Bipolar Electrosurgery Actuator Integrating Switch into Forceps Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bipolar electrosurgery systems face challenges in efficiently actuating a heating current due to the inconvenient location of the foot pedal controller, leading to delays and risks during surgery, as well as clutter and safety issues from additional cables.
Innovation Solution
A system with an actuator assembly that includes a switch and lever arm, allowing for selective actuation of the heating current through a surgical tool, eliminating the need for a separate pedal controller by integrating the actuation component directly into the tool or power cord, enabling convenient and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foot pedal controller is used to actuate the heating current, then the surgeon can control the bipolar generator, but the pedal location is often not aligned with the surgeon's foot requiring groping or body contortion
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation function is extracted from the foot pedal controller and integrated directly into the bipolar forceps handle. The surgeon can now activate the heating current by squeezing the forceps handles together, eliminating the need to reach for or grope for a separately located pedal controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is merged with the forceps handling operation itself. The same hand motion used to grasp and manipulate the tissue with the forceps also activates the heating current, combining two separate actions into one unified operation.
2Ease of operation
If a foot pedal controller is used, then the heating current can be actuated, but additional cables and clutter are introduced creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The separate pedal control line is extracted and eliminated. Control is transferred to the integrated switch mechanism within the forceps handle, removing the additional cable that creates clutter and tripping hazards in the operating room.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is merged into the existing forceps structure and power cord connection. The actuation switch is incorporated into the handle assembly, eliminating the need for a separate control cable between the generator and the surgical tool.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the surgeon moves to another standing position, then the surgeon can work more comfortably, but the location of the pedal controller may no longer be reliably known
Solution Approach 1:
The dependency on a fixed pedal location is extracted and eliminated. The actuation function travels with the forceps handle itself, allowing the surgeon to move freely without concern for maintaining access to a stationary control pedal.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps handle provides its own actuation mechanism, making the system self-contained. The surgeon does not need to reference or return to a externally located pedal; the control function is embedded in the tool being used.
4Ease of operation
If a surgeon's assistant moves the pedal controller to the surgeon's foot, then accessibility is improved, but delay is added to the surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation function is preliminarily integrated into the forceps handle before surgery begins. This eliminates the need for any intraoperative adjustment or repositioning of a separate pedal controller by the surgeon's assistant.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar forceps system is self-configuring with the actuation switch already positioned in the handle. No external intervention or assistant is needed to set up or adjust the control mechanism during the surgical procedure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A system for selectively actuating a heating current conductible from a bipolar generator to a surgical tool may comprise and actuator assembly having an output receptacle, an input plug, and an actuating component. The output receptacle may be configured to receive a complementary tool plus of the surgical tool. The input plug may be configured for mating with a generator receptacle receivable of the heating current from the bipolar generator. The generator receptacle may be complimentary to the tool plug. The actuating component may have at least one of a switch and a lever arm and may be configured to communicate with the bipolar generator for selectively actuating the heating current to flow from the input plug to the output receptacle upon engagement of the switch of the lever arm.