Ultrasonic and Bipolar RF End-Effector for Tissue Treatment Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments struggle to control and customize single or multiple energy modalities effectively based on the type of tissue being treated, limiting the quality of tissue treatment, sealing, or cutting.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with an end-effector that delivers multiple energy modalities, including ultrasonic and bipolar RF energy, allowing simultaneous, independent, or sequential application, with features like deflectable electrodes and compliant pads to adjust mechanical properties and energy density for precise tissue interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple energy modalities are delivered simultaneously or sequentially, then the quality of tissue treatment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic and bipolar RF energy modalities into a single end-effector assembly. The ultrasonic blade and bipolar RF electrodes are integrated such that both energy types can be delivered through the same surgical instrument, allowing simultaneous or sequential application to tissue. This merging approach improves treatment quality by leveraging complementary mechanisms while managing device complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-effector is designed with multi-functionality to deliver both ultrasonic and bipolar RF energy modalities through a single device. The clamp arm assembly includes both ultrasonic blade components and bipolar RF electrode components, enabling the device to perform cutting, sealing, and coagulation functions using either or both energy types depending on surgical requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If deflectable electrodes and compliant pads are used to adjust mechanical properties, then tissue interaction precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed to be deflectable rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and contact pressure with tissue. The compliant pad material enables the electrode to conform to tissue contours and maintain optimal mechanical contact. These dynamic features improve precision of tissue interaction by adapting to varying tissue properties and geometries during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant pad material changes its mechanical parameters (such as hardness and elasticity) to optimize tissue interaction. By selecting materials with specific viscoelastic properties, the device can adjust its mechanical response to different tissue types, improving precision of energy delivery while maintaining manufacturability through material selection rather than complex structural design.
3Reliability
If energy density is customized for precise tissue interaction, then treatment quality is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables customization of energy density at the local level where it contacts tissue. The bipolar RF electrode and ultrasonic blade can be designed with specific surface areas, contact pressures, and energy delivery characteristics that concentrate or distribute energy locally. This local quality control allows precise tissue interaction by matching energy density to specific surgical requirements without requiring complex system-wide control mechanisms.
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 the quality of tissue treatment by providing customizable energy delivery, minimizing tissue sticking and charring, and preventing electrical shorting, thereby improving surgical precision and control.
Implementation Method 1
Vibrating at high frequencies (e.g., 55,500 times per second), the ultrasonic blade denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasonic energy cuts and coagulates by vibrating a blade in contact with tissue
Implementation Method 3
current is introduced though a first electrode (e.g., active electrode) into the tissue and returned from the tissue through a second electrode (e.g., return electrode). Heat generated by the current flowing through the tissue may form hemostatic seals within the tissue
Implementation Method 4
The electrical energy may be in the form of radio frequency ('RF') energy. In application, an electrosurgical instrument can transmit low frequency RF energy through tissue, which causes ionic agitation, or friction, in effect resistive heating, thereby increasing the temperature of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a surgical instrument with an end-effector adapted and configured to deliver a plurality of energy modalities to tissue at a distal end thereof. The energy modalities may be applied simultaneously, independently, or sequentially. A generator is electrically coupled to the surgical instrument and is configured to supply a plurality of energy modalities to the end-effector. In one aspect, the generator is configured to supply electrosurgical energy (e.g., monopolar or bipolar radio frequency (RF) energy) and ultrasonic energy to the end-effector to allow the end-effector to interact with the tissue. The energy modalities may be supplied to the end-effector by a single generator or multiple generators.