Bipolar electrosurgical forceps for endoscopy with variable temperature control function

Abstract

The present invention provides electrosurgical forceps that can manipulate, grasp, seal, and cut tissue with a single instrument. [Solution] The bipolar forceps for endoscopy includes a housing 102 with an ergonomically designed handle, a movable handle assembly pivotally connected to the housing 102, a shaft 104 extending from the housing 102, and a removable end effector assembly 112 at its distal end. The end effector assembly 112 consists of opposing jaw members, one with a temperature-variable electrode heat bar and the other with a recess to receive the bar, allowing for a firm grip and manipulation of tissue. The jaws can be switched open and closed by a trigger on the handle assembly. A temperature control unit 152 connected by a control cable 154 is also provided for temperature control of the electrode heat bar. The electrode heat bar can operate at different temperatures, and the jaws can be configured curved or flat for improved performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrosurgical forceps (electrosurgical scissors), and more particularly to an endoscopic bipolar electrosurgical forceps having a variable heating element selection and temperature control function so that tissue manipulation, grasping, sealing, and cutting can be performed with a single instrument.

Background Art

[0002] [Description of Prior Art] The following description includes information useful for understanding the present disclosure, but does not admit that any of the information described herein is prior art, related to the present disclosure, or that the publications explicitly or implicitly cited are prior art.

[0003] Endoscopic bipolar forceps are widely used for tissue grasping, manipulation, and sealing in minimally invasive surgery. The device forms a seal by coagulating and fusing tissue using bipolar electrical energy. Despite their widespread use, current tools for venous tissue closure and ablation have significant limitations. One such limitation is that due to their simple design, the temperature of the heating element of the tool cannot be varied. This limitation is important because different tissue types and sizes require different temperatures for effective sealing and coagulation. Applying a single fixed temperature to different tissues can result in inadequate results, incomplete sealing, longer treatment times, and an increased incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

[0004] Conventional endoscopic forceps are often limited in terms of temperature control, sealing surface placement, ease of handling, and versatility. Existing devices often have insufficient overheat control or lack the ergonomic design necessary for comfortable and efficient use during long surgeries. Furthermore, conventional forceps seals can be difficult to maintain, as they are essential for various surgical procedures. Currently, the same tissue area may need to be repeatedly sealed to prevent bleeding due to frequent failures or other factors. Repeated sealing can lead to a loss of confidence in the tool, prolonged surgery times, and potential unnecessary complications.

[0005] Furthermore, existing devices often feature heating elements, or heating elements positioned to capture fat cells along with target vessels or other types of tissue, increasing the resistance of the grasped tissue and hindering the penetration of current into the target vessel, making sealing difficult. This design flaw prevents the captured fat cells from making the necessary direct contact with the tissue and ensuring uniform heating, thus impeding proper tissue closure. This can result in incomplete sealing, an increased risk of tissue damage, bleeding during sealing, and even a prolonged patient recovery period. These shortcomings highlight the need for improved endoscopic bipolar forceps featuring variable temperature settings to accommodate different tissue types and sizes, directly supplying energy to the target vessel (tissue) while minimizing the capture of fat cells and other occluding tissue. This reduces resistance and enables more efficient and reliable tissue sealing.

[0006] [Overview of the prefecture] The disclosure eliminates one or more drawbacks of the prior art and provides additional advantages discussed throughout this disclosure. Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent through the art of this disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of this disclosure are described in detail herein and constitute part of the disclosure described in the claims.

[0007] This invention relates to a robustly designed bipolar forceps device for endoscopy, as one embodiment, having a housing unit with a handle equipped with an ergonomic grip that enables safe and easy handling during surgical procedures. The device includes a movable handle assembly pivotally connected to the housing, which allows for precise control of the shaft extending from the housing. This configuration facilitates the operation of an end effector assembly detachably attached to the distal end of the shaft, improving the versatility and functionality of the device.

