Electrosurgical instrument
Through the modular design and biasing device, the problem of poor displacement of electrosurgical instruments is solved, the surgeon's precise operation and assembly convenience during surgery is achieved, and the accuracy and safety of electrosurgical instruments are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380043984.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-08
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-10
AI Technical Summary
The design of existing electrosurgical devices is difficult to provide the surgeon with the correct sense of force displacement, resulting in excessive or excessively small pressure being applied, affecting the accuracy and safety of the surgery.
With a modular design, including the first and second arms each having a rigid body and conductive elements, providing correct force displacement through biasing devices such as spring members and retaining members, and improving assembly and use through conductor bearing parts and smoke exhaust pipes Convenience.
The surgeon performs precise pinch movements during surgery, improves the accuracy of electrosurgical instruments and ease of assembly, reduces manufacturing time, and provides the correct "feeling" of tissue and cleaning of the surgical site.
Smart Images
Figure CN119300781A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument and a method for assembling an electrosurgical instrument.
[0002] Electrosurgical instruments are widely used for wound cauterization in medical surgical procedures. Alternating current is conducted through the electrosurgical instrument to the electrosurgical conductor tip, and the current is applied to the target tissue to heat and thereby seal the tissue, thereby preventing bleeding, etc.
[0003] It is particularly important for a doctor or nurse (referred to herein as a surgeon) to experience the correct "feel" of the tissue they are cauterizing using an electrosurgical instrument; otherwise, the surgeon may apply too much or too little pressure, which may result in the cauterization of too much tissue or not enough tissue, respectively.
[0004] In the prior art, standard forceps used to grasp or hold target tissue have two metal arm sections through which electrical current can pass, which are connected at a joint to form a flexible hinge. This flexible hinge generally does not provide the surgeon with the correct force displacement, i.e., the correct "feel", for contact with the target tissue. The location of the hinge at the proximal portion relative to the tips also contributes to the problem of skewness of the forceps arms, that is, the tips do not neatly meet each other during the clamping action.
[0005] More complex designs of electrosurgical forceps are known, but these designs tend to exacerbate surgeon "feel" issues and are also difficult to manufacture and sterilize.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrosurgical instrument which solves or alleviates one or more of the above problems.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electrosurgical instrument is provided, comprising: a first arm having a first rigid body and a first conductive element, the first conductive element comprising a first electrosurgical tip extending from a first axial pointed end of the first rigid body, the first rigid body comprising a first inner portion and a first outer portion capable of being connected around the first conductive element; a second arm having a second rigid body and a second conductive element, the second conductive element comprising a second electrosurgical tip extending from a second axial pointed end of the second rigid body, the second rigid body comprising a second inner portion and a second outer portion capable of being connected around the second conductive element, the second arm being movably connected to the first arm; and a biasing device for providing a separation force between the first and second arms.
[0008] This is advantageous because it is apparent that the electrosurgical instrument can be assembled modularly. Modular assembly promotes ease of manufacture because, in the event that one feature of the electrosurgical instrument needs to be replaced, the features of the electrosurgical instrument can be manufactured quickly and easily.
[0009] A biasing device that provides a separation force is also advantageous because it provides the correct force displacement for the electrosurgical instrument for the surgeon to perform a precise pinching motion during a surgical procedure.
[0010] Optionally, the first and second rigid bodies may preferably be made of an insulating material. Making the first and second rigid bodies of an insulating material protects the user from the effects of electrical current conducted through the device.
[0011] Preferably, the biasing means may comprise a spring member. Furthermore, the spring member may preferably be a torsion spring. Optionally, the spring member may preferably comprise at least one spring hinge located between the first and second arms. Having the biasing means is advantageous because an effective spring hinge portion is formed, thereby providing the correct force displacement for the surgeon to perform a precise clamping movement during surgery.
[0012] Advantageously, the first and second rigid bodies of the first and second arms may preferably have the same shape as one another. This is advantageous because the first arm can be identified as the second arm, and the second arm can be identified as the first arm. Thus, the sameness of the first and second arms facilitates ease of assembly of the electrosurgical device, since the features of the first and second arms do not adversely interfere with one another. Furthermore, manufacturing will be greatly simplified if the same template or mold is used for both arms.
[0013] Preferably, each of the first and second rigid bodies of the first and second arms may have an asymmetric profile in the clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument. Having an asymmetric profile in the clamping plane facilitates effective mutual engagement of the first and second arms, as the corresponding features of the first and second arms are appropriately spaced relative to the clamping plane.
[0014] Optionally, the first conductive element may be preferably located between the first inner portion and the first outer portion, and wherein the second conductive element may be located between the second inner portion and the second outer portion. This sandwich construction provides an interference means to hold the conductive elements in place, thereby greatly improving the speed and ease with which assembly can be performed.
[0015] Preferably, the first inner portion may include a first electrosurgical tip support at a first axial pointed end of the first rigid body to receive the first electrosurgical tip, and wherein the second inner portion may include a second electrosurgical tip support at a second axial pointed end of the second rigid body to receive the second electrosurgical tip. Having the first and second electrosurgical tip supports holds the first and second electrosurgical tips in place, which prevents lateral movement of the first and second conductive elements and thus increases the accuracy of use of the electrosurgical instrument.
[0016] Optionally, the first inner portion and / or the first outer portion of the first arm may preferably include a locator for receiving engagement with the first conductive element, and the second inner portion and / or the second outer portion of the second arm may preferably include a locator for receiving engagement with the second conductive element. This is advantageous because when the first and second conductive elements are fixed to the respective inner portions, it prevents the first and second conductive elements from moving out of their positions, and assembly is simple.
[0017] Preferably, the first rigid body may include at least one first retaining member, and the second rigid body may include at least one second retaining member, the at least one first retaining member preferably being capable of interengaging with the at least one second retaining member to inhibit the first and second electrosurgical tips from moving out of a clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument. The interengagement of the first and second retaining members prevents the first and second arms of the electrosurgical instrument from moving out of the clamping plane, thereby providing the surgeon with a precise pinching motion during a surgical procedure.
[0018] Optionally, a plurality of the first retaining members and / or a plurality of the second retaining members may be provided, the first and second retaining members preferably being staggered with each other to inhibit the first and second electrosurgical tips from moving out of the clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument. The availability of a plurality of first and second retaining members further prevents the first and second arms from moving out of the clamping plane and thus provides the surgeon with further precision when using the electrosurgical instrument.
