Sealer, Divider and Dissector Jaws with Insulated Core-Support Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices for sealing, dividing, and dissecting tissue in tight and narrow body areas face issues such as material fatigue and electrical shorts due to prolonged use, leading to device failure, especially in devices with integrated sealing and cutting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The design of electrosurgical device jaws featuring a pair of opposing jaws with an electrically conductive core member and support member separated by an insulative gap, where the support member is electrically isolated, and a pin pivotally couples the jaws, along with a linkage mechanism to minimize heat exposure and prevent electrical shorts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the jaws are used for prolonged periods, then the sealing and cutting functions are maintained, but material fatigue and electrical shorts occur leading to device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into separate conductive and non-conductive components. The conductive jaw components perform sealing and cutting functions, while the non-conductive components provide electrical isolation. This segmentation prevents electrical shorts during prolonged use while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive components are introduced as intermediary elements between conductive jaw parts. These intermediaries provide electrical isolation and prevent direct electrical contact between conductive surfaces, eliminating the risk of electrical shorts while allowing mechanical functionality to continue during extended procedures.
2Productivity
If a single device integrates sealing, dividing and dissector capabilities, then surgical efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed to perform multiple surgical functions including sealing, cutting, and dissecting within a single device. Different jaw configurations and actuation mechanisms enable the same basic structure to execute diverse surgical tasks, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional capabilities (sealing, cutting, dissecting) are merged into a single integrated jaw device. By combining these functions in one apparatus rather than requiring separate tools, the device improves surgical efficiency while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
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 enhances the durability and reliability of the device by reducing material fatigue and electrical shorts, ensuring consistent performance during prolonged surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically insulative material disposed in the gap such that the support member is substantially electrically isolated from the core member
Implementation Method 2
the first and second jaw core members are pivotally coupled to the pin about which the first and second jaws rotate to move between the open position and the tissue clamping position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical device comprising a pair of opposing jaws including a first jaw and a second jaw, the first and second jaws configured to move between an open position and a tissue clamping position, each of the first and second jaws comprising an electrically conductive core member and an electrically conductive support member, the core member and the support member being separated proximally from the core member by a gap, with an electrically insulative material disposed in the gap such that the support member is substantially electrically isolated from the core member, and a pin, wherein the first and second jaw core members are pivotally coupled to the pin about which the first and second jaws rotate to move between the open position and the tissue clamping position.