Tissue Fusion Energy Control via Precursor RF Current Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue sealing devices face challenges in reliably and efficiently sealing larger vessels due to the complexity and expense of energy control systems, often requiring multiple attempts and prolonged times, which can lead to increased risk and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a precursor fusion condition to control energy application, allowing for a straightforward and efficient tissue seal without complex feedback loops or energy modulation, using a conventional electrosurgical generator and handpiece to ensure effective sealing by detecting a specific RF current threshold and terminating energy delivery at an optimal time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex feedback control loops and energy modulation techniques are used to control tissue sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex feedback control loops and energy modulation techniques from the tissue sealing device, retaining only the essential energy delivery function. This simplification maintains sealing reliability by focusing on the core mechanism while removing unnecessary complexity that increases device cost and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex feedback to adjust energy delivery, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple precursive indicator (impedance change) to trigger a predetermined energy delivery protocol. This inversion simplifies the control system while maintaining reliability through the use of established energy delivery parameters.
2Reliability
If prolonged energy application is used to ensure effective seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple feedback mechanism that monitors impedance changes during energy delivery. When a precursive indicator (impedance change) is detected, the system automatically terminates energy delivery, preventing both insufficient sealing and excessive tissue damage. This feedback loop ensures optimal energy application without requiring complex control algorithms.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing attempts are made to achieve effective seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delivering a predetermined amount of energy before detecting the precursive indicator. This approach ensures that sufficient energy is always applied to achieve effective sealing in a single attempt, eliminating the need for multiple sealing attempts and reducing procedural time while maintaining reliability.
4Productivity
If high energy is applied to rapidly seal tissue, then procedural time is reduced, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control based on impedance monitoring to terminate energy delivery at the optimal moment. When the precursive indicator (impedance change) is detected, energy delivery is automatically stopped, ensuring rapid sealing without excessive energy application. This feedback mechanism balances sealing speed with tissue preservation.
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 approach enables faster and more reliable tissue sealing, reducing tissue damage and procedural time, while maintaining the integrity of the seal to withstand normal fluid pressures, and is applicable to various types of biological tissues.
Implementation Method 1
applying sufficient energy to the compressed apposed sidewall portions to cause the fibers of the compressed apposed sidewall portions to loosen, unwind, and fuse with one another
Implementation Method 2
applying electrosurgical electrical energy to tissue to create the heat necessary for tissue fusion
Implementation Method 3
detecting a precursor fusion condition while applying the energy to the compressed apposite sidewall portions
Implementation Method 4
thereafter cooling the apposed sidewall portions while the sidewall portions are compressed to permit the fibers of the compressed apposed sidewall portions to intertwine and fuse
Data Source
AI summary
A sidewall of biological tissue which surrounds and defines an opening in the tissue is sealed or fused to occlude the opening by compressing apposite sidewall portions and applying sufficient energy to cause the fibers of the compressed apposed sidewall portions to intertwine and fuse with one another to form a permanent seal. The energy application is controlled by detecting a precursor fusion condition while applying the energy and before sufficient energy has been applied to achieve an adequate seal. The application of energy is terminated in a time-delayed relationship to the detection of the precursor fusion condition such that sufficient energy has been applied to achieve an effective seal. The precursor fusion condition is detected upon the peak RF current delivered to the tissue remaining below a threshold value for a threshold time.