[0019] Preferably, the electrosurgical instrument may further include a smoke evacuation tube positioned between the first and second arms. Positioning the smoke evacuation tube between the first and second arms provides the surgeon with convenient placement of the smoke evacuation tube so that the surgeon does not have to hold an additional instrument to remove smoke generated during the cauterization procedure. Providing a smoke evacuation tube allows the surgeon to remove smoke generated by the cauterization of the target wound to be exhausted from the surgical site. The removal of smoke in turn provides the surgeon with a clearer view of the surgical site and also removes any undesirable odors.
[0020] Optionally, the first rigid body may preferably include two first retaining members, and the second rigid body may include two second retaining members, the two first retaining members and the two second retaining members preferably being capable of interengaging with the smoke evacuation tube to inhibit the first and second electrosurgical tips from moving out of the clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument. Placing the smoke evacuation tube between the two first retaining members and the two second retaining members results in the smoke evacuation tube being partially contained by the two first and two second retaining members and the first and second rigid bodies. The placement of the smoke evacuation tube prevents the first and second arms from moving out of the clamping plane.
[0021] The electrosurgical instrument may also preferably include a switch associated with at least one of the first and second arms for activating the current applied to the first and second electrosurgical tips. The switch provides a user with a simple means of activating the current applied to the electrosurgical instrument.
[0022] Optionally, the electrosurgical instrument may also preferably include a conductor carrying portion engageable with the first and second arms. The conductor carrying portion may be provided as a fixed reference point relative to the user, so the conductor itself does not need to move with the first and second arms at the hinge portion.
[0023] Optionally, at least one of the first and second arms may preferably be movable relative to the conductor carrying portion, and wherein the conductor carrying portion may include at least one stop member that can be abuttingly engageable with the first and / or second arm to limit movement of the first and / or second arm by the biasing means. This is advantageous because the conductor carrying portion prevents the hinge portion, and therefore the first and second arms, from over-extension due to the conductor portion abutting the first and second arms.
[0024] Preferably, the electrosurgical instrument may further include a conductive wire or similar conductor, such as a flexible printed circuit, supported by the conductor-bearing portion for providing current from an external power source to the first and second conductive tips. Having the conductive wire provides the electrosurgical instrument with current to stimulate cauterization of the wound via the first and second electrosurgical tips.
[0025] Optionally, the conductive wire may preferably include a first wire branch and a second wire branch, the first and second wire branches being connected to the first and second conductive elements, respectively. The provision of a modular electrosurgical instrument in which the first and second arms are joined together during assembly may require such a branch configuration. The provision of the first and second wire branches facilitates the conduction of current by the respective first and second conductive elements, and thus the conduction of current by the respective first and second electrosurgical tips.
[0026] Optionally, the first arm may preferably include a first hinge cylinder and the second arm may include a second hinge cylinder. This is advantageous because having the first and second hinge cylinders facilitates rotational movement of the hinge when the first and second arms move toward and away from each other.
[0027] Preferably, the first hinge cylinder may be integrally formed with the or each first retaining member and the second hinge cylinder may be integrally formed with the or each second retaining member. This provides additional stability to the retaining members, thereby limiting the tendency to flex outwardly out of the clamping plane which could result in lateral displacement.
[0028] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for modularly assembling an electrosurgical instrument according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the following steps: a] attaching a first conductive element to a first internal portion of a first arm and attaching a second conductive element to a second internal portion of a second arm; b] electrically connecting the first conductive element and electrically connecting the second conductive element to supply current in use to the first and second electrosurgical tips, respectively; c] connecting the first external portion to the first internal portion and the second external portion to the second internal portion to enclose the first and second conductive elements in the first and second rigid bodies of the first and second arms, respectively; and d] connecting the first and second arms to a biasing device.
[0029] The modular assembly of electrosurgical instruments is very advantageous. The features of electrosurgical instruments attached to each other complementarily cooperate, which limits the lateral movement of the electrosurgical instruments.
[0030] The method determines the ease of modular assembly of the electrosurgical instrument, reducing manufacturing time. In addition, if one of the features of the electrosurgical instrument is damaged, the same features as the damaged version can be directly obtained, and the electrosurgical instrument can be directly reassembled.
[0031] The method for modular assembly of an electrosurgical instrument may also preferably include a step prior to step c] of providing a conductor-bearing portion preferably between the first and second inner portions. Providing a conductor-bearing portion between the first and second inner portions limits overextension of the first and second arms.
[0032] In the method for modular assembly of an electrosurgical instrument, the biasing device may preferably be at least one spring member. The spring member advantageously provides the correct force displacement for the surgeon to perform a precise pinching motion during surgery.
[0033] In the method for modular assembly of an electrosurgical instrument, the spring member may preferably be at least one torsion spring. The torsion spring advantageously provides the correct force displacement for a surgeon to perform a precise pinching motion during surgery.
[0034] The method for modular assembly of an electrosurgical instrument may also preferably include a step e] after step d] of placing a smoke evacuation tube between the two first holding members and the two second holding members. The provision of a smoke evacuation tube provides the user with the option of removing unwanted odors and smoke from the surgical site.
[0035] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrosurgical instrument comprising: a first arm having a first rigid body accommodating a first conductive element having a first electrosurgical tip extending from a first axial tip end thereof; a second arm having a second rigid body accommodating a second conductive element having a second electrosurgical tip extending from a second axial tip end thereof; and a torsion spring for providing a separation force between the first and second arms.
[0036] The provision of a torsion spring providing a breakaway force is advantageous because the breakaway force forms an effective hinge portion with the correct force displacement for the surgeon to perform a precise pinching motion when using an electrosurgical instrument. The prior art has tended not to use a torsion spring or similar rotating spring member because the flexure of the metal arms has been considered sufficient to provide the surgeon with the correct "feel". However, the present invention provides a device that is easy to assemble by using a sandwich construction with the conductive elements located within the first and second arms, while the torsion spring provides the intended operation of the device.
[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an electrosurgical instrument is provided, comprising: a first arm having a first rigid body and a first conductive element, the first conductive element comprising a first electrosurgical tip extending from a first axial pointed end of the first rigid body, the first rigid body having a first retaining member thereon; a second arm having a second rigid body and a second conductive element, the second conductive element comprising a second electrosurgical tip extending from a second axial pointed end of the second rigid body, the second rigid body having a second retaining member thereon; and a hinge portion connecting the first and second arms to each other at respective first and second axial hinge ends distal to the first and second axial pointed ends of the first and second arms, the hinge portion having a torsion spring to provide a separation force between the first and second arms; the first and second retaining members are capable of cooperating to limit lateral displacement of the first and second arms when a user force is applied to perform a clamping action.
[0038] Electrosurgical instruments having torsion springs to provide an outward bias to the arms produce the desired "feel" of the device, similar to the feeling produced by very basic forceps. However, since the torsion springs only act within the clamping plane, in order to prevent skewing of the arms relative to each other, retaining members are preferably added that inhibit displacement of the device in the closed state.
