Electrosurgical Instrument Tissue Size Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical operations face challenges in accurately determining the size of tissue before treatment, as different tissues require specific mechanical and energy parameters, and improper energy delivery can result in incomplete sealing or desiccation.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with an end effector assembly featuring movable jaw members and sensors to estimate tissue size by measuring touch span and angle, providing feedback through color lights indicating readiness for sealing with appropriate energy parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tissue size is not accurately determined before treatment, then surgical operations can proceed without delay, but improper energy delivery results in incomplete sealing or tissue desiccation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs tissue size estimation and provides feedback indicators before energy delivery occurs. The jaw members include sensors that detect tissue dimensions during grasping, and the control system calculates appropriate energy parameters in advance, allowing the surgeon to verify proper tissue capture before sealing begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual feedback indicators (such as LED lights or display elements) that provide real-time information about tissue size and appropriate energy settings. The interface displays feedback based on detected tissue dimensions, guiding the surgeon on whether the grasped tissue is suitable for sealing and what energy parameters should be used
2Manufacturing precision
If different mechanical and energy parameters are used for different tissue types, then treatment precision is improved, but the complexity of parameter selection and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines appropriate energy parameters based on sensor-detected tissue characteristics. The control system processes tissue size and type information from the jaw members' sensors and autonomously selects optimal energy settings, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment by the surgeon
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts energy delivery parameters (such as power, duration, and waveform) based on real-time tissue characteristics detected during grasping. The control system modifies electrical, thermal, or acoustic parameters according to the specific tissue being treated, ensuring optimal sealing for each case
3Measurement precision
If tissue size is estimated using simple measurements, then the system remains simple, but accuracy in determining cross-sectional area and mass is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from one-dimensional linear measurements to three-dimensional volume and mass estimation. Sensors on the jaw members detect tissue dimensions at multiple points, and the control system calculates cross-sectional area and estimated mass by integrating measurements across the tissue volume, providing comprehensive size characterization
4Manufacturing precision
If real-time feedback on tissue size is provided, then energy delivery accuracy is improved, but the operation time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors tissue characteristics during the entire grasping and sealing process. Sensors on the jaw members provide ongoing feedback as the tissue is captured and compressed, allowing real-time adjustment of energy parameters without interrupting the surgical workflow or requiring separate measurement steps
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable about a pivot relative to the other from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue between first and second opposed surfaces of the first and second jaw members, respectively. The electrosurgical instrument further includes an interface configured to provide a feedback related to a size of tissue grasped by the first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a touch sensor configured to sense a touch span where the tissue touches the at least one of the first or second opposed surfaces. The end effector assembly further includes an angle sensor configured to sense an angle α about the pivot between the first and second opposed surfaces.