Enhanced Electrosurgical Tissue Sealing System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved electrosurgical tissue sealing system that dynamically adjusts RF energy transmission based on real-time tissue impedance measurements, tissue type, and surgical procedure requirements, ensuring optimal tissue sealing and reduced risk of tissue sticking.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent (Jaw for surgical instrument end effector) has limitations in optimizing RF energy transmission for various tissue types and surgical procedures. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing dynamic gap distance adjustment, real-time tissue impedance measurements, and integrated temperature sensors to ensure optimal tissue sealing and reduced risk of tissue sticking.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced electrosurgical tissue sealing system consists of an end effector with adjustable gap distance between opposing jaw members, a control mechanism to dynamically adjust the gap distance, and integrated temperature sensors to monitor tissue temperature in real-time. The system also includes a feedback loop to adjust RF energy output accordingly. Additionally, the end effector features a self-cleaning mechanism to remove debris and char buildup, ensuring consistent RF energy transmission and reducing the risk of tissue sticking. The system can detect tissue moisture levels and adjust RF energy output based on the detected moisture levels to optimize tissue sealing.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel combination of dynamic gap distance adjustment, real-time tissue impedance measurements, and integrated temperature sensors, which provide a significant improvement over the original patent's fixed gap distance and lack of real-time monitoring. The inventive step lies in the integration of these features to optimize RF energy transmission and tissue sealing.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of sensors, such as optical or acoustic sensors, to monitor tissue properties. Variations of the self-cleaning mechanism could include using ultrasonic cleaning or chemical cleaning solutions. The system could also be adapted for use in different surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced electrosurgical tissue sealing system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery. The system's ability to optimize tissue sealing and reduce the risk of tissue sticking could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced surgical times, and increased adoption in hospitals and surgical centers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B18/1445 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00389 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00734 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2925 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/0063 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00083 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00601 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/126 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1455 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1467 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Electrosurgical medical devices, specifically surgical instrument end effectors for tissue sealing and RF energy transmission, requiring expertise in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and surgical instrument design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with electrosurgical technologies, RF energy transmission principles, and surgical instrument performance requirements
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core electrosurgical jaw design, utilizing standard engineering techniques to enhance tissue sealing performance through dynamic monitoring and adaptive energy transmission. The proposed modifications represent incremental improvements using known sensor and control technologies that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize surgical instrument functionality.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,247 |
|---|---|
| Title | Jaw for surgical instrument end effector |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |