Bipolar forceps

Abstract

A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a second forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the first forceps arm. Illustratively, the second forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the second forceps arm.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 893,265, filed Oct. 20, 2013.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure relates to a medical device, and, more particularly, to a surgical instrument.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A variety of complete surgical procedures and portions of surgical procedures may be performed with bipolar forceps, e.g., bipolar forceps are commonly used in dermatological, gynecological, cardiac, plastic, ocular, spinal, maxillofacial, orthopedic, urological, and general surgical procedures. Bipolar forceps are also used in neurosurgical procedures; however, the use of bipolar forceps in neurosurgical procedures presents unique risks to patients because unintentional damage to brain tissue may cause devastates ing postsurgical effects. For example, unintentional damage to a patient's brain tissue may cause major deficits in the patient's intelligence, memory, personality, a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a type of surgical tool called bipolar forceps, which can be used to clamp body tissues together. The forceps have two arms with conductor tips that can apply electric current to the tissues. The invention includes a mechanism to isolate the conductor tips, so that they can only conduct electric current at certain points on the arms. This allows for more precise and controlled use of the forceps during surgery. When a force is applied to the arms, the forceps jaws are closed, and when the force is reduced, the jaws are opened. This mechanism makes it easier to use the forceps and ensures consistent results during surgery.

Problems solved by technology

Bipolar forceps are also used in neurosurgical procedures; however, the use of bipolar forceps in neurosurgical procedures presents unique risks to patients because unintentional damage to brain tissue may cause devastates ing postsurgical effects.

For example, unintentional damage to a patient's brain tissue may cause major deficits in the patient's intelligence, memory, personality, and movement.

Most unintentional damage to brain tissue is caused by unintended thermal and current spread, e.g., a surgeon may intend to apply current to a target tissue but an application of current to the target tissue allows current and heat to spread to non-target tissues surrounding the target tissue.

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