermal masses asymmetric in a controlled manner, the system achieves thermal balance at the tissue interface, ensuring consistent sealing effectiveness while accounting for different thermal environments on each side of the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal mass parameter of electrodes to resolve thermal balance issues. By carefully selecting and adjusting the thermal mass values of electrodes on opposing jaws, the system compensates for heat loss asymmetry and achieves uniform temperature distribution during tissue sealing, thereby improving reliability without requiring active thermal control.
3Device complexity
If simple electrode configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing precision and tissue damage control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves sealing precision by optimizing the thermal mass parameter of electrodes rather than through complex geometric configurations. This approach maintains simple electrode structures while achieving precise and consistent tissue sealing by carefully controlling the thermal properties of the electrodes, thereby avoiding tissue damage and ensuring manufacturing precision.
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
This configuration enhances the consistency and efficiency of tissue sealing and transection, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving overall surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
electrical current flow between the opposing jaws... electrical energy may be applied (prior to, during, or after transection) to the end effector to seal and cauterize the transected tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An end effector includes a first jaw having a first electrode and a first insulator secured thereto, a second jaw having a second electrode and a second insulator secured thereto, the first and second jaws being pivotable between open and closed positions, and a knife slot cooperatively defined in the first and second jaws and defining a diamond-shape cross-section when the first and second jaws are in the closed position. Each electrode provides an inner lateral extent that cooperatively defines the diamond-shape cross-section, and a length of at least one of the inner lateral extents is greater than a thickness of a corresponding one of the first or second electrodes.