Steering radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

This invention discloses a steerable radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery, relating to the field of medical device technology. It includes a proximal component for manipulation, a slender main body component that enters the body cavity, and a distal working component. The main body component includes a hollow sleeve, a pull rod slidably connected within the sleeve, and a gripping portion fixed to the outside of the sleeve. The segment of the sleeve near the gripping portion has an upper notch structure, at which a drive component for steering the working component is provided. By integrating a bipolar radiofrequency electrode and a localized liquid spray system on the same jaw structure, structural integration of both radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation energy action modes is achieved. A unique sliding key joint structure decouples the axial sliding and circumferential rotation of the pull rod, allowing independent control of jaw opening and closing and working component steering without interference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to steerable radiofrequency blocking and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques, laparoscopic surgery has been widely used in clinical fields such as gynecology, general surgery, and urology due to its advantages of minimal trauma and rapid recovery. During laparoscopic surgery, it is often necessary to reliably close and stop bleeding in blood vessels or tissues, and to cut or ablate diseased tissues. Therefore, radiofrequency ablation devices and plasma ablation devices have become two commonly used types of energy surgical instruments in clinical practice.

[0003] Existing radiofrequency ablation surgical forceps typically employ a bipolar electrode structure. By applying radiofrequency energy while the tissue is held in place by the forceps, the collagen within the tissue undergoes thermal denaturation and cross-linking, thereby achieving reliable closure of blood vessels or tissues. These instruments have a mature structure, stable closure effect, and are widely used in vascular closure and tissue hemostasis procedures. However, the structural design of radiofrequency ablation instruments primarily focuses on clamping and closure functions, and they generally lack the ability to effectively cut or ablate tissue. Furthermore, the closure process can easily lead to local tissue drying and carbonization, making them unsuitable for direct use in subsequent tissue cutting procedures.

[0004] On the other hand, plasma ablation or plasma cutting techniques typically rely on creating a conductive medium environment (such as saline) around the electrodes to ablate or cut tissue by exciting low-temperature plasma. Existing plasma ablation devices mostly employ rod-shaped, blade-type, or probe-type structures, and their working principles and structural forms differ significantly from clamping surgical forceps. They are also typically designed for use in liquid environments. Under laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum conditions, the cavity is predominantly filled with carbon dioxide gas, lacking a stable conductive medium, which greatly limits the application of plasma ablation techniques in this environment.

[0005] Because radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation differ significantly in their working principles, physical environment requirements, and instrument structures, current technologies typically integrate these two functions onto different surgical instruments. In actual surgery, surgeons often need to frequently switch instruments between hemostasis and tissue cutting, which not only increases the number of surgical steps and time costs but also reduces the continuity and precision of the procedure. Furthermore, changing instruments in confined or complex anatomical spaces poses certain operational risks.

[0006] A search of existing patent literature revealed the following patents that disclose relevant technical solutions:

[0007] 1) Publication No. CN110292436A discloses a radiofrequency plasma surgical electrode, including an electrode clamp head, a surgical electrode rod, a surgical electrode handle, and a plug cable; one end of the surgical electrode handle is connected to one end of the surgical electrode rod, and the other end of the surgical electrode handle is connected to the plug cable; the electrode clamp head is disposed at the other end of the surgical electrode rod; the electrode head of the radiofrequency plasma surgical electrode of the present invention is an electrode clamp head, which can lift the surface membrane when the handle is clamped, and then vaporize, cut, ablate, shrink, hemostatically stop, and repair the tissue without damaging the membrane; and solve the problem of hemostasis of the nerve surface membrane, preventing intraoperative bleeding; the electrode clamp head has a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm (i.e., two clamping jaws), which can be connected to two working electrode leads respectively, thus possessing bipolar radiofrequency function. Although the surgical electrode adopts a clamp-type structure and has bipolar radiofrequency function, its structural design is mainly used to lift the surface and perform operations such as vaporization and ablation on the tissue after passing through the membrane. It does not fully consider the problem of constructing a local conductive medium in a pneumoperitoneum environment, and its turning function is limited, making it difficult to adapt to the operation requirements of complex anatomical positions.

