Electrosurgical End Effector with Integrated Irrigation and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments are inadequate for sealing small blood vessels that continue to bleed after larger vessels and bile ducts have been sealed during surgical procedures like liver lobectomy, as they lack the necessary precision and effectiveness for the smaller vessels.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument designed to apply bipolar RF energy with integrated saline irrigation and suction, featuring a handle assembly, shaft, and end effector with electrodes that promote electrical conductivity and tissue sealing, while also providing suction to manage fluids and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical instruments are used to seal large blood vessels and bile ducts, then those large vessels are sealed, but small bleeding vessels on the newly exposed liver surface cannot be effectively sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector features a clustered electrode arrangement with multiple small contact points (e.g., 3-5 electrodes per jaw) rather than a single large electrode, enabling localized precise energy application to small vessels while maintaining the capability to seal larger vessels, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness for small vessels and adaptability across vessel sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical instrument divides the sealing function into multiple discrete electrode elements within the end effector, allowing selective engagement with vessels of varying sizes. The segmented electrode structure enables the same instrument to effectively seal both small capillaries and larger vessels by adjusting which electrodes make contact, thereby achieving both high reliability for small vessel sealing and versatility across different vessel dimensions
2Reliability
If bipolar RF energy is applied to tissue to seal vessels, then tissue sealing is achieved, but heat generation may damage surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
Irrigation fluid is delivered to the tissue site before and during RF energy application to pre-cool the tissue and maintain thermal sink, preventing excessive heat buildup while the bipolar RF energy seals the vessels, thus achieving reliable sealing without thermal damage to surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 2:
An irrigation fluid (typically saline) serves as an intermediary substance between the RF energy source and the surrounding tissue, absorbing excess heat and conducting it away from the sealing zone. This fluid mediator enables effective vessel sealing while protecting adjacent healthy tissue from thermal injury through active heat management
3Reliability
If saline irrigation is used to promote electrical conductivity at the electrode-tissue interface, then RF energy delivery is improved, but fluid accumulation may interfere with surgical visualization and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation fluid delivery system and suction evacuation system are merged into a single integrated end effector assembly, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of fluid delivery and removal. This combination enables maintenance of electrical conductivity through irrigation while preventing fluid accumulation that would obstruct surgical visualization and manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates a suction system that actively removes excess irrigation fluid and blood from the surgical site in real-time, providing feedback control over fluid accumulation. This feedback mechanism ensures that sufficient irrigation fluid remains at the electrode-tissue interface for electrical conductivity while excess fluid is continuously evacuated to maintain clear surgical visualization and ease of operation
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
Effectively seals small bleeding vessels by applying bipolar RF energy and saline irrigation, while the suction feature helps in managing fluids and debris, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of the sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
Electrosurgical instruments may be used to apply radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue to thereby seal the tissue
Implementation Method 2
applying bipolar RF energy to tissue to thereby seal the tissue
Implementation Method 3
Such fluid may promote electrical conductivity at the electrode-tissue interface
Implementation Method 4
the suction feature helps in managing fluids and debris
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The shaft assembly includes an outer sheath, at least one irrigation conduit, and at least one suction conduit. The end effector includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a web. The electrodes extend distally relative to a distal end of the outer sheath. The electrodes are operable to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue. The web extends laterally between the first and second electrodes. The web is positioned distal to the distal end of the outer sheath.