Thread-like Knife for Tissue Cutting in Electrosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosurgical instruments struggle to effectively cut thicker tissues that cannot be completely sealed by the jaws, as existing cutting methods require the jaws to be closed, limiting their applicability in procedures involving thicker tissue.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a thread-like member with a drive mechanism that allows it to be positioned between opposing jaw members to cut tissue, either as a bow-shaped spring or a continuous loop, enabling cutting without sealing, and utilizing a resistive conductor or fiber waveguide for enhanced cutting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical or electrical cutting methods are used in electrosurgical instruments, then cutting function is provided, but the jaws must be closed which limits applicability to thicker tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is separated from the jaw closure function. The thread-like knife is a distinct component that can be advanced independently through the tissue without requiring the jaws to close completely, allowing cutting of thicker tissues while maintaining the sealing function of the jaws separately
Solution Approach 2:
A drive member acts as an intermediary mechanism to advance the thread-like knife through the tissue. This drive member transmits the cutting action without requiring direct jaw closure, enabling the knife to reach and cut through thicker tissue that cannot be fully compressed between the jaws
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thread-like knife is introduced to enable cutting without jaw closure, then versatility for thicker tissues is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member is designed to perform multiple functions: it advances the thread-like knife for cutting, can be retracted to reset the knife position, and works within the existing jaw structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thread-like knife is nested within or integrated into the existing jaw structure, and the drive member is positioned within the instrument housing. This nesting approach allows the new cutting components to be accommodated within the existing instrument footprint without requiring proportionally larger or more complex external structures
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
Enables precise cutting of sealed or unsealed tissue, improving the instrument's versatility in handling thicker tissues by allowing cutting without the need for complete jaw closure, thus expanding its applicability in surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The thread-like member may be a bow shaped spring that is coupled to at least one jaw member with a hinge. A cutting portion of the thread-like member may be formed from twisted filaments, include a resistive conductor
Implementation Method 2
The thread-like member may include a fiber waveguide such as an optical fiber. The optical fiber may include a side-lit fiber or a long period fiber grating
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.