[0008] The bipolar forceps for endoscopy comprises an end effector assembly including a pair of opposing jaw members. Multiple temperature-variable electrode heating elements are arranged on the inner surface of one jaw member, while recesses are provided on the inner surface of the other jaw member. These recesses are configured to receive the corresponding electrode heating elements when the jaw members are in the closed position, thereby improving the compressive force on the tissue held by the jaw members and minimizing the impact of adipose tissue adjacent to the target blood vessel. The symmetrical arrangement of the electrode heating elements and recesses ensures maximum compression and close contact with the blood vessel. Furthermore, while a typical adipocyte has a diameter of 0.1 mm, some are twice or half that size, so the size ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. In various embodiments of the present invention, the gaps between the heating elements are within this range, so when the bar is inserted into the recesses of the opposing jaw members, the adipocytes are not trapped in these gaps but move due to the compression of the bar.

[0009] In one embodiment, the device includes a control cable integrated into the housing, which is detachably connected to a temperature control unit. This unit supplies controlled power to the electrode heating elements and precisely regulates their temperatures. The temperature control unit allows the surgeon to adjust the heating level of individual electrode heating elements, providing the flexibility necessary to accommodate various surgical requirements and tissue types. This feature is particularly beneficial for achieving optimal results in complex surgical procedures. In one embodiment, by leaving the outer bar setting at the standard and increasing the current setting of the inner bar, a secure seal can be achieved in the central part of the jaw while preventing lateral heat diffusion.

[0010] Each jaw member is movably connected to a pivoting member, allowing it to move between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the jaw members firmly grasp the tissue, and in the open position, they release the tissue. This mechanism ensures precise and controlled movement of the jaw members, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the surgical process.

[0011] The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the present invention. Further aspects, embodiments, and features will be understood by referring to the drawings and the following detailed description in addition to the aspects, embodiments, and features described above.

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure themselves, as well as preferred uses, further purposes and advantages, will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, one or more embodiments will be described as exemplary with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a bipolar forceps for endoscopy equipped with a variable heating element selection and temperature control function in one embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the end effector assembly of the bipolar forceps for endoscopy shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a one-sided elevation view of the end effector assembly of the bipolar forceps for endoscopy shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the end effector assembly of an endoscope bipolar forceps. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the temperature control module used to set the temperature of the electrode heating element of the end effector assembly in this structure. [Figure 6] Figures 6A and 6B show top views of a pair of jaw members of an endoscopic bipolar forceps equipped with a variable heating element selection and temperature control function. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of multiple parts of a pair of jaw members of a bipolar forceps for a variable temperature control endoscope with impedance monitoring function, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged rear perspective view of an end effector assembly in a closed position for gripping tissue, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The figures shown herein are illustrative of embodiments of the present disclosure and are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily understand from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods described herein can be adopted without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein.

[0015] [Details of the invention] In this specification, “exemplary” means “useful as an example, case, or illustration.” Embodiments or implementations of the subject matter of the present invention described as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments.

[0016] While the present invention is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. However, it should be understood that this does not limit the invention to any particular form, but rather encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0017] In this specification, terms such as "includes," "contains," and "equip" mean non-exclusive inclusion unless otherwise specified. Therefore, an apparatus or method described as including a certain component or process does not exclude the inclusion of only that component or process, but may further include other components or processes.

[0018] The following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments that enable the implementation of this disclosure. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement this disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments are available and can be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be construed as restrictive.

[0019] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings will be used. Wherever possible, the same or similar parts will be given the same reference numerals. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0020] Most of the illustrations show a variable temperature-controlled bipolar forceps 100 used in endoscopic surgery, but this disclosure is also applicable to conventional open surgery. In this specification, the variable temperature-controlled forceps 100 is described as an endoscopic instrument, but variable temperature-controlled forceps for open surgery are also expected to have the same or similar operating parts and features as described below.

[0021] The bipolar vessel sealing technology is a technology that combines electric current and mechanical pressure to fuse the vessel wall and form a seal. This technology functions by denaturing collagen and elastin in the vessel wall with bipolar electrothermal energy and then forming a coagulation mass with mechanical pressure. This system monitors the energy used to denature collagen and elastin and forms a new seal by allowing re-crosslinking during the cooling stage. The bipolar device can operate under actual temperature control, monitor tissue impedance to detect a seal, or operate under both controls. When the temperature of the opposing electrodes (jaw members) reaches 100 degrees Celsius, the current supply stops. Bipolar energy supply in medical devices is a technology that passes an electric current between two adjacent active electrodes and acts on the tissue therebetween. The current is usually supplied at a low frequency and setting and can be utilized when it is desired to avoid tissue burn and carbonization.