[0039] Having a first and second arm with a rigid body is advantageous because the rigid body houses the internal components of the electrosurgical instrument, including but not limited to the first and second conductive elements. The rigid body prevents the internal components from being damaged and also provides a rigid electrically insulating grip for the surgeon to perform effective surgical procedures.
[0040] Preferably, the first and second wire branches may be housed in first and second rigid bodies, respectively.With the modular construction outlined previously, complete enclosure may be easily achieved.
[0041] Optionally, the first rigid body may further comprise a plurality of wire guiding elements between the first inner portion and the first outer portion, and wherein the second rigid body may further preferably comprise a plurality of wire guiding elements between the second inner portion and the second outer portion. This is advantageous because the wire guiding elements prevent the first and second wire branches from moving out of their positions, thereby reducing the likelihood of contact failure.
[0042] Preferably, the first rigid body may also include a first further retaining member extending from the first inner portion of the second arm towards the second inner portion to contact the second arm when the instrument is in use, and / or wherein the second rigid body may also include a second further retaining member extending from the second inner portion of the first arm towards the first inner portion to contact the first arm when the instrument is in use. Having a first further retaining member is advantageous because when the first arm moves towards the second arm, the first further retaining member contacts the second arm, which prevents the first and second arms from being laterally displaced. Furthermore, having a second further retaining member is advantageous because when the first arm moves towards the second arm, the second further retaining member contacts the first arm, which prevents the first and second arms from being laterally displaced. Having at least three cooperating retaining members inhibits lateral displacement in the layered structure, but it will be appreciated that in the case where the first and second arms are formed identically, at least four of the members will be present as a minimum to achieve such inhibiting overlap.
[0043] Advantageously, the first and second hinge cylinders may be integrally formed with the first and second arms, respectively. The hinge portions integrated with the first and second arms reduce the number of separate parts within the electrosurgical instrument, thereby further reducing lateral movement of the first and second arms.
[0044] Optionally, the first and second hinge cylinders may preferably be capable of engaging each other to connect the first and second arms to form an electrosurgical instrument. The mutual engagement of the first and second hinge cylinders is advantageous because this arrangement allows the connection of the first and second arms to form an electrosurgical instrument and thus form a hinge portion.
[0045] Preferably, the hinge portion may further comprise first and second spring receiving holes located on the first and second arms respectively. The holes provide suitable direct anchoring to the first and second arms so that the spring member will not be displaced during use.
[0046] Preferably, the first and second spring receiving holes can receive the first and second ends of the torsion spring at the hinge portion, respectively.Having the first and second spring receiving holes receive the first and second ends of the spring member means that the spring member is held in place when the hinge is bent.
[0047] Optionally, the hinge portion may also preferably include a retaining structure, and / or wherein the retaining structure may also preferably include at least one cap, a hinge wall tube and a tension pin to retain the first and second arms together. Having a retaining structure maintains the relative alignment of the hinge barrels and provides a smooth articulation surface for the hinge.
[0048] Preferably, the first and second arms may be identical in shape to each other. Since the arms may be made from the same mould, ease of manufacture is facilitated. Furthermore, the features of each arm will not adversely interfere with each other.
[0049] Optionally, the conductive line may comprise first and second line branches attached to the first and second conductive elements, respectively. Attaching the branched lines exclusively to the conductive elements provides the conductive elements with current flow.
[0050] Optionally, when the wire branches are connected to the conducting element, the branch wires may be received by a plurality of wire guiding elements. This is advantageous because the wire guiding elements prevent the branch wires from moving out of their position relative to the conducting element.
[0051] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0052] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the electrosurgical instrument being in an open arrangement;
[0053] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 's perspective view, the electrosurgical arrangement is in a closed arrangement;
[0054] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A perspective exploded view of a first arm of an electrosurgical instrument in FIG. 1 , wherein the first arm of the electrosurgical instrument is in an exploded view;
[0055] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A perspective exploded view of an electrosurgical instrument;
[0056] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A detailed perspective view of a hinge portion of an electrosurgical instrument of FIG. 1 , specifically showing the hinge portion with a first end of a torsion spring aligned with a first spring receiving hole;
[0057] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A detailed perspective view of a hinge portion of an electrosurgical instrument, particularly showing the hinge portion indicating the second end of the torsion spring aligned with the second spring receiving hole.
[0058] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument according to the first aspect of the invention, the electrosurgical instrument being in an open arrangement; and
[0059] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A perspective view of an electrosurgical instrument is shown in FIG. , with the electrosurgical instrument in an exploded view.
[0060] First reference Figure 1 , an electrosurgical instrument, generally designated 10 , is shown in an open arrangement.
[0061] The electrosurgical instrument 10 is designed to be used as an electrosurgical forceps or forceps, having first and second arms 12a, 12b that are movable relative to each other via a clamping action. This is achieved by connecting the first and second arms 12a, 12b together at a hinge portion 14. The closing arrangement of the electrosurgical instrument 10 is Figure 2 , where the first and second arms 12 a , 12 b have been pivoted about the hinge portion 14 .
[0062] The hinge portion 14 is thus positioned at or near one end of the electrosurgical instrument 10 (i.e., the user-proximal end in use). The conductor carrying portion 16 is positioned at said end of the electrosurgical instrument 10. The conductor carrying portion 16 is thus physically positioned between the respective first and second axial hinge ends 18a, 18b of the first and second arms 12a, 12b, with first and second stops 20a, 20b on either side thereof that are abuttingly engageable with the first and second arms 12a, 12b. The cap 22, specifically the upper cap 22, is Figure 1 14, obscuring its inner workings. However, this and the corresponding lower cap 22 can be seen in Figure 4 See in detail.
[0063] At opposite ends of the first and second arms 12a, 12b (hereinafter first and second axial pointed ends 24a, 24b, respectively), first and second electrosurgical tips 26a, 26b are provided, via which, in use, current can be applied to a surgical site. Corresponding conductive wires 28 are provided, which couple the first and second electrosurgical tips 26a, 26b to an external power source (not shown). Here, the conductive wires 28 enter the electrosurgical instrument 10 via the wire-bearing portion 16, thereby forming a static reference point for the electrosurgical instrument 10, about which the clamping action can occur. Of course, alternative conductors, such as flexible printed circuits, can be used in place of the wires.
[0064] The electrosurgical instrument 10 can be considered to have an instrument axis passing through its center. The hinge rotation or operating axis, which is perpendicular to the instrument axis, is therefore located through the hinge portion 14. Therefore, the clamping plane can be defined as the plane in which the clamping action occurs; i.e., perpendicular to the hinge rotation axis and containing the instrument axis.
