Curved Blade Firing Path for Simultaneous Tissue Cutting and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments lack the ability to simultaneously cut and seal tissue efficiently, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, due to limitations in articulation and energy delivery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with an articulating end effector and a firing beam that combines bipolar RF energy with a sharp distal blade to sever and seal tissue, featuring an articulation control for precise positioning and a mechanism to deliver RF energy through jaws with serrations for secure tissue gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a straight blade path is used in traditional electrosurgical instruments, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the instrument cannot effectively access and seal curved or hard-to-reach tissue areas in minimally invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional straight blade path with a curved blade path that follows the contour of the jaw. This allows the blade to access and seal tissue in curved or hard-to-reach areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure suitable for minimally invasive procedures
2Productivity
If separate cutting and sealing mechanisms are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the instrument requires multiple components increasing complexity and procedural time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cutting blade and sealing electrode functions into a single integrated assembly. The curved blade path is combined with RF energy delivery capability, allowing the instrument to both cut and seal tissue simultaneously through one component rather than requiring separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same blade assembly to perform both mechanical cutting and thermal sealing functions. This universal design allows a single instrument to complete multiple surgical tasks that would traditionally require separate devices or sequential operations
3Strength
If high force is applied to advance the blade through tissue, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage and procedural difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the blade path from straight to curved, allowing the blade to follow tissue contours and reduce the force required for advancement. This parameter modification enables effective cutting with reduced force, minimizing tissue damage while maintaining cutting 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
Enables simultaneous cutting and sealing of tissue with reduced force requirements and improved precision, suitable for minimally invasive surgeries by providing effective tissue welding and hemostatic sealing.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elements that transmit RF energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue)
Implementation Method 2
a sharp distal blade to sever and seal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are able to clamp tissue. The first jaw and the second jaw define a curved path. The apparatus further includes a blade that is operable to translate along a curved path in the end effector. At least a portion of the blade is precurved. The blade may further include a laminate of sheets that slide relative to each other to accommodate travel along the curved path.