[0022] Furthermore, tissue impedance is monitored during sealing, and the supplied energy is controlled based on the monitored impedance. In this embodiment, impedance refers to the resistance of the tissue to the electric current introduced by the jaw members (electrodes) of the bipolar instrument. In this embodiment, the higher the resistance, the higher the energy required to form an appropriate seal.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an endoscopic bipolar forceps with temperature and impedance control according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bipolar forceps device 100 with variable temperature control includes a housing 102 configured to accommodate electronic components (not shown) such as a motor for operating the shaft 104. The housing 102 is provided with a fixed handle 106, and this handle 106 is provided with an ergonomic grip 108 for safely and easily handling the device 100 during operation. It is assumed that this ergonomic grip 108 includes one or more protrusions, depressions, and / or ribs to enhance the gripping property.

[0024] The operating handle assembly 110 is pivotally attached to the housing 102 and drives the shaft 104 during operation to operate the end effector assembly 112. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the end effector assembly 112 includes a pair of jaw members 114, 116. One of the pair of jaw members 114, 116 has an innovative design with a plurality of individual electrode heating elements, and the opposing jaw member 114 has a recessed area facing each bar for accommodating the electrode heating elements when the opposing jaw members 114, 116 are closed. The opposing jaw members 114, 116 are adapted to move between a closed or clamping position where the opposing jaw members 114, 116 are arranged to grip tissue or skin 118, as shown in FIG. 8, and an open position where no tissue or skin 118 is held between the opposing jaw members 114, 116, as shown in FIGS. 2-4.

[0025] In one embodiment, the end effector assembly 112 is removably attached to the distal end 120 of the shaft 104. In the drawings and the following description, the term "proximal" conventionally refers to the end closer to the user operating the variable temperature control forceps 100, and the term "distal" refers to the end farther from the user. In one embodiment, the end effector assembly 112 is selectively and releasably engagable with the distal end 120 of the shaft 104, or the proximal end 122 of the shaft 104 is selectively and releasably engagable with the housing 102.

[0026] The trigger 124 is disposed on the operating handle assembly 110 and facilitates operation of the end effector assembly 112 by allowing the pair of jaw members 114, 116 to move between a closed position and an open position. The temperature control button 126 is disposed on the handle 106 and is electronically connected to the control unit 152 by hardwire or wirelessly to effect temperature control of the electrode heat bars disposed within the jaw member 116 and the recessed area within the jaw member 114.

[0027] Referring to Figure 4, the first jaw member 114 includes a plurality of opposing recesses 128 located on the inward-facing surface 130 of the jaw member 114. These recess members may also be heated, similar to the electrode heating bars 132 of the jaw member 116. Referring to Figure 2, the second jaw member 116 includes a plurality of variable-temperature electrode heating bars 132 located on the inward-facing surface 134 of the jaw member 116. The jaw members 114 and 116 of the end effector assembly 112 may be flat or curved to reach specific anatomical structures and facilitate a more consistent seal in specific procedures.

[0028] Specifically, the end effector assembly 112 includes a first swivel member 136 operably connected to a first jaw member 114 and a second swivel member 138 operably connected to a second jaw member 116. The swivel members 136 and 138 move in response to the operation of the operating handle 110, moving the jaw members 114 and 116 between a closed position and an open position.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the opposing recesses 128 of the jaw member 114 form pairs of symmetrical recesses 140a, 140b, 142a, 142b, and 144a, 144b. Each pair of recesses acts as a passive electrode in the bipolar energy function described above and can change temperature independently. For example, 140a and 140b have different temperatures from 142a and 142b. Each recess and each bar of the jaw members 114 and 116 can have independently controlled temperature and impedance sensing functions. In addition, all pairs constituting the recesses 128 of the jaw member 114 or the opposing bars of the jaw member 116 can sense impedance and act as a single electrode having the same temperature. The electrode heating element 132 of the jaw member 116 has a plurality of symmetrical electrode heating element pairs 146a, 146b, 148a, 148b, and 150a, 150b. Each symmetrical pair of electrode heating elements in the second jaw member 116 can have independently different temperatures or the same temperature. The individual recessed regions of the jaw member 114 are configured to face and receive the corresponding electrode heating elements of the jaw member 116, thereby functioning as counter electrodes. For example, 140a faces 146a and is configured to receive the electrode heating element 146a. Similarly, recessed region 140b receives 146b, 142a receives 148a, 142b receives 148b, 144a receives 150a, and 144b receives 150b.

