Ultrasonic Blade Bipolar Clamp End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical instruments lack the ability to simultaneously and efficiently cut and seal tissue using a combination of ultrasonic and electrosurgical energies, with existing devices often requiring separate mechanisms for cutting and coagulation, which can be cumbersome and less effective.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultrasonic surgical instrument with an end effector that integrates an ultrasonic blade and a bipolar clamp arm, capable of applying both ultrasonic and radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgical energies simultaneously, allowing for precise cutting and coagulation through a single mechanism that adjusts energy delivery based on tissue conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate mechanisms are used for cutting and coagulation, then each function can be performed independently, but the device complexity increases and surgical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic cutting function and bipolar electrosurgical coagulation function into a single end effector assembly. The clamp arm assembly includes both an ultrasonic blade for cutting and bipolar electrodes for coagulation, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously or sequentially through one integrated device rather than requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed with multi-functionality, where the clamp arm assembly can perform both cutting and coagulation tasks. The ultrasonic blade provides cutting capability while the bipolar electrodes provide coagulation capability, making the single device universal for both primary surgical functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic energy alone is used for cutting and sealing, then the mechanism is simple, but the ability to simultaneously cut and seal tissue efficiently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ultrasonic energy delivery and bipolar electrosurgical energy delivery within the same end effector. The clamp arm assembly integrates an ultrasonic blade with bipolar electrodes, enabling the device to utilize both ultrasonic vibrations for cutting and bipolar RF energy for coagulation simultaneously or in combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector employs a composite approach by combining two different energy delivery systems (ultrasonic and electrosurgical) in one device. This composite functionality allows the instrument to leverage the advantages of both ultrasonic cutting precision and bipolar coagulation effectiveness.
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 simultaneous and precise cutting and coagulation of tissue with reduced thermal spread, improving surgical efficiency and effectiveness by integrating ultrasonic and electrosurgical functions into a single end effector.
Implementation Method 1
an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and/or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells)
Implementation Method 2
one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations
Implementation Method 3
delivering electrosurgical energy through the clamp arm to the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm assembly. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with an acoustic waveguide of the shaft assembly. The clamp arm assembly is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are operable to cooperate to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue.