Asynchronous Electrosurgical Electrodes for Jaw Deflection Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently delivering bipolar and monopolar energy for tissue cutting and coagulation, particularly in maintaining effective electrode contact and tissue grasping due to the deflection of jaws when tissue is grasped, which affects the precision and effectiveness of energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a monopolar wedge electrode with a compliant flex-circuit substrate and an electrically conductive member, which is electrically isolated from the bipolar electrodes, allowing for flexible positioning and enhanced cutting capabilities by compensating for jaw deflection and maintaining consistent energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bipolar electrodes are used for tissue coagulation, then coagulation effectiveness is improved, but electrode contact stability deteriorates due to jaw deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is divided into functionally independent segments: bipolar electrodes for coagulation and a separate monopolar electrode for cutting. This segmentation allows each electrode type to be optimized for its specific function without interference from jaw deflection affecting both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A monopolar electrode is introduced as an intermediary element that performs the cutting function independently of the bipolar electrodes. This mediator allows the bipolar electrodes to focus on coagulation while the monopolar electrode handles cutting, compensating for the instability caused by jaw deflection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If monopolar electrode is added for cutting, then cutting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both bipolar electrodes for coagulation and a monopolar electrode for cutting within a single device. This universal design allows the instrument to perform multiple surgical functions without requiring separate instruments, managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar coagulation electrodes and monopolar cutting electrode are merged into a single end effector assembly. This combining of functions into one integrated device achieves versatility while controlling complexity through unified structural design rather than separate independent components.
3Ease of operation
If compliant flex-circuit substrate is used for monopolar electrode, then positioning flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monopolar electrode is constructed using a compliant flex-circuit substrate, which provides the necessary flexibility to adapt to jaw deflection and maintain proper positioning. This flexible substrate allows the electrode to conform to structural changes while maintaining electrical functionality, achieving positioning flexibility through material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a compliant flex-circuit substrate changes the mechanical parameters of the monopolar electrode, transitioning from a rigid structure to a flexible one. This parameter change enables the electrode to accommodate jaw deflection and maintain positioning flexibility, though it introduces higher requirements for manufacturing precision in creating the flexible circuit structure.
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 ensures precise tissue cutting and coagulation by maintaining consistent energy delivery and pressure, even when the jaws deflect during tissue grasping, improving the overall effectiveness of the surgical instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The monopolar electrode is configured to employ monopolar energy to cut the tissue in a monopolar cycle
Implementation Method 2
The first electrode and the second electrode cooperate to deliver bipolar energy to the tissue in a bipolar cycle
Data Source
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AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw is disclosed. The first jaw comprises a first electrode. The second jaw comprises a second electrode and a monopolar electrode centrally disposed down a length of the end effector. The first electrode and the second electrode cooperate to deliver bipolar energy to the tissue in a bipolar cycle. The monopolar electrode comprises a wedge shape that graduates in width along the length of the end effector. The monopolar electrode is electrically isolated from the first and second electrodes. The monopolar electrode is configured to employ monopolar energy to cut the tissue in a monopolar cycle.