[0030] The individual heating elements of the multiple electrode heating elements 132 can be the same length or different lengths to provide optimal heating and contact to the user's veins, skin, or other tissues. Preferably, the individual heating elements of each pair of electrode heating elements in the jaw member 116 are the same length to provide equal heat or temperature. The individual recess areas of the multiple recesses 128 are also set to the same length as the opposing electrode heating elements.

[0031] Referring to Figure 5, the temperature control unit 152 is operationally connected to the device 100 using a control cable 154. The control cable 154 is integrated into the lower end 156 of the housing 102 and has a connector 158 at the opposite end 160. The controller 158 may be a serial connector and is detachably connected to the temperature control unit 152. Alternatively, control signals can be communicated using wireless transceivers between the device 102 and the control unit 152. The temperature control unit 152 is configured to supply controlled power to heat the electrode heating elements 128 and 132 located on the jaw members 114 and 116. The temperature control unit 152 is configured to supply a variable temperature to the individual electrode heating elements located on the jaw members 114 and 116. The temperature control unit 152 includes a display unit 162 configured to display the temperature control settings for individual bar pairs 146a, 146b, 148a, 148b, and 150a, 150b, and can display a graphic representation of the jaw members 114, 116 indicating the temperature or temperature range set for each pair. The cable 154 is internally divided into cable leads (not shown), each lead transmitting electrosurgical energy from the variable temperature control forceps 100 to the end effector assembly 112 via its respective power supply path, supplying and maintaining a variable temperature to the individual electrode heating elements. In a preferred embodiment, each pair of symmetric electrode heating elements 146a, 146b, 148a, 148b, and 150a, 150b are individually and independently controlled by the temperature control unit 152, so that the operator can individually control the temperature of the pair of electrode heating elements of the jaw member 116.

[0032] The length of the shaft 104 of the device 100 can be approximately 35 cm to approximately 50 cm, and the jaw members 114 and 116 can pivot at an angle of up to approximately 25 degrees relative to each other. The end effector assembly 112 is preferably disposable, but in some embodiments of the present invention it can be reused after disinfection. Referring again to Figure 6, the inner surfaces 130 and 134 of the jaw members 114 and 116 are provided with cutting sleeves 164 and 166 for cutting tissue 118 after sealing, respectively. The cutting sleeves 164 and 166 and the electrode heating elements 128 and 132 facilitate sealing and cutting of tissue, as shown in Figure 8.

[0033] Referring to Figure 7, the corresponding electrode heating elements of the first jaw member 114 and the second jaw member 116 are arranged symmetrically, and as shown in Figure 8, the corresponding electrode heating elements can heat and seal the skin. The cutting sleeves 164 and 166 are also arranged symmetrically to effectively cut the skin for efficient operation of the device 100. The upper surfaces 168 and 170 of the jaw members 114 and 116 are preferably insulating and do not radiate heat from the heating elements 128 and 132, so that the device 100 can be operated safely by the operator. Furthermore, as the handle 110 is continued to move, the tissue is sealed, and then the cutting sleeves 164 and 166 engage and cut the tissue.

[0034] The jaw members 114 and 116 of the end effector assembly 112 are assumed to be curved to reach specific anatomical structures and facilitate a more consistent seal in certain procedures. For example, to access and seal certain anatomical structures associated with prostatectomy and cystectomy, such as the dorsal venous complex and lateral pedicle, it is considered preferable to dimension the jaw members 114 and 116 at an angle of approximately 15 to 70 degrees. Other angles may be preferred in other surgical procedures.