[0065] The first arm 12a has a first rigid body 30a and the second arm 12b has a second rigid body 30b, both preferably made of plastic or another electrically insulating material. Preferably, the first and second rigid bodies 30a, 30b are identical to each other to facilitate manufacturing of the electrosurgical instrument 10.
[0066] The electrosurgical instrument 10 also includes a retaining device for inhibiting the arms from moving laterally out of the clamping plane during use. The retaining device is provided here as a cooperating retaining member, which is positioned on the oppositely facing surfaces of the first and second arms 12a, 12b, respectively. A first retaining member 32a is provided on the first arm 12a, which is provided as an elongated planar member extending parallel to the clamping plane, and a corresponding second retaining member 32b is provided on the second arm 12b, which is also provided as an elongated planar member extending parallel to the clamping plane. The first and second retaining members 32a, 32b are offset from each other relative to the clamping plane so as to cooperate rather than collide with each other when a user force is applied to provide a clamping action.
[0067] exist Figure 1 and 2, a first further retaining member 34a is shown on the first arm 12a, but a corresponding second further retaining member 34b is provided on the second arm 12b. The first and / or second further retaining members 34a, 34b provide additional lateral support to prevent the first and second arms 12a, 12b from moving out of or tilting out of the clamping plane and further deviating out of the clamping plane. The first and second further retaining members 34a, 34b are provided here as triangular retaining members, but it will be appreciated that any shape is feasible as long as lateral retaining forces are provided. In any case, the first and second further retaining members 34a, 34b primarily provide a stabilizing effect for the cooperation between the first and second said retaining members 32a, 32b, as Figure 2 As shown, and thus can be provided to be smaller than the first and second said retaining members 32a, 32b.
[0068] Figure 3 More details about the arms of the electrosurgical instrument 10 are shown, and the structure of the first arm 12a or the second arm 12b is indicated; in fact, in Figure 4 An exploded view of the two arms can be seen in FIG. The first arm 12a includes a first inner portion 36a and a first outer portion 38a. Since the first arm 12a and the second arm 12b are identical in shape, the second arm 12b includes a second inner portion 36b and a second outer portion 38b. The first and second inner and outer portions 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b are preferably made of plastic or another electrically insulating material, as they combine to form the respective first and second rigid bodies 30a, 30b.
[0069] Figure 3 It will be described as representing the first arm 12a, but may equally represent the second arm 12b, as described above. The first inner portion 36a is shown as comprising the first retaining member 32a and the first further retaining member 34a. Similarly, the second inner portion 36b comprises the second retaining member 32b and the second further retaining member 34b.
[0070] The first retaining member 32a is an elongated planar member extending from the first hinge barrel 40a. This provides structural support for the first retaining member 32a at or near the hinge portion 14. The first retaining member 32a tapers as it approaches the first axial tip 24a to prevent impact with the second arm 12b during the clamping action. Correspondingly, the second retaining member 32b of the second arm 12b is an elongated planar member extending from the second hinge barrel 40b.
[0071] The first retaining member 32a may be integrally formed with and extend from the first inner portion 36a.
[0072] The first further retaining member 34a also extends from the first inner portion 36a of the first arm 12a. The first further retaining member 34a is shown as having a generally triangular cross-section in a plane parallel to the clamping plane.
[0073] The first and second outer portions 38a, 38b are each shown to include a grip portion 42 for a user to hold the instrument. The grip portion 42 may have a contoured surface or similar ergonomic grip suitable for providing friction for the user's fingers during use.
[0074] The first electrosurgical tip 26a of the first arm 12a is formed as part of a first conductive element 44a that is located between the first inner portion 36a and the first outer portion 38a and is made of a conductive material such as metal. The second electrosurgical tip 26b of the second arm 12b is formed by a corresponding second conductive element 44b. The first conductive element 44a defines the first electrosurgical tip 26a and has a first conductive body 46a that is housed within the first rigid body 30a once the first arm 12a is assembled. The first electrosurgical tip 26a extends from the first rigid body 30a and is a feature of the electrosurgical instrument 10 that produces a cauterizing action.
[0075] Correspondingly, the second conductive element 44b defines the second electrosurgical tip 26b and has a second conductive body 46b that is received within the second rigid body 30b once the second arm 12b is assembled.
[0076] The first conductive body 46a includes a single or multiple connection holes 48 to attach the first conductive element 44a to the first inner portion 36a.
[0077] The first inner portion 36a is an elongated member made of an insulating material such as plastic. The first inner portion 36a has a first electrosurgical tip support 50a for receiving the first electrosurgical tip 26a of the first conductive element 44a, and thus the first electrosurgical tip support 50a is complementarily shaped to receive the first electrosurgical tip 26a therethrough. The first electrosurgical tip support 50a is located at the first axial tip end 24a of the first arm 12a.
[0078] Correspondingly, the second inner portion 36b has a second electrosurgical tip support 50b for receiving the second electrosurgical tip 26b of the second conductive element 44b, and thus the second electrosurgical tip support 50b is complementarily shaped to receive the second electrosurgical tip 26b therethrough. The second electrosurgical tip support 50b is located at the second axial tip end 24b of the second arm 12b.
[0079] The first inner portion 36a includes at least one locator 52. The locator 52 can be received by the corresponding connection hole 48 on the first conductive element 44a. It is feasible to have a protruding locator 52 on the first conductive element 44a, which can be received in a receiver on the first inner portion 36a of the first arm 12a, but this may increase the difficulty of manufacturing the first conductive element 44a.
[0080] Note that while the first conductive element 44a is connected to the first inner portion 36a, this does not preclude assembly of the first arm 12a where the first conductive element 44a is engaged with the first outer portion 38a using techniques with retainers attached to the first and second outer portions as described above.
[0081] The first inner portion 36a may also include a plurality of wire guide elements 54 made of plastic or another insulating material. Four of the wire guide elements 54 are shown in a spaced relationship. Once assembled, the wire guide elements 54 help retain any connecting wires between the conductive wires 28 to connect to the first conductive element 44a.
[0082] The first hinge cylinder 40a is located at the first axial hinge end 18a of the first arm 12a. The first hinge cylinder 40a is formed integrally with the first retaining member 32a. At the first interface 56a between the first hinge cylinder 40a and the first retaining member 32a, there is a first spring receiving hole 58a. Correspondingly, at the second interface 56b between the second hinge cylinder 40b and the second retaining member 32b, there is a second spring receiving hole 58b.