[0008] 2) Publication No. CN114601528A discloses a multi-degree-of-freedom manipulator for laparoscopy, including a manipulator head structure, a steering joint, a connecting tube, a support, a Y-axis drive mechanism, an X-axis drive mechanism, and a tensioning mechanism. One end of the steering joint is connected to the manipulator head structure, and the other end is connected to the connecting tube. The connecting tube is connected to the support, and the Y-axis drive mechanism is hinged to the support. The Y-axis drive mechanism is driven by the steering joint, and the X-axis drive mechanism is hinged to the Y-axis drive mechanism. The rotation center line of the X-axis drive mechanism is perpendicular to the rotation center line of the Y-axis drive mechanism. The X-axis drive mechanism is driven by the steering joint, and the tensioning mechanism is disposed on the Y-axis drive mechanism and is driven by the manipulator head structure. This utility model's manipulator head structure can deflect in the up, down, left, and right directions, exhibiting flexible steering characteristics, reducing the operator's elbow movement range, and facilitating minimally invasive surgery. Although this manipulator has flexible multi-degree-of-freedom steering function, it only has a mechanical clamping function and does not integrate any energy output function, thus it cannot achieve radiofrequency ablation or plasma ablation of tissues.

[0009] While both of the aforementioned existing technologies have addressed certain technical issues, they both suffer from significant functional limitations: the former, although integrating bipolar radiofrequency functionality and employing a clamping structure, fails to address the construction of a local conductive medium within the pneumoperitoneum environment required for plasma ablation, and its steering capability is limited; the latter, while possessing flexible multi-degree-of-freedom steering capabilities, completely lacks energy output capability, making it impossible to perform electrosurgical treatment of tissues. Therefore, it is evident that existing technologies lack a laparoscopic surgical instrument that possesses both steerable clamping capabilities and can accommodate both radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation energy delivery methods within the same clamping structure.

[0010] Based on the above-mentioned existing technology, the present invention proposes a steerable radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steerable radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery, in order to solve the problems in the prior art where radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation are integrated on different surgical instruments and the application of plasma ablation technology is limited in a pneumoperitoneum environment.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a steerable radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery, comprising a proximal component for manipulation, a slender main body component that enters the human cavity, and a working component disposed at the distal end.

[0013] The main component includes a hollow sleeve, a pull rod slidably connected inside the sleeve, and a gripping part fixed to the outside of the sleeve. The section of the sleeve near the gripping part has an upper notch structure, and a drive component for driving the working component to turn is provided at the notch.

[0014] The working component includes a clamp base, which is rotatably connected to the sleeve. A first clamp head and a second clamp head are rotatably connected to the clamp base. The first clamp head and the second clamp head are hinged to the pull rod. An electrode plate is embedded on the inner side of each of the first and second clamp heads. The two electrode plates are arranged opposite each other to form a bipolar electrode structure. The inner side of each of the first and second clamp heads is also provided with a set of multiple water outlets distributed along the clamping direction. The spray direction of the water outlets is directed towards the clamping area between the two electrode plates. The water outlets are connected to an external water source through a liquid channel provided inside the clamp head. The conductive liquid sprayed from the water outlets forms a local conductive environment between the two electrode plates.

[0015] The proximal assembly includes a fixed handle and a movable handle. The fixed handle is connected to the end of the pull rod away from the working assembly, and the movable handle is hinged at the center of the fixed handle.

[0016] The pull rod has a guide groove extending axially on its outer side at the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a driven bevel gear set on the outer side of the pull rod. A convex sliding key is fixed in the inner hole of the driven bevel gear. The convex sliding key is engaged in the guide groove to form a sliding key fit structure.

