Non-linear Jaw Gap Electrosurgical Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical devices face challenges in maintaining effective tissue sealing and preventing arcing between electrodes, which can lead to inefficient hemostasis and potential tissue damage due to inadequate control over the gap between electrodes during bipolar operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrically conductive gap setting member that defines a controlled gap between the electrodes of the jaw members to prevent short-circuiting and arcing, while also using electrically insulative tissue engaging members to enhance tissue grasping and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gap between electrodes is reduced to improve tissue sealing effectiveness, then hemostasis efficiency is improved, but the risk of arcing and short-circuiting between electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically insulative gap setting member is introduced as an intermediary element between the two electrodes. This member physically defines and maintains a controlled gap distance while being electrically insulative to prevent arcing and short-circuiting, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing gap for better sealing and preventing electrical hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the electrical properties (insulativeness) and physical dimensions (gap distance) of the gap setting member. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves both effective tissue sealing and prevention of arcing/short-circuiting
2Reliability
If the gap between electrodes is controlled more precisely to prevent arcing, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap setting member combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical spacing to control the gap, electrical insulation to prevent arcing, and structural support for tissue engagement. This merging approach achieves safety without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gap setting member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: defining the electrode gap, providing electrical insulation, and facilitating tissue grasping. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve enhanced safety while minimizing the addition of separate components
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 solution ensures effective tissue sealing by maintaining a consistent gap between electrodes, preventing arcing and short-circuiting, and improving the precision and safety of electrosurgical procedures by reducing tissue sticking and enhancing hemostasis.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive member that protrudes from either the first or second jaw... The electrically conductive member is in proximity to the first and second distal ends in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
Heat generated by the current flow through the tissue in combination with the compression achieved by the jaw's movement may form hemostatic seals within the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for an electrosurgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a first jaw comprising a first energy delivery surface, a first distal end, and a first proximal end; and a second jaw comprising a second energy delivery surface, a second distal end, and a second proximal end, wherein the first energy delivery surface comprises a first curved portion that is outwardly curved, and the second energy delivery surface comprises a second curved portion that is inwardly curved. The first jaw or the second jaw is configured for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second distal ends are separated apart. In the closed position, the first and second distal ends are in proximity. The end effector also comprises an electrically conductive member which protrudes from either the first or second jaw.