Disposable Electrode Assembly for Vessel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar electrosurgical forceps face challenges in accurately sealing larger vessels due to inconsistent pressure application and electrode gap control, and prior instruments are difficult to clean and sterilize without damaging insulation materials.
Innovation Solution
A removable handswitch and electrode assembly with a housing that engages a mechanical forceps, featuring a flexible circuit board and stop members to control electrode distance, allowing precise tissue sealing and preventing damage from sterilization cycles by being disposable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the forceps are made reusable with sterilizable components, then cost is reduced, but the electrodes and insulation can be damaged during cleaning and sterilization cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable handswitch and electrode assembly that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the risk of electrode damage from sterilization cycles. The housing contains all electrodes, insulation, and control mechanisms in a non-reusable configuration that prioritizes reliability over cost savings from reusability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the gap between electrodes is made adjustable, then sealing precision for different vessel sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-configured stop members within the housing that establish fixed, predetermined gaps between opposing electrodes. These stop members are positioned during manufacturing to provide optimal sealing precision for specific vessel sizes, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms while maintaining high sealing accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure application is made variable, then adaptability to different vessel sizes is improved, but control precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple electrode pairs with different predetermined gap sizes configured within the same handswitch assembly. Each electrode pair is optimized for specific vessel size ranges, allowing the operator to select the appropriate electrode pair for the target vessel. This local optimization maintains precise pressure control for each configuration while providing overall adaptability across different vessel sizes.
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
Ensures consistent and effective sealing of larger vessels with precise pressure and gap control, reducing the risk of electrode damage and simplifying sterilization by making the assembly disposable.
Implementation Method 1
bipolar electrosurgical forceps utilize two generally opposing electrodes which are disposed on the inner opposing surfaces of end effectors and which are both electrically coupled to an electrosurgical generator. Each electrode is charged to a different electric potential. Since tissue is a conductor of electrical energy, when the effectors are utilized to clamp or grasp tissue therebetween, the electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
Since tissue is a conductor of electrical energy, when the effectors are utilized to clamp or grasp tissue therebetween, the electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue.
Implementation Method 3
At least one stop member is operatively associated with the electrodes and controls the distance between the opposing electrodes to affect a tissue seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable handswitch and electrode assembly for use with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting relative movement of the end effectors with respect to one another includes a housing having at least one portion which removably engages at least a portion of a mechanical forceps and a handswitch assembly disposed on the housing. A pair of electrodes is included which removably engage a distal end of the mechanical forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation to one another. At least one electrode is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator through the handswitch assembly. At least one stop member is operatively associated with the electrodes and controls the distance between the opposing electrodes to affect a tissue seal.