Surgical Instrument Feedback for Tissue Welding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments lack efficient simultaneous tissue cutting and sealing capabilities, particularly in minimally invasive procedures, where precise control and feedback mechanisms are needed to prevent tissue damage and ensure effective hemostasis.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical instrument with an articulating end effector featuring bipolar RF energy delivery, a firing beam for tissue cutting, and an electrode sleeve for additional tissue welding, along with an integrated feedback system providing haptic, visual, and auditory cues for user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF energy is delivered to tissue for coagulation or sealing, then hemostasis is achieved, but thermal spread may cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering RF energy through the end effector at the precise location of tissue contact, concentrating thermal energy where needed for sealing while the feedback system monitors and controls the distribution to prevent excessive thermal spread to surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect tissue parameters (such as impedance, temperature, or mechanical properties) during RF energy delivery, and using this information to dynamically adjust the energy delivery to achieve effective sealing while preventing thermal damage to adjacent tissues
2Productivity
If simultaneous tissue cutting and sealing is performed, then surgical efficiency is improved, but control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cutting and sealing functions into a single integrated end effector assembly, allowing both operations to be performed simultaneously at the same tissue site through coordinated action of cutting elements and RF energy delivery elements
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system provides real-time information about tissue response during simultaneous cutting and sealing, enabling the operator to adjust parameters to maintain precise control over both functions and prevent adverse interactions between the cutting and sealing processes
3Ease of operation
If feedback mechanisms are added to provide user guidance, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that detect tissue parameters during the procedure and provide real-time information to guide operator actions, improving control precision through automated monitoring and adjustment capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system is designed to serve multiple functions including monitoring tissue parameters, controlling RF energy delivery, and providing user guidance, thereby managing complexity through multi-functional integration rather than separate dedicated systems for each function
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
Enables precise simultaneous cutting and sealing of tissues with reduced thermal spread, enhanced user control through feedback mechanisms, and improved hemostasis, facilitating safer and more effective minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elements that transmit RF energy to tissue (e.g., to coagulate or seal the tissue)
Implementation Method 2
an integrated feedback system providing haptic, visual, and auditory cues for user guidance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes a body, a lip in communication with the body, and at least one electrode also in communication with the body. The body is able to mechanically couple with a portion of an end effector, which may be controlled by a user through a handpiece. The lip is configured to grip a portion of the end effector. The at least one electrode is configured to provide sufficient electrical energy to weld at least a portion of tissue. In some versions, a temperature sensitive material may be positioned on a portion of the end effector. Additionally, in some versions, the handpiece of the end effector may comprise feedback features able to convey information to the user.