Electrosurgical Instrument with Segmented Closure and Cutting Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in efficiently sealing and transecting thick or irregular tissue structures, particularly large diameter blood vessels, due to limitations in delivering controlled energy and independent movement of closure and cutting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with a movable closure member and cutting member, independently operable within a channel, allowing for precise control over tissue sealing and cutting, utilizing RF energy for thermal welding and transection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integrated jaw structure is used for both closure and cutting, then the device structure is simple, but the control precision and independence of closure and cutting operations are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single jaw structure is segmented into a closure member and a cutting member that can move independently. The closure member is responsible for closing the jaw to compress tissue, while the cutting member translates independently to perform the cutting action. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall device simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the cutting member is integrated with the closure mechanism, then the device is easier to operate, but the ability to deliver controlled energy independently is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting member is designed with dynamic independence from the closure mechanism, allowing it to translate along the closure member's axis during the cutting stroke. This dynamic separation enables the electrodes to deliver controlled RF energy to the tissue during compression while the cutting member moves independently to transect the tissue, ensuring both functions can be performed reliably without interference.
3Strength
If RF energy is applied to seal large diameter blood vessels, then high strength tissue weld is achieved, but the risk of thermal damage to adjacent tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are positioned to deliver RF energy locally to the tissue between the closure member and anvil, creating a controlled thermal zone for welding. The cutting member is designed to translate through this zone after energy delivery, separating the heating and cutting functions in space and time. This local quality approach concentrates thermal energy where needed for strong welds while minimizing exposure of adjacent tissue to harmful thermal effects.
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 high-strength tissue welding and precise transection with minimal damage to adjacent tissue, providing immediate post-treatment burst strength and facilitating procedures like vessel sealing and anastomosis.
Implementation Method 1
energy applied by a surgical instrument may be in the form of radio frequency ('RF') energy. RF energy is a form of electrical energy that may be in the frequency range of 300 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz). In application, RF surgical instruments transmit low frequency radio waves through electrodes, which cause ionic agitation, or friction, increasing the temperature of the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
The delivery of RF energy to the captured tissue elevates the temperature of the tissue and, as a result, the energy can at least partially denature proteins within the tissue.
Implementation Method 3
The cutting member is configured to translate between the first electrode and the second electrode during a cutting stroke and the cutting member is configured to move relative to the closure member during the cutting stroke.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is provided that may comprise an end effector for performing a surgical procedure on tissue, for example. The end effector may comprise a pair of jaws, a closure beam, and a cutting member. The closure beam and the cutting member may be releasably coupled together by an interlocking member such that movement of the cutting member may cause the closure beam to also move relative to the jaws and cause the jaws to close and grip tissue, for example. The interlocking member may then unlock, allowing the cutting member to move through the gripped tissue and relative to the closure beam. Additionally, the cutting member and closure beam may be operated by a single trigger, which may be configured to provide haptic feedback to a user at various stages. Further, the jaws may be electrically energized to deliver energy and/or seal the gripped tissue.