Radiofrequency Forceps Sealing Plates Tissue Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fusing elastin-based biomaterials to tissue substrates, such as laser welding, are complex and expensive, relying on energy-absorbing dyes and large laser units, whereas a simpler and less expensive method is needed that does not rely on these components.

Innovation Solution

A forceps device utilizing a combination of radiofrequency energy, controlled pressure, and specific gap distances between opposing jaw members with predetermined surface geometries on the sealing plates to effectively seal or fuse biomaterials to tissue substrates, eliminating the need for energy-absorbing dyes and expensive laser units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If laser welding with energy-absorbing dyes is used to fuse biomaterials to tissue, then the fusion strength is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefusion strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex energy-absorbing dye component from the laser welding system, replacing it with a simpler radiofrequency-based approach that achieves tissue fusion without requiring external dye application or specialized laser equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the optical-mechanical laser welding system with an electrical radiofrequency system, replacing complex optical components and dye-based energy absorption mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based tissue heating and fusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If laser welding with energy-absorbing dyes is used to fuse biomaterials to tissue, then the fusion strength is improved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefusion strengthVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable or reusable radiofrequency forceps instrument that eliminates the need for expensive laser units and energy-absorbing dyes, providing a cost-effective alternative that maintains fusion strength while reducing overall procedure cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the expensive optical-mechanical laser welding system with a more affordable radiofrequency electrical system, replacing costly laser generators and dye materials with standard radiofrequency electrosurgical equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If radiofrequency energy with controlled pressure and gap distance is used to seal tissue, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing consistency must be maintained through precise parameter control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsealing consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls sealing consistency by precisely managing key parameters including radiofrequency power output, jaw closure pressure, and electrode-g tissue gap distance, optimizing these variables to achieve reliable fusion without requiring complex device mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional radiofrequency forceps that combines tissue grasping, compression, and energy delivery in a single integrated instrument, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining consistent sealing through coordinated parameter control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method provides a consistent and effective fusion of biomaterials to tissue substrates, achieving a strong seal with minimal demarcation, reducing the complexity and cost associated with existing techniques, and allowing for tissue healing, reconstruction, and repair without the need for energy-absorbing dyes or large laser units.

Implementation Method 1

sealing or fuse tissue between two opposing jaw members or sealing plates... utilizing a unique combination of radiofrequency energy, pressure and gap control to effectively seal or fuse tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency energy: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a unique combination of radiofrequency energy, pressure and gap control to effectively seal or fuse tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8486107B2Method of sealing tissue using radiofrequency energy

Publication Date: 2013.07.16 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A forceps for sealing tissue includes a housing having one or more shafts that extend therefrom configured to support an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members each having a sealing plate with tissue engaging surfaces adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the sealing plates includes a predetermined surface geometry defined thereon that imprints a corresponding surface geometry onto the tissue seal to facilitate sealing the tissue with a foreign material when electrosurgical energy is applied to the forceps.