[0017] The structure is configured such that when the driven bevel gear rotates, the pull rod is driven to rotate synchronously through the cooperation of the convex sliding key and the guide groove, thereby driving the working component to turn.

[0018] When the pull rod is driven to slide axially, the guide groove slides relative to the convex sliding key, thereby decoupling the axial motion from the circumferential motion.

[0019] Furthermore, the drive assembly also includes a mounting base fixed outside the sleeve, a motor is mounted on the top of the mounting base, the output shaft of the motor passes through the hollow part of the mounting base and is connected to a driving bevel gear, and the driving bevel gear meshes with the driven bevel gear.

[0020] Furthermore, both the first and second pliers heads have water tanks inside. The water inlet of the water tank is connected to an external water source through a water pipe, and multiple water outlets are connected to the water tank. An opening is provided on the inner surface of the pliers head, and the water pipe is connected to the opening.

[0021] Furthermore, the clamp seat has a mounting groove at the end away from the pull rod, and a connecting hole is provided at the top of the mounting groove. The first clamp head and the second clamp head are rotatably mounted in the connecting hole by rivets. The tail ends of the first clamp head and the second clamp head are hinged with connecting pieces. The ends of the two sets of connecting pieces away from the first clamp head and the second clamp head are hinged to the pull rod by rivets.

[0022] Furthermore, the proximal component is provided with a water injection pipe connected to the water pipe and a transmission wire electrically connected to the electrode plate. The free end of the water injection pipe is equipped with a cold brine connector, and the end of the transmission wire is equipped with a common connector.

[0023] Furthermore, both the first and second clamps are equipped with radio frequency power supply wires and temperature monitoring thermocouples. The radio frequency power supply wires and temperature monitoring thermocouples are integrated in the same transmission wire and connected to an external radio frequency energy source and temperature monitoring equipment through the common connector. The radio frequency power supply wires are electrically connected to the electrode plates, and the detection end of the temperature monitoring thermocouple is attached to the non-working surface of the electrode plates.

[0024] Furthermore, the working surface of the electrode sheet protrudes beyond the clamping surfaces of the first and second clamping heads, and an insulating pad is laid between the electrode sheet and the first and second clamping heads and the clamp base.

[0025] Furthermore, the length of the guide groove is greater than the maximum axial push-pull stroke of the pull rod.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies, the steerable radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery provided by this invention achieves structural integration of two energy action modes—radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation—by integrating a bipolar radiofrequency electrode and a local spray system on the same jaw structure. Through a unique sliding key mechanism, the axial sliding and circumferential rotation of the lever are decoupled, allowing independent control of jaw opening and closing and the steering of the working components without interference. Compared with existing technologies, it has the following significant advantages:

[0027] 1. The present invention distributes multiple water outlets along the clamping direction on the inside of the clamp head and directs their spray direction toward the clamping area between the two electrode plates. This structured spraying and electrode cooperation mechanism ensures that the sprayed conductive liquid is precisely constrained within the electrode action area, thereby forming a stable and localized conductive environment between the two electrode plates under pneumatic conditions.

[0028] 2. By setting an axially extending guide groove on the pull rod and forming a sliding key engagement with the convex sliding key in the inner hole of the driven bevel gear, the present invention directly realizes the independent transmission of two motions: when rotating circumferentially, the sliding key drives the pull rod to rotate, and when sliding axially, the guide groove moves relative to the sliding key. Thus, the two actions of jaw opening and closing and the turning of the working component do not interfere with each other, resulting in high control precision and simplifying the transmission link.