[0083] The first and second hinge barrels 40a, 40b are both tubular and can therefore receive the wall tube 60. Once assembled, the wall tube 60 acts as a fulcrum within the hinge portion 14 and spans the first and second hinge barrels 40a, 40b of the respective first and second arms 12a, 12b to provide a smooth interior surface against which the first and second hinge barrels 40a, 40b can rotate to produce a clamping action.
[0084] The internal arrangement of the entire electrosurgical instrument 10 can be Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 1 , both the first and second arms 12a, 12b are shown.
[0085] The first arm 12a is asymmetrical about the clamping plane; one side of the clamping plane includes the first retaining member 32a and the first hinge cylinder 40a, while the opposite side of the clamping plane includes the first further retaining member 34a. As the first and second arms 12a, 12b are identical in shape, the second arm 12b is also asymmetrical about the clamping plane and has the same placement of corresponding features as the first arm 12a, but the corresponding second retaining member 32b, second further retaining member 34b and second hinge cylinder 40b are located on the opposite side of the clamping plane, opposite to the corresponding parts of the first arm 12a.
[0086] The conductive wire 28 is attached to the electrosurgical device via the conductor carrying portion 16. The conductive wire 28 is divided into a first wire branch 62a and a second wire branch 62b. The first and second wire branches 62a, 62b are connected to the first and second conductive elements 44a, 44b respectively via a plurality of wire guide elements 54 on each of the first and second inner portions 36a, 36b.
[0087] There are first and second wire branch receivers 64a, 64b for receiving the respective first and second wire branches 62a, 62b. The first and second wire branch receivers 64a, 64b in this embodiment are notches and are located at the respective first and second axial hinge ends 18a, 18b of the first and second arms 12a, 12b. Specifically, the first and second wire branch receivers 64a, 64b are located at the respective first and second axial hinge ends 18a, 18b of the first and second inner portions 36a, 36b, respectively.
[0088] The first outer portion 38a is Figure 4 The first outer portion 38a also includes a first electrosurgical tip opening 66a at the first axial tip end 24a for the first electrosurgical tip 26a to extend from the first rigid body 30a. Although not visible, a corresponding second electrosurgical tip opening 66b exists at the second axial tip end 24b on the second outer portion 38b for the second electrosurgical tip 26b to extend from the second rigid body 30b.
[0089] The hinge part 14 comprises a retaining structure. The retaining structure comprises the two caps, here shown as upper and lower caps 22, a tension pin 68, a wall tube 60, a torsion spring 70 and first and second hinge cylinders 40a, 40b.
[0090] The upper and lower caps 22 each have a circular cross section parallel to the clamping plane and may be made of an insulating material such as plastic. The tension pin receiver 72 is located on the surface of the upper and lower caps 22 facing the torsion spring.
[0091] The tension pin 68 is made of metal or another elastic material such as plastic. The tension pin 68 can be attached to the tension pin receiver 72 of the upper and lower caps 22 and is surrounded by the wall tube 60, and then surrounded by the first and second hinge cylinders 40a, 40b, the wall tube 60 and the torsion spring 70.
[0092] The torsion spring 70 is an elongated member whose longitudinal extent is complementary in shape to a portion of the circumference of the first and second hinge cylinders 40a, 40b. The torsion spring 70 has a first end 74a and a second end 74b. The first and second ends 74a, 74b are spaced apart from each other. Figure 4 Although not visible, the first spring receiving hole 58a is located at the first interface 56a between the first hinge cylinder 40a and the first retaining member 32a, and the second spring receiving hole 58b is located at the second interface 56b between the second hinge cylinder 40b and the second retaining member 32b.
[0093] Figure 5 and 6 A detailed view of the hinge portion 14 of the electrosurgical instrument 10 is shown, particularly how the torsion spring 70 is inserted to assemble the electrosurgical instrument 10 . Figure 5 The alignment of the first and second hinge cylinders 40a, 40b of the respective first and second arms 12a, 12b is shown.The first hinge cylinder 40a is located below the second hinge cylinder 40b, parallel to the clamping plane.
[0094] The torsion spring 70 abuts a partial circumference of the first hinge cylinder 40a. The first end 74a of the torsion spring 70 is received by the first spring receiving hole 58a.
[0095] The second spring receiving hole 58b is located at the second interface 56b between the second retaining member 32b and the second hinge cylinder 40b. Although not visible, the first spring receiving hole 58a is located at the first interface 56a between the first retaining member 32a and the first hinge cylinder 40a.
[0096] First and second receiving slots 76a, 76b exist around the circumference of each of the first and second hinge cylinders 40a, 40b. This provides a locator for the torsion spring 70, ensuring that the torsion spring does not deform on the instrument axis when user force is applied.
[0097] The second end 74b of the torsion spring 70 is shown pointing toward the second hinge barrel 40b to be received by the second spring receiving hole 58b on the second arm 12b.
[0098] Figure 6A second detailed view of the hinge portion 14 and the alignment of the first and second hinge cylinders 40a, 40b of the respective first and second arms 12a, 12b is shown.The first hinge cylinder 40a is located below the second hinge cylinder 40b, parallel to the clamping plane.
[0099] The second end 74b of the torsion spring 70 is received by the second spring receiving hole 58b.
[0100] The second spring receiving hole 58b is located at the second interface 56b between the second retaining member 32b and the second hinge cylinder 40b. Although not visible, the first spring receiving hole 58a is located at the first interface 56a between the first retaining member 32a and the first hinge cylinder 40a.
[0101] To assemble the electrosurgical instrument 10, the manufacturer performs the following steps. The manufacturer attaches the first conductive element 44a to the first inner portion 36a of the first arm 12a using the retainer 52 of the first arm 12a, the retainer 52 being integrally formed with the first inner portion 36a. Correspondingly, the manufacturer attaches the second conductive element 44b to the second inner portion 36b of the second arm 12b using the retainer 52 of the second arm 12b, the retainer 52 being integrally formed with the second inner portion 36b.
[0102] The first electrosurgical tip 26a of the first conductive element 44a may be aligned by a first electrosurgical tip support 50a, and the corresponding second electrosurgical tip 26b of the second conductive element 44b may be aligned by a second electrosurgical tip support 50b.
[0103] The conductor carrying part 16 is placed between the first and second inner parts 36a, 36b at the respective first and second axial hinge ends 18a, 18b. The electrical connection is provided by the connection of the first and second wire branches 62a, 62b with the respective first and second conductive elements 44a, 44b. The connection can be made via simple contact or welding of the first and second wire branches 62a, 62b with the respective first and second conductive elements 44a, 44b.
[0104] The first and second outer portions 38a, 38b are attached to the respective first and second inner portions 36a, 36b, thereby resulting in the first and second conductive elements 44a, 44b being enclosed within the respective first and second rigid bodies 30a, 30b.
