Electrosurgical Jaw Electrodes for Bipolar-Monopolar Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments lack the ability to efficiently transition between bipolar and monopolar modes of operation, leading to inefficiencies in tissue cutting and coagulation during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical instrument with a first and second jaw, where the second jaw includes a second electrode configured to deliver monopolar energy and a third electrode that can transition between connected and disconnected configurations with the first electrode to deliver bipolar energy, along with a control circuit that adjusts power levels based on sensor readings to optimize tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrosurgical instruments use fixed monopolar or bipolar configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surgical needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical instrument employs movable electrodes that can transition between connected and disconnected configurations. The second electrode is positioned on a movable jaw that can engage with or disengage from the first electrode, enabling dynamic switching between bipolar (connected) and monopolar (disconnected) modes during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument integrates multiple energy delivery modes (bipolar and monopolar) into a single device. The same electrosurgical instrument can perform both bipolar coagulation/cutting when electrodes are connected and monopolar operations when electrodes are disconnected, eliminating the need for separate instruments for each mode
2Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument transitions between bipolar and monopolar modes, then the versatility is improved, but the transition efficiency and response time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable electrode is pre-positioned on the movable jaw in readiness for engagement. The electrical connection path is pre-established through the movable jaw structure, allowing immediate transition to bipolar mode when the jaws close, without requiring additional connection steps or reconfiguration during the procedure
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of energy levels is used, then the device complexity is low, but the precision of tissue treatment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit receives real-time feedback from sensors monitoring tissue impedance, temperature, or other physiological parameters during electrosurgical treatment. Based on this feedback, the control circuit automatically adjusts the power delivery levels to optimize tissue sealing, cutting, or coagulation outcomes while preventing excessive heat generation or energy divergence
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit dynamically modifies electrical parameters (voltage, current, power levels) based on real-time sensor readings. The system can adjust between different power levels and energy delivery patterns to match the specific surgical task and tissue response, enabling precise control over the electrosurgical effect
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 seamless transition between bipolar and monopolar modes, enhancing the precision and efficiency of tissue cutting and coagulation by dynamically adjusting energy levels based on real-time feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The second electrode is configured to deliver a first monopolar energy to the tissue
Implementation Method 2
the third electrode is configured to cooperate with the first electrode to deliver bipolar energy to the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a first electrode. The end effector is movable from an open configuration to a closed configuration to grasp tissue. The second jaw comprises a second electrode configured to deliver a first monopolar energy to the tissue, a third electrode, and a conductive circuit selectively transitionable between a connected configuration with the third electrode and a disconnected configuration with the third electrode. In the connected configuration, the third electrode is configured to cooperate with the first electrode to deliver bipolar energy to the tissue. The conductive circuit defines a return path for the bipolar energy. In the disconnected configuration, the first electrode is configured to deliver a second monopolar energy to the tissue.