Electrosurgical Conductor Routing Through Proximal Clevis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrosurgical instruments with articulable wrists often have electrical conductors that terminate at the proximal clevis, obstructing wrist articulation and requiring complex structural interconnections for electrical energy delivery, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential electrical discharges.

Innovation Solution

The electrical conductor extends through and bypasses the proximal clevis to terminate at the distal clevis, allowing for unobstructed wrist articulation while maintaining electrical energy delivery to the end effector, using a conductor adapter that floats on a bushing or engages an arcuate surface to maintain contact during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical conductors terminate at the proximal clevis in conventional electrosurgical instruments, then electrical energy can be delivered to the end effector, but the conductors obstruct wrist articulation and require complex structural interconnections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy deliveryVSAvoidstructural interconnections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical conductor is extracted from the proximal clevis termination location and repositioned to extend through the proximal clevis to terminate at the distal clevis. This removes the obstruction at the proximal clevis, allowing smooth wrist articulation while maintaining electrical energy delivery to the end effector through the distal termination point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conductor acts as an intermediary element that passes through the proximal clevis structure rather than terminating at it. By extending through the proximal clevis to the distal clevis, the conductor mediates between the proximal electrical connection and the distal end effector, enabling both wrist articulation and electrical energy delivery without complex interconnections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If electrical conductors terminate at the proximal clevis, then electrical energy delivery is simplified, but wrist articulation is obstructed and surgical precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductor configurationVSAvoidsurgical precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor termination point is extracted from the proximal clevis and relocated to the distal clevis. This extraction eliminates the obstruction to wrist articulation, allowing the wrist to move freely while the conductor continues to deliver electrical energy to the end effector, thereby improving surgical precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If complex structural interconnections are used to deliver electrical energy with proximal clevis termination, then electrical energy can be delivered, but inefficiencies and potential electrical discharges occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy deliveryVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the conductor termination from the proximal clevis and placing it at the distal clevis, the invention eliminates the need for complex structural interconnections. This direct routing of the conductor through the proximal clevis to the distal clevis improves operational efficiency by reducing inefficiencies and eliminating potential electrical discharge points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conductor serves as an efficient intermediary that directly transmits electrical energy from the proximal clevis through the wrist mechanism to the distal clevis and end effector. This direct mediation eliminates the need for complex intermediate structures, improving operational efficiency while maintaining reliable electrical energy delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enables smooth wrist articulation without electrical interference, enhancing surgical precision and safety by ensuring consistent energy delivery to the end effector, suitable for both monopolar and bipolar operations.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical conductor that extends through the proximal clevis and terminates at the distal clevis to supply electrical energy to at least one of the first and second jaws

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

When supplied with electrical energy, the end effector electrodes are able to generate heat sufficient to cut, cauterize, and/or seal tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250099158A1Supplying electrical energy to electrosurgical instruments

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

An end effector for a surgical tool includes a distal clevis, first and second jaws rotatably mounted to the distal clevis at a first axle, a proximal clevis rotatably coupled to the distal clevis at a second axle, and an electrical conductor extending through and electrically bypassing the proximal clevis and terminating at the distal clevis to supply electrical energy to at least one of the first and second jaws via conduction. A portion of the electrical conductor provides a conductive spring member that allows the electrical conductor to flex as the distal clevis articulates.