End-Effector Jaw Structure for Microwave Sealing and RF Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrosurgical devices face challenges in controlling microwave energy distribution, leading to unwanted thermal damage and lack of tissue cutting or dissecting capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The end effector incorporates a jaw structure with a microwave absorbing material and RF electrodes, allowing for precise heating and cutting of tissue using microwave and radio-frequency energy, with insulated components to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microwave energy is used for tissue sealing and coagulation, then sealing and coagulation effectiveness is improved, but control of energy distribution becomes difficult causing unwanted thermal damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing and coagulation effectivenessVSAvoidunwanted thermal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is divided into distinct functional zones: a first jaw with microwave absorbing material for sealing/coagulation and a second jaw with bipolar electrodes for cutting. This segmentation allows independent control of different energy types and their application areas, preventing unwanted thermal damage while maintaining effective sealing and coagulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the end effector are assigned different material properties and energy absorption characteristics. The microwave absorbing material is specifically positioned in one jaw to locally absorb microwave energy for sealing, while the other jaw contains bipolar electrodes for cutting, creating localized functional zones with tailored energy interaction properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If conventional jaw structure is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but tissue cutting or dissecting capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw structure simplicityVSAvoidtissue cutting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector combines multiple functions in a single device: one jaw with microwave absorbing material provides sealing and coagulation capabilities, while the other jaw with bipolar electrodes provides cutting capability. This multi-functional design allows the device to perform both sealing/coagulation and cutting operations without requiring separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges microwave energy delivery system and bipolar electrosurgical system into a single integrated end effector. The microwave antenna, microwave absorbing material, bipolar electrodes, and insulating structures are combined in one assembly, enabling simultaneous or sequential performance of sealing/coagulation and cutting functions.

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

Enables controlled tissue sealing, welding, and coagulation while effectively cutting and dissecting tissues, minimizing thermal damage.

Implementation Method 1

a microwave absorbing material portion, which is typically material impregnated with particles or fillers that absorb electromagnetic energy. During the process of absorption of the microwave energy, microwave energy is transferred into the heat.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the portion of the jaw structure that is made out of the material impregnated with particles or fillers that absorb electromagnetic energy. During the process of absorption of the microwave energy, microwave energy is transferred into the heat.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

the jaw is also configured with RF electrodes which are connected to a separate source of radio-frequency (RF) current in the range of from 100 kHz to 40 MHz to perform a bipolar cutting of the tissue located between the jaws

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

one of the jaws of end effector further includes an RF monopolar electrode for tissue cutting, and is also connected to a second source of RF energy having a frequency in the range of from 100 kHz to 40 MHz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12446951B2Laparoscopic and open surgery end effector jaw structure and method

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 EXPANDOHEAT

AI summary

Disclosed is a working end of a surgical instrument for delivering heat energy to tissue and (RF) energy for cutting tissue of different modalities. The working end includes paired first and second metal jaw members movable between open and closed positions, with each jaw member defining a jaw body and jaw end-effecter for engaging and heating tissue for the sealing of the tissue or vessels, or welding and coagulation of the tissue and jaw structure capable of generating radiofrequency (RF) energy for cutting tissue. Jaw members contain a microwave emitter coupled to a microwave energy source, the emitter is located within the jaw end effecter, which effecter includes an insert made of a microwave energy absorbing material which converts microwave energy into the heat energy. Jaw members also contain electrodes located within the jaw effecter end coupled to a radiofrequency (RF) energy source for procedures including tissue cutting, etc.