[0035] In one embodiment, the variable temperature control forceps 100 includes at least one tactile feedback member or sensor that provides tactile feedback to the user when tissue is grasped, when tissue is sealed, and / or when tissue is cut. Such tactile feedback members include the illumination or extinguishing of a light (not shown) provided on the housing 102, or mechanical vibrations occurring in the fixed handle or operating handle. Furthermore, sensors may be placed on or inside the variable temperature control forceps 100 to alert the user when tissue grasping, tissue sealing, and / or tissue cutting are completed.

[0036] The embodiments in which multiple components communicate with each other described herein do not mean that all of those components are essential. Rather, various optional components are described to illustrate the possibilities of diverse embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, other components exist in substation communication networks, but these are not described in order to focus on the main features of the present invention.

[0037] Finally, the terminology used herein is primarily intended for readability and ease of explanation, and is not chosen to limit or restrict the subject matter of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is intended to be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims arising from applications based thereon. Accordingly, the embodiments of this disclosure are intended to illustrate, not limit, the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

[0038] While various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit, and the true scope and spirit are shown by the following claims.

Claims

1. Housing and A shaft extending from the housing, A handle assembly pivotably positioned on the housing, An end effector assembly comprising a pair of opposing jaw members, wherein one of the pair of opposing jaw members comprises a plurality of temperature-variable electrode heating bars disposed on its inner surface, and the other of the pair of opposing jaw members comprises a plurality of opposing recesses disposed on its inner surface, each recess configured to accommodate the corresponding heating bar when the jaw member is in a closed position; A trigger is provided on the handle assembly and is operably connected to the opposing jaw members, which moves them between a closed position and an open position. A temperature control unit is operably connected to the electrode heating bars and applies a variable temperature to each electrode heating bar. A bipolar forceps device for endoscopy equipped with these features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a temperature control button for adjusting the temperature of the electrode heating element.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end effector assembly includes a cutting sleeve on the inner surface of the jaws for cutting tissue.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opposing jaws are rotatable to form an angle of up to 25 degrees relative to each other.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the length of each heating element of the plurality of electrode heating elements is the same.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lengths of each heating element of the multiple electrode heating elements are different.

7. A housing, and a handle including an ergonomic grip provided on the housing, An operating handle assembly is pivotably positioned on the housing and operably connected to a shaft, An end effector assembly is detachably attached to the distal end of the shaft, A pair of opposing jaws provided within the end effector assembly, wherein one jaw includes a plurality of variable electrode heating bars arranged on its inner surface, and the other jaw includes a plurality of opposing electrode recesses arranged on its inner surface, each opposing electrode recess configured to accommodate the corresponding electrode heating bar when the jaw is in the closed position, and the electrode heating bars and the electrode recesses are arranged symmetrically, enabling impedance measurement, energy supply, and temperature detection, the pair of opposing jaws, An impedance detection and temperature control unit that enables control of power to the electrode heating bar while detecting the impedance of the tissue sealed by the bipolar forceps device, A bipolar forceps device for endoscopy equipped with these features.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ergonomic grip includes protrusions, scallops, or ribs for enhancing grip strength.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each pair of symmetrical electrode heating elements has an independently different temperature.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shaft is detachably engaged with the housing.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the end effector assembly is curved to reach a specific anatomical structure and facilitate a consistent seal.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the individual heated bars enhance thermal conductivity and the bars are made from a material that allows for rapid heating and cooling.

13. An end effector assembly for a bipolar forceps device for endoscopic use, A first jaw member having a first inner surface, and a second jaw member having a second inner surface, A plurality of variable energy electrode heating bars are arranged on the first inner surface of the first jaw member, The second jaw member comprises a plurality of opposing electrode recesses disposed on the second inner surface of the second jaw member, each recess configured to accommodate the corresponding electrode heating bar when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. The system further comprises a first swivel member operably connected to the first jaw member and a second swivel member operably connected to the second jaw member, thereby enabling the first and second jaw members to move between an open position and a closed position. An end effector assembly wherein the electrode heating bar and the electrode recess are configured to detect data including the impedance of tissue held between the first and second jaw members, the temperature of the bar and the tissue, and the pressure applied to the tissue, transmit the data to a control unit, and the control unit controls the amount of energy applied to the heating bar, thereby enabling consistent sealing and cutting of the tissue.

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