Temperature-Sensing Conductive Plate for Electrosurgical Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for temperature-sensing devices that can be integrated into electrosurgical jaw members to ensure accurate temperature control during surgical procedures, as existing technologies often rely on impedance-based control algorithms that can lead to incorrect tissue sealing due to incorrect impedance proxies.
Innovation Solution
The development of temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plates with integrated temperature sensors and electrically-conductive traces, which are manufactured using a process involving an electrically-insulative material layer and openings to house the sensors, allowing for precise temperature monitoring and control during electrosurgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If impedance-based control algorithms are used to control electrosurgical energy, then the system can operate without direct temperature sensors, but the tissue sealing accuracy deteriorates due to incorrect impedance proxies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces impedance-based indirect measurement with direct temperature sensing using integrated temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples, thermistors) that provide accurate real-time temperature feedback, eliminating the inaccuracies of impedance proxies while maintaining system controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature sensors as intermediary elements between the electrosurgical jaw members and the control system, allowing direct measurement of tissue temperature to accurately control the sealing process without relying on impedance calculations
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are integrated into electrosurgical jaw members, then temperature monitoring accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components and manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the electrosurgical jaw member structure by integrating temperature sensors directly into the jaw members, allowing simultaneous tissue grasping and temperature measurement through a unified component design
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical jaw members are designed to perform multiple functions: tissue grasping, electrosurgical energy delivery, and temperature sensing, eliminating the need for separate temperature monitoring devices and reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If temperature sensors are integrated into electrosurgical jaw members, then temperature control reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors during the jaw member manufacturing process itself, using preliminary actions such as embedding sensors in the molding process or attaching them before final assembly, which simplifies subsequent integration and improves manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests temperature sensors within the jaw member structure, placing sensors inside cavities or channels formed during manufacturing, which protects the sensors and integrates them seamlessly into the final product without requiring separate assembly steps
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 enables reliable temperature monitoring and control, ensuring effective tissue sealing by providing accurate feedback to the electrosurgical power generating source, reducing the risk of incomplete sealing and improving the consistency of surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor coupled to the bottom surface of the electrically-conductive substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An end-effector assembly includes opposing jaw members movably mounted with respect to one another. At least one of the jaw members includes a temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plate having a tissue-contacting surface and a bottom surface. A first layer is disposed on one or more portions of the bottom surface of the temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plate. The first layer includes an electrically-insulative material. One or more openings are formed in the first layer. One or more electrically-conductive traces are formed over the electrically-insulative material and associated with the one or more openings. One or more temperature sensors are coupled to the bottom surface of the temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plate and associated with the one or more openings. The one or more openings are each configured to receive at least a portion of the one or more temperature sensors therein. The one or more temperature sensors are electrically coupled to the one or more electrically-conductive traces.