[0029] 3. By using a bipolar electrode structure to precisely confine radio frequency energy within the clamping area, combined with localized liquid spraying at the outlet, the energy range of both radio frequency sealing and plasma ablation is highly controllable, with clear thermal damage boundaries, effectively reducing unintended thermal impacts on surrounding healthy tissues. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A front view provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the working components is provided for embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second pliers head is provided for an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the driving component is provided for embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the driving component is provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1. Proximal component; 101. Fixed handle; 102. Movable handle;

[0039] 2. Main body component; 201. Sleeve; 202. Tie rod; 2021. Guide groove; 203. Grip part;

[0040] 3. Working components; 301. First clamp head; 302. Second clamp head; 303. Clamp base; 3031. Mounting slot; 3032. Connecting hole; 3033. Connecting piece; 304. Electrode piece; 305. Water outlet; 306. Water tank; 307. Through port; 308. Water pipe; 309. RF power supply wire and temperature monitoring thermocouple;

[0041] 4. Drive assembly; 401. Mounting base; 402. Motor; 403. Driving bevel gear; 404. Driven bevel gear; 405. Convex slide key;

[0042] 5. Water inlet pipe; 6. Cold brine connector; 7. Transmission wire; 8. Common connector. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 6 As shown:

[0045] This invention provides a steerable radiofrequency ablation and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery, comprising a proximal component 1 for manipulation, an elongated main body component 2 that enters the body cavity, and a distal working component 3, characterized in that:

[0046] The main component 2 includes a hollow sleeve 201, a pull rod 202 slidably connected inside the sleeve 201, and a gripping part 203 fixed outside the sleeve 201. The section of the sleeve 201 near the gripping part 203 has an upper notch structure, and a drive component 4 for driving the working component 3 to turn is provided at the notch.

[0047] Working component 3 includes a clamp base 303, which is rotatably connected to the sleeve 201. A first clamp head 301 and a second clamp head 302 are rotatably connected to the clamp base 303. The first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are hinged to the pull rod 202. When the pull rod 202 slides axially within the sleeve 201, the hinge structure drives the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 to open and close relative to each other, thereby clamping and releasing the tissue. An electrode plate 304 is embedded on the inner side of each of the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302. The two electrode plates 304 are arranged opposite each other to form a bipolar electrode structure. When the two clamp heads are closed to clamp the tissue, the two electrodes... Each of the plates 304 contacts the tissue, and by applying radio frequency energy, the collagen in the tissue undergoes thermal denaturation and cross-linking, thereby achieving reliable closure of blood vessels or tissues. The inner sides of the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are each provided with a set of multiple water outlets 305 distributed along the clamping direction. The spray direction of the water outlets 305 is directed towards the clamping area between the two electrode plates 304. The water outlets 305 are connected to an external water source through a liquid channel set inside the clamp head, and their spray direction is directed towards the clamping area between the two electrode plates 304. The conductive liquid sprayed from the water outlets 305 forms a local conductive environment between the two electrode plates 304.

[0048] Both the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 have water tanks 306 inside. The inlet of the water tank 306 is connected to an external water source through a water pipe 308, and multiple outlets 305 are connected to the water tank 306. A through-hole 307 is opened on the inner surface of the clamp head, and the water pipe 308 is connected to the through-hole 307. Specifically, when plasma ablation is required, physiological saline is injected through an external water source. The liquid is sprayed out from the multiple outlets 305 through the water tank 306. Due to the structural limitation of the distribution direction and spray angle of the outlets 305, the sprayed conductive liquid is precisely confined in the space between the two electrode plates 304, forming a stable, localized conductive liquid environment. At this time, radio frequency energy suitable for plasma ablation is applied to the electrode plates 304, which can stimulate low-temperature plasma in this localized conductive environment to achieve tissue ablation. This structural design enables the surgical clamps to perform plasma ablation even in a laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum environment, solving the problem of the limited application of traditional plasma ablation instruments in a gaseous environment.

[0049] It should be further explained that, in order to further constrain the residence of conductive liquid within the working area of ​​electrode plate 304, prevent the liquid from diffusing outside the clamping area and block unintended current propagation paths, the following features are also provided in the clamping head structure:

[0050] An insulating limiting protrusion (not shown in the figure) is provided on the inner side of each of the first clamping head 301 and the second clamping head 302. The insulating limiting protrusion is distributed on both sides of the outlet 305 along the clamping direction, and its protrusion height is not lower than the working surface height of the electrode plate 304. When the first clamping head 301 and the second clamping head 302 are closed, the two insulating limiting protrusions abut against each other, forming a closed annular barrier in the circumference of the electrode plate 304, physically confining the sprayed conductive liquid within the closed microcavity between the two electrode plates 304.

