Tissue Welding Jaw with Segmented Heating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices for severing and sealing blood vessels during procedures like CABG face inefficiencies in operating speed and tissue trauma, with a need for improved heat distribution and repeatable secure sealing of severed vessel ends.
Innovation Solution
A tissue welding device with multiple heating elements on one jaw, where a primary heating element is electrically connected to secondary elements, allowing for controlled temperature differences to weld or cut tissue, featuring a ceramic material for reduced heat loss and a control handle for precise force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single heating element is used in surgical devices, then the device structure is simple, but the heat distribution is insufficient and tissue sealing reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple segments (first heating element, second heating element, third heating element) with different electrical resistance values. Each segment heats tissue to different temperatures to achieve both welding (50-90°C) and cutting (>100°C) functions simultaneously, improving tissue sealing reliability while maintaining structured complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the jaw are equipped with heating elements having different electrical resistance characteristics. The first heating element has higher resistance for cutting, while the second and third have lower resistance for welding. This local differentiation of heating properties ensures reliable tissue sealing at different locations with appropriately tailored temperature profiles
2Reliability
If heating elements are added to improve heat distribution, then tissue sealing improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heating elements with different functions (cutting and welding) are merged into a single jaw structure. The first, second, and third heating elements are integrated onto one jaw, allowing simultaneous or sequential performance of cutting and sealing operations on tissue, thereby achieving secure sealing without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw with multiple heating elements serves multiple functions: the first heating element cuts tissue while the second and third heating elements weld and seal tissue. This multi-functional design ensures reliable sealing of severed vessel ends while consolidating multiple operations into a single device component, balancing functionality with structural efficiency
3Productivity
If higher temperature is applied to cut tissue, then cutting effectiveness improves, but tissue trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented into different temperature zones using multiple heating elements with distinct electrical resistance values. The first heating element operates at higher temperature for effective cutting, while the second and third heating elements operate at lower temperatures for gentle welding and sealing, thereby achieving cutting effectiveness while minimizing excessive tissue trauma through localized temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical resistance parameter of the heating elements is varied to control the temperature output. By designing heating elements with different resistance values, the system automatically adjusts the temperature parameter at different locations: higher temperature where cutting is needed and lower temperature where welding and sealing are performed, thus achieving effective cutting with reduced harmful thermal effects on surrounding tissue
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
Enhances operating efficiency with reduced tissue trauma and ensures secure sealing of severed vessel ends by precisely controlling heat distribution and force application, improving the reliability of vessel harvesting procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The devices may operate with a heating element in contact with the tissue, with an ultrasonic heater that employs frictional heating of the tissue, or with a mono- or bi-polar electrode heating system that passes current through the tissue such that the tissue is heated by virtue of its own electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
featuring a ceramic material for reduced heat loss
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical apparatus and methods for severing and welding tissue, in particular blood vessels. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a pair of relatively movable jaws at a distal end thereof. A first heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a first temperature and form a welded region within the tissue, while a second heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a second temperature and sever the tissue within the welded region. The first and second heating elements may be provided on the same or opposite jaws. A control handle provided on the proximal end of the elongated shaft includes controls for opening and closing the jaws, and may include an actuator for sending current through the first and second heating elements. The first and second heating elements may be electrically connected in series, and the first heating element may be bifurcated such that it conducts about one half of the current as the second heating element. A force-limiting mechanism provided either within the control handle, in the elongated shaft, or at the jaws limits the pressure applied to the tissue by the jaws to ensure that the tissue is severed and the ends effectively welded within a short amount of time.