Resistive Trace Circuit for Controlled Thermal Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in efficiently cutting treated tissue, as mechanical knives can be cumbersome and energy-based cutting elements may not provide consistent or controlled thermal treatment.
Innovation Solution
A thermal element with a resistive trace circuit on a substrate and insulating layer, featuring different configurations and temperature control features, is designed to provide controlled heating and cutting of tissue, allowing for precise thermal treatment and tissue cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical knife is used to cut treated tissue, then cutting function is achieved, but the instrument becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical knife system with an energy-based thermal cutting element. The thermal element uses resistive heating to cut tissue thermally rather than mechanically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical knife mechanisms while maintaining effective tissue cutting capability. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by improving ease of operation through simpler thermal activation while reducing device complexity by removing mechanical knife components.
2Device complexity
If energy-based cutting elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal treatment consistency and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature control features at specific locations along the thermal element, including temperature control features positioned at defined distances from the distal end. These localized temperature control features create different thermal zones along the element, allowing precise control of thermal treatment consistency at different positions while maintaining overall system simplicity. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliable, consistent thermal treatment through localized quality control rather than uniform design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature control features that respond to thermal conditions along the thermal element, creating a feedback mechanism that adjusts local heating characteristics. This feedback system ensures consistent thermal treatment by monitoring and controlling temperature distribution, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the simplicity of the energy-based cutting approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform heating is applied along the thermal element, then manufacturing is simplified, but temperature gradients needed for controlled cutting are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately creates non-uniform thermal characteristics along the thermal element by positioning temperature control features at specific locations. This local differentiation in thermal properties allows the element to generate controlled temperature gradients necessary for precise cutting while maintaining manufacturability through defined geometric patterns and standard fabrication techniques. The solution balances ease of manufacture with temperature control by using systematic local variations rather than complex continuous gradients.
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 thermal element achieves controlled temperature gradients and efficient cutting of treated tissue, ensuring precise thermal treatment and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
a resistive trace circuit disposed on the insulating layer... adapted to connect to a source of energy for energizing the resistive trace circuit, thereby heating the thermal element (e.g., via resistive heating (Joule heating))
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal element configured for thermally treating tissue includes a substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the substrate, and a resistive trace circuit disposed on the insulating layer and including first and second ends adapted to connect to a source of energy for energizing the resistive trace circuit, thereby heating the thermal element. The resistive trace circuit: includes at least first and second sections defining different configurations and disposed between the first and second ends; is configured to maintain a temperature variation of no greater than about 25° C. along at least a majority of a length of the thermal element; and/or is configured to define a temperature gradient profile that varies at least about 50° C. along a length of the thermal element at a target operating temperature thereof.