Segmented HF Electrodes for Secure Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical systems for connecting body tissue face challenges in achieving a secure and controlled connection without leaving foreign objects behind, and struggle with precise control of process parameters during tissue sealing.
Innovation Solution
The surgical system employs HF electrodes divided into multiple segments, allowing for precise control of process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and tissue impedance, enabling a secure and permanent connection of tissue parts without staples, and facilitating controlled energy delivery to minimize tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tissue sealing is performed using RF current between two HF electrodes, then foreign objects (staples) are avoided and tissue connection is achieved, but precise control of process parameters becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The HF electrode is divided into multiple electrode segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise control of the RF current application areas, enabling independent adjustment of process parameters for different tissue zones, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving secure tissue connection and maintaining precise parameter control
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode segments can be activated with different power levels and durations based on local tissue characteristics. This local quality approach allows optimization of sealing parameters for specific tissue types and locations, improving both connection reliability and parameter controllability
2Device complexity
If a continuous HF electrode is used for tissue sealing, then simple electrode design is achieved, but tissue damage increases due to excessive energy introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous HF electrode is segmented into multiple independently controllable sections. This allows selective activation of only the necessary electrode segments for each sealing task, reducing the total energy introduced into the tissue and minimizing thermal damage while maintaining design simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of activating the entire continuous electrode, only the required partial segments are activated based on the specific tissue sealing needs. This partial action principle reduces energy waste and tissue exposure to excessive RF energy, thereby reducing tissue damage
3Reliability
If high energy is introduced into tissue parts during connection, then secure tissue sealing is achieved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmentation of the HF electrode enables controlled energy delivery to specific tissue zones. By activating only the necessary segments at appropriate power levels, secure sealing is achieved in the target area while surrounding tissue receives minimal energy exposure, reducing overall tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The ability to independently control different electrode segments allows dynamic adjustment of RF parameters (power, duration, frequency) based on real-time tissue response. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient energy for secure sealing while preventing excessive energy introduction that would cause tissue damage
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 approach allows for a secure, permanent, and minimally invasive tissue connection with reduced tissue damage, enabling effective sealing and promoting new cell growth, while avoiding the need for staples and improving instrument design for easier manufacturing and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
HF current to coagulate tissue, for example by applying an HF current to the tissue between two HF electrodes
Implementation Method 2
each comprise an HF electrode which, when the tool elements are in an approaching position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to improving a surgical system for connecting bodily tissues, comprising a surgical instrument having two tool elements displaceable relative to each other, each comprising an HF electrode defining a minimum distance from each other, opposite each other, and facing one another in an approach setting of the tool elements, wherein in order for simple and secure connecting of the tissue parts to be connected to each other, the invention proposes that at least one of the HF electrodes is divided into at least two electrode segments and that the at least two electrode segments are electrically insulated from each other.