[0051] Meanwhile, the outer surfaces of the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302, as well as the inner surfaces except for the working surface of the electrode plate 304, are covered with a hydrophobic insulating coating (not shown in the figure). This hydrophobic insulating coating uses its hydrophobic properties to prevent the liquid from spreading and flowing, and uses its electrical insulating properties to cut off the current conduction path from the liquid film to the peripheral tissue.

[0052] The proximal component 1 includes a fixed handle 101 and a movable handle 102. The fixed handle 101 is connected to the end of the pull rod 202 away from the working component 3. The movable handle 102 is hinged at the center of the fixed handle 101. By pressing the movable handle 102 with a finger, it is rotated around the hinge point, thereby driving the pull rod 202 to slide axially within the sleeve 201, thus realizing the opening and closing control of the distal working component 3.

[0053] Among them, the pull rod 202 is provided with a guide groove 2021 extending along its axial direction on the outer side of the drive assembly 4. The drive assembly 4 includes a driven bevel gear 404 set on the outer side of the pull rod 202. A convex sliding key 405 is fixed in the inner hole of the driven bevel gear 404. The convex sliding key 405 is engaged in the guide groove 2021 to form a sliding key fit structure.

[0054] The structure is configured such that when the driven bevel gear 404 rotates, the pull rod 202 is driven to rotate synchronously through the cooperation of the convex sliding key 405 and the guide groove 2021, thereby driving the working component 3 to turn.

[0055] When the pull rod 202 is driven to slide axially, the guide groove 2021 slides relative to the convex sliding key 405, thereby decoupling the axial motion from the circumferential motion.

[0056] Specifically, the guide groove 2021 is an elongated groove extending axially along the pull rod 202, and the convex slide key 405 is a protruding structure matching the guide groove 2021, fixedly installed on the inner wall of the driven bevel gear 404. The convex slide key 405 is embedded in the guide groove 2021, and the two form a sliding connection. When the driven bevel gear 404 rotates under the drive of the motor 402, the convex slide key 405, by engaging in the guide groove 2021, transmits the rotational torque to the pull rod 202, thereby driving the pull rod 202 to rotate around its axis, and thus driving the working component 3 connected to the distal end of the pull rod 202 to rotate as a whole. At the same time, when the operator drives the pull rod 202 to slide axially through the movable handle 102 to control the opening and closing of the jaws, since the guide groove 2021 and the convex slide key 405 are in sliding engagement, the pull rod 202 can slide freely axially under the constraint of the convex slide key 405, and the guide groove 2021 moves axially relative to the convex slide key 405. The sliding key structure decouples the axial sliding and circumferential rotation of the pull rod 202, allowing the pull rod 202 to slide axially under the drive of the movable handle 102 to control the opening and closing of the first clamp 301 and the second clamp 302, and to rotate under the drive of the motor 402 to control the direction of the working component 3. The two movements are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other.

[0057] Furthermore, the length of the guide groove 2021 is greater than the maximum axial push-pull stroke of the pull rod 202, ensuring that the convex sliding key 405 remains within the guide groove 2021 throughout the entire axial sliding stroke of the pull rod 202, preventing it from coming out and causing transmission failure, and ensuring the reliability and stability of the transmission.

