Tapered Jaw Electrodes for Consistent Surgical Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in maintaining a consistent gap distance between electrode surfaces, which can lead to tissue damage, crushing, or short circuits during tissue sealing or welding procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a tissue grasping assembly with a non-uniform gap distance along the length of the tissue grasping portions, achieved through the use of tapered electrode surfaces and teeth structures that impart a reactionary force to maintain an appropriate gap distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform electrode surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simple, but gap distance consistency deteriorates leading to tissue damage or short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode surfaces are designed with non-uniform characteristics - specifically, the first electrode surface has a first slope and the second electrode surface has a second slope that is less steep than the first. This local variation in surface geometry allows different portions of the electrodes to engage at different rates during closure, ensuring consistent gap distance maintenance throughout the electrode length and preventing both tissue damage from excessive compression and short circuits from insufficient separation.
2Manufacturing precision
If tapered electrode surfaces are used, then gap distance consistency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies precise slope parameters for the electrode surfaces - the first electrode surface has a steeper slope than the second electrode surface. By controlling these geometric parameters during manufacturing, the electrodes are designed to engage in a controlled sequence during closure, maintaining appropriate gap distance and preventing tissue damage while enabling reliable electrical insulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If teeth structures are added to impart reactionary force, then gap distance stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members are segmented with teeth structures that engage progressively during closure. These teeth act as discrete engagement points that maintain gap distance stability by preventing excessive compression of the tissue between electrodes. The segmented design allows controlled engagement while distributing the mechanical stress throughout the jaw structure.
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 ensures a consistent and appropriate gap distance between electrode surfaces, preventing tissue damage and ensuring effective sealing or welding of tissues without causing short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
tapered electrode surfaces and teeth structures that impart a reactionary force to maintain an appropriate gap distance
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus including a body, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, and an end effector configured to grasp and transmit RF energy to the tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw having a first tissue grasping feature and a second jaw. The second jaw is pivotably coupled to the first jaw between an open position, a partially closed position, and a closed position. The second jaw includes a proximal taper having a proximal electrode surface, a distal taper including a distal electrode surface, and a juncture between the proximal and distal electrode surface. The juncture is spaced further from the first tissue grasping feature compared to the proximal and distal end while the second jaw is in the partially closed position. The proximal and distal electrode surface deform to define a gap with the first tissue grasping feature while in the closed position.