Multi-Layer Clamp Arm Pad for Tissue Release and Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments struggle to control and customize single or multiple energy modalities effectively based on the type of tissue being treated, leading to inefficiencies in tissue treatment, sealing, or cutting.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument is designed with an end-effector that can deliver multiple energy modalities, including ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy, allowing simultaneous, independent, or sequential application, with features like deflectable electrodes and compliant pads to optimize tissue interaction and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single energy modality is used for tissue treatment, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different tissue types and treatment requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy modalities (ultrasonic and electrosurgical) within a single end-effector assembly. The end-effector includes both an ultrasonic blade and electrosurgical electrodes, allowing simultaneous or sequential application of different energy types to treat various tissue types with a single device, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The end-effector is designed to perform multiple functions: cutting, coagulation, sealing, and ablation. The ultrasonic blade can cut and coagulate, while the electrosurgical electrodes provide additional cutting and sealing capabilities. This multi-functional design allows the single device to adapt to different tissue types and surgical requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized instruments
2Productivity
If high energy is applied for efficient cutting and sealing, then the productivity is improved, but tissue sticking and charring increase as harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer clamp arm pad structure where the intermediate material layer specifically addresses the harmful effects of tissue sticking and charring. This layer acts as a barrier between the high-energy ultrasonic blade/electrodes and the tissue, preventing direct contact that causes sticking and charring while allowing the high energy to be effectively transmitted for cutting and sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arm pad serves as an intermediary component between the energy-delivering elements (ultrasonic blade and electrosurgical electrodes) and the tissue. The multi-layer construction with intermediate material provides a mediating interface that enables efficient energy transfer for productive cutting and sealing while preventing the harmful direct contact effects of tissue sticking and charring
3Reliability
If the electrode is made rigid for structural stability, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the ability to conform to tissue contours and optimize energy delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical electrode is designed with deflectability, allowing it to dynamically conform to tissue contours during the surgical procedure. This dynamic capability enables the electrode to optimize its contact with irregular tissue surfaces, improving energy delivery effectiveness while the overall electrode structure maintains sufficient rigidity for structural stability and controlled positioning
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the clamp arm pad is made thick for durability and protection, then the duration of action and protection are improved, but the precision of energy delivery to tissue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm pad is segmented into multiple layers with distinct functions: an outer layer for durability and protection, an intermediate material layer for preventing tissue sticking and charring, and an inner layer for precise energy delivery. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining pad durability while ensuring precise energy transmission to the tissue through the carefully designed intermediate layer
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 enhances tissue treatment quality by providing precise control over energy delivery, minimizing tissue sticking and charring, and improving sealing and cutting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum
Implementation Method 3
Heat generated by the current flowing through the tissue may form hemostatic seals within the tissue
Implementation Method 4
an electrosurgical instrument can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device is disclosed herein that can include an end effector including a clamp jaw, a trigger configured to open and close the clamp jaw, a sensor configured to detect a relative position of the trigger, and a control circuit communicably coupled to the sensor and a generator. The control circuit is configured to cause the generator to administer energy associated with a surgical operation to be performed on the tissue, receive a signal from the sensor, determine that the clamp jaws are not positioned to administer the energy associated with the surgical operation, and cause the generator to administer energy configured to release the tissue from an ultrasonic blade. The energy is configured to release the tissue from the clamp jaw is different than the energy associated with a surgical operation to be performed on the tissue.