Textured Jaws for Secure Grasping and Cauterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical devices face challenges in securely grasping blood vessels due to the structure and composition of the adventitia, making it difficult to apply sufficient compressive force and RF energy for proper cauterization.
Innovation Solution
The design of an electrosurgical system with an end effector featuring textured jaws, including longitudinal and transverse channels, ridges, and raised bosses on the electrodes, which apply varying compressive forces to ensure secure grasping and efficient energy delivery to the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If smooth jaw surfaces are used, then tissue sticking is reduced, but compressive force application is insufficient for secure grasping
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw surfaces feature localized textured regions with patterns (ridges, channels, dimples) that create controlled friction zones for secure grasping, while other regions remain smooth to minimize tissue sticking during closure and activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on pure mechanical friction with a combination of mechanical interlocking features (textured patterns) and electrosurgical energy delivery, where the textured surfaces ensure adequate contact and energy transfer without requiring excessive compressive force
2Reliability
If high compressive force is applied to secure grasping, then tissue adhesion improves, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The textured surface patterns modify the pressure distribution parameters across the jaw-tissue interface, creating localized high-pressure zones for secure adhesion while maintaining lower overall compressive forces to prevent tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes excessive mechanical compression with controlled electrosurgical energy delivery through the textured surfaces, where the texture ensures adequate contact for energy transfer without requiring high compressive forces that would cause tissue damage
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform compressive force is applied across the electrode surface, then energy distribution is even, but secure grasping of blood vessels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode surfaces incorporate localized textured features (ridges, channels, dimples) that create specific contact zones for enhanced grasping security, while maintaining uniform energy distribution through strategic placement of these features that do not disrupt the overall current flow pattern
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 textured jaws enhance the ability to securely compress blood vessels, allowing for effective cauterization and hemostasis with reduced tissue sticking and improved precision, minimizing tissue damage and bleeding.
Implementation Method 1
the first jaw includes at least one feature configured to apply an amount of a compressive force to a tissue compressed between the at least one feature and the second electrode surface
Implementation Method 2
Such RF energy may cause ionic agitation in the tissue, in effect producing resistive heating, and thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue
Implementation Method 3
Increased temperature of the tissue may lead to tissue cauterization
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical system includes an RF current generator, a handle body, and an end effector in mechanical communication with the handle body. The end effector has a first jaw including a first electrode having a first electrode surface in electrical communication with a first terminal of the generator. The end effector also includes a second jaw including a second electrode having an essentially planar second electrode surface in electrical communication with a second terminal of the generator The first jaw includes at least one feature configured to apply an amount of a compressive force to a tissue compressed between the at least one feature and the second electrode surface that differs from an amount of a compressive force applied to the tissue compressed between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface when the first jaw is placed in a proximate position to the second jaw.