Atraumatic Microsurgical Forceps Gradual Jaw Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microsurgical procedures, such as ophthalmic surgeries, face challenges in separating tissues with non-flat surface geometries without causing trauma, particularly when dealing with convex surfaces like the retina.

Innovation Solution

The development of atraumatic microsurgical forceps with a unique actuation structure and sleeve mechanism that gradually extends and closes to minimize tissue trauma, allowing for precise grasping and manipulation of tissues with convex geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional forceps are used to grasp and manipulate tissues with convex surface geometry, then the surgeon can perform separation procedures, but the forceps cause trauma to the underlying tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue separation capabilityVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps jaws are designed with a curved configuration that matches the convex surface geometry of the retina. This curvature allows the jaws to conform to the tissue surface, enabling effective grasping and separation while distributing pressure evenly to prevent trauma to the underlying tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The forceps jaws feature differentiated surface characteristics with a smooth, rounded contact surface at the distal end for atraumatic engagement with the tissue, while the proximal end maintains structural integrity for actuation. This local quality differentiation enables both effective manipulation and tissue protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the forceps jaws close rapidly to grasp tissue, then the manipulation efficiency is improved, but the trauma to the tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation efficiencyVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps employ a gradual closing mechanism where the jaws approach and contact the tissue in a controlled, progressive manner rather than snapping shut rapidly. This periodic, controlled action allows the surgeon to feel tissue engagement and adjust accordingly, maintaining efficiency while preventing trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The forceps design incorporates a compliance mechanism that allows the jaws to gradually engage the tissue with increasing contact area. This beforehand cushioning effect ensures that full closing force is not applied until proper engagement is achieved, preventing sudden trauma to the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the forceps jaws contact the tissue at the proximal end first, then the actuation is simpler, but the tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation mechanismVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps are designed to contact the tissue at the distal end first, reversing the conventional approach where proximal contact occurs first. This inversion ensures that the tips of the jaws, which are optimized for atraumatic engagement, make initial contact with the tissue, while the proximal portions remain elevated and do not compress the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10413445B2Atraumatic microsurgical forceps

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 KATALYST SURGICAL LLC

AI summary

An atraumatic microsurgical forceps may include an actuation structure, an actuation sleeve having an actuation sleeve distal end and an actuation sleeve proximal end, a surgical blank, and atraumatic forceps jaws of the surgical blank having atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends and atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. The surgical blank may be disposed within the actuation sleeve wherein at least a portion of the atraumatic forceps jaws extends from the actuation sleeve distal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually extend the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. An extension of the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends may be configured to gradually close the atraumatic forceps jaws wherein the atraumatic forceps jaws initially contact at the atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends.