Combination-Energy Surgical End-Effector Interface for Tissue Sealing
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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, limiting the quality of tissue treatment, sealing, or cutting.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an end-effector that can deliver multiple energy modalities, including ultrasonic and electrosurgical energy, either simultaneously, independently, or sequentially, controlled through a user interface with a single button switch and visual feedback, allowing for customizable energy modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple energy modalities are delivered simultaneously or sequentially, then the quality of tissue treatment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy modality generators (ultrasonic, RF, microwave) into a single integrated generator unit that can deliver different energy types through a common delivery system. This merging approach enables versatile tissue treatment while managing device complexity through unified control architecture and shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-effector is designed with universal functionality to deliver multiple energy modalities (ultrasonic, RF, microwave) through a single device interface. The end-effector can operate in different modes (simultaneous or sequential energy delivery) and can be controlled through a unified user interface, making the device adaptable to various tissue treatment requirements without requiring separate specialized instruments.
2Reliability
If multiple energy modalities are delivered simultaneously or sequentially, then the sealing and cutting capabilities are improved, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single button switch on the user interface provides universal control for selecting different energy modes and delivery sequences. This simplified interface allows surgeons to choose from multiple energy modalities and delivery patterns (simultaneous or sequential) without being overwhelmed by complex controls, maintaining ease of operation while enabling advanced treatment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual feedback indicators on the user interface provide real-time information about the selected energy mode and delivery sequence. This feedback mechanism helps users confirm their selections and understand the operational state of the device, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive control over multiple energy modalities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy modes are made customizable, then the adaptability to different tissue types is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control capabilities where the energy delivery parameters can be adjusted based on real-time surgical conditions and tissue characteristics. The generator and end-effector can adapt their operation mode (simultaneous or sequential energy delivery) and parameters during the procedure, offering customization for different tissue types while maintaining manageable control through a unified interface.
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
Enhances the quality of tissue treatment by enabling precise control over energy modalities, improving sealing and cutting capabilities, and simplifying mode selection without increasing user interface complexity.
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
current is introduced into the tissue by an active electrode of the end-effector and returned through a return electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a surgical instrument having a housing, an end-effector, and a user interface. The end-effector includes a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade configured to couple to an ultrasonic transducer and to a pole of an electrical generator. The clamp arm includes a clamp jaw pivotally movable about a pivot point, an electrode defining a surface configured to contact tissue and apply electrical energy to the tissue in contact therewith and configured to couple to an opposite pole of the electrical generator. The user interface includes a first activation button switch to activate a first energy source and a second button switch to select an energy mode for the activation button switch.