Electrosurgical Jaw Electrode Layout for Precise Tissue Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments struggle to perform precise tissue sealing and cutting with minimal thermal damage and require multiple device interchanges during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with a coaxial transmission line for microwave and radiofrequency energy delivery, featuring movable jaws and electrodes for sealing and cutting tissue, allowing for precise sealing and cutting in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate devices are used for tissue sealing and cutting, then each function can be performed with dedicated optimization, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases due to required device interchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrosurgical functions (sealing, cutting, coagulation) into a single instrument with multiple electrodes. The first electrode performs sealing while the second and third electrodes perform cutting, eliminating the need to interchange devices during surgery and improving surgical workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform sealing, cutting, and coagulation operations. The different electrodes can be selectively activated based on the surgical requirement, making the instrument versatile and reducing the need for multiple specialized devices
2Productivity
If high energy is delivered to seal tissue quickly, then sealing speed improves, but thermal damage to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating microwave energy delivery at the specific sealing site between the first and second electrodes. The confined microwave field delivers high energy locally for rapid sealing while the third electrode is positioned to limit the spread of thermal energy, thereby reducing damage to surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using microwave energy as the primary sealing mechanism rather than direct contact thermal energy. The microwave field penetrates and heats the tissue at depth, allowing sealing with reduced surface thermal margin and less damage to adjacent structures
3Manufacturing precision
If precise sealing is achieved with well-defined location, then seal accuracy improves, but the complexity of electrode arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrosurgical instrument into distinct functional electrodes with specific arrangements. The first electrode is positioned for sealing while the second and third electrodes are arranged for cutting, with the third electrode specifically positioned to limit thermal spread. This segmentation allows precise control over seal location and thermal margin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of electrodes to achieve precise sealing. The first electrode protrudes from the isolating portion, and the third electrode is positioned on the opposing side, creating a confined space that defines the seal location precisely while controlling thermal energy distribution in three dimensions
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 efficient tissue sealing with well-defined seals and reduced thermal margin, minimizing the need for device interchanges and facilitating minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an instrument shaft comprising a (coaxial) transmission line for conveying microwave electromagnetic energy and/or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
The first, second, and/or third electrodes are configured to emit microwave and/or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 3
deliver radiofrequency (RF) energy into the grasped tissue to seal the tissue by coagulation or cauterisation
Implementation Method 4
The first isolating portion electrically isolates the first electrode from the second electrode
Implementation Method 5
The first jaw and the second jaw can be moved between an open position and a closed position, in which the first and second surfaces are brought together to clamp, hold, and/or grasp tissue therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
The electrosurgical instrument described herein is designed for sealing and cutting tissue using microwave and radiofrequency energy. The electrosurgical instrument features an instrument shaft with a transmission line to convey electromagnetic energy. The electrosurgical instrument further includes a first jaw with a first surface and a second jaw with a second surface, both attached to the shaft. The jaws can move between open and closed positions to allow tissue insertion and clamping. The electrosurgical instrument is further equipped with three electrodes: the first and second electrodes are positioned on the first jaw, with the first electrode protruding from an isolating portion that electrically isolates it from the second electrode. The third electrode is situated on the second jaw. The configuration enables efficient energy emission for tissue treatment during surgical procedures.