Bipolar Forceps with Integrated Force and Temperature Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bipolar forceps used in neurosurgery lack the ability to measure forces applied during dissection, which is crucial for precise tissue handling and training, and do not integrate advanced safety features or data recording capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of force sensing components and temperature sensors into bipolar forceps, along with a display system and warning systems, allows for real-time force and temperature measurement, data recording, and haptic feedback, while maintaining standard functionality and sterilization capabilities. This includes a full-bridge electrical circuit configuration and temperature compensation, enabling accurate force quantification and realistic surgical simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force sensing components and temperature sensors are integrated into bipolar forceps, then measurement precision and surgical safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines force sensing components and temperature sensors into the bipolar forceps structure, integrating multiple measurement functions into a single surgical tool. This merging approach enables simultaneous force and temperature monitoring during neurosurgical procedures, improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar forceps is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a surgical dissection tool and as a measurement device. The force sensing components and temperature sensors enable the tool to perform diagnostic and monitoring functions in addition to its primary surgical function, allowing one device to fulfill multiple roles in the operating room.
2Loss of information
If force sensing components are added to bipolar forceps, then information about tool-tissue interaction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing components provide real-time feedback about tool-tissue interaction forces during neurosurgical procedures. This feedback mechanism allows surgeons to monitor and adjust their manipulation forces, preventing excessive force application to delicate brain tissue. The continuous information flow about tissue interaction forces reduces information loss and improves surgical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensing components act as intermediaries between the surgeon's manual manipulation and the actual tissue interaction. By measuring forces at the tool-tissue interface and transmitting this information to the surgeon (directly or through display systems), the sensors serve as a mediator that enhances the surgeon's awareness and control without requiring direct sensory feedback from the tissue.
3Reliability
If temperature sensors and warning systems are integrated, then surgical safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors integrated into the bipolar forceps provide real-time monitoring of tissue temperature during electro-cauterization. When predetermined temperature thresholds are approached or exceeded, the system provides feedback through visual, audible, or haptic warnings, allowing the surgeon to adjust or stop energy application before thermal damage occurs to surrounding brain tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring and warning system provides beforehand cushioning by alerting the surgeon to approaching dangerous temperature levels before actual thermal damage occurs. This preventive feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to take corrective action in advance, cushioning against the harmful effects of excessive heat application to delicate neurological tissue.
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 enhances surgical safety and performance by providing precise force feedback, improving training realism, and allowing for data-driven simulation software development, thus addressing the need for advanced tool-tissue interaction monitoring and education.
Implementation Method 1
The means for measuring includes for each prong four sensing components, the outputs of which are connected in a full-bridge electrical circuit configuration
Implementation Method 2
there is provided a temperature sensing component on at least one of the prongs for measuring temperatures of tissue dissection and coagulation in surgical procedures
Implementation Method 3
an electrical supply system connected to an end of the prongs remote from the tip is provided for applying a high-frequency electric current between tool tips to dissect through tissue planes and/or seal blood vessels
Data Source
AI summary
Bipolar forceps of the type where each of the prongs has a manually engageable portion spaced from the tip for manual squeezing of the prongs and an electrical supply system for applying a high-frequency electric current between tool tips to dissect through tissue planes and/or seal blood vessels includes a set of force measuring sensors for measuring forces, particularly squeezing forces, applied to the prongs at the tip. A temperature sensor is included to provide temperature information and temperature compensation. The sensors are applied to each prong in opposing pairs on the inside and outside surfaces and the outputs thereof are applied to a bridge arrangement. The signals are sent to a processor for generating warning signals and for recording forces for training purposes where a haptic system can be used.