Pivotable Jaw Electrosurgical End Effector for Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical devices face challenges in accurately controlling pressure and electrode gap to achieve reliable hemostatic seals, particularly in varying tissue thicknesses, which can lead to poor adhesion or tissue damage during vessel sealing and coagulation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional surgical instrument with a bipolar electrosurgical end effector featuring pivotable jaw members and a deployable tissue treatment member, allowing for adjustable jaw spacing and energy delivery modes (bipolar and monopolar) to facilitate precise tissue sealing and cutting, with integrated actuators for independent operation of sealing and cutting functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrosurgical forceps apply mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to seal vessels, then hemostasis is achieved, but accurate control of pressure and electrode gap is difficult due to varying tissue thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the jaw members pivotable about a pivot axis, allowing the electrode gap to be adjusted dynamically based on tissue thickness. The jaw members can be positioned at different angles relative to each other, changing the gap distance between electrodes to match varying tissue depths, thereby maintaining reliable hemostatic seals across different tissue conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the jaw members to move relative to each other through pivoting motion. This dynamic adjustment allows the electrode gap to adapt to varying tissue thicknesses during the sealing process, rather than being fixed, thus improving both reliability and ease of operation across different surgical scenarios.
2Reliability
If electrosurgical forceps increase closure force to seal larger vessels, then vessel sealing capability is improved, but tissue damage may occur due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the jaw members to be positioned at different angles and distances from each other. For larger vessels, the jaw members can be opened wider or positioned to increase closure force without excessive pressure on the tissue, while for smaller vessels, they can be positioned closer together with reduced force, thus preventing tissue damage while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different regions of the tissue to receive appropriate pressure and energy levels. The pivotable jaw members allow the electrode gap and contact pressure to be locally adjusted according to the specific tissue thickness and vessel size being treated, delivering optimal sealing force to each local area without causing damage to surrounding tissue.
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 precise control over tissue sealing and cutting, ensuring effective hemostasis and minimizing tissue damage by allowing for adjustable pressure and energy delivery, suitable for both open and endoscopic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Bipolar electrosurgical forceps utilize two generally opposing electrodes that are disposed on the inner opposing surfaces of the multi-functional end effectors and which are both electrically coupled to an electrosurgical generator. Each electrode is charged to a different electric potential. Since tissue is a conductor of electrical energy, when the effectors are utilized to grasp tissue therebetween, the electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
Since tissue is a conductor of electrical energy, when the effectors are utilized to grasp tissue therebetween, the electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue.
Implementation Method 3
Monopolar forceps utilize one active electrode associated with the clamping multi-functional end effector and a remote patient return electrode or pad which is typically attached externally to the patient. When the electrosurgical energy is applied, the energy travels from the active electrode, to the surgical site, through the patient and to the return electrode.
Implementation Method 4
When the electrosurgical energy is applied, the energy travels from the active electrode, to the surgical site, through the patient and to the return electrode.
Implementation Method 5
In order to effect proper hemostatic fusion of vessels or tissue, two predominant mechanical parameters should be accurately controlled: the pressure applied to the vessels or tissue; and the minimum distance, the gap, between the jaws.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing having first and second actuators and a shaft extends therefrom. End effector attaches to shaft and includes a first actuating device and a tissue treatment member. First actuating device is actuated by first actuator and includes first and second jaw members that actuate relative to one another about the first pivot. In a first position, jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation and in a second position cooperate to perform a first surgical procedure on tissue positioned therebetween. Second actuator deploys tissue treatment member relative to first jaw member from a first condition to a second condition. Tissue treatment member contacts the first jaw member in a first condition and a portion of the tissue treatment member is spaced away from the first jaw member and forms a loop between the tissue treatment member and first jaw member in a second condition.