[0058] Among them, as optional implementation parameters, the liquid flow rate of a single outlet 305 can be controlled within the range of 0.5-5ml / min, the distance between the two electrode plates 304 is 0.5-2.5mm in the closed state, the radio frequency range suitable for plasma ablation is 100kHz-1MHz, and the output power range is 10W-100W.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive assembly 4 further includes a mounting base 401 fixed outside the sleeve 201. A motor 402 is mounted on the top of the mounting base 401. The output shaft of the motor 402 passes through the hollow part of the mounting base 401 and is connected to a driving bevel gear 403. The driving bevel gear 403 meshes with a driven bevel gear 404. Specifically, the motor 402 is a miniature DC motor. When the motor 402 starts, the driving bevel gear 403 drives the driven bevel gear 404 to rotate. Due to the engagement relationship between the driven bevel gear 404 and the pull rod 202, the drive pull rod 202 drives the clamp 303 and the entire working assembly 3 to rotate relative to the sleeve 201, thereby realizing the steering function of the working assembly 3.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting groove 3031 is provided at the end of the clamp base 303 away from the pull rod 202. A connecting hole 3032 is provided at the top of the mounting groove 3031. The first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are rotatably mounted in the connecting hole 3032 by rivets. The tail ends of the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are each hinged with a connecting piece 3033. The ends of the two sets of connecting pieces 3033 away from the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are hinged to the pull rod 202 by rivets. When the pull rod 202 slides axially, the tail ends of the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are pushed or pulled by the connecting pieces 3033, causing them to rotate around the fulcrum at the connecting hole 3032, thereby realizing the opening and closing action of the jaws. The first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are rotatably connected to the clamp base 303 by rivets passing through the connecting hole 3032, forming the rotation fulcrum of the jaws.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the proximal assembly 1 is provided with a water inlet pipe 5 communicating with a water pipe 308 and a transmission wire 7 electrically connected to an electrode plate 304. The free end of the water inlet pipe 5 is equipped with a leak-proof cold saline connector 6, and the end of the transmission wire 7 is equipped with a common connector 8. Specifically, the water inlet pipe 5 is connected to the water pipe 308 for introducing external conductive liquid into the surgical forceps. The cold saline connector 6 adopts a standard medical interface, has a leak-proof design, and can be quickly connected to an external cold saline supply device. The transmission wire 7 is electrically connected to the electrode plate 304 for transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrode plate 304. The common connector 8 integrates multiple electrical connection ports, which can be connected to external radio frequency energy sources and temperature monitoring equipment.

[0062] Furthermore, both the first clamp head 301 and the second clamp head 302 are equipped with radio frequency (RF) power supply wires and temperature monitoring thermocouples 309. The RF power supply wires and temperature monitoring thermocouples 309 are integrated within the same transmission wire 7 and connected to an external RF energy source and temperature monitoring device via a common connector 8 on the transmission wire 7. The RF power supply wires are electrically connected to the electrode pad 304 and supply it with RF energy. The detection end of the temperature monitoring thermocouple is attached to the non-working surface of the electrode pad 304 to detect the working surface temperature of the electrode pad 304 in real time. Specifically, the RF power supply wires and temperature monitoring thermocouples 309 are integrated and packaged within the same cable, simplifying the internal wiring structure and reducing the number of cables passing through the surgical forceps. The detection end of the temperature monitoring thermocouple is tightly attached to the non-working surface of the electrode pad 304, enabling real-time sensing of the working temperature of the electrode pad 304. When the temperature exceeds a set threshold, the external control system can automatically adjust the RF energy output or issue an alarm signal to prevent tissue carbonization or thermal damage due to excessive temperature, thereby improving surgical safety.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the working surface of the electrode plate 304 protrudes beyond the clamping surfaces of the first clamping head 301 and the second clamping head 302. Insulating pads (not shown in the figure) are laid between the electrode plate 304 and the first clamping head 301, the second clamping head 302, and the clamp base 303. Specifically, the working surface of the electrode plate 304 slightly protrudes beyond the clamping surfaces of the clamping heads, ensuring close contact between the electrode plate 304 and the tissue when clamping it, thus guaranteeing effective transmission of radio frequency energy. Simultaneously, the insulating pads laid between the electrode plate 304 and the clamping heads and clamp base effectively isolate the electrode from the metal clamp body, preventing radio frequency energy leakage to non-working areas and avoiding unintended electrical damage to surrounding tissues. The insulating pads can be made of materials with good insulation and high-temperature resistance, such as polytetrafluoroethylene and polyimide.

