Beveled End Effector Assembly for Electrosurgical Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps require a mechanical knife for cutting treated tissue, which can be cumbersome, and energy-based cutting methods may not always ensure precise tissue separation.
Innovation Solution
An end effector assembly with a pair of jaw members, one having a flat surface and the other with an electrosurgical cutter and beveled surfaces, where the cutter is positioned to connect to an energy source, and electrically conductive sealing plates are used to facilitate both tissue sealing and cutting, with specific geometries to reduce current concentrations and enhance mechanical engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical knife is used to cut treated tissue, then tissue cutting function is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical knife system with an energy-based cutting element that uses electrosurgical energy to cut tissue. This substitution eliminates the need for a separate mechanical cutting mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the cutting function. The energy-based cutter integrates the cutting capability into the existing electrosurgical forceps structure, improving ease of operation by removing the need for separate cutting actions.
2Device complexity
If energy-based cutting is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of tissue separation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a beveled surface geometry at the cutting edge of the energy-based cutter. This localized geometric feature ensures precise tissue separation at the critical cutting interface while maintaining the overall simplicity of the energy-based system. The beveled edge provides a defined cutting plane that improves the precision of tissue separation without adding complex mechanical components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If beveled surfaces with small angles are used, then current concentrations are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by specifying a bevel angle range of about 5 to 45 degrees, which optimizes the balance between reducing current concentrations and maintaining manufacturability. This parameter selection ensures that the beveled surfaces effectively distribute electrical current while remaining within achievable manufacturing tolerances for standard fabrication processes.
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 precise and efficient electrosurgical cutting of tissue with reduced current concentrations and improved mechanical engagement, allowing for effective tissue separation and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
an energy-based tissue cutting element may be provided to cut the treated tissue using energy, e.g., thermal, electrosurgical
Implementation Method 2
An electrically conductive sealing plate is disposed on the housing of the first jaw member and a pair of electrically conductive sealing plates is disposed on the housing of the second jaw member
Data Source
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AI summary
An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes a pair of first and second jaw members movable between a spaced apart configuration and an approximated configuration for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a housing having a substantially flat inwardly facing surface and the second jaw member includes a housing having an electrosurgical cutter disposed along a center thereof and a pair of inwardly facing beveled surfaces extending away from the cutter. An electrically conductive sealing plate is disposed on the housing of the first jaw member. A pair of electrically conductive sealing plates is disposed on the housing of the second jaw member on either side of the electrosurgical cutter, wherein an angle between the substantially flat inwardly facing surface of the first jaw member and the bevel of one of the pair of inwardly facing beveled surfaces of the second jaw member is in the range of about 1 degree to about 20 degrees to encourage tissue sloughing away from the electrosurgical cutter after separation.