Deployable Monopolar Assembly in Bipolar Surgical Instrument
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments that combine bipolar and monopolar functionalities face spatial and functional constraints, making it difficult to deploy multiple components effectively within a single instrument, particularly in endoscopic procedures where both bipolar and monopolar features are needed to treat and dissect tissue.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a housing, actuators, and a semi-rigid shaft featuring a deployable monopolar assembly and a bipolar end effector, where the monopolar assembly can be deployed and retracted while the shaft is bent up to 35 degrees, allowing for both bipolar and monopolar modes of operation without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple deployable components are added to provide both bipolar and monopolar functionalities, then the versatility and functional capability of the surgical instrument is improved, but the device complexity and spatial constraints within the housing and shaft worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both bipolar and monopolar functionalities into a single surgical instrument by integrating a bipolar end effector assembly and a deployable monopolar assembly within the same housing and shaft structure. This merging allows the instrument to perform both bipolar tissue treatment and monopolar dissection functions without requiring separate instruments, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The monopolar assembly is nested within the bipolar end effector assembly, with the monopolar deployable component able to extend through the bipolar jaw members. This nesting arrangement allows both functional components to coexist within the limited spatial constraints of the instrument housing and shaft, enabling dual functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple deployable components are added to provide both bipolar and monopolar functionalities, then the versatility of the surgical instrument is improved, but the spatial constraints within the housing and shaft make deployment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monopolar assembly is nested within the bipolar end effector assembly, with the monopolar deployable component able to extend through the bipolar jaw members. This nesting arrangement allows both functional components to coexist within the limited spatial constraints of the instrument housing and shaft, enabling dual functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the shaft by allowing the monopolar component to deploy distally from the housing through the shaft. This dimensional approach allows deployment of additional components along the length of the instrument rather than requiring additional radial or lateral space, thereby overcoming spatial constraints within the housing
3Ease of operation
If the shaft is made flexible to allow bending up to 35 degrees for endoscopic procedures, then the ease of operation and adaptability to surgical positions is improved, but the reliability of maintaining functionality when bent worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible shaft construction that can bend up to 35 degrees while maintaining the structural integrity and functional reliability of the deployed components. The flexible shaft design includes appropriate support structures that allow controlled bending without compromising the operational reliability of the bipolar and monopolar functionalities when positioned in various surgical configurations
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 efficient tissue treatment and dissection in a single instrument, reducing the need for multiple instruments and improving operational flexibility in spatially constrained environments by maintaining functionality even when the shaft is bent, thus enhancing surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween
Implementation Method 2
Bipolar surgical instruments typically include two generally opposing electrodes charged to different electric potentials to selectively apply energy to tissue
Implementation Method 3
Monopolar surgical instruments, on the other hand, include an active electrode, and are used in conjunction with a remote return electrode, e.g., a return pad, to apply energy to tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing, first, second, and third actuators operably coupled to the housing, an at least partially semi-rigid shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft, and first, second, and third bars extending through the shaft in non-coaxial arrangement. The first bar is operably coupled between the first actuator and the end effector assembly such that actuation thereof effects manipulation of the end effector assembly. The second bar is operably coupled between the second actuator and a first deployable component such that actuation thereof effects deployment of the first deployable component relative to the end effector assembly. The third bar is operably coupled between the third actuator and a second deployable component such that actuation thereof effects deployment of the second deployable component relative to the end effector assembly.