Tissue Sealing Instrument with Dissecting Electrode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps face challenges in achieving consistent tissue sealing and dissection due to inadequate control over mechanical parameters such as pressure and gap distance between electrodes, leading to potential short circuits and ineffective tissue sealing.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with pivotable jaw members and a tissue-dissecting electrode, where the jaw members are designed to apply controlled pressure and maintain a precise gap distance, and the tissue-dissecting electrode is configured to generate bipolar energy for dissecting tissue, ensuring effective sealing and dissection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gap distance between electrodes is reduced to improve sealing effectiveness, then tissue sealing quality improves, but the risk of electrode contact and short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument separates the tissue sealing function and tissue dissection function into two distinct electrode systems. The sealing electrodes are positioned to maintain a safe gap distance for preventing short circuits, while the dissecting electrode is positioned distally to perform cutting without interfering with the sealing gap. This segmentation allows each electrode to operate at optimal parameters independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator acts as an intermediary element that electrically isolates the dissecting electrode from the jaw member and sealing electrodes. This allows the dissecting electrode to be positioned close to the tissue sealing surface for effective dissection while maintaining electrical safety and preventing short circuits between electrodes.
2Reliability
If pressure applied to tissue is increased to improve sealing effectiveness, then tissue sealing quality improves, but tissue damage and difficulty in subsequent dissection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument divides the surgical process into two distinct phases with different mechanical requirements: sealing phase with controlled pressure to create a secure seal without excessive tissue damage, and dissection phase where the dissecting electrode performs cutting. The segmentation of functions allows optimal pressure control during sealing while avoiding the need for excessive force that would complicate subsequent dissection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissecting electrode serves as an intermediary tool that performs tissue dissection without requiring the surgeon to apply excessive mechanical force to the sealed tissue. This eliminates the need to overcome high sealing forces manually, as the electrocautery function provides a clean cutting action through the sealed tissue.
3Device complexity
If a single electrode is used for both sealing and dissection, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility and effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument merges multiple functions (sealing and dissection) into a single integrated electrosurgical instrument with a unified jaw structure. Both sealing electrodes and the dissecting electrode are incorporated into the same jaw assembly, allowing the surgeon to perform both functions without changing instruments or adding separate devices to the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw member is designed as a multi-functional component that incorporates both sealing electrodes on its inner surface and a dissecting electrode on its outer surface. This universal design allows the single jaw to perform both tissue sealing and tissue dissection functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized instruments for each function.
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 instrument achieves consistent and effective tissue sealing and dissection by maintaining optimal pressure and gap distances, preventing short circuits and ensuring reliable tissue sealing and cutting.
Implementation Method 1
An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. The tissue sealing surfaces are configured to conduct electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue.
Implementation Method 2
The combination of the mechanical clamping force and the electrosurgical energy has been demonstrated to join adjacent layers of tissue captured between the jaw members.
Implementation Method 3
The at least one tissue-dissecting electrode and at least one of the tissue sealing surfaces are configured to generate a bipolar energy potential therebetween for dissecting tissue.
Implementation Method 4
The at least one tissue-dissecting electrode is configured to electrosurgically dissect tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending distally from a housing and an actuating mechanism operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and configured to move the elongated shaft. First and second jaw members are coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member between open and closed positions. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A tissue-dissecting electrode is disposed on a distal end of at least one of the jaw members in spaced relation to the tissue sealing surface and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator couples the tissue-dissecting electrode to the jaw member and electrically insulates the tissue-dissecting electrode from the jaw member.