Surgical Instrument Jaw Member Asymmetric Cammed Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments face challenges in effectively sealing and transecting tissue due to issues like tissue rupture, uneven compression, and localized heating, which can lead to incomplete sealing and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a handle, trigger, and end effector featuring movable jaw members with electrodes and a cutting member, where the jaw members are designed with slanted tissue engaging surfaces and a cammed compression mechanism to ensure uniform compression and energy delivery, reducing the force required for tissue sealing and transection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional jaw members with parallel tissue engaging surfaces are used, then the structure is simple, but uneven compression and localized heating occur leading to tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members are designed with asymmetric cammed compression surfaces that are slanted at specific angles relative to the longitudinal axis. This asymmetric geometry transforms the closing motion into progressive, uniform compression across the tissue, eliminating localized high-stress points and preventing tissue rupture while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members incorporate dynamic cammed compression surfaces that change the compression profile during the closing motion. The slanted surfaces create a progressive compression sequence where different portions of the tissue are compressed at different times, ensuring uniform overall compression and preventing localized overheating.
2Reliability
If high compression force is applied to ensure complete sealing, then seal integrity improves, but tissue rupture and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric cammed surfaces distribute the compression force progressively across the tissue rather than applying it all at once. This allows the sealing function to be achieved through a sequence of controlled compression stages, preventing sudden force application that would cause tissue rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
The slanted cammed surfaces change the compression parameter profile during jaw closure. The angle of the cammed surfaces (e.g., 10-45 degrees) controls the rate and distribution of compression force application, transforming a single high-force event into a progressive compression sequence that achieves sealing without exceeding tissue strength limits.
3Reliability
If uniform compression is achieved through slanted jaw surfaces, then tissue sealing improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric cammed surfaces achieve uniform compression through geometric design rather than complex control systems. The slanted angles of the cammed surfaces naturally guide the compression sequence, providing consistent sealing results through simple geometric relationships that are easy to manufacture and maintain.
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
The instrument achieves improved tissue sealing and transection with reduced force requirements, minimizing tissue damage and ensuring consistent seal integrity by optimizing compression and energy distribution across the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
electrical current can flow through the electrodes and into the tissue... the energy can generate heat within the captured tissue to create one or more hemostatic seals within the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector. The end effector may comprise a cammed compression surface. The end effector may comprise an electrode comprising a tapered tissue contacting surface. Some surgical instruments may comprise an overload member.