Electrosurgical Clamp Position Monitoring for RF Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments struggle to achieve a desirable tissue seal due to inadequate real-time adjustment of radio frequency (RF) energy application, leading to suboptimal sealing quality.
Innovation Solution
The electrosurgical instrument monitors jaw gap contraction rate as a leading indicator to adjust RF energy application, providing earlier anticipation of tissue sealing and improving the likelihood of achieving a desirable tissue seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time measurements such as tissue impedance are taken to monitor tissue state, then control of RF energy is improved, but the time available to adjust RF energy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors jaw gap contraction rate as a leading indicator that occurs before traditional tissue impedance changes. By detecting the mechanical contraction of the jaw gap as tissue seals, the system anticipates the sealing event in advance, providing earlier warning and more time to adjust RF energy application before the actual seal occurs, thus resolving the time constraint issue
2Reliability
If RF energy is applied to seal tissue, then tissue sealing is achieved, but excessive or insufficient energy application damages tissue quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors jaw gap contraction rate in real-time during RF energy application and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the RF power delivery. When the jaw gap contraction rate indicates approaching seal completion, the system automatically reduces or terminates RF energy, preventing over-sealing and tissue damage. This closed-loop feedback control ensures optimal tissue seal quality while minimizing harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
By detecting jaw gap contraction as a leading indicator before traditional impedance-based seal detection, the system provides advance warning of impending seal completion. This preliminary detection allows proactive adjustment of RF energy levels before the actual seal occurs, enabling precise control to achieve desirable seal quality while avoiding excessive energy application that would cause tissue damage
3Measurement precision
If traditional tissue impedance monitoring is used, then tissue state is measured, but adjustment time for RF energy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes jaw gap contraction rate as a leading indicator that occurs earlier in the sealing process than traditional tissue impedance changes. This mechanical contraction measurement provides advance notification of impending seal completion, giving the control system more time to adjust RF energy application before the actual seal event, thereby resolving the time constraint limitation of traditional impedance monitoring
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 method allows for more precise control of RF energy application, enhancing the quality of tissue sealing by anticipating and adjusting energy delivery to achieve a desirable seal with low damage and high burst pressure.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elements that transmit radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue)
Implementation Method 2
applying RF energy to the tissue during a power phase
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument and method of adjusting a power of a radiofrequency (RF) energy applied to a tissue includes an end effector and a controller. The end effector has a first jaw with a first electrode and a second jaw with a second electrode such that the first and second electrodes are configured to apply a radiofrequency (RF) energy through the tissue. The controller is configured to determine a jaw gap contraction rate while applying the RF energy to the tissue. Additionally, the controller is configured to compare the jaw gap contraction rate to at least one predetermined contraction rate threshold and then adjust a power of the RF energy while applying the RF energy to the tissue in response to the jaw gap contraction rate reaching the predetermined contraction rate threshold.