Surgical End Effector Camming Clamp Arm Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments face limitations in longevity due to deteriorating clamp pads and are unable to effectively seal larger vessels, as they require high compressive forces that overwhelm the clamp pad material, limiting tissue thickness and vessel size that can be sealed.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical instrument with a clamp arm assembly and camming members that provide variable compressive force, allowing for high force to separate muscular layers and low force to achieve direct adventitial contact for sealing, using a two-stage clamping mechanism to manage different tissue sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high compressive force is applied to seal larger vessels, then vessel sealing capability is improved, but clamp pad material is overwhelmed and deteriorates rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm assembly incorporates a camming mechanism that dynamically adjusts the clamping force during the sealing process. The cam surface geometry causes the clamping force to vary as the clamp arm closes, providing high initial force to separate tissue layers and maintain high force throughout the sealing cycle for larger vessels, rather than applying constant force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the clamping force parameter during operation through the camming mechanism. The variable compressive force profile allows the system to adapt to different vessel sizes and tissue types, delivering high force when needed for large vessel sealing while preventing clamp pad overload and rapid deterioration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high compressive force is applied to seal larger vessels, then vessel sealing capability is improved, but generator power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic camming mechanism optimizes the force application profile, delivering high compressive force only when and where needed during the sealing process. This dynamic force modulation reduces the overall energy consumption compared to maintaining constantly high force, thereby lowering generator power requirements while maintaining the ability to seal larger vessels.
3Ease of operation
If variable compressive force mechanism is added, then tissue layer separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camming mechanism is segmented into discrete cam surfaces with different geometries, each designed to produce specific force profiles for different tissue types and vessel sizes. This segmentation allows the complex function of variable force application to be achieved through modular, manageable components rather than a monolithic complex mechanism.
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 enhances vessel sealing capabilities, providing a more manageable clamping force, lower generator power requirements, improved clamp pad life, and increased efficiency, while allowing for effective sealing of both small and large vessels with improved ergonomics and cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two camming members rotate relative to the clamp arm to separate tissue layers when the clamp arm moves between the open position and the closed position
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic blade, connected to an ultrasonic transducer, to couple mechanical vibration to tissue and create one or more hemostatic seals and divide the tissue simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector of a surgical instrument may generally comprise a blade, and a clamp arm assembly comprising a clamp arm movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the blade, and at least one camming member rotationally attached to the clamp arm, wherein the at least one camming member is configured to rotate relative to the blade as the clamp arm moves from the open position to the closed position.