Electrode Wiping Surgical Device for Liver Resection Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical devices face challenges in controlling bleeding and sealing smaller vessels during liver resections, requiring multiple devices and increasing the risk of complications due to the need to switch between stapling, cutting, and electrosurgical tools within a confined surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with electrodes integrated into the end effector, allowing for electrosurgical energy transmission to coagulate tissue, coupled with a processor-controlled power system that adjusts energy delivery based on the jaw position, enabling seamless sealing and cutting functionalities in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices (stapling, cutting, electrosurgical tools) are used to seal vessels and ducts during liver resection, then comprehensive sealing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and the risk of complications increases due to the need to switch between tools within a confined surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines stapling, cutting, and electrosurgical sealing capabilities into a single integrated end effector assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw with a stapling member, a second jaw with a cutting element, and electrodes positioned along the lateral sides for electrosurgical sealing. This merging of multiple functions into one device eliminates the need to switch between separate tools during liver resection procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a universal multi-functional tool that can perform stapling, cutting, and electrosurgical sealing operations. The electrodes are integrated into the end effector structure, allowing it to seal small vessels and ducts using electrosurgical energy while also providing mechanical stapling and cutting capabilities. This multi-functionality addresses the technical contradiction by providing comprehensive sealing capability through a single device rather than multiple specialized tools.
2Reliability
If multiple devices are used for sealing small vessels and larger vessels during liver resection, then complete sealing coverage is achieved, but the surgical time increases and productivity decreases due to the need to switch between tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges stapling, cutting, and electrosurgical sealing functions into a single end effector assembly that can be used throughout the entire surgical procedure without switching tools. The end effector includes electrodes for sealing small vessels (1-2 mm) and ducts, while also incorporating stapling members for sealing larger vessels. This integration enables continuous sealing coverage and eliminates the time loss associated with switching between multiple devices, thereby improving surgical productivity while maintaining complete sealing coverage.
3Productivity
If electrosurgical energy is applied without control mechanisms, then sealing action is achieved, but the risk of damaging critical ducts and vessels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control mechanism that provides feedback to regulate electrosurgical energy delivery. The system includes a processor that receives signals from sensors monitoring the surgical environment and adjusts the electrosurgical energy output accordingly. This feedback control allows the system to maintain appropriate sealing energy levels while preventing excessive energy that could damage critical ducts and vessels, thus balancing sealing speed with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable electrosurgical energy parameters that can be adjusted based on the specific tissue characteristics and surgical conditions. The system can modify energy delivery parameters (such as power level, pulse duration, and waveform characteristics) to match the requirements of different tissue types and sealing scenarios. This parameter control enables effective sealing while minimizing the risk of thermal damage to critical structures.
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
This solution facilitates efficient and safe sealing of small vessels and bile ducts during liver resections by integrating electrosurgical capabilities into a single instrument, reducing the need for multiple devices and enhancing precision within the limited surgical space.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode coupled to the first jaw or the second jaw and configured to transmit electrosurgical energy to coagulate tissue upon wiping the end effector against the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include a surgical device comprising electrodes on the sides of an end of an effector to aide in sealing during various surgical procedures, such as a liver resection. During a sealing procedure, the surgeon may wipe the surgical site with the end effector, causing the electrodes to touch the fractured area. Electrosurgical energy may be applied to the electrodes during the wiping, causing coagulation of smaller vessels, such as tiny blood vessels and bile ducts in the parenchyma of the liver. In some cases, due to the nature of some smaller vessels, electrosurgical energy should be delicately applied to cause sealing but to avoid overly damaging the remaining tissue. In some embodiments, the thin design of the electrodes allows for an appropriate amount of electrosurgical energy to be applied to the fractured area.