Multi-circuit Seal Plates for Electrosurgical End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical seal plates often experience uneven energy distribution and thermal accumulation during procedures, leading to longer sealing times and low-quality seals due to varying tissue properties and insufficient cooling between energy delivery sequences.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-circuit seal plates with insulating members between segments, allowing for selective energization of individual segments and sequential or simultaneous energy delivery, along with a control circuit to manage energy distribution and tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single continuous seal plate is used, then the structure is simple, but uneven energy distribution occurs leading to hot zones and poor sealing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plate is divided into multiple independently energizable segments (first seal plate segment, second seal plate segment, third seal plate segment) separated by insulating members. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific segments, enabling even energy distribution across the seal plate surface and preventing hot zone formation while maintaining simple overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple seal plate segments are used with insulating members, then energy distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plate is divided into multiple independently energizable segments (first seal plate segment, second seal plate segment, third seal plate segment) separated by insulating members. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific segments, enabling even energy distribution across the seal plate surface and preventing hot zone formation while maintaining simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating members serve multiple functions: they provide electrical isolation between segments, act as structural separators maintaining the planar sealing surface, and enable selective energization of different segments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved energy distribution.
3Productivity
If seal plates are heated repeatedly without sufficient cooling time, then productivity increases, but thermal accumulation occurs resulting in excessive temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plate is divided into multiple independently energizable segments that can be selectively activated. During sequential sealing operations, different segments can be energized while others remain cool, allowing continuous high-speed sealing without thermal accumulation in any single segment, thus maintaining both productivity and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit enables periodic activation of different seal plate segments in a sequential manner. By alternating which segments are energized between sealing operations, the system maintains high productivity while allowing cooling periods for each segment, preventing thermal accumulation and excessive temperature rise.
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 ensures even energy distribution, reduces thermal accumulation, and improves the quality and efficiency of tissue sealing and cutting processes.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating member positioned between adjacent seal plate segments and configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent seal plate segments
Implementation Method 2
seal plates deliver electrosurgical energy and/or heat to tissue
Implementation Method 3
the surgeon can coagulate, cauterize, and/or seal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members pivotably attached about a pivot member and moveable from a first spaced position to a second grasping position. Each jaw member includes a jaw housing and a seal plate formed on an inner surface of the jaw member including at least two seal plate segments extending along a substantial portion of the length of the jaw members. An insulating member is positioned between adjacent seal plate segments and configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent seal plate segments. Each sealing plate segment is adapted to selectively connect to an electrosurgical energy source and form part of an electrosurgical energy delivery circuit.