Transverse Electrode Configuration for Electrosurgical Tissue Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical devices face challenges in achieving effective tissue sealing due to variations in energy control parameters and physical characteristics, particularly when energy is conducted transversely across jaw members, which can affect the consistency and efficiency of the sealing process.
Innovation Solution
The end effector assemblies incorporate a configuration with interior and exterior electrodes positioned to conduct energy transversely across the jaw members, where the exterior electrodes are disposed outside and inside the tissue grasping area, and the interior electrode is thicker, facilitating controlled energy flow and tissue sealing with reduced thermal spread and bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy is conducted transversely across jaw members to seal tissue, then tissue sealing effectiveness is improved, but thermal spread and bleeding increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments (first electrode segment, second electrode segment, third electrode segment) positioned at different locations along the jaw member. This segmentation allows controlled energy distribution across the tissue, enabling effective sealing while limiting thermal spread to specific zones rather than allowing uncontrolled heat diffusion across the entire tissue area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode structure are assigned different functions: the first electrode segment provides primary energy conduction, the second electrode segment provides additional energy conduction path, and the third electrode segment provides energy conduction at a different location. This local differentiation of electrode properties enables precise control over where and how energy is delivered to the tissue, achieving effective sealing while controlling thermal spread.
2Use of energy by moving object
If interior electrode is positioned within tissue grasping area, then energy conduction through tissue is improved, but risk of direct tissue contact and unintended heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interior electrode is positioned within the tissue grasping area but is separated from direct tissue contact by the insulating body structure. The insulating body acts as an intermediary that allows the electrode to be positioned optimally for energy conduction while preventing direct contact that would cause unintended heating. The electrode conducts energy through the tissue via the grasped tissue itself rather than through direct electrode-tissue contact.
3Use of energy by moving object
If exterior electrode extends along outer back surface of body, then energy distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior electrode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides energy conduction along the outer back surface of the insulating body, it acts as a structural support element, and it provides additional energy distribution pathways. By integrating these multiple functions into a single electrode structure, the design achieves improved energy distribution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 configuration enables consistent and effective tissue sealing by directing energy flow through the tissue seal area, reducing thermal spread and bleeding, and ensuring that boiling occurs first at the outer edges of the tissue, promoting a strong and efficient seal.
Implementation Method 1
The interior and exterior electrodes are configured to conduct energy therebetween and through tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area to seal tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector assembly for an electrosurgical device includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The jaw members include tissue-contacting surfaces that define a tissue grasping area. One of the jaw members includes an electrically-insulating body, an interior electrode, and an exterior electrode. The interior electrode is positioned interiorly of outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. A portion of the interior electrode forms part of the tissue-contacting surface. The exterior electrode is positioned exteriorly of the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. At least one portion of the exterior electrode: extends along the outer back surface of the body, is disposed within the body, and is positioned adjacent the outer bounds of the tissue grasping area. The interior and exterior electrodes are configured to conduct energy through tissue grasped within the tissue grasping area to seal tissue.