End Effector Impedance Sensing for Verified Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments lack the ability to accurately identify and verify the presence of the correct tissue type before applying therapeutic RF energy for sealing or welding, potentially leading to improper tissue treatment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a tissue position sensor in the end effector that applies a non-therapeutic RF waveform to measure tissue impedance, allowing for precise identification and verification of tissue type and ensuring proper sealing or welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tissue position sensor is incorporated into the end effector to detect tissue presence and type, then measurement precision and reliability of tissue identification are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the end effector structure, merging the detection function with the existing mechanical components. This allows tissue identification capability to be added without requiring a separate detection system, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical tissue manipulation (grasping, cutting) and electrical sensing (impedance measurement). By making the end effector multi-functional, the patent avoids adding entirely separate sensing hardware, thus improving tissue identification accuracy while keeping device complexity manageable.
2Productivity
If RF energy is applied to tissue for sealing or welding, then productivity and effectiveness of tissue sealing are improved, but risk of improper tissue treatment increases without verification
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs preliminary detection of tissue presence and type before RF energy is applied for sealing. This preliminary action verifies that the correct tissue is positioned in the end effector, ensuring reliability and preventing improper treatment while maintaining productivity through seamless workflow integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to confirm proper tissue identification before proceeding with RF sealing. The feedback mechanism ensures that therapeutic energy is only applied when the correct tissue type is verified, thereby improving reliability without significantly impacting productivity since the verification process is rapidly performed.
3Measurement precision
If an extendable sensing probe with track is used to detect tissue presence, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing probe is integrated within the end effector structure with its track embedded in the jaw assembly. This merging of the sensing system with the mechanical structure improves measurement precision while minimizing the impact on ease of operation, as the sensor deployment is automatically coordinated with the end effector's mechanical movements.
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 accurate determination of tissue type and presence, preventing improper treatment and enhancing the precision of cutting and sealing procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is configured to apply a non-therapeutic RF waveform to the tissue and measure tissue impedance
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are described for a surgical instrument. Certain embodiments can comprise an end effector with upper and lower jaws that can compress tissue therebetween. A sensing probe with a sensing electrode can be extended along the surface of the tissue in a track located within one of the jaws. The sensing electrode can be configured to detect location or type of tissue. Once position, size, or other factors are known about the tissue, a knife member can be deployed in the track or a separate track with increased accuracy and precision.