Jaw Compression Control Using Latch and Shape Memory Spring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices with opposing jaw members often face challenges in maintaining consistent and controlled compression during tissue gripping, leading to potential tissue damage and procedural inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a latch mechanism at the distal end of the jaw members to maintain compression force and the use of a thermally-controlled spring with a two-way memory effect shape memory material to enhance tissue compression, particularly in RF or ultrasonic end effectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the jaw members are actuated to close and grip tissue, then tissue compression is achieved, but the jaw members deflect causing loss of compression force
Solution Approach 1:
A latch mechanism is provided at the distal end of the end effector that engages to prevent jaw deflection during actuation. The latch is positioned in advance to maintain the closed position of the jaw members, ensuring compression force is maintained throughout the procedure rather than being lost to deflection.
2Force
If compression force is increased to improve gripping, then tissue grip is enhanced, but tissue damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally-controlled spring with two-way memory effect is incorporated adjacent to the tissue-contacting portion of one jaw member. The spring transitions between contracted and expanded states in response to temperature changes (e.g., from RF or ultrasonic energy), dynamically adjusting the compression force applied to the tissue. This allows consistent compression to be maintained without exceeding tissue damage thresholds.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the jaw members are held in closed position throughout the procedure, then compression consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the jaw members close and automatically disengage when the jaw members open, without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The thermally-controlled spring also operates autonomously, using the thermal energy already present in the end effector (from RF or ultrasonic treatment) to adjust compression force, eliminating the need for separate heating elements or additional control mechanisms.
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
This solution provides more reliable and consistent tissue compression, reducing jaw deflection and maintaining compression force throughout the procedure, thereby improving the success of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The thermally-controlled spring may comprise a temperature-dependent, two-way memory effect, shape memory material
Implementation Method 2
The thermally-controlled spring is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state
Implementation Method 3
In, for example, RF or ultrasonic end effectors, the thermally-controlled spring may be heated, such that it transitions to the expanded state, from the RF or ultrasonic energy in the end effector
Implementation Method 4
In, for example, RF or ultrasonic end effectors, the thermally-controlled spring may be heated, such that it transitions to the expanded state, from the RF or ultrasonic energy in the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprising a surgical instrument with opposing jaw members for clamping tissue therebetween. The surgical instrument may comprise a latch at a distal end of the end effector. The latch latches the distal end of the first jaw member to the distal end of the second jaw when the jaw members are in the closed position. Also, one of the jaw members may comprise a moveable tissue-contacting portion and a thermally-controlled spring adjacent to the tissue-contacting portion. The thermally-controlled spring is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The thermally-controlled spring may comprise a temperature-dependent, two-way memory effect, shape memory material. In the expanded state, the thermally-controlled spring urges the moveable tissue-contacting portion in a direction toward the other jaw member when the jaw members are in the closed position.