Microwave Tissue Sealing Forceps with Real-Time Signal Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for sealing tissues in surgical procedures often leave foreign materials inside the patient and may not provide a uniform or controlled seal, leading to collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using forceps with opposing jaw members and a generator that generates both therapeutic and non-therapeutic microwave energy, where a microwave detector measures absorbed or reflected signals to determine tissue state and control energy delivery for optimal sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional staples, clips or sutures are used to seal body vessels, then the sealing function is achieved, but foreign body material is left inside the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the foreign body material (staples, clips, sutures) from the sealing process entirely, replacing it with a pure energy-based sealing method that uses microwave and RF energy to create seals without any physical foreign objects remaining in the tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sealing system (staples, clips, sutures) with an electromagnetic energy-based system that uses microwave and RF energy combined with applied pressure to achieve sealing, eliminating the need for mechanical foreign bodies
2Loss of substance
If energy techniques are used to seal tissue by heat processes, then foreign body material is reduced, but uniformity and control of the seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors tissue impedance, temperature, and sealing force during the energy-based sealing process, automatically adjusting energy delivery and pressure application to maintain uniform and controlled seals throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system that simultaneously delivers microwave energy, RF energy, and mechanical pressure while providing real-time monitoring and control, ensuring uniform sealing without the need for separate devices or manual adjustments
3Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then sealing is achieved, but collateral damage to surrounding body tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies energy and pressure locally and precisely to only the tissue that needs sealing, using controlled microwave and RF energy fields combined with focused mechanical pressure to limit thermal and mechanical effects strictly to the target area, preventing damage to surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of energy delivery and pressure application, continuously adjusting parameters based on real-time tissue response monitoring to optimize sealing effectiveness while minimizing collateral thermal spread and mechanical stress to surrounding tissues
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 approach allows for precise monitoring and control of tissue sealing, reducing foreign material left in the patient and minimizing collateral damage by ensuring a uniform and effective seal.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave detector configured to measure at least one of absorbed or reflected non-therapeutic microwave monitoring signals
Implementation Method 2
an output stage configured to generate therapeutic energy and non-therapeutic microwave monitoring signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring the target tissue during a tissue sealing procedure is disclosed. The system includes a forceps having opposing jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp the tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing member. The system also includes a generator coupled to the sealing members so that therapeutic energy is delivered to the target tissue. The generator includes an output stage configured to generate therapeutic energy and a microwave detector configured to measure reflected and/or absorbed microwave signals. The monitored microwave signals may be either the therapeutic energy signal or a separate non-therapeutic microwave monitoring signal. The generator also includes a controller operatively coupled to the microwave detector. The controller is configured to determine the state of the tissue based on the reflected and/or absorbed microwave signals and to control the delivery of therapeutic energy from the generator to tissue based on the microwave measurements.