Coaptive Sealing Tool Spring-Loaded Jaws Liver Resection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for hepatic resection, such as the clamp-crush method, face challenges in providing a cost-effective and efficient coaptive surgical sealing tool that minimizes blood loss and tissue disruption during liver surgery.
Innovation Solution
A coaptive surgical sealing tool with spring-loaded, thin jaws designed for uniform compression and gradual closure, capable of sealing longer tissue lengths in a single bite, and adaptable for use with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators, optionally incorporating irrigation and suction features to reduce char buildup and improve tissue handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the clamp-crush technique is used with conventional hemostatic clamp tools, then the cost is low and the technique is simple, but the sealing length is limited and blood loss control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into multiple segments: a compression surface for crushing tissue, an electrode surface for RF energy delivery, and an irrigation channel running through the jaw. This segmentation allows each surface to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining a relatively simple overall jaw structure that can be manufactured cost-effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single jaw structure: mechanical compression capability, RF energy delivery capability, and irrigation capability. By integrating these functions into one component rather than requiring separate tools, the patent achieves extended sealing length without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If rapid jaw closure is used to seal tissue quickly, then the productivity is improved, but the tissue may be torn and larger blood vessels may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded in a biased state before use. When the jaw closes, the spring gradually releases its stored energy, providing controlled compression force throughout the sealing process. This preliminary energy storage and gradual release prevents sudden tissue disruption while maintaining efficient sealing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw closure mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded system that provides dynamic, progressive compression rather than static or abrupt closure. The spring allows the jaw to close with increasing force in a controlled manner, adapting to tissue resistance and preventing vessel tearing while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators are used with modified tools, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and uniform compression capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is designed with standardized electrode surfaces and compression geometries that can interface with multiple RF and bi-polar cautery generator systems. The universal design allows compatibility across different generator platforms while maintaining precise manufacturing tolerances for uniform compression through carefully engineered jaw surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes jaw geometry parameters including surface area, compression depth, and electrode configuration to achieve uniform compression across varying tissue types. These precisely controlled parameters ensure consistent sealing performance regardless of which compatible generator is used, decoupling compression precision from generator variability.
4Reliability
If irrigation is added to reduce char buildup, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation channel is integrated directly into the jaw structure, combining the irrigation function with the existing jaw component rather than adding a separate irrigation device. This integration delivers irrigation fluid directly to the sealing site through the compression surface, reducing char buildup while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system is designed to be self-regulating, where the jaw structure itself guides and distributes the irrigation fluid along the compression surface. The geometry of the irrigation channel and jaw surface work together to ensure adequate fluid delivery without requiring complex pumps or control mechanisms, maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 tool reduces parenchymal transection times by up to 50% and minimizes post-operative adverse events like blood transfusions and bile leaks, while maintaining a low-cost, versatile design suitable for both open and laparoscopic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly
Implementation Method 2
which are then divided and sealed via radio frequency (RF) energy provided to the jaws of the tool
Implementation Method 3
The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators
Data Source
AI summary
A coaptive surgical sealing tool may be similar to an ordinary hemostat with long (50, 60, 70 or 80 mm) thin jaws for sliding into the liver parenchyma, without tearing the larger blood vessels. The jaws are spring loaded and are designed for uniform compression, and to avoid closing too quickly. The jaws are capable of sealing a 50, 60, 70 or 80 mm sealing length, in a single bite, although it can also seal shorter lengths as well. The tool can be used with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators. The tool may be provided with irrigation and/or suction.