Inductive Thermal Cutting Element with Active Cooling for Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in efficiently cutting treated tissue after sealing, as mechanical knives can be cumbersome and energy-based cutting methods may not effectively manage heat retention, leading to reduced effectiveness in subsequent tissue seals.
Innovation Solution
An end effector assembly with a thermal cutting element made from electromagnetic material, inductively heated within an electromagnetic induction coil, and an integrated cooling system using compressed air to actively cool the cutting element, allowing for precise tissue cutting while minimizing heat retention and smoke evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical knife is used to cut treated tissue, then cutting function is achieved, but the instrument becomes cumbersome and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical knife system with an electromagnetic induction-based thermal cutting element. The cutting element is heated inductively through an electromagnetic coil to achieve tissue cutting, eliminating the need for mechanical knife mechanisms and their associated complexity while improving cutting precision and ease of operation.
2Productivity
If energy-based cutting method is used, then cutting efficiency is improved, but heat retention increases reducing effectiveness of subsequent seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management function into a separate cooling system that is integrated with the cutting element. The cooling system includes channels that deliver cooling fluid to the cutting element, allowing independent control of cutting temperature and heat dissipation. This enables efficient cutting while actively managing heat retention to preserve subsequent sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the cutting element by implementing active cooling. The cooling system modifies the temperature profile of the cutting element during and after cutting operations, allowing the element to maintain optimal cutting temperature while rapidly dissipating excess heat to prevent interference with subsequent sealing procedures.
3Productivity
If thermal cutting element is used without cooling, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but smoke generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the smoke management function into a dedicated evacuation system working in conjunction with the cooling system. The cooling channels not only cool the cutting element but also facilitate smoke evacuation by creating negative pressure and directing smoke away from the surgical site, thereby reducing harmful smoke generation while maintaining cutting effectiveness.
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 and precise thermal cutting of treated tissue with reduced heat retention, improving the effectiveness of subsequent tissue seals and minimizing smoke, especially in smaller vessels and avascular tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic induction coil is adapted to connect to a source of energy to produce an electromagnetic field within the electromagnetic induction coil to thereby inductively heat the thermal cutting element
Implementation Method 2
A cooling system is disposed within the first jaw member proximate the thermal cutting element and is configured to absorb heat from the thermal cutting element or actively cool the thermal cutting element during or after activation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each having a tissue contacting surface and movable relative to one another between a spaced apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. An electromagnetic induction coil is fixedly disposed within the first jaw member. A thermal cutting element is disposed within the electromagnetic induction coil and is configured to protrude from the first jaw member and through the tissue contacting surface thereof. The thermal cutting element is formed from an electromagnetic material capable of being inductively heated. The electromagnetic induction coil is adapted to connect to a source of energy to produce an electromagnetic field within the electromagnetic induction coil to inductively heat the thermal cutting element. A cooling system is disposed within the first jaw member proximate the thermal cutting element and is configured to absorb heat from the thermal cutting element or actively cool the thermal cutting element after activation thereof.