Segmented RF Electrodes for Adaptive Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical stapling and cutting instruments face challenges in efficiently stapling and cutting tissue due to limitations in staple cartridge design, anvil configuration, and tissue stability, leading to inconsistent results and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of advanced surgical instruments with improved staple cartridges, anvil configurations, and tissue stability features, including reinforced anvil designs and adaptive control systems, to enhance staple formation and tissue handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If segmented electrodes are used in RF sealing applications, then sealing effectiveness and adaptability to different tissue types are improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RF electrode is divided into multiple independently controllable segmented electrodes (e.g., first, second, third segmented electrodes), allowing different segments to be activated based on tissue characteristics. This segmentation enables adaptive sealing for different tissue types while maintaining manageable control through individual segment activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific segmented electrodes based on real-time tissue feedback and pre-programmed tissue types. The controller adjusts which segments are active during the sealing process, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that resolves the complexity issue by using intelligence rather than permanent hardware complexity.
2Reliability
If reinforced anvil designs are implemented, then staple formation precision and reliability are improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anvil is reinforced specifically at critical locations where staple formation occurs, rather than uniformly throughout the entire anvil structure. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary precision and reliability for staple formation while minimizing additional weight by avoiding unnecessary material in non-critical areas.
3Measurement precision
If adaptive control systems with multiple tissue types are added, then sealing precision for different tissues is improved, but system complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pre-programmed tissue types and pre-configured sealing parameters stored in memory before the surgical procedure begins. The adaptive control system selects from these pre-configured options based on the identified tissue type, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing calibration requirements while maintaining high sealing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor tissue characteristics during sealing and automatically adjust parameters based on pre-programmed responses. This feedback loop enables precise sealing for different tissue types through intelligent control rather than complex hardware, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
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
These advancements result in more precise and reliable tissue stapling and cutting, reducing tissue damage and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first segmented RF electrode and a second segmented RF electrode... RF electrode... sealing... tissue
Implementation Method 2
an exploratory pulse is applied to a segmented RF electrode... determine whether a metallic object is present in a tissue field... impedance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of operating an electrosurgical instrument including an end effector with segmented electrodes.