Electrosurgical Jaw Gap Control via Conductive Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical devices face challenges in maintaining an optimal gap between electrodes to prevent short-circuiting and arcing, which can compromise tissue sealing and hemostasis during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with a pivotally coupled jaw configuration and an electrically conductive gap setting member that defines a uniform or non-uniform gap between the electrodes, preventing them from contacting each other and ensuring effective tissue sealing while avoiding arcing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gap between electrodes is reduced to improve tissue sealing, then tissue sealing effectiveness is improved, but the risk of short-circuiting and arcing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different gap distances at different locations along the electrode surfaces. The distal portion has a first gap distance optimized for tissue sealing, while the proximal portion has a second gap distance that prevents short-circuiting. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple regions with different gap characteristics. The electrodes are divided into distal and proximal portions, each with independently controlled gap distances. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve tight sealing at the distal end while maintaining safe clearance at the proximal end.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a uniform gap is maintained between electrodes to prevent short-circuiting, then safety is improved, but tissue sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform gap distances along the length of the electrodes. The distal portion features a smaller gap distance for effective tissue sealing, while the proximal portion has a larger gap distance for safety. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between uniform safety and localized sealing effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If the jaw structure is made more complex to control gap distance, then gap control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw structure is pre-configured with built-in gap control features during manufacturing. The distal and proximal gap distances are established through the jaw geometry and positioning mechanisms before use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw structure incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow dynamic control of the gap distance. The jaws can be positioned and locked at specific gap distances, providing precise control while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic capability achieves high precision without excessive complexity.
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 solution effectively maintains a controlled gap between the electrodes, enhancing tissue sealing and reducing the risk of arcing, thereby improving the reliability and safety of electrosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive gap setting member that defines a uniform or non-uniform gap between the electrodes, preventing them from contacting each other
Implementation Method 2
The first and second jaws are pivotally coupled at the first and second proximal ends
Implementation Method 3
Heat generated by the current flow through the tissue in combination with the compression achieved by the jaw's movement may form hemostatic seals within the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed which includes a first jaw, a first energy delivery surface, a first distal end, and a first proximal end. A second jaw of the end effector includes a second energy delivery surface, a second distal end, and a second proximal end. The end effector also includes an electrically conductive gap setting member which defines a distal gap distance between the first and second energy delivery surfaces. At least one pivot is fixed to one of the jaws to set a proximal gap distance between the first and second energy delivery surfaces. A method for making an end effector and a method for assembling an end effector for an electrosurgical instrument are also disclosed.