Compressible Membrane End-Effector for Vessel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic electrosurgical forceps face challenges in effectively sealing larger blood vessels due to spatial constraints and fluid presence in the surgical field, often requiring conversion to open-surgical procedures, which compromises the benefits of minimally invasive techniques.
Innovation Solution
The use of an end-effector assembly with compressible membranes that form electrical connections between conductive plates, allowing for capacitive or resistive connections responsive to compression bias, minimizing leakage currents and enabling efficient sealing of larger vessels by varying impedance in response to tissue compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrosurgical instruments are used to seal larger vessels, then the sealing function is achieved, but the procedure requires conversion to open-surgical procedures, compromising the benefits of endoscopic surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible membrane's electrical properties (capacitance and resistance) dynamically change in response to tissue compression. When tissue is applied, the membrane compresses and forms conductive pathways, enabling electrical energy delivery to seal vessels. This parameter change allows the same device to function effectively in endoscopic procedures without requiring conversion to open surgery for larger vessels.
2Use of energy by moving object
If compressible membranes with variable electrical connection are used, then energy delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A compressible membrane is used as a flexible barrier between the conductive plate and the surgical field. The membrane is compressed by tissue application to form conductive pathways. This thin film structure provides variable electrical connection without requiring complex mechanical or electronic components, achieving efficient energy delivery while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the compressible membrane forms electrical connection through compression, then leakage current is minimized, but the connection impedance varies with compression bias
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible membrane's electrical properties dynamically change in response to tissue compression. When tissue is applied, the membrane compresses and forms conductive pathways, enabling electrical energy delivery to seal vessels. This parameter change allows the same device to function effectively in endoscopic procedures without requiring conversion to open surgery for larger vessels.
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
Enables effective sealing of larger vessels within the endoscopic framework, reducing the need for open-surgical conversions and minimizing energy requirements while improving safety and efficiency by directing current through the tissue, thus maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connection formed between the first and second conductive plates through the corresponding first and second compressible membranes is a capacitive connection. The capacitance of the compressible membranes is configured to vary in magnitude in response to the applied compression bias.
Implementation Method 2
The electrical connection formed between the first and second conductive plates through the first and second compressible membranes is a resistive connection. The resistance of the resistive connection through each of the compressible membranes is responsive to the applied compression bias.
Data Source
AI summary
An end-effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another, at least one of the jaw members moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. First and second conductive plates are disposed on opposing surfaces of corresponding first and second jaw members. First and second compressible membranes are configured to electrically connect corresponding first and second conductive plates to a surgical field when subjected to a compression bias.