Contoured Forceps Handle for Rotation in Confined Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical forceps used for grasping and manipulating tissue cause fatigue due to prolonged use and difficulty in rotating within confined spaces, leading to potential tissue damage and increased costs due to the need for sterility and repeated use.
Innovation Solution
Contoured surgical forceps with rounded surfaces and a hinge mechanism or flexible arms allow for easy rotation and improved grip, reducing user fatigue and enhancing precision through increased surface area and tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional flat forceps handles are used, then the forceps can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, but the surgeon experiences fatigue and cannot easily rotate the forceps within confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps handle is designed with a contoured, rounded geometry instead of traditional flat surfaces. The rounded surfaces allow the surgeon to naturally rotate the forceps by applying pressure at different locations on the handle, enabling easy rotation within body cavities without requiring shoulder movement or complex wrist maneuvers.
2Measurement precision
If traditional forceps with limited grasp surface are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the surgeon loses tactile feedback and precision during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps handle features contoured surfaces with varying local geometries - rounded surfaces for rotation, textured regions for enhanced grip, and specifically shaped zones for finger placement. These localized geometric variations provide tactile feedback and precision control without requiring complex mechanical systems.
3Reliability
If forceps are designed for single use to ensure sterility, then sterility is maintained, but the cost increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps system is divided into two segments: a reusable metal forceps component that can be sterilized and reused, and a disposable contoured handle component that maintains sterility. This segmentation allows the critical grasping mechanism to be reused while the handle can be discarded after a single use, reducing waste and cost compared to completely disposable forceps.
4Productivity
If the surgeon must rotate their entire arm to reposition forceps, then the forceps can maintain a simple handle design, but the surgical procedure becomes prolonged and fatiguing
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured, rounded handle geometry enables the surgeon to rotate the forceps by applying pressure at different locations on the handle surface, allowing repositioning within body cavities without requiring rotation of the entire arm. This significantly reduces procedural time and surgeon fatigue.
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 contoured design enables precise manipulation and reduced fatigue, allowing surgeons to comfortably rotate the forceps within a body cavity without altering their arm position, while maintaining sterility and enabling cost-effective reuse.
Implementation Method 1
The user can release pressure such that the spring force of the arms causes the arms to separate.
Data Source
AI summary
A contoured forceps handle is presented having a first arm with a contoured surface and a second arm with a contoured surface to provide for rotation in the hand of a user. The forceps handle may be used with a forceps or may have tips attached. Contoured forceps onlays are also presented that may be attached to forceps.