Electrosurgical Jaw Members for Integrated Tissue Treatment and Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps require separate mechanisms for tissue treatment and cutting, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The design of electrosurgical instruments with jaw members featuring an insulative spacer, cleats, and a structural frame, along with a tissue treating plate, allows for integrated energy-based tissue treatment and cutting, enhancing efficiency and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate mechanisms are used for tissue treatment and cutting, then each function can be performed independently, but the device complexity increases and surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tissue treatment function and cutting function into a single integrated jaw member structure. The insulative spacer integrates both the treatment electrode and cutting edge within one component, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs tissue treatment through the treatment plate and tissue cutting through the cutting edge. This universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple surgical functions, reducing the overall number of components needed
2Manufacturing precision
If an insulative spacer is integrated into the jaw member, then manufacturing precision and alignment are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative spacer is pre-formed with integrated features including the treatment plate mounting surface and cutting edge positioning structures. This preliminary formation of precise alignment features simplifies the subsequent assembly process and ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw member utilizes composite construction with an insulative spacer material that provides both electrical insulation and structural support. This composite approach allows integration of multiple functions (insulation, structural support, alignment reference) into a single manufactured component, improving precision while managing manufacturing 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
Enables simultaneous tissue treatment and cutting with improved precision and ease of use, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and enhancing surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The insulative spacer includes a face and defines first and second elongated recesses on either side of the face. The first and second cleats are disposed at least partially within the first and second elongated recesses, respectively. The structural frame is configured to receive at least a portion of the insulative spacer therein such that first and second elongated sides of the structural frame at least partially overlap the first and second cleats, respectively.
Implementation Method 2
Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and energy to heat tissue to treat, e.g., coagulate, cauterize, or seal, tissue. The tissue treating plate is disposed on the face of the insulative spacer and adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue therewith.
Implementation Method 3
As an alternative to a mechanical knife, an energy-based tissue cutting element may be provided to cut the treated tissue using energy, e.g., thermal, electrosurgical, ultrasonic, light, or other suitable energy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A jaw member of an electrosurgical instrument includes an insulative spacer including a face and defining first and second elongated recesses on either side of the face, first and second cleats disposed at least partially within the first and second elongated recesses, respectively, a structural frame, and a tissue treating plate. The structural frame is configured to receive at least a portion of the insulative spacer therein such that first and second elongated sides of the structural frame at least partially overlap the first and second cleats, respectively. The first and second elongated sides are engaged with the first and second cleats, respectively, to thereby secure the insulative spacer relative to the structural frame with the face exposed. The tissue treating plate is disposed on the face of the insulative spacer and is adapted to connect to a source of energy to treat tissue therewith.