Surgical Tissue Welding Instrument with Cutting Element Safety Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical systems for connecting body tissue using high-frequency (HF) current lack a mechanism to prevent accidental activation of the cutting element, potentially causing undesired damage during tissue connection procedures.
Innovation Solution
A securing device is implemented to lock the cutting element in the tissue connection position until a successful tissue connection is confirmed, using a combination of mechanical and electromechanical elements to ensure the cutting element can only be activated after a defined connection is made, thereby preventing unintended cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting element is made movable and activatable during tissue connection, then tissue severing capability is improved, but the risk of accidental cutting and patient damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting element is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the instrument housing, with its cutting edge initially blocked from contacting tissue. The element is only activated after tissue connection is confirmed complete, through a controlled movement that exposes the cutting edge for tissue severing. This preliminary positioning and controlled activation sequence prevents accidental cutting while maintaining the capability for tissue severing when needed.
2Productivity
If the cutting element is always accessible, then operational speed is improved, but safety control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting element transitions from a static, permanently exposed position to a dynamic, controllably movable position. The element can be retracted into and extended from the instrument housing based on procedural needs. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize between speed (when extended for severing) and safety (when retracted and blocked), with the cutting edge only accessible when intentionally activated after connection completion.
3Ease of operation
If the cutting element structure is simplified for easy activation, then ease of operation is improved, but the precision of controlled activation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cutting element and the tissue. This blocking element physically prevents the cutting edge from contacting tissue during the connection phase. The blocking element is selectively removable or movable only after connection completion is detected, providing a mechanical safeguard that ensures precise activation timing while maintaining simple operation through intuitive blocking and unblocking actions.
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 solution ensures that the cutting element can only be used to sever tissue after a successful connection is established, reducing the risk of patient damage and allowing for intuitive handling similar to conventional staplers, while maintaining the precision of HF current-based tissue welding.
Implementation Method 1
each comprise at least one HF electrode which, when the tool elements are in an approaching position, define a minimum distance from one another, are opposite one another and towards one another point in order to connect body tissue held between the tool elements as a result of an application of an HF current
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a surgical system for connecting body tissue, comprising a surgical instrument with at least two tool elements, which are movable relative to one another and in each case comprise an HF electrode, which HF electrodes, in a position of approximation of the tool elements, define a minimum distance from one another, lie opposite one another and face one another, such that, when an HF current is applied, body tissue held between the tool elements is connected, and with a cutting element for cutting through and/or cutting off body tissue, which cutting element can be brought from a tissue-connecting position, in which body tissue can be connected to the tool elements and in which the cutting element cannot come into contact with body tissue, to a cutting position. In order to improve the said surgical system such that incorrect operation of the system is excluded as far as possible, it is proposed that the instrument comprises a safety mechanism for securing the cutting element in the tissue-connecting position. Moreover, an improved control method is proposed for a surgical system for connecting body tissue.