Bipolar Forceps Conductive Cutting Element Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bipolar electrosurgical forceps are limited in their ability to safely coagulate arteries with diameters larger than 2 to 2.5 mm, and there is a need for a tool that can effectively seal and cut tissue with improved precision and control.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar forceps design incorporating a mechanical forceps with a disposable housing, an electrode assembly, and an electrically conductive cutting element, allowing for selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue for sealing and cutting, with features such as a conductive cutting element, channels for gap creation, and switches for energy delivery, enabling precise tissue manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bipolar electrosurgical forceps are used to seal blood vessels, then hemostasis and tissue sealing can be achieved, but the ability to safely coagulate arteries with diameters larger than 2 to 2.5 mm is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the electrosurgical system by introducing a conductive cutting element that extends into the gap between electrodes, changing the electrical field distribution and energy delivery characteristics to enable safe coagulation of larger vessels exceeding 2.5 mm diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive cutting element acts as an intermediary component between the electrodes and the tissue, facilitating controlled energy transfer and enabling both sealing and cutting functions while expanding the effective vessel size range
2Reliability
If electrosurgical energy is applied to seal tissue, then vessel sealing can be achieved, but charring of the vessel walls may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs controlled, periodic delivery of electrosurgical energy through the conductive cutting element, allowing heat dissipation between pulses and preventing excessive temperature rise that would cause charring of vessel walls
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor tissue response and adjust energy delivery parameters in real-time, terminating electrosurgical power when sealing is complete to avoid charring
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical forceps structure is used, then tissue grasping and manipulation can be achieved, but precision and control for sealing and cutting may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical forceps structure with electrosurgical energy delivery components, combining tactile feedback and mechanical control with precise electrical energy application to achieve both ease of operation and high precision in sealing and cutting
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 solution enables safe and effective sealing and cutting of larger tissue vessels with improved precision, reducing the risk of charring and ensuring consistent tissue treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Each electrode is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue to effect a tissue seal
Implementation Method 2
the energy travels from the active electrode, to the surgical site, through the patient and to the return electrode
Implementation Method 3
The electrically conductive cutting element is disposed on one or both of the electrodes and is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held between the electrodes to effect a tissue cut
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly has electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members and adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. An electrically conductive cutting element is disposed on at least one of the electrodes and is adapted to connect to the source of electrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue held between the electrodes to effect a tissue cut.