[0105] Finally, the assembled first and second arms 12a, 12b are interconnected by a biasing means about the conductor carrying portion 16. In this case, this is achieved by engagement of the torsion spring 70 with the first and second spring receiving apertures 58a, 58b.
[0106] Once assembled, the electrosurgical instrument 10 can be used for electrosurgery. The individual using the electrosurgical instrument 10, typically a surgeon, holds the electrosurgical instrument 10 by the grip portions 42 on the first and second arms 12a, 12b. The surgeon turns on the power, preferably by using a switch, but also via an external switch not attached to the electrosurgical instrument, which is conducted to the electrosurgical device via the conductive wire 28.
[0107] The surgeon can apply a force to the first and second arms 12a, 12b toward each other in a clamping action in a clamping plane to bring the first and second arms 12a, 12b together. This will produce a pinching motion at the first and second electrosurgical tips 26a, 26b.
[0108] As the first and second arms 12a, 12b move toward each other, the first and second axial hinge ends 18a, 18b of the first and second arms 12a, 12b move away from the conductor carrying portion 16. Simultaneously, the first and second electrosurgical tips 26a, 26b move toward each other, thereby providing the aforementioned clamping action.
[0109] The holding device of the electrosurgical instrument inhibits the first and second arms 12a, 12b from moving out of the clamping plane. This is achieved by the interaction of the first and second holding members 32a, 32b. The interaction between the first and second holding members 32a, 32b limits the lateral displacement of the first and second arms 12a, 12b in the displacement plane. This is significantly improved by the presence of the first and second further holding members 34a, 34b.
[0110] The surgeon can then apply a cautery current in the form of an alternating current between the first and second electrosurgical tips 26a, 26b using the first and second electrosurgical tips 26a, 26b, and the current thus passes through the target tissue. The first and second rigid bodies 30a, 30b are described as being made of an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating material can be formed, for example, of an elastic rubber. However, for safety and hygienic considerations, the rigid bodies are preferably made of plastic for ease of cleaning.
[0111] Figure 7 and 8 A second embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument 110 is shown. For the sake of brevity, features identical or similar to the first embodiment of the present invention have been omitted. The electrosurgical instrument 110 can be assembled in a modular manner in a manner similar to the first embodiment. In particular, the first and second arms 112a, 112b can have first and second rigid bodies 130a, 130b having first and second interconnectable inner and outer portions 136a, 136b, 138a, 138b that house respective first and second conductive elements 144a, 144b.
[0112] Thus, the second embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument 110 is similar to the first embodiment with only a few key differences.
[0113] To activate the supply of current to the electrosurgical instrument 110, a switch 178 is provided. The switch 178 is located on the first rigid body 130a and / or the second rigid body 130b of the respective first arm 112a and / or second arm 112b. In the depicted embodiment, the switch 178 is present on each of the first and second arms 112a, 112b.
[0114] A smoke evacuation tube 180 is provided, which is formed of a rigid material such as a rigid plastic. An attachable end 182 of the smoke evacuation tube 180 is placed within an opening 184 of the conductor carrying portion 116 of the electrosurgical instrument 110. A discharge end 186 of the smoke evacuation tube 180 faces the first and second axial pointed ends 124a, 124b of the electrosurgical instrument 110.
[0115] The smoke exhaust duct 180 may be located between the two first retaining members 132a, 132a' and the two second retaining members 132b, 132b', the two first and two second retaining members 132a, 132a', 132b, 132b' forming a partial barrier to movement around the smoke exhaust duct 180.
[0116] A hose 188 is shown extending from the conductor carrying portion 116 of the electrosurgical instrument 110, which houses the conductive wire 128. The hose 188 is in fluid communication with the smoke evacuation tube 180, and thus the hose 188 removes waste smoke from the surgical site. The hose 188 is formed of a flexible material, such as plastic or rubber.
[0117] A spring hinge portion 190 is present between the first and second axial hinge ends 118a, 118b of the electrosurgical instrument 110. The spring hinge portion 190 includes two springs; a first spring 170a and a second spring 170b, which provide a separation force to give the surgeon the correct force displacement when using the electrosurgical instrument 110. The first spring 170a can hingeably connect the first arm 112a and the conductor carrying portion 116, and the corresponding second spring 170b can hingeably connect the second arm 112b and the conductor carrying portion 116.
[0118] The first and second springs 170a, 170b each include a first end 192, a second end 194, and a bridge portion 196 between the first and second ends 192, 194, each perpendicular to one another. When the electrosurgical instrument 110 is assembled, the bridge portion 196 is positioned along the spring retainer 198 of the conductor carrying portion 116.
[0119] The first end 192 serves in particular as a hinge pin, while the second end 194 provides a spring action.
[0120] The two first retaining members 132a, 132a' and the two second retaining members 132b, 132b' are positioned on the oppositely facing surfaces of the respective first and second arms 112a, 112b. The two first and two second retaining members 132a, 132a', 132b, 132b' are elongated planar members extending parallel to the clamping plane and taper toward the first and second axial pointed ends 124a, 124b of the electrosurgical instrument 110.
[0121] The two first holding members 132 a , 132 a ′ and the two second holding members 132 b , 132 b ′ are engaged with the smoke exhaust pipe 180 .
[0122] The two first retaining members 132a, 132a' each have a first spring receiving hole 158a, and the two second retaining members 132b, 132b' have a corresponding second spring receiving hole 158b. The first spring receiving hole 158a is aligned to receive the first spring 170a, and the second spring receiving hole 158b is aligned to receive the opposite second spring 170b. The first and second springs 170a, 170b are asymmetrical to each other in the clamping plane.
[0123] The conductor carrying portion 116 is also shown as having first and second spring receiving holes 158a', 158b' and two spring retainers 198, each of which retains a bridge portion 196 of each first and second spring 170a, 170b from one arm to the other. Note that when the electrosurgical instrument 110 is assembled, the two first retaining members 132a, 132a' and the first spring receiving holes 158a, 158a' of the conductor carrying portion 116 are aligned, and the second retaining members 132b, 132b' and the second spring receiving holes 158b, 158b' of the conductor carrying portion 116 are aligned. After alignment, the first end 192 of the first spring 170a can be inserted into the first spring receiving holes 158a, 158a', and the first end 192 of the second spring 170b can be inserted into the second spring receiving holes 158b, 158b'.
[0124] The conductor carrying portion 116 includes a first wire branch 162a and a second wire branch 162b, each of which has a distal portion relative to the conductor carrying portion 116. The first contact element 200a and the second contact element 200b are located at the respective distal portions of the first and second wire branches 162a, 162b. When the switch 178 of the first and / or second rigid body 130a, 130b is pressed, the first and second contact elements 200a, 200b contact the corresponding first and second conductive elements 144a, 144b, thereby providing current to the first and second conductive elements 144a, 144b.
