Bilateral Foot Jaws for Controlled Vessel Sealing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments face challenges in consistently and effectively sealing larger blood vessels due to difficulties in controlling pressure and gap distance between electrically conductive surfaces, leading to inconsistent and unreliable vessel sealing, and require additional steps for tissue separation, which can be time-consuming and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a drive rod assembly and handle assembly that includes pivotable jaw members with cam arms, allowing for precise control of closure force and gap distance, and an integrated knife assembly for tissue separation, utilizing electrically conductive sealing surfaces and non-stick materials to enhance sealing and cutting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrosurgical forceps are used to seal larger blood vessels, then vessel sealing can be achieved, but the pressure and gap distance between electrically conductive surfaces cannot be accurately controlled, leading to inconsistent sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating a spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the closing force applied to the vessel. The spring constant and pre-compression force are specifically designed to provide optimal pressure for sealing vessels of different sizes, ensuring consistent sealing without requiring manual adjustment of pressure parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary spring element between the actuating mechanism and the jaw members. This spring acts as a force mediator that distributes and regulates the closing pressure uniformly across the vessel, eliminating the need for direct manual pressure control and ensuring consistent force application.
2Reliability
If larger vessels are sealed using electrosurgery, then vessel closure is achieved, but additional steps for tissue separation are required, which are time-consuming and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vessel sealing function and tissue separation function into a single integrated instrument. The jaw members are designed with cutting edges that can simultaneously seal and divide the vessel in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate tissue separation steps and reducing surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with multi-functionality, where the same jaw members that apply electrosurgical energy for sealing also possess cutting capabilities. This universal design allows the single instrument to perform both vessel closure and tissue separation functions, improving surgical efficiency.
3Reliability
If pressure is increased to seal larger vessels, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the risk of tissue shredding or incomplete sealing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes through the spring mechanism that provides controlled, progressive force application. The spring constant is selected to deliver optimal pressure that is sufficient for sealing larger vessels without exceeding the threshold that would cause tissue damage or shredding.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and regulates the closing force. It provides beforehand cushioning by distributing the force gradually and uniformly, preventing sudden excessive pressure that could cause tissue shredding while ensuring sufficient pressure for complete sealing.
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 consistent and effective sealing of vascular tissue with controlled pressure and gap distance, reducing the risk of tissue shredding or incomplete sealing, and facilitates precise tissue separation, improving surgical efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode of each jaw member is charged to a different electric potential such that when the jaw members grasp tissue, electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue
Implementation Method 2
electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue... heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize and/or seal tissue
Implementation Method 3
A pair of opposing jaw members, each including a cam arm, are rotatable about pivot pins
Implementation Method 4
non-stick materials to enhance sealing and cutting efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument is provided and includes a drive rod assembly having a hollow shaft portion. A central shaft is slidably disposed in and axially aligned with the hollow shaft portion. The instrument may further include a handle assembly coupled to hollow shaft portion and the central shaft of the drive rod assembly. A pair of opposing jaw members each operatively associated with the distal end of the hollow shaft portion, the jaw members being movable relative to one another between a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another and a second position wherein the jaw members are approximated towards one another. The instrument may further include a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member for conducting energy therebetween.