Jaw Closure Detection Using Electrical Sensing for Surgical Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps face challenges in accurately detecting jaw closure and angle, particularly for larger vessels or thick tissue, due to the mechanical design of jaw members with small moment arms and reliance on clamping pressure alone, which can lead to inconsistent tissue seals.
Innovation Solution
A jaw closure detection system that includes sensors and electrical contacts to determine the angle between opposing jaw members, using variable resistors, capacitive sensing circuits, or voltage dividers to provide feedback to a generator or controller, ensuring accurate jaw closure and angle detection for consistent tissue sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If jaw members are designed with small moment arms for compactness, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of jaw closure angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical angle measurement mechanisms with electrical sensing systems. Electrical contacts or sensors detect jaw closure position and angle through electrical circuit changes rather than mechanical linkages, enabling accurate measurement despite small moment arms and avoiding the complexity of mechanical measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical intermediaries (contacts, sensors, or circuits) between the jaw members and the control system. These intermediaries translate mechanical jaw position into electrical signals that can be precisely measured and processed, solving the measurement precision problem without adding mechanical complexity.
2Device complexity
If clamping pressure alone is used to seal tissue, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of tissue seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by sensing jaw closure position and angle through electrical contacts or sensors. This feedback information is processed to determine when proper jaw closure has been achieved, allowing the system to reliably confirm sealing conditions without adding complex mechanical measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from controlling sealing based on single parameter (clamping pressure) to controlling based on multiple parameters (jaw closure position, angle, and resulting tissue compression). This multi-parameter approach improves seal reliability by accounting for variations in tissue thickness and other factors.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are added to detect jaw angle, then measurement precision of jaw closure angle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensing system so that electrical contacts or sensors serve multiple functions: detecting jaw closure position, determining jaw angle, and providing feedback for control. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by avoiding separate dedicated components for each measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensing function with the existing jaw member structure and control circuitry. Electrical contacts are integrated into the jaw assembly, and the sensing circuitry is combined with the control system, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
The system ensures precise control over jaw closure and angle, enhancing the reliability and consistency of tissue seals by providing real-time feedback to the user, allowing for optimal energy application and improved sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor includes a variable resistor, a series of resistors or a voltage divider network (potentiometer) that relays information back to the generator (or controller)
Implementation Method 2
the sensor includes a variable capacitor that may include first and second conductive rings
Data Source
AI summary
A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.