Electrosurgical Jaw Angle Detection for Tissue Sealing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in accurately controlling the pressure applied to tissue and the gap distance between electrodes, which are crucial for effective sealing of larger vessels or thick tissue, as these parameters are influenced by the thickness of vessels or tissue, affecting tissue impedance and energy application.
Innovation Solution
The instrument incorporates a jaw angle detection system with a switch assembly and detecting circuit that includes electrical contacts, such as coil springs and variable resistors, to determine the angle between jaw members, allowing for precise control of the gap distance and pressure, and a machine learning unit to adjust electrosurgical energy delivery based on sensed data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical clamping action is used to control pressure and gap distance, then tissue sealing effectiveness is improved, but measurement precision of jaw angle and tissue parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical angle detection methods with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is attached to the movable jaw member, and a magnetic sensor on the drive shaft detects the magnet's position to determine jaw angle. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and friction, providing more precise and reliable angle measurement while maintaining the mechanical clamping function for tissue sealing.
2Reliability
If electrosurgical energy is applied to seal larger vessels or thick tissue, then sealing capability is improved, but tissue impedance control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the magnetic sensor continuously monitors jaw angle, and this information is fed back to the control circuit. The control circuit adjusts electrosurgical energy delivery based on the detected jaw angle and tissue impedance measurements. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control of energy application, ensuring optimal sealing for vessels and tissue of varying thicknesses by dynamically adjusting parameters based on real-time measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If jaw members are positioned to accommodate varying tissue thickness, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact detection system. The magnetic sensor simultaneously provides jaw angle detection, positional feedback, and tissue thickness estimation. The magnet attached to the jaw member serves as both a mechanical component and a sensing target. This multi-functional design achieves high adaptability for various tissue types while minimizing the addition of separate components, thereby controlling overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a switch assembly. The end effector is coupled to a distal end portion of the elongated shaft and includes opposing first and second jaw members. The end effector is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The drive shaft is operably coupled to the end effector to move the end effector between the open and closed configurations. The switch assembly includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact is coupled to the drive shaft and configured to move with the drive shaft. The first electrical contact is configured to engage the second electrical contact in response to a movement of the drive shaft to determine a first angle between the first and second jaw members.