Electrosurgical Instrument Dual Blade End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments lack the capability to simultaneously cut and seal tissue efficiently using radio frequency energy, often requiring separate mechanisms for cutting and coagulation, which can be cumbersome and less effective.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with an end effector that includes a first jaw with a fixed position and a second jaw that pivots, combined with a firing beam that translates longitudinally to sever tissue and an articulation section that allows for angled deflection, enabling simultaneous cutting and sealing of tissue using bipolar RF energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mechanisms are used for cutting and coagulation, then each function can be performed, but the device becomes cumbersome and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutting blade and sealing electrodes into a single integrated end effector assembly. The blade is positioned between two jaws with electrodes, allowing simultaneous cutting and sealing operations through a unified mechanism rather than separate devices or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed to perform multiple functions: the blade provides cutting capability while the electrodes provide sealing/coagulation capability. This multi-functional design allows a single device to accomplish both cutting and sealing operations that would traditionally require separate instruments.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed jaw structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable second jaw that can pivot relative to the first fixed jaw. This dynamic structure allows the jaw assembly to adapt to different tissue configurations and achieve precise positioning during surgical procedures, while the overall mechanism remains relatively simple to manufacture.
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
The instrument effectively cuts tissue and seals the severed ends simultaneously, reducing tissue trauma and ensuring hemostasis, while the articulation feature allows for precise positioning in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elements that transmit radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue)
Implementation Method 2
sealing of tissue using bipolar RF energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector having a first jaw, a second jaw, a first blade, and a second blade. The second jaw pivots relative to the first jaw from an open position to a closed position. The first blade moves from a proximal position to a distal position to pivot the second jaw to the closed position. The second blade moves from a proximal position to a distal position when the second jaw is in the open position. The second blade is exposed between the first and second jaws when the second blade is in the distal position.