Inductively Heated Thermal Cutting Element for Surgical Tissue Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in accurately and efficiently cutting treated tissue after sealing or coagulation, as they often rely on mechanical knives or energy-based methods that may not provide precise control or efficient tissue division.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system with an end effector assembly featuring a thermal cutting element made from electromagnetic material, inductively heated within an electromagnetic induction coil, which can be selectively deployed and controlled for precise thermal cutting, allowing for energy-based tissue cutting with enhanced precision and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical knives are used to cut treated tissue, then tissue division can be achieved, but precision and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical knife system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction coil generates an electromagnetic field that inductively heats the thermal cutting element, enabling energy-based tissue cutting instead of mechanical cutting. This substitution provides superior precision and control through energy modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the electromagnetic field to control the thermal cutting element. By adjusting the electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, power, duration), the heating characteristics of the cutting element can be precisely controlled, enabling accurate tissue division with adjustable thermal parameters.
2Measurement precision
If energy-based cutting methods are used, then cutting can be achieved, but precision and control are not enhanced sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnetic induction heating to replace conventional energy-based cutting methods. The induction coil creates a controlled electromagnetic field that selectively heats the thermal cutting element through inductive coupling, providing more precise and reliable energy delivery compared to traditional electrosurgical or ultrasonic methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal cutting element acts as an intermediary between the electromagnetic field and the tissue. The induction coil heats the cutting element, which then transfers thermal energy to the tissue in a controlled manner. This intermediary approach enhances precision by decoupling the energy source from direct tissue contact.
3Measurement precision
If thermal cutting elements are deployed, then precise thermal cutting is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the thermal cutting element is disposed within the electromagnetic induction coil, which is itself contained within the jaw member. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions (heating, cutting, clamping) into a compact configuration, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw member serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical clamping, houses the electromagnetic induction coil, and contains the thermal cutting element. This multi-functional design consolidates several components into a single integrated unit, reducing device complexity while enabling precise thermal cutting.
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 precise and efficient thermal cutting of treated tissue, improving the accuracy and reliability of tissue division by utilizing inductively heated thermal cutting elements that can be precisely controlled, reducing the need for mechanical knives and enhancing surgical precision.
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
The thermal cutting element is formed at least partially from an electromagnetic material capable of being inductively heated
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members configured to grasp tissue between tissue contacting surfaces thereof. An electromagnetic induction coil is fixedly disposed within the second jaw member. A thermal cutting element is disposed at least partially within the electromagnetic induction coil and movable relative to the electromagnetic induction coil and the second jaw member between a retracted position, wherein the thermal cutting element is flush with or recessed within the second jaw member, and an extended position, wherein the thermal cutting element protrudes from the second jaw member. The thermal cutting element is formed at least partially 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 thereby inductively heat the thermal cutting element.