Bipolar Forceps Vacuum Jaw Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing endoscopic forceps for use with smaller cannulas or access ports less than five millimeters poses challenges in maintaining integrity and functionality while performing electrosurgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar forceps with a vacuum-activated end effector assembly, including pivotably connected jaw members with seal plates and apertures for fluid communication, allowing for tissue grasping and electrosurgical energy application through a control system that monitors and controls energy delivery and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If endoscopic forceps are designed for use with smaller cannulas (less than five millimeters), then the access port size is reduced, but the integrity and functionality of the forceps are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly is designed to be inserted through the cannula in a compressed or nested state, then deployed to its full functional size at the distal end. The jaw members can be collapsed along the shaft for insertion, then expanded outward to provide adequate clamping force and sealing surface area for tissue manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps incorporate movable and adjustable components that allow the end effector assembly to transition between compact and expanded configurations. The jaw members can pivot, slide, or articulate to provide functional movement and adaptation within the constrained space of small cannulas while maintaining operational capability
2Volume of moving object
If the end effector assembly is made compact for small cannulas, then it can fit through smaller access ports, but the capability to grasp and seal tissue effectively is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly is divided into separate functional segments including jaw members, seal plates, and actuation mechanisms that can be independently positioned or moved. This segmentation allows the components to be compact during insertion but provide full functional separation and movement for effective tissue grasping and sealing when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector assembly utilizes dimensional transitions, such as moving from a linear compressed configuration during insertion to a three-dimensional expanded configuration at the distal end. The jaw members can open in an arc or expand radially to provide adequate working volume for tissue manipulation while maintaining a compact profile during cannula traversal
3Ease of operation
If vacuum sources are added to activate the end effector assembly, then tissue grasping is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is integrated into the existing electrosurgical generator platform, allowing the same device to perform both electrosurgical cutting/coagulation and vacuum-activated tissue grasping functions. The vacuum sources and fluid communication channels are incorporated into the handle or shaft structure, sharing space with other system components to minimize overall device complexity
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
Enables effective tissue grasping and sealing in smaller access ports, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the forceps while allowing for precise control of electrosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more vacuum sources. The bipolar forceps also includes an end effector assembly having a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration... one or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more apertures that are in fluid communication with the distal end of the shaft and the one or more vacuum sources
Implementation Method 2
bipolar forceps adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for performing an electrosurgical procedure... applying electrosurgical energy to the jaw members such that a desired tissue effect may be achieved
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a bipolar forceps adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for performing an electrosurgical procedure. The bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps is in operative communication with one or more vacuum sources. The bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly having a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration; each jaw member including a respective seal plate. The pair of first and second jaw members is operatively and pivotably connected to a distal end of the shaft. One or both of the first and second jaw members includes one or more apertures in fluid communication with the distal end of the shaft and the one or more vacuum sources.