Electrosurgical Forceps with Dual-Phase Sealing and Tension Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical systems require surgeons to perform tissue sealing and division as separate steps, leading to inefficiencies and imprecision due to the need to reposition instruments during endoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A control system for electrosurgical generators that applies energy to tissue in two phases, detects a predetermined condition during the first phase, and applies tension during the second phase to separate the tissue, allowing for simultaneous sealing and division without re-grasping the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tissue sealing and division are performed as separate steps with instrument removal and replacement, then the procedure can be completed with standard instruments, but the procedure time increases and positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical forceps combines both sealing and division functions in a single instrument. The forceps assembly includes electrodes configured to perform both tissue sealing through electrosurgical energy application and tissue division through mechanical cutting elements, eliminating the need to remove and replace instruments between these operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical forceps is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform multiple surgical operations. The forceps includes both electrosurgical electrodes for sealing and mechanical cutting components for division, allowing one instrument to complete what previously required multiple specialized instruments and sequential steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If tissue sealing and division are performed as separate steps with instrument removal and replacement, then standard instruments can be used, but positioning precision deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing and division functions are integrated into a single forceps assembly that maintains continuous contact with the tissue. The cutting elements are positioned within the forceps jaws such that they automatically align with the sealed tissue when the forceps are applied, eliminating misalignment errors that occur when removing and replacing instruments.
3Productivity
If the electrosurgical forceps is designed to perform both sealing and division, then procedural efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: electrosurgical electrodes for sealing, mechanical cutting elements for division, and supporting structural components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration, making the complex multi-functional device manageable and manufacturable.
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
Enables precise and efficient tissue division by focusing energy along the desiccation line, reducing the need for manual repositioning and minimizing physical force required for separation, thus improving procedural accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
applying energy to tissue in a first phase through an electrosurgical forceps having at least one electrically energizable electrode
Implementation Method 2
detecting a predetermined condition based on the application of energy to tissue during the first phase
Implementation Method 3
focusing energy along the desiccation line
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling delivery of energy to seal and divide tissue includes applying energy to tissue in a first phase through an electrosurgical forceps having at least one electrically energizable electrode. The method also includes detecting a predetermined condition based on the application of energy to tissue during the first phase. The method also includes applying energy to tissue during a second phase upon detection of the predetermined condition and providing tension to the tissue during the second phase to separate the tissue.