[0125] As described above, the modular assembly of the second embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument 110 is similar to the modular assembly of the first embodiment. However, there are some additional factors that can be considered, as described below.
[0126] When the electrosurgical instrument 110 is assembled, the first and second contact elements 200a, 200b of the first and second wire legs 162a, 162b are attached to the respective first and second conductive elements 144a, 144b via welding or other attachment means.
[0127] The first and second inner portions 136a, 136b of the first and second arms 112a, 112b are attached to the conductor-carrying portion 116: the first spring receiving holes 158a of the two first retaining members 132a, 132a' are aligned with the first spring receiving holes 158a' of the conductor-carrying portion 116, and correspondingly, the second spring receiving holes 158b of the two second retaining members 132b, 132b' are aligned with the second spring receiving holes 158b' of the conductor-carrying portion 116.
[0128] The first end 192 of the first spring 170a is received by the aligned first spring receiving holes 158a, 158a', and the first end 192 of the second spring 170b is received by the aligned second spring receiving holes 158b, 158b'. The bridging portion 196 of each first and second spring 170a, 170b is placed into a corresponding spring retainer 198.
[0129] The second end 194 of the first spring 170a extends along the second retaining member 132b of the second arm 112b in the direction of the tapering of the second retaining member 132b. The second end 194 of the second spring 170b extends along the first retaining member 132a' of the first arm 112a in the direction of the tapering of the first retaining member 132a'. The mutual engagement of the first and second springs 170a, 170b with the first and second arms 112a, 112b and the conductor carrying portion 116 results in the formation of the spring hinge portion 190.
[0130] After the electrosurgical instrument 110 is assembled, the smoke evacuation tube 180 may be placed between the two first retaining members 132a, 132a' and the two second retaining members 132b, 132b'. The smoke evacuation tube 180 is placed within the opening 184 of the conductor carrying portion 116 of the electrosurgical instrument 110.
[0131] The placement of the smoke exhaust tube 180 results in the two first and two second retaining members 132a, 132a', 132b, 132b' forming a partial barrier to movement around the smoke exhaust tube 180. Thus, the smoke exhaust tube 180 and the two first and two second retaining members 132a, 132a', 132b, 132b' interengage and this arrangement prevents the first and second arms 112a, 112b from moving out of the clamping plane.
[0132] It should be understood that in this second embodiment, there may be an arrangement without a hose, a smoke exhaust pipe and a switch. Similarly, the second embodiment may have one of a hose, a smoke exhaust pipe or a switch. In addition, the second embodiment may have two of the optional features: a hose, a smoke exhaust pipe and / or a switch.
[0133] The first and second rigid bodies have respective first and second inner and outer parts, wherein respective first and second conductive elements are located between these parts. It should be appreciated that the first and second rigid bodies may be made of one piece rather than multiple parts. In this case, the conductive elements may be slidably engaged into the rigid bodies during assembly.
[0134] In a first embodiment, both first and second further retaining members are present on the respective first and second arms. However, it is possible that there is only one further retaining member, that there are more than two further retaining members, or that there are no further retaining members. The further retaining members are present due to the identical shape of the first and second arms, and they also further limit the lateral displacement of the first and second arms. Therefore, it is preferred to have both first and second further retaining members.
[0135] The first and second outer portions of the first and second arms are described as having a grip portion. The grip portion may extend along the extent of the first and second outer portions. The grip portion may also be a smooth portion, a rough portion, or another form of discontinuity.
[0136] The electrosurgical instrument may not have a conductor carrying portion, but rather a continuous arm in which the first and second arms are combined. It is preferred that a conductor carrying portion is present, however, because this prevents overextension of the first and second arms.
[0137] The conductive wire is described as being attached to the electrosurgical instrument via the wire carrying portion. It is understood that the conductive wire is attached to the electrosurgical instrument via, for example, a hinge portion, or wherein the first and second wire branches are connected to the first and second conductive elements via access holes in the first and second outer portions of the first and second arms, respectively.
[0138] It should be appreciated that the plurality of wire guiding elements may also be a single wire guiding element.
[0139] The first and second wire branch receivers in the embodiment are notches, but it is also feasible that the first and second wire branch receivers may be holes.
[0140] In summary, an electrosurgical instrument for cauterizing wounds can be provided, wherein the electrosurgical instrument provides a correct user "feel" for the tissue being contacted. The effect of the correct force displacement is due to the fixed position of the spring hinge portion at the proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument and the separation force provided by the spring member. The surgeon will experience the expected "feel" for the tissue being contacted and will not need to adapt the compressive force of the first and second arms that they apply in order to achieve the correct "feel". An electrosurgical instrument can also be provided that can limit the lateral displacement of the first and second arms and generally improve the accuracy of the electrosurgical instrument when in use due to a plurality of retaining members.
[0141] Furthermore, a modular electrosurgical instrument may be provided. The modular nature of the electrosurgical instrument makes assembly easier and thus reduces manufacturing time.
[0142] Because the shapes and internal features of the first and second arms are identical, only one arm mold is required to produce the features of the electrosurgical instrument, further increasing ease of manufacturing and ensuring that the features of the first and second arms are complementary.
[0143] An electrosurgical instrument with a switch may also be provided directly on the first and / or second outer portion of the first and / or second rigid body to activate current flow through the first and / or second conductive element. A smoke evacuation tube may also be provided to remove undesirable odors during a surgical procedure.
[0144] When used herein with reference to the present invention, the words “comprises / comprising” and the words “having / including” are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or combinations thereof.
[0145] It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, certain features of the present invention described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, the various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
[0146] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.
Claims
1. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110), comprising: The first arm (12a; 112a), the first arm having a first rigid body (30a; 130a) and a first conductive element (44a; 144a), the first conductive element comprising a first electrosurgical tip (26a; 126a) extending from a first axial pointed end (24a; 124a) of the first rigid body (30a; 130a), the first rigid body (30a; 130a) comprising a first inner portion (36a; 136a) and a first outer portion (38a; 138a) connectable around the first conductive element (44a; 144a); a second arm (12b; 112b), the second arm having a second rigid body (30b; 130b) and a second conductive element (44b; 144b), the second conductive element comprising a second electrosurgical tip (26b; 126b) extending from a second axial tip end (24b; 124b) of the second rigid body (30b; 130b), the second rigid body (30b; 130b) comprising a second inner portion (36b; 136b) and a second outer portion (38b; 138b) connectable around the second conductive element (44b; 144b), the second arm (12b; 112b) being movably connected to the first arm (12a; 112a); as well as Biasing means for providing a separation force between said first and second arms (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b).
2. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second rigid bodies (30a, 30b; 130a, 130b) are made of insulating material.
3. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the biasing means comprises a spring member.
4. The electrosurgical instrument (10) of claim 3, wherein the spring member is a torsion spring (70).
5. The electrosurgical instrument (110) of claim 3, wherein the spring member comprises at least one spring hinge (190) located between the first and second arms (112a, 112b).
6. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second rigid bodies (30a, 30b; 130a, 130b) of the first and second arms (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) have the same shape as each other.
7. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second rigid bodies (30a, 30b; 130a, 130b) of the first and second arms (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) has an asymmetric profile in the clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument (10; 110).
8. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first conductive element (44a; 144a) is located between the first inner part (36a; 136a) and the first outer part (38a; 138a), and wherein the second conductive element (44b; 144b) is located between the second inner part (36b; 136b) and the second outer part (38b; 138b).
9. An electrosurgical instrument (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first inner portion (36a) includes a first electrosurgical tip support (50a) located at the first axial pointed end (24a) of the first rigid body (30a) to receive the first electrosurgical tip (26a), and wherein the second inner portion (36b) includes a second electrosurgical tip support (50a) located at the second axial pointed end (24b) of the second rigid body (30b) to receive the second electrosurgical tip (26b).
10. An electrosurgical instrument (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first inner portion (36a) and / or the first outer portion (38a) of the first arm (12a) includes a locator (52) for receivably engaging with the first conductive element (44a), and the second inner portion (36b) and / or the second outer portion (38b) of the second arm (12b) includes a locator (52) for receivably engaging with the second conductive element (44b).
11. An electrosurgical instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first rigid body (30a) includes at least one first retaining member (32a; 132a), and the second rigid body (30b) includes at least one second retaining member (32b), and the at least one first retaining member (32a) is capable of engaging with the at least one second retaining member (32b) to inhibit the first and second electrosurgical tips (26a, 26b) from moving out of the clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument (10).
12. The electrosurgical instrument (10) according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the first retaining members (32a) and / or a plurality of the second retaining members (32b) are provided, and the first and second retaining members (32a, 32b) are staggered with each other to inhibit the first and second electrosurgical tips (26a, 26b) from moving out of the clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument (10).
13. The electrosurgical instrument (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a smoke exhaust tube (180) positioned between the first and second arms (112a, 112b).
14. An electrosurgical instrument (110) according to claim 13, wherein the first rigid body (130a) includes two first retaining members (132a, 132a'), and the second rigid body (130b) includes two second retaining members (132b, 132b'), and the two first retaining members (132a, 132a') and the two second retaining members (132b, 132b') are capable of engaging with the smoke exhaust tube (180) to inhibit the first and second electrosurgical tips (126a, 126b) from moving out of the clamping plane of the electrosurgical instrument (110).
15. An electrosurgical instrument (110) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a switch (178) associated with at least one of the first and second arms (112a, 112b) for activating an electric current applied to the first and second electrosurgical tips (126a, 126b).
16. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conductor carrying portion (16; 116) engageable with the first and second arms (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b).
17. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second arms (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) is capable of moving relative to the conductor-carrying portion (16; 116), and wherein the conductor-carrying portion (16; 116) includes at least one stop member capable of being adjacently engaged with the first and / or second arm (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) to limit the movement of the first and / or second arm (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) by the biasing device.
18. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising a conductive wire (28; 128) supported by the conductor-bearing portion (16; 116) for providing current from an external power source to the first and second electrosurgical tips (26a, 26b; 126a, 126b).
19. An electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to claim 18, wherein the conductive wire (28; 128) includes a first wire branch (62a; 162a) and a second wire branch (62b; 162b), and the first and second wire branches (62a, 62b; 162a, 162b) are respectively connected to the first and second conductive elements (44a, 44b; 144a, 144b).
20. An electrosurgical instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (12a) comprises a first hinge cylinder (40a) and the second arm (12b) comprises a second hinge cylinder (40b).
21. An electrosurgical instrument (10) according to claim 20 as dependent on any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first hinge cylinder (40a) is formed integrally with the or each first retaining member (32a), and the second hinge cylinder (40b) is formed integrally with the or each second retaining member (32b).
22. A method for modularly assembling an electrosurgical instrument (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: a] attaching the first conductive element (44a; 144a) to the first arm (12a; 112a), and attaching the second conductive element (44b; 144b) to the second inner portion (36b; 136b) of the second arm (12b; 112b); b] electrically connected to the first conductive element (44a; 144a) and electrically connected to the second conductive element (44b; 144b) to supply the first and second electrosurgical tips (26a, 26b; 126a, 126b) with a current in use, respectively; c] connecting the first outer part (38a; 138a) to the first inner part (36a; 136a), and connecting the second outer portion (38b; 138b) to the second inner portion (36b; 136b) to enclose the first and second conductive elements (44a, 44b; 144a, 144b) within the first and second rigid bodies (30a, 30b; 130a, 130b) of the first and second arms (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b), respectively; and d] interconnecting the first and second arms (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) and the biasing means.
23. An electrosurgical instrument (10), comprising: a first arm (12a) having a first rigid body (30a) housing a first conductive element (44a) having a first electrosurgical tip (26a; 126a) extending from a first axial pointed end (24a) thereof; a second arm (12b) having a second rigid body (30b) housing a second conductive element (44b) having a second electrosurgical tip (26b) extending from a second axial tip end (24b) thereof; and A torsion spring (70) is provided for providing a separation force between the first and second arms (12a, 12b).
24. An electrosurgical instrument (10), comprising: a first arm (12a) having a first rigid body (30a) and a first conductive element (44a), the first conductive element including a first electrosurgical tip (26a) extending from a first axial tip end (24a) of the first rigid body (30a), the first rigid body (30a) having a first retaining member (32a) thereon; a second arm (12b) having a second rigid body (30b) and a second conductive element (44b), the second conductive element including a second electrosurgical tip (26b) extending from a second axial tip end (24b) of the second rigid body (30b), the second rigid body (30b) having a second retaining member (32b) thereon; and a hinge portion interconnecting the first and second arms (12a, 12b) at respective first and second axial hinge ends distal to the first and second axial pointed ends (24a, 24b) of the first and second arms (12a, 12b), the hinge portion having a torsion spring (70) to provide a separation force between the first and second arms (12a, 12b); The first and second retaining members (32a, 32b) are capable of cooperating to limit lateral displacement of the first and second arms (12a, 12b) when a user force is applied to perform a clamping action.