Electrosurgical Device Monopolar Bipolar Electrode Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrosurgical devices lack the ability to apply energy to tissue in a controlled, selective manner without grasping the tissue between opposed jaws, limiting the precision and efficiency of energy delivery during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrosurgical device with monopolar and bipolar functionality, featuring a housing, elongate shaft, and an end effector with pivotable jaws and strategically positioned electrodes that allow for energy delivery to tissue in both open and closed positions, enabling precise application of energy through either bipolar or monopolar modes of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bipolar mode is used to deliver energy to tissue, then energy can be delivered to tissue engaged between closed jaws, but the device cannot deliver energy to tissue without grasping it between opposed jaws

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy delivery capabilityVSAvoidtissue grasping requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode on the first jaw is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion configured for monopolar energy delivery that extends laterally outward from the jaw edge, and a second portion for bipolar energy delivery that contacts tissue between closed jaws. This segmentation allows the device to switch between monopolar and bipolar modes, enabling energy delivery both with and without tissue grasping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrosurgical device is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating both monopolar and bipolar energy delivery functions into a single device. The first electrode portion enables monopolar operation for targeted energy application without grasping, while the second electrode portion enables bipolar operation for controlled energy delivery between closed jaws, making the device universally applicable to various surgical needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If monopolar mode is used to deliver energy to tissue, then energy can be delivered to targeted spots, but the device lacks the ability to deliver energy when jaws are closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy application precisionVSAvoidoperational mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into a first portion that extends laterally outward from the jaw edge for monopolar energy delivery to targeted spots, and a second portion that contacts tissue between closed jaws for bipolar delivery. This segmentation enables the device to maintain precision in monopolar mode while gaining versatility through bipolar capability when jaws are closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically adapts its energy delivery mode based on jaw position and surgical needs. The first electrode portion remains exposed and functional for monopolar delivery regardless of jaw position, while the second electrode portion becomes functional for bipolar delivery only when jaws are closed and tissue is engaged, providing dynamic operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the first electrode portion extends laterally outward from the jaw edge, then energy can be delivered without grasping tissue, but the electrode structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy delivery without graspingVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into two portions with distinct functions: the first portion extends laterally outward from the jaw edge to enable energy delivery without tissue grasping, while the second portion maintains contact between closed jaws for bipolar operation. This segmentation adds functionality while keeping each portion structurally simple and integrated into the jaw.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The monopolar and bipolar electrode portions are merged into a single integrated electrode structure on the first jaw, rather than being separate components. This merging simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the complexity needed for dual-mode operation, as both electrode portions work together within one unified electrode assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution allows for precise and controlled energy application to tissue, enhancing the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures by enabling energy delivery to targeted areas without the need to clamp and seal entire sections of tissue, thereby improving hemostasis and reducing bleeding.

Implementation Method 1

the first electrode portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy delivery: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the second electrode portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue engaged by the end effector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy delivery: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

The application of electrical energy to the engaged tissue can seal and coagulate the tissue, such as to seal tissue being cut by the cutting mechanism to prevent or reduce bleeding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3946115B1Electrosurgical devices with monopolar and bipolar functionality
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
  • EP3946115B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3946115B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3946115B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

In general, systems, methods, and devices for electrosurgical devices with monopolar and bipolar functionality are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device can have bipolar functionality, in which tissue engaged by the device is treated in a bipolar energy delivery mode, and can have monopolar functionality in which tissue engaged by the device is treated in a monopolar energy delivery mode.