Electrosurgical Instrument Trigger Mechanism for Simultaneous Tissue Cutting and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments lack a mechanism to simultaneously cut and seal tissue efficiently using radio frequency (RF) energy, often requiring separate steps for cutting and sealing, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with a handpiece, shaft, and end effector that includes a pivoting trigger and activation button to actuate RF energy and a firing beam for simultaneous cutting and sealing, allowing for bipolar RF energy delivery between jaws to weld tissue while cutting, facilitated by articulation and rotation controls for precise tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate steps are used for cutting and sealing tissue, then each function can be performed with dedicated elements, but the procedural complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and sealing functions into a single integrated electrosurgical instrument. The end effector simultaneously houses a cutting element and RF energy delivery elements (bipolar plates or monopolar electrodes) that can cut and seal tissue in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate cutting and sealing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical instrument is designed with multi-functional capability where the same device performs both cutting and sealing functions. The end effector can selectively deliver cutting energy and sealing energy through different mechanisms (bipolar RF delivery between plates or monopolar delivery through electrodes), allowing one instrument to replace multiple specialized tools.
2Reliability
If separate steps are used for cutting and sealing tissue, then each function can be performed with dedicated elements, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges cutting and sealing into a single simultaneous operation. As the cutting element severs tissue, the RF energy delivery elements immediately seal the cut ends in the same motion, achieving hemostasis while cutting without requiring a separate sealing step, thereby reducing overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting and sealing actions continue simultaneously throughout the tissue interaction process. The RF energy is continuously delivered to seal tissue as it is being cut, maintaining uninterrupted useful action rather than pausing to perform sequential operations, thus minimizing procedure time while ensuring effective hemostasis.
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 simultaneous cutting and sealing of tissue, reducing procedural complexity and improving hemostasis by ensuring sealed tissue ends, thus minimizing bleeding and tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elements that transmit radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue)
Implementation Method 2
RF energy to heat and seal the tissue, achieving hemostasis and welding tissue ends together
Implementation Method 3
tissue cutting element and one or more elements that transmit radio frequency (RF) energy to tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The end effector includes a first jaw pivotable relative to a second jaw to a closed position. The first actuator is movable from a first position to a second position to pivot the first jaw to the closed position. The first actuator engages the second actuator in the second position to selectively provide RF energy to the end effector.