Flexible Wiring Assembly for Articulating Electrosurgical End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments face challenges in efficiently delivering multiple energy modalities for precise tissue treatment during surgical procedures, particularly in achieving effective coagulation, cutting, and sealing, due to limitations in articulation range and drive system integration within the constraints of laparoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical system with a generator capable of delivering multiple energy modalities, including RF, ultrasonic, and electroporation, through a single port, combined with a flexible wiring circuit and articulation joint that allows for precise positioning and function monitoring, enabling bipolar and monopolar operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid wiring circuit is used to connect the control board to the end effector, then electrical connectivity is reliable, but the instrument cannot accommodate articulation movements and positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring circuit transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible assembly that can adapt its configuration. The intermediate portion of the wiring circuit is designed to be flexible, allowing it to bend and flex as the end effector articulates relative to the shaft, maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring circuit incorporates a flexible intermediate portion that can bend and flex to accommodate articulation movements. This flexible section acts as a flexible shell or film that maintains electrical connectivity while allowing relative motion between the proximal and distal rigid portions of the instrument.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy modalities are integrated into a single instrument, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical instrument is designed to deliver multiple energy modalities (RF, ultrasonic, electroporation) through a single integrated system. The generator and end effector are configured to support various energy delivery modes, allowing the instrument to perform different surgical functions without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple energy delivery systems are merged into a single integrated instrument. The generator combines multiple energy sources and control circuits, while the end effector integrates multiple electrodes and energy delivery mechanisms, allowing simultaneous or sequential delivery of different energy modalities through one device.
3Manufacturing precision
If the end effector is positioned precisely within the patient, then treatment accuracy is improved, but the wiring circuit must accommodate complex movements
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring circuit is designed with a flexible intermediate portion that dynamically adapts to the articulation movements required for precise end effector positioning. This flexible section allows the end effector to reach various positions and angles while maintaining continuous electrical connectivity to the control board.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, an end effector extending from the shaft, an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft, and a wiring circuit is disclosed. The housing comprises a printed control board. The wiring circuit extends from the printed control board through the shaft and into the end effector. The wiring circuit is configured to monitor a function of the end effector and communicate the monitored function to the printed control board. The wiring circuit comprises a proximal rigid portion fixed to the shaft, a distal rigid portion fixed to the end effector, and an intermediate portion extending from the proximal rigid portion to the distal rigid portion. The intermediate portion comprises a resilient portion and a stretchable portion.