Bipolar Forceps with Absorbent Material for Hemostasis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscopic techniques for achieving haemostasis in gastrointestinal bleeding, such as peptic ulcers, lack an effective method for providing mechanical tamponade and electrical energy to the target tissue during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A bipolar forceps device with pivotally connected jaw members and electrodes, integrated with an elongated shaft and handle assembly, allowing for endoscopic access and the application of electrical energy to the target tissue, along with absorbent material to maintain temperature and reduce tissue sticking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If mechanical tamponade is applied alone, then tissue compression is achieved, but electrical energy delivery is insufficient for effective coagulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy deliveryVSAvoidtissue compression capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical tamponade capability through bipolar forceps jaws with electrical energy delivery through integrated electrodes. The forceps allow simultaneous application of mechanical compression and electrical coagulation to the same target tissue, resolving the contradiction by merging two previously separate functions into a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bipolar forceps device performs multiple functions: mechanical grasping and compression of tissue, electrical energy delivery for coagulation, and temperature control through absorbent material. This multi-functionality allows the device to provide both mechanical tamponade and effective electrical energy delivery without requiring separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electrical energy is applied to target tissue, then coagulation is achieved, but temperature control becomes difficult and tissue sticking occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoagulation effectivenessVSAvoidtemperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Absorbent material is introduced as an intermediary between the electrodes and the target tissue. This material mediates the thermal interaction by absorbing excess heat and preventing direct sticking between the electrodes and tissue, while still allowing effective electrical energy delivery for coagulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the interface between electrodes and tissue by introducing absorbent material. This material modifies thermal conductivity and surface properties, allowing temperature control during electrical energy application while maintaining coagulation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If bipolar forceps are used for haemostasis, then mechanical tamponade and electrical energy are provided simultaneously, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehaemostasis effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges mechanical tamponade components (forceps jaws, pivot mechanism) with electrical energy delivery components (electrodes, electrical connections) into a single integrated bipolar forceps device. This consolidation achieves simultaneous mechanical and electrical haemostasis while managing complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device enables improved haemostasis by applying mechanical tamponade and bipolar electrical energy simultaneously, reducing tissue impedance and the risk of excessive power application, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of endoscopic procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion of absorbent material positioned over at least a portion of the first electrode, the second jaw member including a second electrode and a second portion of absorbent material positioned over at least a portion of the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a first electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the second jaw member including a second electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

passing electrical energy between the first second electrodes when the target tissue is positioned therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS7749222B2Bipolar forceps

Publication Date: 2010.07.06 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC

AI summary

A surgical system including a source of electrical energy, the source including a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, a first jaw member including a first electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first electrical connection, a second jaw member pivotally connected to the first jaw member and including a second electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the second electrode being electrically connected to the second electrical connection and electrically isolated from the first electrode, and an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member are connected to the distal end of the shaft.