Coaptive Surgical Sealing Tool for Liver Parenchyma Transection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques for hepatic resection, such as the clamp-crush method, face challenges in minimizing blood loss and improving efficiency while maintaining a low-cost design, with existing devices failing to provide superior performance in sealing liver tissue effectively.
Innovation Solution
A coaptive surgical sealing tool with spring-loaded, thin jaws designed for uniform compression and gradual closure, compatible with existing RF/bi-polar cautery generators, allowing for efficient sealing of larger blood vessels without tearing, and adaptable for both open and laparoscopic surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the clamp-crush technique is used with existing sealing tools, then the procedure cost is low and the method is simple, but the blood loss is not minimized and the sealing efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a spring-loaded mechanism that provides gradual, controlled closure of the jaws rather than abrupt closing. This dynamic closure process allows uniform compression of liver parenchyma and vessels, improving sealing efficiency while preventing tissue tearing. The spring mechanism automatically adjusts compression force throughout the closing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent features thin jaws with specific geometric design (tapered cross-section, rounded leading edge) that concentrate compression force locally on the vessels while distributing pressure uniformly across the liver parenchyma. This local quality optimization enables effective sealing of blood vessels without causing unnecessary tissue damage, thereby improving sealing efficiency with a relatively simple jaw structure.
2Reliability
If existing sealing tools are used, then the device design is simple and cost-effective, but the sealing of larger blood vessels is ineffective and may cause tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides gradual closure that maintains uniform compression force throughout the sealing process. This dynamic control prevents sudden force application that could tear larger blood vessels, while ensuring sufficient compression for effective sealing. The mechanism adapts to varying tissue densities and vessel sizes automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the jaw geometry with specific parameters: thin cross-section (0.5-2 mm thickness), tapered design, and rounded leading edge (0.5-2 mm radius). These parameter changes enable the jaws to penetrate and compress liver tissue and vessels effectively without causing tearing, improving sealing reliability for vessels of various sizes.
3Speed
If rapid jaw closure is used, then the sealing speed is faster, but the liver parenchyma is torn and larger blood vessels are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism inherently controls the closure speed by converting the user's closing force into gradual jaw movement through spring compression. This dynamic system prevents rapid closure that would cause tissue tearing, while still achieving sealing in a clinically acceptable time frame. The spring rate can be optimized to balance speed and tissue protection.
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 significantly reduces parenchymal transection times by up to 50% and is safe and effective in hepatic resection procedures, with minimal post-operative adverse events, while maintaining a low-cost and versatile design.
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
compatible 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.