Surgical Instrument Activation Mode Determination

Solution Overview

Problem

Operating electrosurgical instruments requires specialized training and expertise due to their complex capabilities and limitations, and there is a risk of unintended tissue damage if not used correctly.

Innovation Solution

A surgical instrument configured to dynamically determine its activation mode based on monitored data, including electrical, mechanical, and visual data, to simplify user interaction and minimize the risk of unintended tissue damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple activation modes with different energy modalities are provided, then the functionality and versatility of the surgical instrument is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument automatically determines and switches between different activation modes (e.g., RF mode, ultrasonic mode, bipolar mode) based on real-time sensing of tissue characteristics and surgical context, eliminating the need for manual mode selection by the user. The system self-adapts to the surgical situation by monitoring parameters such as impedance, temperature, and force to autonomously configure the appropriate energy delivery mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters including energy modality, power level, and activation characteristics based on monitored tissue properties and surgical conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters in response to sensor feedback, the instrument optimizes its performance for different tissue types and surgical tasks without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple activation modes with different energy modalities are provided, then the versatility of the surgical instrument is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical instrument automatically determines and switches between different activation modes (e.g., RF mode, ultrasonic mode, bipolar mode) based on real-time sensing of tissue characteristics and surgical context, eliminating the need for manual mode selection by the user. The system self-adapts to the surgical situation by monitoring parameters such as impedance, temperature, and force to autonomously configure the appropriate energy delivery mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback from sensors monitoring tissue characteristics, surgical context, and instrument performance to dynamically adjust activation modes. This closed-loop control ensures that the instrument responds automatically to changing surgical conditions, maintaining ease of operation while providing versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If dynamic determination of activation modes based on monitored data is implemented, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time feedback from sensors monitoring tissue characteristics, surgical context, and instrument performance to dynamically adjust activation modes. This closed-loop control ensures that the instrument responds automatically to changing surgical conditions, maintaining ease of operation while providing versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of tissue characteristics and surgical context before activating energy delivery. By evaluating monitored parameters in advance and pre-configuring the appropriate activation mode, the system ensures safe operation while reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during the actual surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250160928A1Method for activation mode determination of an energy device

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed for dynamically determining an activation mode (e.g., energy modality and/or energy level) of a surgical instrument based on monitored data. The surgical instrument may be a combination energy device capable of delivering ultrasonic energy and radiofrequency energy. The surgical instrument may monitor data associated with a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument may select an activation mode from the plurality of activation modes based on the monitored data. The surgical instrument may deliver energy of an energy modality associated with the selected activation mode. Monitored data may include visual data, electrical data, and/or mechanical data.