[0064] Working principle: When the surgical forceps of this invention are used in laparoscopic surgery, they are inserted into the abdominal cavity through the trocar via the sleeve 201. The operator holds the fixed handle 101 and the movable handle 102, and drives the pull rod 202 to slide axially by pressing the movable handle 102. Through the connecting piece 3033, the operator controls the opening and closing of the first forceps head 301 and the second forceps head 302 to achieve the clamping and release of tissue.

[0065] When tissue closure for hemostasis is required, the operator clamps the tissue between two clamps and applies radiofrequency energy to the electrode pads 304 via the transmission wire 7. The two electrode pads 304 form a bipolar electrode structure, creating a radiofrequency electric field in the clamping area. This causes thermal denaturation and cross-linking of collagen within the tissue, achieving reliable closure of the blood vessel or tissue. During this process, a temperature monitoring thermocouple continuously monitors the operating temperature of the electrode pads 304 and feeds the temperature signal back to the external control system to ensure that the closure process is performed within a safe temperature range.

[0066] When tissue ablation is required, the operator injects physiological saline into the water pipe 308 through the water injection pipe 5 and the cold saline connector 6. The saline is then evenly sprayed from multiple outlets 305 through the water tank 306 onto the working area of ​​the electrode pad 304, creating a locally conductive liquid environment. Subsequently, radiofrequency energy suitable for plasma ablation is applied to the electrode pad 304, exciting low-temperature plasma in the liquid environment to achieve tissue ablation. Because the spray structure only creates a conductive environment in a localized area, the entire surgical procedure can maintain pneumoperitoneum and does not affect the surgical field.

[0067] During surgery, when the angle of the working component 3 needs to be adjusted to adapt to complex anatomical positions, the operator starts the motor 402. The active bevel gear 403 drives the driven bevel gear 404 to rotate. Through the cooperation of the convex sliding key 405 and the sliding key of the guide groove 2021, the torque is transmitted to the pull rod 202, driving the pull rod 202 to rotate. This, in turn, causes the clamp seat 303 and the entire working component 3 to rotate relative to the sleeve 201, achieving precise steering of the working component 3. Since the length of the guide groove 2021 is greater than the maximum axial push-pull stroke of the pull rod 202, the axial sliding function of the pull rod 202 is not affected during steering. That is, steering control and clamp opening and closing control do not interfere with each other and can be operated independently.

[0068] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steerable radiofrequency sealing and plasma ablation surgical forceps for laparoscopic surgery, comprising a proximal end assembly (1) for manipulation, an elongated body assembly (2) for entering into a human cavity, and a working assembly (3) arranged at the distal end, characterized in that: the body assembly (2) comprises an inner hollow sleeve (201), a pull rod (202) slidingly connected in the sleeve (201), and a holding portion (203) fixed outside the sleeve (201), the sleeve (201) is an upper gap structure near the holding portion (203), and a driving assembly (4) for driving the working assembly (3) to steer is arranged at the gap; the working assembly (3) comprises a forceps seat (303), the forceps seat (303) is rotationally connected with the sleeve (201), a first forceps head (301) and a second forceps head (302) are rotationally connected on the forceps seat (303), the first forceps head (301) and the second forceps head (302) are hingedly connected on the pull rod (202), and each of the first forceps head (301) and the second forceps head (302) is embedded with an electrode sheet (304) on the opposite inner side, the two electrode sheets (304) are oppositely arranged to form a bipolar electrode structure, and each of the first forceps head (301) and the second forceps head (302) is further provided with a plurality of water outlets (305) arranged along the clamping direction, the spray direction of the water outlets (305) points to the clamping area between the two electrode sheets (304), the water outlets (305) are communicated with an external water source through a liquid path channel arranged inside the forceps head, the spray direction of the water outlets (305) points to the clamping area between the two electrode sheets (304), and the conductive liquid sprayed by the water outlets (305) forms a local conductive environment between the two electrode sheets (304); the proximal end assembly (1) comprises a fixed handle (101) and a movable handle (102), the fixed handle (101) is connected with one end of the pull rod (202) away from the working assembly (3), and the movable handle (102) is hingedly connected at the center of the fixed handle (101); wherein a guide groove (2021) extending along the axial direction of the pull rod (202) is formed on the outer side of the pull rod (202) at the position of the driving assembly (4), the driving assembly (4) comprises a driven bevel gear (404) arranged on the outer side of the pull rod (202), a convex slide key (405) is fixedly arranged in the inner hole of the driven bevel gear (404), and the convex slide key (405) is engaged in the guide groove (2021) to form a slide key matching structure; the structure is configured such that when the driven bevel gear (404) rotates, the pull rod (202) is driven to rotate synchronously through the matching of the convex slide key (405) and the guide groove (2021), and then the working assembly (3) is steered; when the pull rod (202) is driven to slide axially, the guide groove (2021) slides relative to the convex slide key (405) to realize the decoupling of axial movement and circumferential movement.

