Rotatable Cautery Jaws Using Current-Based Tissue Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in effectively controlling electrode temperature to remove moisture from tissue without altering its physical or chemical characteristics, and closed-loop control systems require separate temperature sensors, reducing usability.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with rotatable jaws and a processor that controls power based on momentary current values to perform cauterization, determining tissue moisture states and adjusting power accordingly in an open-loop manner, using ceramic heating elements and a battery-powered design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a closed-loop control system with a temperature sensor is used to control electrode temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from a separate physical sensor and integrates it into the electrical measurement system. By using the current sensor to detect temperature-induced resistance changes in the electrode itself, the system eliminates the need for a separate temperature sensor while maintaining temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical resistance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure temperature. Instead of directly sensing temperature with a separate sensor, the system uses the electrode's resistance changes (caused by temperature variations) as a proxy to control temperature, thereby simplifying the device structure.
2Reliability
If a separate temperature sensor is added to monitor and adjust electrode temperature in real-time, then temperature control reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the existing current sensing function. The same current sensor that monitors electrical current also detects temperature changes through resistance variations, eliminating the need for a separate temperature sensor and simplifying the user interface while maintaining reliable temperature control.
3Productivity
If the electrode is heated at high power to remove moisture from tissue, then productivity is improved, but harmful effects on tissue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the system continuously monitors current changes (which reflect temperature and moisture state) and dynamically adjusts power delivery. When the tissue reaches the desired moisture removal state, the system automatically reduces or stops power, preventing overheating and tissue damage while maintaining high productivity throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed power delivery with controlled duration and intensity. By applying power in controlled pulses rather than continuous high power, the system achieves effective moisture removal while allowing heat dissipation periods, thereby preventing tissue damage.
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 efficiently removes moisture from tissue while preserving its characteristics by controlling power based on tissue moisture states, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw includes an electrode formed thereon and configured to receive power for a predetermined time period to be Joule heated and perform cauterization on a tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a surgical instrument including an end tool rotatable in at least one direction and including a first jaw and a second jaw opposite to the first jaw, a manipulation part configured to control a rotational motion of the end tool, and a connection part connecting the end tool to the manipulation part, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw includes an electrode formed thereon and configured to receive power for a predetermined time period to be Joule heated and perform cauterization on a tissue, and the manipulation part includes a processor configured to obtain a momentary current value corresponding to the received power at each of at least two or more time points among a plurality of time points within the predetermined time period and control the power so that the cauterization is performed on the basis of a parameter calculated based on the momentary current values.