Surgical Instrument PTC Electrode Tissue Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in creating strong, immediate tissue welds, particularly for large diameter blood vessels, as they often require high strength post-treatment and struggle with irregular or thick tissue structures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a surgical instrument with a movable end effector comprising electrodes made of porous materials and evaporable substances, and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) bodies that modulate RF energy delivery, allowing for controlled tissue welding and transection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional electrosurgical instruments are used to seal tissue, then tissue welding can be achieved, but the weld strength is insufficient for large diameter blood vessels and thick tissue structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing positive temperature coefficient (PTC) materials that change their electrical resistance based on temperature. As the tissue heats during RF delivery, the PTC material increases its resistance, automatically modulating the energy delivery to prevent overheating while maintaining effective welding temperatures, thereby achieving stronger and more reliable seals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining porous electrode materials with evaporable substances and PTC materials. This composite structure allows for controlled RF energy delivery, where the porous material provides surface area for effective tissue contact, the evaporable substances contribute to thermal effects, and the PTC component provides automatic temperature regulation, collectively enhancing weld strength and sealing reliability
2Productivity
If high RF energy is applied to achieve strong immediate welds, then tissue sealing speed improves, but the risk of uncontrolled heating and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through PTC materials that automatically respond to temperature changes. As tissue temperature rises during RF delivery, the PTC material's resistance increases, providing real-time feedback that reduces energy delivery. This self-regulating mechanism enables rapid tissue sealing while preventing uncontrolled heating and tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing materials whose electrical properties dynamically change with temperature. The PTC materials transition from low resistance at lower temperatures (allowing high energy delivery for fast sealing) to high resistance at elevated temperatures (preventing overheating), thereby achieving both rapid sealing and safety
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF energy delivery is increased to handle thick fascia layers and large diameter vessels, then sealing capability improves, but control over energy distribution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the PTC materials automatically regulate energy delivery based on tissue temperature. The instrument self-adjusts the RF energy distribution without requiring manual intervention, adapting to different tissue types (thick fascia, large vessels) while maintaining easy operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials comprising porous electrodes, evaporable substances, and PTC materials to achieve both adaptability and ease of operation. The composite structure naturally adapts to various tissue geometries and compositions while the PTC component provides automatic energy modulation, eliminating the need for complex manual control
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 instrument achieves strong, immediate tissue welds with controlled RF energy application, ensuring high burst strength post-treatment and effective sealing of thick or irregular tissues, including large diameter blood vessels.
Implementation Method 1
The second material is configured to materialize when the temperature of the second material at least one of meets or exceeds the switching temperature
Implementation Method 2
the second electrode comprising a porous material and an evaporable material stored within the porous material
Implementation Method 3
the delivery of RF energy to the captured tissue elevates the temperature of the tissue
Implementation Method 4
electrical current can flow between the electrodes in the opposing jaws and through the tissue positioned therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft extending between the handle and the effector and means for articulating the end effector relative to the shaft. The articulating means can comprise a portion of the shaft which is rotatable about a first axis in order to articulate the end effector about a second axis. In at least one embodiment, the shaft can comprise a first portion including a cam and a second portion including a cam follower, wherein the rotation of the second portion and the interaction of the cam and cam follower can cause the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion.