Bipolar Forceps Electrode Segmentation for Vessel Seal Testing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for testing the seal strength of blood vessels using bipolar forceps rely on average electrical parameters across both sides of the cut, failing to identify potential weaknesses in individual sides of the seal, which can lead to bursting during cutting.

Innovation Solution

The system employs laterally separated and electrically isolated electrodes on the jaws of the forceps to allow independent testing of tissue parameters such as impedance or resistance on each side of the cut, enabling separate evaluation of seal strength before cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional average measurement of both sides of the cut is used, then the testing process is simple, but the seal strength on individual sides cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal strength measurementVSAvoidelectrode configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into first and second electrode portions that are laterally separated to permit electrical isolation. This segmentation allows independent measurement of tissue parameters on each side of the cut, enabling identification of seal strength on individual sides rather than relying on average measurements of both sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The laterally separated electrode portions are positioned to contact tissue at different locations (first side and second side of the cut). This enables localized measurement of tissue parameters at each side independently, allowing the system to identify specific areas with insufficient seal strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If individual testing of each side is implemented, then seal weaknesses can be identified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into first and second electrode portions that are laterally separated to permit electrical isolation. This segmentation allows independent measurement of tissue parameters on each side of the cut, enabling identification of seal strength on individual sides rather than relying on average measurements of both sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures tissue parameters (impedance, resistance, or phase angle) on each side of the cut and uses this feedback to determine seal strength. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify when a seal is insufficient and alert the operator before cutting, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If conventional testing is used, then the operation is quick, but bursting risk exists during cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel seal safetyVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs individual testing of tissue parameters on both sides of the cut before the cutting operation. This preliminary action identifies seal weaknesses in advance, allowing the operator to repair or redo seals before cutting, thereby preventing bursting during the cutting phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures tissue parameters (impedance, resistance, or phase angle) on each side of the cut and uses this feedback to determine seal strength. This feedback mechanism allows the system to identify when a seal is insufficient and alert the operator before cutting, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach ensures that both sides of the seal are thoroughly tested, preventing the cutting of vessels with insufficient seals and reducing bleeding during electrosurgical procedures by allowing for targeted repair or resealing if necessary.

Implementation Method 1

test a tissue parameter (e.g., impedance, resistance, or phase angle) on that side of the cut to determine seal strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical impedance measurement: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS12544122B2Bipolar forceps with vessel seal testing

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 GYRUS ACMI INC

AI summary

A forceps system for sealing a blood vessel can include a first jaw and an opposing second jaw. At least one of the first and second jaws includes at least a first electrode having first and second electrode portions that are laterally separated to permit electrical isolation between the first and second electrode portions, and the first and second electrode portions are independently addressable to permit individual testing by the first and second electrodes portions of a blood vessel characteristic. This can help permit individual testing of each side of a target seal region of the blood vessel.