2. The steerable RF occlusion and plasma ablation forceps for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (4) further includes a mounting base (401) fixed outside the sleeve (201). A motor (402) is mounted on the top of the mounting base (401). The output shaft of the motor (402) passes through the hollow part of the mounting base (401) and is connected to a drive bevel gear (403). The drive bevel gear (403) meshes with the driven bevel gear (404).

3. The steerable RF occlusion and plasma ablation forceps for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first pliers head (301) and the second pliers head (302) have water tanks (306) inside. The water inlet of the water tank (306) is connected to an external water source through a water pipe (308). Multiple water outlets (305) are connected to the water tank (306). A through-hole (307) is opened on the inner surface of the pliers head, and the water pipe (308) is connected to the through-hole (307).

4. The turnable RF sealing and plasma ablation forceps for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp seat (303) is provided with a mounting groove (3031) at one end away from the pull rod (202). The top end of the mounting groove (3031) is provided with a connecting hole (3032) that penetrates it. The first clamp head (301) and the second clamp head (302) are rotatably mounted in the connecting hole (3032) by rivets. The tail ends of the first clamp head (301) and the second clamp head (302) are both hinged with connecting pieces (3033). The ends of the two sets of connecting pieces (3033) away from the first clamp head (301) and the second clamp head (302) are hinged to the pull rod (202) by rivets.

5. The turnable RF sealing and plasma ablation forceps for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 3, characterized in that, The proximal component (1) is provided with a water injection pipe (5) connected to the water pipe (308) and a transmission wire (7) electrically connected to the electrode plate (304). The free end of the water injection pipe (5) is provided with a cold brine connector (6), and the end of the transmission wire (7) is provided with a common connector (8).

6. The turnable RF sealing and plasma ablation forceps for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first clamp (301) and the second clamp (302) are each equipped with a radio frequency power supply wire and a temperature monitoring thermocouple (309). The radio frequency power supply wire and the temperature monitoring thermocouple (309) are integrated in the same transmission wire (7) and connected to an external radio frequency energy source and temperature monitoring equipment through the common connector (8). The radio frequency power supply wire is electrically connected to the electrode plate (304). The detection end of the temperature monitoring thermocouple is attached to the non-working surface of the electrode plate (304).

7. The turnable RF sealing and plasma ablation forceps for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The working surface of the electrode plate (304) protrudes from the clamping surfaces of the first clamping head (301) and the second clamping head (302), and an insulating pad is laid between the electrode plate (304), the first clamping head (301), the second clamping head (302) and the clamp base (303).

8. The turnable RF sealing and plasma ablation forceps for laparoscopic surgery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the guide groove (2021) is greater than the maximum axial push-pull stroke of the pull rod (202).

Images