Split Electrode for Bipolar Electrosurgical Instrument

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable electrosurgical instrument with an end-effector assembly that includes a split electrode adapted for tissue dissection and coagulation, capable of effectively sealing and treating tissue with precise control over electrosurgical energy delivery.

Innovation Solution

The electrosurgical instrument features opposing jaw members with electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structures and a split electrode, where the split electrode includes a first and second electrode portion spaced apart by a gap, allowing for controlled electrosurgical energy application through tissue to achieve a tissue seal, and is electrically isolated from the jaw members to prevent short-circuiting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous electrode is used in bipolar electrosurgical instruments, then electrical connection is simplified, but the risk of short-circuiting between jaw members increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort-circuit preventionVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into multiple discrete segments (first electrode segment, second electrode segment, third electrode segment) that are electrically isolated from each other by insulating gaps. This segmentation prevents short-circuiting between jaw members while maintaining reliable electrical connection to the electrosurgical generator, directly resolving the contradiction between safety and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrode portions are spaced apart by a gap, then tissue dissection capability is improved, but electrical connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue dissection capabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple portions with gaps between them, enabling tissue dissection through the gaps while each segment remains electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator through insulating but electrically conductive pathways, thus maintaining both versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating gaps and intermediate structures serve as mediators that allow physical separation of electrode portions for tissue dissection while maintaining electrical connection through the electrosurgical generator, resolving the contradiction between dissection capability and electrical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If electrosurgical energy is applied through jaw members, then tissue sealing is achieved, but unwanted heating of jaw members may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sealing effectivenessVSAvoidunwanted heating

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented electrode structure with insulating gaps concentrates electrosurgical energy application at specific tissue-contacting points rather than across the entire jaw member surface, achieving effective tissue sealing while minimizing unwanted heating of the jaw members themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enables precise tissue dissection, coagulation, and sealing with reduced risk of short-circuiting, allowing for effective hemostasis and tissue treatment in both open and endoscopic surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second electrode portions are associated with one of the electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structures. The split electrode is electrically-isolated from the first and second jaw members.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a first and second electrode portion spaced apart by a gap, allowing for controlled electrosurgical energy application through tissue to achieve a tissue seal, and is electrically isolated from the jaw members to prevent short-circuiting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11364068B2Split electrode for use in a bipolar electrosurgical instrument

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure extending along a length thereof. Each electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the opposing first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal. The end-effector assembly includes a split electrode including a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion spaced apart from the first electrode portion and electrically-isolated therefrom by a gap defined therebetween. The first and second electrode portions are associated with one of the electrically-conductive tissue-engaging structures.